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established cadences. Using the line to note any deviance provided the ultimate light-bite detector.

All considered, this makes perfect sense, after all, line comprises the direct connection to your lure.
Should your line slip sideways, float up unexpectedly, hang straight when it should be slack, curl when it
should straighten or straighten when it should curl, drop that rod tip, reel down and set the hook.

If you can’t see your line well enough to watch for unusual movements indicating a strike, try using your
fingers as a direct connection bite detector. By holding the line gently between your thumb and index
finger while gently jiggling the bait, you’ll sense things not revealed by even the lightest spring.

This technique has even led to the development of a unique ice rod advancement by long-time ice
tackle innovator HT Enterprises. Called simply “total touch,” this system transfers lure movements
directly from the line to your fingertips, compliments of a custom engineered handle that conveniently
positions your thumb and
forefinger precisely where

the line extends under the
blank at the fore grip.

Perfect!

WORKING THE BOTTOM

Another decisive key to

the system was working
the bottom, using it as a
triggering point.

S-L-O-W-L-Y working the
lure down seemed to be
an effective way of getting

even the most lethargic
fish to follow;

once the lure settled, rocking the presentation in place, barely shaking the bait or nearly allowing it to
essentially sit idle while inducing only the slightest breaths of movement were typically triggers causing
fish to turn downward and take the bait directly off bottom.

Such bites were nearly impossible to consistently detect using standard methods, but again, by ever-so-
gently lifting my presentation delicately with the line gingerly pinched within my fingertips, I learned to
sense a difference when a fish picked up the bait—and this translated into more hook-ups. The
technique isn’t something easily explained, it’s a sort of sixth sense developed exclusively through
practice and concentration. You must wait until you first feel weight, but since light-biting winter fish
can reject offerings surprisingly swiftly, also be quick to react.

This response requires carefully determined timing, gained and refined only through experience-
-but once mastered, becomes remarkably effective!