From an early age we are taught to be quiet when fishing so as not to scare the fish. However, there are a bunch of lineside fishermen out there who swear banging on the bottom of the boat makes stripers, hybrids and white bass bite when things get slow.
This technique, known as drumming or thumping, is most often done with a steady rhythm using a rubber mallet, a rubber-tipped walking stick or even a pool cue. Guides and private fishermen alike say it works like a charm when downlining live bait in deep water. Fish you mark on the graph that won’t eat or fish suspended in sunken timber are likely candidates.
There are several theories for why drumming might work, but none of them explain why the technique works on some waters and not on others. It has been said hatchery-raised fish equate drumming with feedings at the hatchery. Another theory is the vibrations are interpreted as struggling baitfish.
Whatever the reason, causing a commotion sometimes draws attention from predatory fish. Bass lures are designed to be loud. Shark fishermen bang on the side of the boat while chumming. Many anglers believe in whipping the water with their rod tip. And just starting up the engine sometimes brings schooling fish up to the surface.
So next time you see fish on the graph but can’t make them bite, try drumming the bottom of the boat. It’s worth a try, especially if they’re not biting anyway.
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