When most folks get hung up on a tough day of fishing, they try experimenting with color. While it’s good to change things up, color isn’t typically the most important factor you should be adjusting. Often times, speed is a much more important variable to dial in first.
When it comes to catching fish, many anglers believe that color choice is the most critical factor. However, according to expert fishermen, speed is actually the key to success. In this article, we will explore why speed is so important and how you can use different presentations to fish both fast and slow.
The Need for Speed
Speed plays a crucial role in enticing fish to bite. In fact, it is often more important than the color of your bait or lure. When fish are not biting, instead of simply changing the color, it is essential to experiment with different speeds.
Fast and Slow Presentations
To effectively vary your speed, it is important to have a range of presentations in your fishing arsenal. Here are a few examples:
- Swimbait: A swimbait can be fished in multiple ways. You can fish it up high and burn it in really fast, or you can crawl it along the bottom. By adjusting your speed, you can entice the fish to strike.
- Jig: A jig is another versatile presentation that can be fished at different speeds. You can crawl it up rocks or through weeds, or you can burn it across the bottom. The key is to experiment with different speeds to see what the fish respond to.
- Jerkbait: A jerkbait is a great option for fishing fast. You can fish it very aggressively, making quick, erratic movements to mimic a wounded baitfish. This can trigger a reaction strike from predatory fish.
- Deep Shadow: The deep shadow is a presentation that can be fished fast or slow. You can burn it in quickly to cover a lot of water, or you can fish it slowly, allowing it to sink deeper and entice fish that are holding near the bottom.
Experimenting with Speeds
When the fish aren’t biting, it’s easy to get frustrated and start changing colors or switching baits. However, one of the most effective things you can do is experiment with different speeds. By fishing extremely fast or extremely slow, you can trigger a reaction from the fish and entice them to bite.
This concept applies not only to bass fishing, but to other species as well. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskies, pike, or even panfish, varying your speed can make a big difference in your success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to catching fish, speed is often more important than color choice. Instead of simply changing the color of your bait or lure, try experimenting with different speeds. By fishing fast or slow, you can trigger a reaction from the fish and increase your chances of success. So next time you’re out on the water, remember to vary your speed and see what works best for you.
