Stop-and-Go Fishing Technique Explained

The Stop-and-Go retrieve is a versatile and effective fishing technique that mimics the erratic movement of injured or struggling baitfish — a behavior that often triggers instinctive strikes from predatory fish like halibut, striped bass, and surf perch.

How It Works

Cast Out: Cast your lure (often a jerkbait, swimbait, spoon, or jig) into likely holding water, like troughs, drop-offs, or near structure.

Retrieve and Pause:

Retrieve the lure with a steady pace for a few feet.

Then pause — stop reeling completely for 1–3 seconds.

Resume reeling or twitch the rod tip and repeat the pattern.

Vary the speed and length of each stop to find what triggers a bite.

Why It Works:

The pause allows the lure to flutter, sink, or wobble, appearing injured or vulnerable.

Predators often strike right after the pause, when the lure begins to move again — just like they'd hit a wounded fish trying to escape.

When to Use Stop-and-Go

Target Species: Halibut, striped bass, surf perch, rockfish.

Lure Types:

Conditions:

  • Clearer water where fish rely on sight.

  • Low-light conditions like dawn and dusk.

  • Over sandy or mixed bottom with occasional structure.

Pro Tips

  • Rod tip control: Use short jerks or lifts during the “go” phase for a more erratic action.

  • Slack line awareness: During the “stop,” maintain tension to feel subtle bites — halibut often inhale a bait softly.

  • Bottom bounce: For halibut, let the bait touch bottom during the stop, then lift off again. This simulates a wounded baitfish bouncing off sand.