Precedence was established. Walleyes, or at least a walleye, were scrounging along the current break. So I released the feisty river resident, thread on another crawler, and duplicated the original cast. Duplicating the placement of successful casts is important because river fish can be downright belligerent about their surroundings. What this means is that if walleyes or smallmouth bass are feeding over a specific bottom type, in or out of current, or amidst certain structure, that a lure dropped nearby, but away from their precise environment, can go completely unnoticed.
Surgical casts are paramount.
Another river phenomenon is that when a fish is harvested, or caught, released, and discombobulated, their prior habitat is quickly replaced by a new fish. Again, supporting the theory of pinpoint casting. The follow up cast hit the current and walked downstream toward the breakline. Along the way the bottom s identity was telegraphed via line and rod gestures. An experienced river fisherman is able to readily distinguish bottom types and depth changes by watching his or her line and interpreting sensory knocks and twitches.