Shrimp - a theory and observation: I've had this theory dinging around in the back of my head lately and it boils down to this, primarily. We move our artificial baits too much and too...

Brownsville Tony Loc: Brownsville - Laguna Madre

I've had this theory dinging around in the back of my head lately and it boils down to this, primarily. We move our artificial baits too much and too fast. I watched a plethora of videos this evening staring our favorite bait; live shrimp. I didn't see any videos of them swimming backwards and the ones where they were swimming normally showed they do it pretty slow. My go-to lure for speckled trout and Reds is a 3 1/2" VuDu shrimp in natural colors. Live shrimp keep those little legs of theirs chugging along and attracting attention non-stop, even at slow speeds. When they need a kick it's the tail that provides that. There isn't much up and down movement, they just chug along, slow and steady. When they stop, and they do that often, they suspend horizontally. So does the VuDu. So, I'm going to make a conscious effort to slow it down, especially now that the water is cooling. It will take some effort because my usual presentation is to cast out, wait a few seconds, give it a couple pops, reel and repeat. Whatcha think?

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

Brownsville Tony wrote:

I've had this theory dinging around in the back of... (show quote)

BT, here's what I think, I'd eat that guy in the photo. Just went into the kitchen, and pulled some frozen ones outta the freezer. Will take a chance and begin thaw at room temp for a couple of hours and finish that process in the frig. Tomorrow's dining fare with GF who likes em even more than me. Thanx for the inspiration and the munchies.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Brownsville Tony wrote:

I've had this theory dinging around in the back of... (show quote)

I think you are right on with your thinkin. People fish way too fast for some bait presentations. Senkos for bass fishin is another SLOW presentation.
However, fishin for stripers with artificial lures like Rattle Traps need to be fished pretty fast. When castin them, you can't really reel them in TOO fast. Usually it's not fast enough.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

saw1 wrote:

I think you are right on with your thinkin. People fish way too fast for some bait presentations. Senkos for bass fishin is another SLOW presentation.
However, fishin for stripers with artificial lures like Rattle Traps need to be fished pretty fast. When castin them, you can't really reel them in TOO fast. Usually it's not fast enough.

You're right Saw. Sometimes it's just a reaction bite. Look how many times when you speed up near the boat you'll get bit. Proves we have to adjust what we do now n then . Have you ever cast a senko or a tube out then took time to take a bite of sandwich n a sip of coffee n see your line moving👍👍

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

saw1 wrote:

I think you are right on with your thinkin. People fish way too fast for some bait presentations. Senkos for bass fishin is another SLOW presentation.
However, fishin for stripers with artificial lures like Rattle Traps need to be fished pretty fast. When castin them, you can't really reel them in TOO fast. Usually it's not fast enough.

That's the way it is with Spanish mackerel too. If that baits not ripping they won't eat it.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Brownsville Tony wrote:

I've had this theory dinging around in the back of... (show quote)

I think you might be on to something, Tony. But, what do I know? Zippo!

Danger25 Loc: Philly/ Cape may New Jersey

Grizzly 17 wrote:

You're right Saw. Sometimes it's just a reaction bite. Look how many times when you speed up near the boat you'll get bit. Proves we have to adjust what we do now n then . Have you ever cast a senko or a tube out then took time to take a bite of sandwich n a sip of coffee n see your line moving👍👍

I havent..but looking forward to it

Brownsville Tony Loc: Brownsville - Laguna Madre

flyguy wrote:

I think you might be on to something, Tony. But, what do I know? Zippo!

It's worth a try but old habits are hard to break. Well for a guy who knows zippo you seem to always catch more fish than I do. Right now it doesn't make a lot of difference, going to be windy and cold all week, going down into the 60's, so I probably won't go out anyway. Not a blue northern but the best we can come up with given our limited resources. Had to put on a sweat shirt to have coffee on the patio this morning!

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

flyguy wrote:

I think you might be on to something, Tony. But, what do I know? Zippo!

I own a zippo FG. Don't use it anymore. Maybe now it's lost it's zip n now it's just po 😕😕

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Danger25 wrote:

I havent..but looking forward to it

It will happen D. I think they watch till you're not paying attention then slam it 🤣🤣

Danger25 Loc: Philly/ Cape may New Jersey

Grizzly 17 wrote:

It will happen D. I think they watch till you're not paying attention then slam it 🤣🤣

Ohhhhh…yeah….that happens…🤣

JackM Loc: North East Florida

You are spot on. Shrimp are not designed to move very fast under normal circumstances. The tail is like an ejection seat on a fighter jet but it is only used when a danger is perceived. So there is a case for slow retrieve but an occasional jerk will draw more attention.

Utahman Loc: Utah

Cold? You're talking about cold when it's 60? That's SHORTS AND TEE SHIRT weather!!!!

JackM Loc: North East Florida

Utahman wrote:

Cold? You're talking about cold when it's 60? That's SHORTS AND TEE SHIRT weather!!!!

Move to Florida. It is amazing how fast you start thinking 60's are cold.

Utahman Loc: Utah

I hear ya. Got a buddy who lives in the Tampa area - Apollo Beach. He's a fishin fool - with his own dock and the whole nine yards. I haven't been out to visit him yet, but one of these days...He catches a lot of Skip-jack out there.