To excel in bass fishing, understanding how to retrieve your lures is crucial. The retrieval technique determines the lifelike action that entices bass to strike. There are two primary ways to retrieve a fishing lure: using your reel or manipulating it with your rod.
Reel Retrieves: Reeling in a lure with your reel is the simpler method. After casting the lure, you initiate the retrieval by turning the reel handle. This technique is ideal for lures requiring constant motion for action, such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and swimbaits.
Consider these factors for reel retrieves:
- Speed: Adjust your reeling speed based on the lure type. Experiment to find the optimal pace, taking into account the lure’s action.
- Stop: Introduce pauses during retrieval to mimic natural movements. Abruptly stopping and restarting the reel can trigger strikes.
- Gear Ratio: The reel’s gear ratio affects retrieval speed. Different ratios impact how fast the lure moves through the water, so choose accordingly.
- Torque: Higher gear ratios transfer more torque to your hands. Opt for a lower gear ratio if you find the lure pulling back too hard.
Rod Retrieves: Using your rod allows you to impart action on lures that lack inherent movement. This technique lets you make a jig jump, a jerkbait dart, or a topwater bait walk-the-dog.
Explore these rod retrieves for added lure action:
- Drag and Reel: Slowly lift your rod to make the bait scrape along the bottom, imitating a crawling creature. Reel in the slack as you lower the rod.
- Dance a Jig: Pop your rod upward on a partially slack line to mimic the movement of a crawfish. Repeat the motion in a rhythmic pattern.
- Lift and Drop: Elevate the lure and let it fall back naturally. Experiment with different lifting speeds and methods to entice strikes.
- Snap, Snap, Pause: Employ short, sharp movements followed by pauses to give action to lures like topwater poppers or jerkbaits.
- Walk the Dog: Use a rhythmic cadence of jerks and reels to make topwater walking baits glide back and forth on the surface.
By mastering these retrieval techniques, you enhance your ability to present lures in ways that trigger bass strikes. Experiment with different styles and adapt to the conditions for a successful bass fishing experience.
Images/Source: Wired2Fish
