ANOTHER KIND OF HEAT STROKING by Secret York

Shortly after post spawn bass have been feeding up and the summer heat sets in a technique that was born on KY Lake known as "Stroking" can turn an otherwise slow bite into a frenzy. Ky Lake is known for it's deep water ledge fishing and when the fish move out to the deeper water, they become a bit lazy and only exert energy for an easy meal. Most of the time they are not hungry so you need that reaction bite.

The tools of choice - a heavy action rod 6' 10" or better. You need to have enough rod to recover slack line quickly. 10 lb. flourocarbon line for smaller diameter, sensitivity and minimum stretch. This will allow the jig to fall more vertical on slack. The jig needs to be 3/8 to 1/2 oz. with a light wire hook for better penetration during hook set. Combine with a trailer with lots of action.

The technique takes some work and lots of concentration. Let the jig contact the bottom then sweep the rod tip up to 12:00 then emediatley take the rod tip back down to 9:00. You want to throw the slack in your line back to the jig. When you feel contact with the bottom repeat the moves. Most generally the fish will strike as the jig is falling, so keep an eye on your line. If you see that jump or move off sideways set the hook. At times the fish will be as you are on the up stroke, in this case be prepared to follow through with a strong hook set. A strong hook set is very important because of the slack in your line and most of the time the hook is in the roof of their mouth which is hard to penatrate.

Stroking is a great techniqe for the fish that are not active. They look at it and when it's jerked up and away from them so violently the just blast it.

So, the next time that you are out fishing and it's so hot you may need to worry about having a heat stroke- that's a real good time to be "STROKING".