Correcting finesse mistakes

Once a finesse bait is cast to the target area, BASS pro Dion Hibdon believes, many anglers simply fish too fast, especially in deep water situations without any reference points. Instead of casting with the same diligence as if they were moving down a bank, fishermen often space their casts too far apart. With shorter casts made closer together, Hibdon can confidently work deeper areas, secure in the knowledge that he has covered them completely. Should he find himself without any shoreline reference points, then he'll toss out a marker buoy as a guide.

In addition to moving the boat too fast, finesse fishermen often fall prey to moving their baits too quickly. To a large extent, this is as much the fault of the fishing rod as the fisherman himself. With a longer, 7-foot rod, it becomes easier to move the lure an appreciable distance without realizing it.