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.
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 medium light, or 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 have Spiderwire EZ Fishing Line 15lb Braid backing and a 10-15′ fluorocarbon leader. This 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 medium-light power 5’6′ to 6’6′ long. They come with a 30 size reel, 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 finesse fish.
What Are The Best Finesse Fishing Rigs?
When bass are being stubborn, too much fishing pressure, and larger lures just aint working, it’s time to switch to finesse. 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 my intention is to cover the basics. Lets 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. For hard body lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, whopper-ploppers and jerk baits, you’ll want to stick with the 2-3 inch sizes, or that weigh between 1/8 to 1/4 ounce.
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.v
- Jig Heads: Ned and Shakeyhead rigs, stick to the 1/16 to 1/4 ounce 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!
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Featured Affiliate Shopping Links In this Article
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
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
