Even when #powerfishing it’s all about making the right adjustments, listening to the fish and the conditions and sometimes slowing your bait down… just a little.
Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Jig: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/g1ky4A
Don’t Move Faster Than the Fish
One of the most common mistakes anglers make and I’ve done it plenty is moving too fast. When the water starts warming up, you might think fish will be up shallow and active.
You get excited, pick up the pace, and before you know it, you’ve outpaced the fish entirely. That usually means missed opportunities and empty casts.
Sometimes, fish don’t hit your bait the way you expect. I’ve had days where I was fishing with a Thunder Cricket, and instead of feeling a strong strike, the bait just felt heavier or lost its vibration.
That’s your clue, the fish are eating, but they’re not being aggressive. You have to be dialed in enough to notice those tiny changes and respond to them.
Calm Conditions Mean Timid Fish
On those calm, quiet days, fish tend to be more cautious. You might only feel a light bump or a gentle nudge instead of a solid hit.
It’s not the most thrilling way to fish, but understanding this behavior helps you adapt. In these situations, it’s not about speed, it’s about finesse and feel.
Why Slowing Down Matters
As much as I enjoy fishing fast, it’s fun and often productive, there are times when slowing down is the only way to trigger a bite. That’s why I always have multiple weights of Thunder Crickets on the deck.
If I need to slow the presentation but still reach the same depth, I’ll downsize the bait or adjust the retrieve speed. Being flexible with speed is a major key to consistent results.
How to fish the right speed for your conditions
Using different weights like 3/8 oz, 1/2 oz, and 5/8 oz lets you cover various depth zones without sacrificing control. The heavier the bait, the faster you can fish it and still keep it down.
If you need to slow things down and keep the bait in the strike zone longer, the lighter options are better suited for the job.
Not all vibrations are created equal. For tougher conditions, I prefer the tungsten Thunder Cricket because of its slightly smaller blade and tighter vibration.
That more subtle feel can make a big difference when fish are less aggressive. Matching the right vibration to the situation can be just as important as matching the speed.
