Tweaking (NOT twerking)

[Ratherbfishing]

We all know about those times when we have to make major changes in our game plan and/or presentations before we can get bit but what about those times when a seemingly minor change (tweaking) is what makes all the difference?  I can think of at least three recent times where a minor adjustment made all the difference.  The first was when we learned that the bass were following our jigs all the way up to the boat but would only bite if we stopped and jiggled our jigs below us for a few moments (or longer)  If we would have just lifted the baits out of the water after every retrieve, we would have missed a LOT of bass that day.  The second time, in a flooded section of cattails, we caught several bass when we first approached the cattails but very few when we got in AMONG  the cattails-even though there were relatively large pockets of open water for the fish to move around and the depth hadn't changed that much.  After scratching our heads, we deduced that the bass were all on or near the outside edge.  BINGO!  Moving back out and in a wide circle, we caught fish the rest of the day-as long as we stay along the outside.  The most recent time is when we got into another stand of flooded cattails (where we'd caught fish the week prior) but were having such poor luck we didn't know what to do.  We were pretty sure the fish were there but a cold front had locked them up tight.  So I switched to a light action spinning rod and cast out a diminutive little worm/swimbait (called a Havoc Beat Shad-for those who care to know) and fished it very slow. Again, it was what the fish wanted and I managed to catch around 12 good fish.

In each instance, it did not require a major change in location or presentation.  Minor adjustments were all that was necessary to be successful and it has saved the day for me more than once!

[MassYak85]

The only thing I can really think of is I took a friend out last summer during a sunny day so I thought he could have some fun with some spinner baits so we both used virtually the same bait. Now sure I have vastly more fishing experience than they did but we were basically just casting over some grass. I wasn't exactly putting much of what I know into play. But I ended up catching over a dozen and he managed one pickeral. The only difference was I had a fluoro leader on from the last time I went out and he was using straight braid (I gave him one of my other rods to use). The water was clear so I guess it  could have made some difference but it still baffles me that that could have been the only factor. I took another friend out later that summer and the exact same thing happened. Short of the spinnerbait I gave them being cursed I have to point at the leader. 

[Bankbeater]

Sometimes when fishing a jig with a trailer I will switch the trailer if the bite is off.  I usually start off matching the trailer to the jig.  If that does not work I will put on a different trailer, but keep the contrast to a minimum.  For example if I am using a black jig with a black trailer, and not getting any takers, I will put on a green pumpkin colored trailer.

["hamma"]

typically a "minor" adjustment is exactly what it takes, the fish's mood may change but its not like a manic/depressive,...lol,.... they gradually adjust to the environment they are stuck in. I know sometimes it seems that they just all of a sudden gave up hitting anything. thats usually when its a slight adjustment that does the trick,... most anglers are switching from a searchbait to a bottom bouncer. When all they really needed to do was change color, or size.