Cadence

[Tim Moore]

This season "cadence" is a term that has frequently been used to describe jigging or pounding technique. Yesterday was the kind of day that puts cadence into perspective. My friend and I were jigging for white perch in the lakes region of New Hampshire. Whites are schooled up big time right now awaiting the spring spawn and when you get into them the action is fast and furious.

We decided to test the theory of cadence and its relative importance on numbers of fish caught. We were fishing elbow to elbow with our holes 24" apart, the same line and test, the same jigs, and the same bait. The only thing that could have been different was our cadence. I was pounding with a typical quick cadence that I use for crappie or bluegill when fishing with spikes on a horizontal micro-jig. My friend was using a slow and consistent cadence. He was catching fish one after another and in a short time had iced 19 keepers to my 2. I began varying my cadence and the result was the same, lookers but no biters. After about an hour I switched to the same slow consistent cadence my friend was using and within another hour I had a limit of 25.

For me, the idea and importance of cadence is concrete and yesterday's test only solidified, and for my friend. Before I change lure, color, or bait I always try changing my cadence.