“A fish also uses its lateral­-­line system to determine the direction and distance to the source of a sound, sometimes with startling accuracy, and to orient itself in a current or position itself among waves. Experiments have shown that certain fish can detect and catch prey within 10 to 20 feet by using their lateral­-­line system.”

Release Trout Bead Head Pupa SBBx

“A fish’s lateral line picks up nearby or near­-­field (within 20 to 30 feet or so) low­-­frequency sound caused by water movement and turbulence, which can be caused by currents or breaking waves, by movements or activity of other animals, or by movements of the fish itself. The lateral­-­line system is extremely accurate when the sound is within 5 feet or so. The ability to sense sound through the lateral­-­line system is sometimes referred to by scientists as a “distant touch” sense.” (Source: FlyLifeMagazine)

The above sensory magic of the lateral lines points to the need for obvious stealth when wading, rowing, kicking, paddling toward an area in search of fish.