Brad Hawthorne breaks down his how-to guide on detecting up bites using a noodle rod or other types of panfish rods. Quite simply it comes down to the line. If you want to start watching for up bites you don’t want anything bigger than a 3 lb test. I prefer a 2 lb test when I am fishing for panfish.
The lighter the line the more you will be able to see the up bite and I’ll explain why.
When you have your bait down there your line should sit tight across each eye on the rod. That means your lure is straight below you. The tension of your jig or bait keeps the line tight across the eyes.
If you see your line come off of the eyes set the hook because a fish has up bit which took the tension off the line.
The other big factor in detecting up bites is watching your rod tip. Especially if you are using a noodle rod, or a rod with a spring bobber even the smallest panfish jig will put a slight bend in the rod.
If you see the rod tip raise a little or become completely flat altogether set the hook.
As far as rods go I really prefer the Tuned Up Customs Precision Noodle. When you pair the Precision Noodle with 2lb test and a small tungsten jig you really never miss an up bite.
