Techniques and apparatus are provided for downhole monitoring of an artificial lift system, such as a reciprocating rod lift system, in an effort to enhance production from the system. In aspects, a method for controlling a rod pump used to produce fluids from a wellbore is provided. The method generally includes monitoring one or more downhole parameters in the wellbore and adjusting one or more pump parameters used to control the rod pump based, at least in part, on the monitored downhole parameters.