I like to fish fast. I love getting to put the trolling motor on 50% and just rolling down a bank throwing a spinnerbait or a crankbait. Admittedly, I do this to a fault. I am looking for active fish but a lot of times miss out on the opportunity to grind out a few extra bites. Knowing this, I needed to figure out a way to fish fast, but slow at the same time. So, I developed a little “system” to use while covering water and burning up bank. It has really helped me catch more fish and resist the urge to just go full tilt down the bank chucking and winding.
The most important part of my “system” happens when I come to a prime stretch of bank or after I catch a fish. I force myself to fish prime pieces of bank with at least three different presentations, and one of those has to be a slower, finesse approach. I have caught tons of fish that I know I would have fished right over the top of without stopping and throwing a few different choices out there.
Casting angles is another very important part of this approach. Fish are funny when it comes to casting angles. I think angles may be the single most important thing once you have found some fish. When I find some fish, I always make sure and fish the area from three different directions or angles. This ensures that I have presented my lure in front of the bass in nearly every way. Just a small difference in casting angles can trigger a reaction bite that you never would have gotten otherwise.
Repetition is crucial when dissecting a prime area. I always make at least three casts to a nice piece of cover when it presents itself. Dead center, left, then right is my standard process. One cast to a lay down simply doesn’t give the fish an adequate chance to jump on board. There are times when 10 or more casts are necessary but three will usually get the job done.
All of the three’s in this system may seem random or maybe I just picked three because it’s my lucky number, but regardless it has been successful for me. Tweak it how you see fit, and I guarantee it will help you slow down if you find yourself moving too fast.
You are absolutely right Brian. In June I was fishing a small pond in the Hudson River Valley. Approaching a downed tree about 25 feet tall, I cast a Zoom Horny Toad at the tree and across the front. As I passed the tree, I cast back across the front and corner I just worked. Caught 6 bass on the pass, one a 3 pounder. Caught nothing on the approach.
Amazing, isn’t it Jim? It really astonishes me how important casting angles can be. There are times when you have to be making a specific cast or you won’t get bit. Tight lines!