However, once you begin the retrieve, it moves wildly to entice bass, pike and many other freshwater fish. In-Fisherman Photo Important, right up front, is recognition that one of the most fundamental aspects of fishing is understanding the basic nature of the fish species being pursued. In many environments, catfish, for example, rely heavily on their taste, hearing, and vibration senses, and less heavily on vision. Smallmouth bass, meanwhile, rely primarily on vision, in conjunction with hearing and vibration. So, too, largemouth bass, muskies, pike, crappies, perch, bluegills, and, indeed, most of the fish we pursue.
Taste enters the equation, particularly after bass and walleyes pick up a bait.
Even after all these years, however, we remain uncertain as to how taste affects the response of pike and muskies. Even at complete rest many lures look like real bait fish. It's a challenge, all right, an ever-changing one. The skillful manipulation of lures is the heart of the game for most seasoned anglers who don't have to deal, as catfish anglers do, primarily with the sense of taste as a means to fool fish. This is where the grand game of illusion begins, by using wits and wile, along with the inherent characteristics of a lure, to make a lie look alive.