1. What is Hover-Strolling?
Hover Strolling, also known as "Hovering," is a finesse fishing technique highly popular in Japan. The name is inspired by the image of a helicopter hovering in mid-air. With Hover Strolling, anglers use smaller, highly buoyant baitfish-style soft plastic lures to create a unique topwater action. The key here is to see the bait so you can work it effectively. The technique involves skillfully hovering the lure near the water's surface or at mid-depth in shallow water while strolling. By adding subtle movements and shakes, anglers can achieve an enticing "i-Motion technique" that tempts Bass into striking while moving the bait forward in a very slow, methodical manner.
＜Ref: Mid-Strolling＞
A technique similar to Hover-strolling is the "Mid-Strolling,". Mid-Strolling involves using a jig head, attached to a soft plastic or minnow and working it through the mid-depth range. The main difference lies in the presence of a weight. While Hover-strolling employs a weightless hook, Mid-Strolling uses a jig head. This distinction allows Hover-strolling to hover near the surface and suppress forward movement, making it effective for enticing fish in shallow areas. If you prefer a slow presentation to thoroughly entice bites, Hover-strolling is recommended. Conversely, if you want to entice bass that respond to a more active lateral movement, Mid-Strolling would be a better choice.
2. How to Master Hover-Strolling?
Hover-Strolling requires patience, a delicate touch and precise control. After casting, create a slight slack in the line to monitor the bait's position. Using gentle rod tip shakes to impart the Hover Strolling action, keeping the lure's forward movement to a minimum while enticing bass with a slow and captivating approach. The key lies in making small, quick shakes, maintaining a slow pace, and simulating a dying baitfish’s natural action near the Bass.
[Hover-strolling vs Mid-strolling]
Hover-strolling：0:23~0:30
3. Tackle and Recommended Baits for Hover Strolling
(A) Tackle
To achieve optimal Hover Strolling results, choose a softer rod that allows for controlled movements. opt for a rod with Ultra-Light to Light power, providing a finesse-friendly setup. Common reel sizes like 2000 to 2500 are suitable, and a thin fluorocarbon line around 4lb will enhance the finesse action. Just be mindful of your light tackle if you hook into a lunker! Adjust the drag accordingly.
(B) Soft-plastics
Selecting the right soft-plastic is crucial for successful Hover Strolling. Choose highly buoyant soft plastic lures that can hover near the surface and mid-depth ranges, as heavier baits may not yield the desired finesse action. If the soft-plastic feels too buoyant, you can adjust by adding a nail weight to achieve the desired flotation.
Some recommended Hover Strolling Soft-plastics:
Jackall Drift Fly series
A versatile soft plastic bait that's fantastic for both Hover Strolling and Mid Strolling. Its unique lip design creates an enticing rolling action with gentle rod tip shakes. Thanks to this lip, it allows for precise range-keeping and provides a moderate pulling sensation. As a result, you can easily create a rolling action by shaking the rod tip while reeling in slowly, making it possible to perform numerous rolls within a short distance. This feature makes it highly effective for targeting mid-level bass.
Evergreen Last Ace F series
A lifelike baitfish-style soft plastic lure offering both buoyancy and durability. The 3D eyes and double coloring make it highly effective for enticing visually-focused bass in clear lakes. A great bait to learn Hover Strolling, as it is super buoyant.
Flash-J 3″
FLASH-J is the bait in the video in section2
4.Ideal Situations for Hover Strolling
Hover Strolling excels in clear-water points where anglers can visually confirm bites. Ideal locations include still water areas, gentle flowing points, and areas with overhangs. While not suitable for heavily turbid waters, Hover Strolling is incredibly effective in high-pressure situations with clear water. Don't miss the opportunity to try this finesse technique in your local fishing spots!