"RichZ" wrote in message SNIP

I know some serious musky guys who hit freespool and jam their thumb down
on the spool as the lure reaches the boat on EVERY cast, just before they
dig the rod tip and figure eight the lure, which they do on about half the
casts, even when they don't see a follower.

I do that when I'm muskie fishing, but not when I'm bass fishing. It's
ironic because I caught my biggest overall muskie (48", 36 lbs.) while bass
fishing. A 3/8th oz. spinnerbait, 12 pound mono and a 6' light action
casting rod whipped this fish.

But over the years, I've caught so many muskies while bass fishing that I've
gotten really good at dropping back and hitting freespool. I lose very few
fish nowadays when they hit at the side of the boat.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com