Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone: Finesse Fishing Basics

Whether you’re used to fishing the vast open spaces of the Great Lakes, or the close confines of the local farm pond, you probably have a routine that you seldom stray from. The lures and patterns that you’ve had success on in the past are generally the lures and patterns that you will rely on the next time you’re on the water.

For many anglers, that routine is to rely heavily on power-fishing techniques. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, and plastics are not only fun to fish, but they have each more than earned their place in the bass fishing hall of fame.

Unfortunately, one of the few side effects of our excellent conservation efforts and catch and release ethic is that there aren’t many fish out there that haven’t at least seen a lure before. As a result, bass all across the country are becoming harder and harder to catch in recent years.

Ask any old timer, and he’ll probably tell you that the fishing isn’t what it once was. A look at tournament results in most venues would argue the opposite though. Our lakes are kicking out more and bigger bass every year – to anglers willing to make the correct adjustments.

What is Finesse Fishing?

One of the most important adjustments an angler can make is to learn how to finesse fish. Instead of a worm, try a shakey head, instead of a Carolina rig, try a drop shot – instead of a spinnerbait, try swimming a jig.

Finesse doesn’t always have to be super light line on spinning tackle either. It can be something as subtle as switching to a crankbait without rattles or going with a more natural color to precisely match the hatch.

Finesse Fishing Basics: Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

One of the great things about Mystery Tackle Box is that it gives anglers an avenue to gain experience with finesse techniques. Mystery Tackle Box often includes lures in our monthly boxes that will help anglers become better finesse fishermen. Everything from the VMC wacky jigheads to Z-Man Finesse T.R.D - we've got you covered.

The moral of the story is that those old timers claiming the fishing isn’t what it once was are probably just using the same old techniques they used in the old days, and the fish have changed.