Finesse fishing has rapidly evolved from a niche technique to a mainstream staple among anglers, especially in situations where bass are pressured, finicky, or heavily fished. With advancements in gear, electronics, and rigging methods, finesse fishing has become a critical part of a well-rounded bass angler’s playbook. In this post, we explore proven finesse techniques for catching largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as demonstrated by expert anglers James and Troy Lindner.
Why Finesse?
Finesse fishing is all about subtlety. Whether you’re targeting shallow flats, deep humps, or something in between, the method excels in putting fish in the boat when conditions are tough. Unlike power fishing, finesse presentations rely on lighter lines, smaller baits, and slower retrieves. These characteristics make them ideal for high-pressure fisheries or post-frontal conditions when bass are reluctant to bite.
Early Action with the Jig Worm and Neko Rig
One of the first tactics on the water was using a simple Neko rig and a jig worm—both classics in the finesse world. The setup was already producing bites even before both anglers were rigged and ready. These techniques are not only effective but also versatile, working across depths and all seasons. 
The Rise of Finesse in Competitive Angling
A decade ago, seeing spinning rods on the decks of elite-level tournament boats was rare. Today, it’s common for many top pros to have several spinning setups rigged and ready. The reason? Light-line techniques simply catch fish. Whether on pressured lakes or natural clear-water reservoirs, finesse tactics have proven their worth time and time again.
Unlocking Location with Electronics
Fishing effectively with finesse gear requires precise location targeting. Modern electronics are indispensable tools in this approach. On this trip, James used a combination of 2D sonar, mapping, and side imaging to identify key structures—specifically coontail mats, weed edges, and isolated clumps of vegetation that serve as bass magnets.
On large flats that stretch for football fields, fish typically relate to specific spots no bigger than the boat itself. Marking thicker patches of coontail with GPS and visually interpreting sonar imagery is essential to narrowing down productive zones.
Pinpointing Weed Composition
In this particular lake, cabbage and coontail dominated the weedscape, with the latter proving more productive. Coontail mats in the 8- to 9-foot range were hotspots for big largemouth bass. Anchoring systems like dual Minn Kota Talons kept the boat perfectly positioned, allowing for repeated, accurate casts to prime pieces of cover. The double talon setup provided better stability in wind or current and allowed for a “spoke on a wheel” approach—fan-casting thoroughly around a productive patch before moving on.
Light Line, Big Results
One of the subtle advantages of finesse fishing is the different presentation allowed by light line. Dropping from 12-pound test down to six or eight-pound test dramatically alters how a bait behaves in the water, increasing both realism and effectiveness. Additionally, high-quality gear is essential. James was using a St. Croix Legend Tournament “Wacky Stick” paired with a Daiwa Procyon 2500 spinning reel—offering a smooth drag and perfect action for light-line finesse applications.
Working the Inside Out
Instead of the traditional outside-in approach (casting from deep to shallow), James often prefers the reverse—fishing from the inside out. This lets him deploy the talons quickly when a fish is caught and allows for methodical coverage of high-percentage spots.
When the Bite Fires Up
Throughout the outing, bites came steadily—often from shallower-than-expected areas. Post-spawn fish were just beginning to migrate toward main lake structures. Finesse fishing, being naturally slow and deliberate, demanded a strong understanding of where to place baits in relation to the actual cover. This underscores the importance of logging GPS waypoints and understanding weed layouts in great detail.
Relative Line Sizes and Regional Finesse
Finesse is a relative term depending on your fishing environment. In stained water, 8-pound test might be considered finesse, while in ultra-clear Western trout lakes, anglers regularly drop to two-pound test for added bites. Matching line size to water clarity and fish behavior is a vital aspect of success.
How to Rig a Classic Neko Setup
James broke down the components and method for rigging a textbook Neko rig:
- Essentials: Neko weights, O-rings, finesse worms (5–7 inches), and a wacky/Neko hook.
- Step 1: Slide an O-ring onto the worm.
- Step 2: Insert the nail-shaped Neko weight into the head.
- Step 3: Vertically thread the hook between the worm and O-ring.
Adjusting the O-ring position changes the fall and action of the bait, allowing anglers to fine-tune their presentation. While not mandatory, using an O-ring dramatically extends bait life—making it possible to catch 10 or more fish on a single worm. The Big Bite Wacky Stick is a favorite choice as it comes pre-rigged with features ideal for this method.
This in-depth look at finesse tactics showcases how this method, once seen as a backup plan, has become a first-line strategy for serious bass anglers. Stay tuned for the next segment as we explore even more ways to maximize finesse fishing success.
Simplicity and Versatility: The Power of the Jigworm and Neko Rig
While finesse fishing has many faces, few are as universally productive as the jigworm and Neko rig. As James and Troy continued working weedlines and offshore flats, they leaned heavily on these reliable, easy-to-rig presentations. The Neko rig, with its unique weighted head and exposed hook design, excels in a wide variety of environments—shallow or deep, around rocks, through cabbage, or coontail. It even shines in waters plagued by zebra mussels, thanks to its low-bottom contact and snag-resistant setup.
The Simplicity of the Jigworm
In northern natural lakes, especially in the North Country, the jigworm is a guide favorite for one key reason—it’s simple and it flat-out catches fish. Using a basic VMC Half Moon jig paired with a thin-bodied worm like the “Morning Dawn” from Big Bite Baits, James showed just how effective this technique can be.
Despite its exposed hook, the jigworm shines in weed-heavy areas due to how cleanly it pops free from vegetation with a firm rod snap. Paired with 10-pound Sufix 832 braid and a 3-foot fluorocarbon leader, this finesse setup is optimized for sensitivity and control.
The Right Rod Makes All the Difference
Troy pointed out the importance of using the proper rod for this kind of fishing—one with a soft tip but strong backbone. His setup allowed for easy weed clearance and positive hooksets, even with light line. That backbone becomes critical when working baits through vegetation or when lifting larger bass out of cover.
Fishing Productive Weed Flats
As the day went on, the anglers continued to capitalize on bass holding near key structural elements—cabbage clumps, coontail mats, and slight depressions or holes on the flat. Strategic use of Talons kept them locked in position once a school was found, allowing for multiple high-percentage casts in every direction.
And once a fish was hooked? Drop a waypoint. With bass holding in such specific micro-spots, mapping these locations with precision made all the difference.
Matching Weight and Color to Conditions
One of the most important aspects of finesse fishing is adapting the bait’s fall rate to the fish’s attitude. When bass were sluggish, lighter weights created slower fall speeds—forcing anglers to fish more slowly and methodically. In clear water, color selection also played a key role. Laminated soft plastics in oxblood, black and blue, or green pumpkin were consistently effective. Green pumpkin, in particular, proved itself yet again as a North American staple.
Boat Setup for Finesse and Big Water
Fishing out of the Lund Pro V Bass 2075 proved to be an ideal choice for this finesse outing. Built on a Deep V hull, the boat was not only stable in large waves but also offered ample casting space and storage. Its design makes it suitable for everything from inland bass to open-water musky, accommodating multiple anglers comfortably on a massive front deck.
A Universal Truth: Finesse Fishing Works Everywhere
Whether it was coaxing a post-spawn bass from a main-lake hole or triggering bites on a subtle inside weed edge, finesse fishing proved to be as productive as it is versatile. As James noted, this approach catches fish in all depths, all seasons, and in all parts of the country.
