Twitch Retrieve for Bass Fishing – It’s about the Allure

Twitch Retrieve

Twitch is typically a rod retrieve, but not always and sometimes a reel retrieve all depending on how much if any slack line is introduced. Twitch is created with small, sharp rod tip movements (with or without slack line) imparting subtle lure actions.

Aliases and Comparisons:

Twitch vs Jerk Retrieve: Jerk retrieve is generally described as more power rod tip movement producing more erratic lure action.
Twitch vs Walk Retrieve: Walk retrieve is more similar with a jerk retrieve rod movement but with a surface contact lure.

Why is Twitch Retrieve Important?

Twitch retrieve, or twitching a rod tip, is important to:

Impart Subtle Lure Action: Twitch the rod tip is common for creating subtle lure action and as such a twitch retrieve produces a subtle return.
Fishing Speed: Some suggest twitching is a retrieve technique for fishing slow.
Bottom and Cover Contact: Generally considered for lures that come into some contact with bottom and cover typically introduced through pauses in the retrieve.

Additional Considerations

Initial Action: Generally, there is slack line to allow the lure to drop straight to the bottom prior to commencing the retrieve.
Secondary Action: Common to introduce a pause during the twitch retrieve. The twitch is often a secondary action to other retrieves.
Bottom Composition: Few pauses for soft bottom to keep the lure from getting compromised.
Lure Visibility: Twitch produces subtle lure action which is best seen and thus common for high lure visibility scenarios.