What Do You Mean By Finesse Fishing?
So what is finesse fishing, and how is it different from other fishing techniques? It’s easy. Finesse fishing is a technique that involves using lightweight tackle and subtle presentations to catch finicky or inactive fish. It differs from other techniques, like power fishing, which relies on heavier gear and aggressive movements.
Is Finesse Fishing And BFS Fishing The Same Thing?
Well…, yes they are. Finesse fishing is a broader term referring to techniques that use light tackle to present lures subtly and naturally. BFS does the exact thing. The difference is, BFS is specifically a baitcasting system, while finesse fishing primarily uses spinning gear.
What Kind Of Fishing Gear Do You Need For Finesse Fishing?
Finesse fishing requires specific gear to present light baits. Your typical finesse rod is a light or medium light spinning rod usually in the 6-foot to 7-foot length range. Marry that rod with a small spinning reel in the 1000 to 2500 size range. Look for one with a gear ratio of 6.2:1 to 7.2:1. This gear ratio strikes a good balance between retrieving the line quickly and allowing for precise control during slow presentations.
Lastly, you’re going to want to use a line in the 6 to 12-pound test range. I know some guys (me included) like using 15lb braid backing and then running a 10-12lb fluorocarbon leader. It’s a bit heavier, but will get you through tough weeds and structures. It’s up to you, but generally speaking, you don’t need more than 10lb test line.
My finesse rig is a Cadence CR7 7’2″ Medium Light Spinning Rod with a Size 30 Abu Garcia Max X Spinning Reel. For the line, I use Spiderwire EZ Fishing Line 15lb Braid backing and a 10-15′ fluorocarbon leader. This rig set me back roughly $130.
If you’re buying your first rod and reel combo and going fishing for the first time, or if affordability is a question, your typical Zebco 202 Spincast Combo or Shakespeare Spinning combo you see at WalMart or Target for $29-$39, are basically finesse rigs. The rods are usually light/medium-light power rods 5’6″ to 6’6″.., maybe 7′ long. They come with a 30 size reel, and are usually pre-loaded with 8 or 10lb monofilament line. That just screams FINESSE right? I think so.
So this pretty much covers your basic finesse setup. You can buy the expensive gear if you like, but keep in mind you don’t have to break the bank to try your hand at finesse fishing.
What Are The Best Finesse Fishing Rigs And Lures?
Finesse Fishing Rigs
When bass are just being too stubborn, usually there is too much fishing pressure. When the larger lures just aint working, it’s time to switch to finesse fishing.
This kind of fishing is all about the presentation. Finesse fishing rigs are designed to throw lightweight baits. This makes finesse fishing highly effective for hooking finicky and wary fish.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the finesse rigs and lures. It’s a generic rundown and I intend to cover just the basics here. So let’s get to it.
Drop Shot Rig: The drop shot rig is a versatile finesse fishing technique that’s gained immense popularity among anglers. It involves tying a hook above a sinker, with the hook suspended just above the bottom. This setup allows you to present soft plastic baits or live bait in a lifelike manner, enticing finicky and pressured fish to strike. The drop shot rig is pretty much the go-to rig for catching bass in the Tucson Urban Lakes.
Ned Rig: The Ned rig is a highly effective finesse fishing technique known for its simplicity and fish-catching ability. It consists of a small, mushroom-shaped jighead paired with a soft plastic stick bait or worm, usually 2.5 to 3 inches in size
Wacky Rig: The wacky rig is a finesse fishing technique that’s simple yet incredibly effective. It involves hooking a soft plastic bait, usually a worm or stick bait, through the middle, creating a wacky or off-center presentation.
You’ll need the Wacky Worm Tool and Wacky Worm O-Rings to make your Wacky rig.
Neko Rig: The Neko rig is a finesse fishing technique designed to entice even the most cautious fish. It’s a Wacky Rig variation, however, it involves inserting a nail weight into the head of a soft plastic stick bait, leaving the tail end unweighted, creating a unique action when the bait is twitched or hopped.
Don’t forget to order your Wacky Worm Tool, Wacky Worm O-Rings, and Nail Weights to make your Neko rigs.
Shaky Head Rig: The shaky rig is a finesse fishing technique that excels in enticing sluggish or hesitant fish. It involves rigging a finesse worm or soft plastic bait with a shaky head jig, creating a subtle quivering action when retrieved.
You’ll need some Reaction Tackle Tungsten Shaky Head Jigs to make your Shakey Head rigs.
Weightless Texas Rig: The Weightless Texas rig or Floating Worm rig is a versatile finesse fishing technique loved by anglers for its natural presentation. It involves rigging a soft plastic bait weedless, with the hook buried inside the bait, allowing it to move freely and naturally. Rig it like a Texas rig minus the weight.
Carolina Rig: The Carolina rig is a popular and effective fishing technique designed for covering large areas and locating fish. It involves a sliding sinker threaded onto the mainline, followed by a bead and a swivel. A leader with a hook and soft plastic bait or live bait is attached to the other end of the swivel.
Softbody Finesse Lures
The best soft body lure size for finesse fishing typically ranges from 2 to 4 inches. By soft body lures, I’m talking about rubber worms, creature baits like lizards and crawdads, stick baits, etc.
Hardbody Finesse Lures
For hard body lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, buzzbaits, whopper-ploppers and jerk baits, you’ll want to stick with the smaller 2-3 inch sizes, or baits that weigh between 1/8 to 1/4 ounce.
Finesse Fishing Terminal Tackle
- Hooks: For finesse fishing, use smaller hooks to match the size of your baits. Popular hook styles include straight shank hooks, drop shot hooks, and finesse wide gap hooks, depending on the technique. Whatever you stock on your tackle box for larger baits, get these same hooks but in smaller sizes.
Your typical finesse hook sizes are 1, 1/0, 2/0, and up to 3/0 size. These sizes are general guidelines and can be adjusted based on the specific conditions and preferences of the angler. The key is to use a hook size that matches the bait and provides a natural presentation while still being strong enough to handle the fish you’re targeting - Jig Heads: For Ned and Shakeyhead rigs. Stick to the 1/16 to 1/4 ounce sizes. These are the ideal finesse fishing sizes.
- Weights: Again, we are talking lightweight. Your typical sliding or drop shot weight sizes range from 1/16 to 1/4 ounce. For nail weights used in a Ned Rig go with 1/16 to 1/6 ounce.
Well.., this about sums up the basics of finesse fishing. I hope you find this post informative and helpful.
Finesse Fishing Shopping List!
Cadence CR7 7’2″ Medium Light Spinning Rod
Size 30 Abu Garcia Max X Spinning Reel
Spiderwire EZ Fishing Line 15lb Braid
Berkley FluoroShield Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Zebco 202 Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Shakespeare Catch More Fish Bass Spinning Fishing Reel Rod
Wacky Worm Tool
Wacky Worm O-Rings
Reaction Tackle Tungsten Mushroom Head Ned Rig Shroom Jig Heads
Reaction Tackle Tungsten Shaky Head Jigs
Reaction Tackle Lead Drop Shot Weights
Reaction Tackle Tungsten Bullet Weights