Making a splash. Is it bad?

[MyKeyBe]

How does everyone here feel about making a splash on the cast? Is it bad? Good? Depends on the situation? ???

I am starting to think that it really isn't as bad as most would think. Frogs splash when jumping into water. Locust splash when falling out of trees. Baitfish splash when being chased. Bass splash when attacking those baitfish.

I am really starting to wonder if it doesn't get the bass' attention. Now I don't mean tossing a ten pound rock into the water kind of splash but more of a 3/8 spinner bait is not real quite kind of splash.

Any thoughts on this?

[D.Taylor]

A friend tells the story of the time he was getting beat out of the back of the boat. He was fishing the exact same bait (he gave it to his partner) throwing to the same spots just wasnt getting bit. He later realized that the guy in the back of the boat wasmaking all kinds of splash when the bait hit. He wasn't.

This is the only time i have ever herd a story like this.

I think it is ok to make a splash when you are making long casts and not to a specific target.

If you are in tight quarters or are casting to targets the lighter the entry the better. Fish a clear water lake some time and watch what a fish does when something crashes in from above really close they dont like it.

[MyKeyBe]

Fish a clear water lake some time and watch what a fish does when something crashes in from above really close they dont like it.

Well that is what really got me thinking about this. I was fishing in an area that was pretty clear and off to the side of me in about 2 feet of water in a small setback(?) I notice a bass cruising around.

Well I've got a 3/8 spinner bait tied on and figure "What the heck".  I throw the spinner 3-4 feet from the bass and it sinks to the bottom instantly, sure enough though, the bass comes over and noses it.

The bass see's a funky looking, shiny, weird colored thinga ma bait lying on the bottom and cruises on... but at least he came over to check it out.

Guess I should of had a senko tied on! ;D The bass would of gobbled it up for sure.

[burneddude1]

I would say in clear water no splash is better. Bass are hunting at longer distances and feeding mostly on sight. In muddy water some splash is better. Bass are hunting and feeding on vibration and the extra splash will help them locate the bait better.

[roadwarrior]

Much depends on the lure. There is nothing subtle about a Spook. I like a big splash with big lures to get the attention of big bass, "Here I am and I'm in your face. What are you going to do about it?" That approach works sometimes.

For a stealthy approach, I don't think you can beat a Slug-Go, there's just nothing quite like a fluke. Another old timer I want to work more this year is a Jitterbug. I think you can have it both ways with this lure, big splash or silent entry, take your choice.

[BiggerWorm]

I think all have made some good points here.  In my experience, if fishing shallow water and picking targets I prefer a light entry into the water.  Sure I have had bass  hammer a bait that made a big splash into the water, but more often I witness bass getting spooked.  Again this is primarily in shallow water.  In deep water I don't seem to be as concerned.

[Rattlinrogue]

It depends on the mood of the bass.If they are easily spooked,then,of course, splash is bad.I've had mornings when they were so aggressive that I would throw the bait, make a ker-splash,and immediately have a violent strike.

[Skeeter6598]

RattlinRogue hit it on the head in my opinion. It depends on the fishes mood.

I've seen where if you hit, within 2ft of the fish, with a splash they're gone! I've seen where if you hit right in front of them with a quite entry they're still gone. And vise versa!

One time I was fishing with dad. He pitched a salt craw into a bush and the fish LITERALLY caught the bait 6 inchs out of the water. No BS here, the fish jumped and caught the bait well before it hit the water. I've seen them hit it as soon as it hit the water but never jump like that and get it! AWESOME!

[catnip]

If you're fishing top water, isn't the point of the presentation to make some splash to attract the fish up from the bottom?  My daughter and I had this same splash conversation thursday on Smith Mtn lake.  Fish wouldn't hit anything at all no matter what size, color, presentation.  They were jumping like crazy, though.  Big 'uns jumping 2 or 3 feet into the air.  Best I can figure was that the shad were running and they just weren't interested in anything else.  Had plenty of fun just fishing with the kid though...and for me that's what it's all about.

[Phishn_Phool]

Often they will hit a topwater before it ever moves..they must be attrated by the splash.  I have had them seemingly take a spinner/buzzbaits out of the air.  I do believe at times that splash will creat a reaction just as reaction baits do ;DCPR

[Shadow]

I think it depends on the time of the day really. In the night time, and early morning, they love splashing, in midday, they hate it... but that's just me.

[MyKeyBe]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I may start carrying 1/4 sticks of dynamite with me and then I can prove bass hate BIG splashes but it sure slays em.   ;D