Introduction: From the swim bait rod wars through our continuing search for one, one common factor resonates through the last three years here on TackleTour : power fishing. Let's face it, given the choice, most bass fisherman would rather catch one fish on a reaction bait than ten on a plastic worm. Even more common, most bass fisherman would rather fish hard in shallow, heavy cover than take their chances on obscure, submerged, structure somewhere off shore. Power fishing is exciting. Power fishing is fun. Anything contrary just isn't bass fishing.
We all do it, but not all of us will admit to it...
But sooner or later, when push comes to shove, or even more important, when facing the embarrassment of an empty live well, it's time to turn to the "F" word. Downsizing baits and line, switching to light powered rods (and in extreme cases spinning gear), slowing down your presentation. We all do it, but not all of us will admit to it. Afterall, bass fishing is supposed to be about reaction bites - spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits and more. It's not about five pound line, four inch baits, and hooks so small you think to yourself, "WTF"?
...sooner or later, when push comes to shove, or even more important, when facing the embarrassment of an empty live well, it's time to turn to the "F" word.
Yet when it comes down to it, dependability and performance with all this lighter gear might be even more critical than with standard equipment. There's just no room for error when you're using light line. Those hooks need to stick the first time you swing because you won't get a second chance on that wispy rod. Your drag needs to be ultra smooth, not super strong, because any stuttering or inconsistency and your line will snap. Everything from your knots, to your guide rings, to your gears need to perform at the highest level because if anything goes wrong, you'll lose your catch.
As rods, reels, and other gear continue to evolve, we've concluded The Search for One is truly a never ending quest...
So where are all the reviews that help with your decision making process when it comes to this lighter gear? We feel your pain, so in 2011 we're changing things up and turning back the clock. You see, each of us here at TackleTour started with light gear and small baits - it's a more affordable alternative when you're breaking in, and the gear is easier to use and learn. But as the years went on, we followed the excitement and allure of power fishing. Now it's time to take a step back, pull the spinning gear back out, dig up all our light wire hooks, delve into those secret, go to colors in four inch, straight tail worms and reminisce with the familiar billowing of or our fishing line as it flutters off the spool on each cast.
... but for 2011 it's time to exclaim, "What the Finesse!"
Conclusion: As rods, reels, and other gear continue to evolve, we've concluded The Search for One is truly a never ending quest. Look for this series to continue but for our primary focus in the coming year, TackleTour is going light, maybe even ultra light. Afterall when it comes down to it, it's all fishing right? It's time to exclaim, "WTF!!" : TackleTour 2011, What the Finesse!
