By LOY MILAM
     If you have ever been bass fishing at night, the question of how bass locate a bait has probably crossed your mind more than once. It has mine. Not only can a bass detect noisy baits like spinners and gurgling surface baits, but they can also pick up such baits as a solid black plastic worm on nights void of moonlight with apparent ease. How? Vision is extremely poor at best and vibration doesn’t even come close to the churning produced by the blades of a spinnerbait or the slurping of a topwater bait. The only sound produced by the plactic worm is just the faint vibration of the fluttering tail and the dead thump of the sinker striking rocks, wood or the bottom, but yet, detection nears perfection. How? Good question.
 
      Biological research has shown that fish detect sound in two ways: 1) by hearing through an inner ear, and 2) by feeling through their lateral line. While both systems will overlap at certain frequencies, as a general rule, sounds above 100 cycles per second (Hz) are heard through the inner ear apparatus and sounds below 100 Hz are felt through the lateral line. Both systems are reportedly equipped with sensory cells oriented in opposite directions to help fish pinpoint the source of the sound. But how does this information help anglers? 

      To begin with, it can help us with the selection of baits on the basis of the frequency they produce, and at the same time, lead us toward more fine-tuned retrieves. While research has only scratched the surface on the subject of fish and sound, studies have gone far enough to determine that different frequencies evoke different reactions from fish. As a result of those findings, bait makers have introduced baits with rattles, sound chambers and computer-tuned blades that are highly productive. But anglers can take modern technology a step higher by fine tuning the application of those baits.
 
       All rattle baits are not equal when it comes to frequency. Neither are all spinnerbaits, crankbaits, plastic worms or topwater lures. Different styles produce different frequencies. And it does make a difference, especially when fish are less aggressive. Just as anglers change colors to increase productivity, changing frequencies can also be the ticket to more fish in the livewell. Even a change in retrieve speed can create a change of pitch, causing fish to react more favorably.

        While most of us may never understand all the complex implications of baits and frequencies, still we can benefit from a practical application of the subject. The next time you or your fishing buddy are trying to duplicate the success of the other by matching baits, look beyond just the color of the bait in question. Take a closer look at that part of the bait that is responsible for producing sound (the blade of spinnerbaits, the tail of a plastic worm, the rattle and chamber size of rattle baits). But don’t expect any shortcuts. Frequency, as it relates to bass fishing, is virtually untamed territory. And those who benefit most will be those who pioneer countless experiments on the unique conditions they face on their favorite fishing waters. Experiment and keep records of what worked under various conditions. Eventually you will begin to see certain patterns emerge that will lift your approach to a higher plane.
 
       As fish continue to grow more educated because of increased fishing pressure, anglers must constantly search for new tricks to fool them into striking lifeless presentations. While sound is not the only answer, it is another stimulus fishermen can use to fine tune their techniques. In fact, when you begin looking at baits and grouping them according to frequency, it opens up a completely new chapter in modern bass fishing; one that can certainly give you the edge on both the fish and your fishing buddies.    

Loy Milam is a Coast Guard Charter Boat Captain and licensed Kentucky/Tennessee fishing guide, web site www.loymilam.webs.com