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"The finesse rig is becoming an extremely popular style of fishing. This is due in part to its versatility, as well as the fish catching potential the rig has displayed. To finesse rig, simply tie on a hook and put a Mizmo Big Boy on it. This setup can be worked as a top water rig. I had a great deal of success last year, late spring/early summer, working the tube above submerged brush piles. During this time of year, the bass are through spawning, but are still holding close to the spawning areas. Usually, the water temperature has risen and the bass are holding close to available structure seeking protection. Cast the tube beyond the targeted area and begin to retrieve using a short jerking pattern. This causes the tube to twitch through the water. As it crosses above the submerged structure, pause the retrieve momentarily. The key strike times are at this point and at the first movement of the lure after this pause. As with other methods, be sure to pause again just before the rig is pulled out of the water in order to entice that reluctant bass that has been following the lure to take it. Another popular use of the finesse rig is to target schooling fish. Whether you can see the school on a graph or physically hitting the surface, cast beyond the target area and work the tube back through briefly pausing at random. This a very effective technique for catching these fish."
"The one thing to remember when finesse fishing is LIGHTEN UP. Use lighter line on a lighter action rod. This will allow for greater casting distance and control, as well as increased sensitivity, a key element in finesse rigging. Sometimes weight must be added, like on windy days. If the wind is making it difficult to cast accurately, it is probably playing havoc with the action of the lure, as well. To remedy this situation, just add a small split shot about 12" to 18" above the lure, or if available tie on a weighted hook. Add just enough weight to get the bait below the surface and out of the wind, then retrieve with the same jerk and pause motion as before. Adding weight is also recommended when the structure your fishing around is in deeper water. The added weight will cause the tube to sink three or four feet, which may be just enough to close in on that hawgs strike zone."
"Another extremely popular method of finessing is the jighead worm. This rig is nothing more than taking a small plastic worm, like the Mizmo 4" Shakey Worm, and rigging it on a light-weight jighead. This presentation works year round and is extremely effective in clear water conditions. Generally this would be rigged on spinning tackle with 8# or 10# line. Line size may need to be adjusted up or down depending on the water clarity, amount & type of structure & the weight of the jighead. Once again, the fish will let you know if you need to change. The actual presentation of the rig is very simple. Just cast the rig around structure, visible or submerged, & let it sink to the bottom. At this point, there are several different retreival methods. One is to work the rig like a Texas rig and simply hop the worm over & through the structure. The most popular method, though, is probably the "shakey worm" method. This is the art of shaking the bait without actually changing its position. To do this, simply position the worm, then, with a small amount of slack in your line, shake your rod tip so that it almost removes all of the slack with each shake. This one take a little practice, but once you get the feel for it, is very effective. Give it a try and I think you'll find, as I have, that finesse fishing is an exciting and rewarding presentation. Good luck!
Troy C. |
