| The macho men of the world seem to be spitting | | | | devoted a portion of their production of rods just |
| out the phrase "bigger is always better" like it is | | | | for finesse fishing. |
| going out of style. In many situations they may | | | | Don't stop with just the rod; downsizing the reel in |
| have a good argument, but I have found that | | | | your setup will make a drastic change in how you |
| some who truly love fishing are discovering a new | | | | fish and more importantly how many fish you |
| way to fish; an equipment downsize. | | | | catch. Some of the small reels available these |
| Sure there are many situations where big fishing | | | | days are set up nicely to carry a lighter line, like |
| equipment is appropriate and will probably lead you | | | | the one used by finesse fishermen. When |
| to more fish in the boat. However, fishing's | | | | shopping for a small reel, treat it just as you |
| popularity is growing and space on the water is | | | | would be shopping for a large reel, except in a |
| becoming a little more cramped. The fish are | | | | smaller format. |
| starting to take notice too. Some of these fish | | | | The most important change for a traditional |
| have seen it all from us fishermen and they are | | | | fisherman trying to convert to finesse is in the |
| not being fooled anymore. In heavily fished areas | | | | line. When I first got into finesse fishing I got lost |
| the best fishermen have developed a new | | | | in all of the different options available on the |
| technique for success; Finesse Fishing. | | | | market. Luckily a friend of mine was quite |
| I can hear the screams of fishermen worldwide, | | | | knowledgeable and one of his best pieces of |
| "What in the heck is finesse fishing and why do I | | | | advice was this, "When choosing a line stick to the |
| want anything to do with something that has the | | | | traditional monofilament. Trust me." Well I did trust |
| words finesse and fishing in the same sentence?" | | | | him and have been happy since. The reason he |
| Well, like it or not some waters are being fished | | | | didn't like to use a braided line is because it floats, |
| so heavily that the good fish aren't biting | | | | and floating ruins the function of a floating lure. I |
| anymore. They have seen the tricks employed | | | | tried a braided line a couple times and I can add |
| by the common fishermen and are ready for a | | | | this additional word of guidance: mono lines tend |
| better show. That is why we need to alter our | | | | to blend in underwater and help the bait look |
| approach a bit to fool the fish onto our lures | | | | natural versus a braided line. Another consideration |
| again. Finesse fishing, in its simplest explanation, is | | | | is line weight. Any line between six and ten pound |
| just downsizing our equipment to throw a new | | | | test will work, and with a bit of experience on the |
| look at an old fish. | | | | water you will develop a preferred test weight. |
| The easiest way to convert your game is to buy | | | | Some situations will require a six pound line to fool |
| smaller and lighter versions of your current | | | | the most hesitant fish. |
| equipment. Let's start with the rod. To get | | | | Choosing a lure is another necessity for any |
| started on your finesse venture try buying a light | | | | finesse fisherman. Fortunately there are hundreds |
| to medium light action spinning rod. Buy something | | | | of different lures available that fit finesse setups. |
| inexpensive to get the feel of a lighter action rod. | | | | The lures you choose will depend entirely on |
| With a little experience you will develop a | | | | personal preference and necessity based on the |
| preference for something a bit lighter, heavier, or | | | | waters you tend to fish. Be sure to buy a few |
| lose interest in finesse fishing altogether. This way | | | | different styles and test them out; some fish will |
| you can avoid wasting money on your first | | | | respond better than others to particular lures. |
| finesse purchase. Many fishermen say they feel | | | | So the question begs to be asked again; is bigger |
| like they are re-learning to fish. This new style | | | | always better? I would say certainly not when |
| could add some excitement to a day on the | | | | trying to make a catch in heavily-fished waters. A |
| water and give you an excuse to buy more | | | | quick makeover of your tackle box could lead to |
| fishing gear. In fact finesse fishing is catching on | | | | some really fun times, and most importantly |
| quick and as a result many manufacturers have | | | | catching more fish! |