By Pete Rosko
As many of you know, Terry Rudnick’s name holds a very special meaning in the Pacific Northwest. Through is prolific articles and publications, Terry taught the masses how to effectively fish North Pacific waters.
Many years ago, Terry contacted me by phone, stating that he just did a jigging presentation at the Seattle Aquarium. He titled it, “Small Lures Catch Big Fish!” That lure was a Crippled Herring 1/6 oz. That small metal jig caught Terry, and his audience, by surprise in the large number of salmon and trout it hooked that day. It was the smallest size that I ever created for the Luhr Jensen Company during its earlier years on the bank of the Columbia River in Hood River, Oregon.
Ever since that call from Terry, I have validated his “small lure” claim almost every time I am on the water. When the bite dies, the first thing I do is downsize! Neutral, or negative, predator fish will respond positively if the intimidation, or fear factor, of the presentation is eliminated. Once I select the smallest-possible lure to reach my target species, I then form a plan on how I will present that lure.
When vertical jigging, I only use my hand to twitch the lure that is connected to my rod. If surface casting, my retrieve will be slow and smooth. If casting to fish, deep in structure, I cast directly down-current or down-wind, whichever is stronger. I do this for two primary reasons.
Over North America’s vast freshwater landscape of farm and golf course ponds, lakes, reservoirs, marinas, streams and rivers, micro-sized SBF offer unlimited fish-catching potential. This is in addition to its effectiveness as a premier ice-jigging lure.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
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