The term “finesse fishing” has become a ubiquitous element of the angling lexicon, particularly within the bass fishing community. It conjures images of delicate presentations, subtle movements, and the art of coaxing strikes from seemingly reluctant fish. Yet, despite its widespread use, a degree of ambiguity often surrounds this technique. Many anglers have heard the term, perhaps even employed some of its methods, but a fundamental question remains: what truly constitutes finesse fishing, and are you, in fact, executing it correctly?
This comprehensive exploration aims to demystify the world of finesse fishing, dissecting its core principles, examining popular techniques, and providing the insights necessary to implement them with precision and effectiveness. Understanding and mastering finesse fishing can be a game-changer, particularly during challenging conditions when fish are pressured, the water is cold and clear, or when other, more aggressive tactics fail to elicit a response. The prevalence of finesse techniques among top-tier Bassmaster tournament professionals, who consistently rely on their subtle effectiveness to secure victories and substantial payouts, speaks volumes about its power in the right circumstances.
At its most fundamental level, finesse fishing revolves around the strategic utilization of lighter tackle to achieve a more methodical and nuanced presentation of smaller lures to the fish. While these techniques find application across various species, the term is most commonly associated with the pursuit of bass. It stands in stark contrast to the high-energy, rapid-fire approach of power fishing. Finesse fishing demands patience, a keen understanding of fish behavior, and the ability to impart subtle actions to your lure. When water conditions and fish temperament align, however, finesse fishing can unlock bites when more aggressive presentations are met with indifference. The core of finesse fishing often involves the use of lightweight soft plastics and specialized jig rigs, each designed to present a natural and enticing profile to wary fish.
The Finesse Angler’s Arsenal: Essential Equipment Considerations
While finesse fishing emphasizes lighter presentations, it’s crucial to dispel the misconception that it equates to ultralight tackle in all scenarios. While ultralight gear may be appropriate for smaller species, bass fishing often necessitates a slightly more robust setup. It is not uncommon for experienced bass anglers employing finesse techniques to utilize spinning rods ranging from six to seven and a half feet in length, often with a medium action, providing the sensitivity needed to detect subtle bites while still possessing the backbone to handle larger smallmouth and largemouth bass.
The choice of fishing line is also critical in finesse applications. Monofilament line, with its higher visibility and greater stretch, is generally eschewed in favor of fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon line boasts a refractive index very close to that of water, rendering it nearly invisible to fish – a significant advantage in the clear water conditions where finesse techniques often excel. Some anglers prefer to utilize braided line for its exceptional strength and sensitivity, paired with a fluorocarbon leader to minimize visibility in the immediate vicinity of the lure. This combination offers the strength to handle powerful fish and the near-invisibility that subtle presentations demand.
Hook and lure sizes in finesse fishing generally adhere to the principle that smaller is often better. For popular techniques like the Ned rig, anglers frequently employ diminutive jig heads weighing as little as 1/15 to 1/8 of an ounce, paired with short, slender soft plastic worms. While larger hooks in the 3/0 size might be common for more conventional soft plastic presentations, finesse fishing often necessitates downsizing to 2/0 or even smaller, particularly for wacky and drop shot rigs.
Weight selection in finesse fishing has also evolved, with numerous manufacturers now producing specialized weights designed specifically for these subtle presentations. Drop shot weights, easily found in most tackle stores, are a prime example. However, don’t overlook the effectiveness of small egg sinkers or even split shot weights, which can be perfectly adequate for certain finesse plastic presentations, providing just enough weight to achieve the desired sink rate and bottom contact without overpowering the subtle action of the lure.
The Finesse Reel: Finding the Optimal Balance
Spinning reels reign supreme in the realm of finesse fishing, offering the sensitivity and drag systems necessary for handling lighter lines and the often-delicate bites associated with these techniques. A common question among anglers venturing into finesse fishing is determining the ideal reel size. Interestingly, there appears to be a wide range of preferences among top finesse fishing professionals, with many gravitating towards the 25/2500 or 30/3000 size reels. Ultimately, the optimal reel size often boils down to personal preference and the specific fishing situation.
For instance, in exceptionally clear water conditions where fish exhibit extreme skittishness, some anglers might downsize to a smaller 10/1000 size reel spooled with extremely light, 4-pound test line to minimize the visual impact of their presentation. However, for most finesse fishing scenarios, a reel size in the middle ground of these extremes offers a good balance of line capacity, casting distance, and retrieval rate. Experimenting with different reel sizes to find what feels most comfortable and provides the best performance for your individual fishing style is highly recommended. The development of innovative finesse techniques like the Ned rig often stems from creative, outside-the-box thinking, and personalizing your equipment to suit your specific needs is a crucial aspect of that process.
The Art of the Jig: Lightweight Presentations with Maximum Impact
The advent of lightweight jigheads played a pivotal role in shaping modern finesse fishing. The jigs commonly employed in these techniques often appear more akin to those used for panfish species like crappie, featuring smaller profiles and lighter weights. However, bass find these compact presentations incredibly enticing, often inhaling them with surprising aggression despite their diminutive size.
The Ned rig, a technique that has rapidly gained widespread popularity, exemplifies the effectiveness of lightweight jig finesse fishing. This simple yet deadly rig consists of a mushroom-shaped jighead paired with a short, typically 2-3 inch finesse worm. When dragged along the bottom, the Ned rig presents a compelling resemblance to a small minnow feeding, a natural and non-threatening profile that even pressured bass often find irresistible. Anglers can also adapt larger plastic worms or stickbaits by trimming them down to the appropriate size for this presentation. The Ned rig’s effectiveness transcends seasonal changes and water depths, proving productive year-round in both shallow and deep water, making it a go-to finesse method for many anglers.
Another prominent jig finesse technique involves the use of “shaky head” jigs. Since their initial development, manufacturers have produced these specialized jigheads in increasingly smaller sizes, with some models available down to a mere 1/16 of an ounce. While shaky head presentations typically involve worms, anglers also utilize small grubs or “critter” style soft plastics to mimic aquatic insects or crayfish, offering a different profile to entice strikes. The subtle shaking action imparted to the jig as it’s dragged along the bottom adds an enticing element of movement that can trigger bites from otherwise inactive fish.
Image/Source: WOS
