Current FLW Tour Angler of the Year leader David Dudley of Lynchburg, Va., finished the first day of Pickwick Lake competition in 10th place. Photo by Gary Mortenson. Angler: David Dudley.

April 18, 2012 • MLF • Archives

When I choose line for fishing soft plastics, light jigs or shaky heads, I don’t worry about whether the fish can see it. My main concern is how the line will make the lure fall in the water. For instance, if I find that bass are at the outside edge of a dock and I want the bait to fall vertically, I know a lighter line will let it fall more straight down. If I want a bait to fall toward something from a particular angle that’s more horizontal, I might go with a heavier line that sort of drops with a belly in it so the bait comes toward me a little. Choose line according to the fall you want; it’s a subtle thing, but it can make a big difference in where your bait winds up relative to where the fish are.

—- Castrol Pro David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va.