If you've done any bass fishing, then you'll already know that it's not as simple as just putting a line in the water and waiting for them to bite. One of the best things about bass fishing is that it requires skill and patience to be successful. So it's important to put as many factors in your favor as possible, so that you have the best chance of catching a bass. Let's take a look at a few tips for successful bass fishing.
The weather matters! In the cooler weather, such as early spring and fall, bass are much more responsive to top water lures. They're also more likely to be found in shallow water, such as along the shoreline where there are overhanging trees. When it gets hotter, though, bass retreat to deeper, cooler holes, and you need a change of strategy. Basically you need to dredge the bottom, and use something like a plastic worm to get the bass to respond.
Time of day is also important, with dawn and dusk the best times to catch the biggest bass. Look for ambush spots where bass might be lurking in wait for baitfish. They like to pounce on their prey, and these bait fish are most active early morning or evening. This method works best when the water is warmer, above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, because a lot of baitfish aren't active in cooler temperatures.
The quality of the water you're fishing in makes a difference to your bass fishing tactics too. In muddy water, for example, bass use their sonar to locate food. So choose lures that vibrate well and perhaps make some noise. In clear water, though, bass are very cautious and wary of anything unusual. So you need light lines, and lures that closely resemble local food sources. Spinners can work, but you may find a black spinner blade will reduce the flash and be more successful.
In normal water quality, with some algae and plankton to filter out sunlight, most types of lures can be used. It's often a good idea to set up three outfits, using a different lure for each one, to see which one is working the best. For example, you could use a deep diver on one, a surface lure on the next, and a plastic worm on the third.
A large survey of bass fishing enthusiasts found that the plastic worm was considered the most effective lure by a big margin, so when in doubt, try a plastic worm and see what happens. It's also good to talk to local fishermen if you're not familiar with the area, and ask them what they recommend. Most bass fishing enthusiasts are happy to find another enthusiast to swap stories with.
Every bass fisherman dreams of catching more bass. Even the pros share this sentiment with the rest of us. But for the beginner, it is a little different. As a beginner, you can and will catch more bass with plastics. Fishing with plastic lures is one of the easiest techniques to learn. There are a few things to know that will help you have more success along the way.
Shapes Plastic lures come in a variety of shapes. Everything from frogs to crawfish, worms and even smaller fish is available. To have a well rounded tackle box, you need to have a wide variety of different shaped plastics at your disposal. The one you use in any given situation should match what is naturally fond in the area you are fishing. For instance, you should not fish a snake lure in a lake where snakes are not a natural inhabitant.
Colors There are just as many colors available as there are shapes. The color of the plastic you choose can be very important. Every angler has a favorite that works for them, so you just need to find the one that works for you. The basic rule of thumb is that when the water is stained, a brighter color may work better. A darker color may work better when the water is clear.
Technique The most important thing though is how you present that plastic. What you want to do is make the lure act in a natural manner. If fishing with a bait fish plastic lure, it should be retrieved in a way that makes it look like a swimming or injured minnow. When fishing with a plastic worm, a simple twitch of the rod tip will elicit strikes from aggressive bass.
By a wide margin, the most commonly used plastic lure is the worm. Plastic worms are simple to use and easy to rig. They come in various lengths from about 7" to 11"and can be rigged with or without weight.
A plastic worm should be retrieved with a "lift & fall" retrieve. Simply put, this means you cast it out, reel in some line, raise the rod tip a little (from 10:00 to 12:00) to lift the worm, and then let it fall back down naturally. Most bass will hit on the fall, so you need to pay attention to your line and feel the strike through the rod. This technique will help you take more bass from the middle of the water. Don't worry; you'll know when you get a strike.
When weather is a little warmer, bass will go deeper to find cooler water temps. During the summer, the use of a drop shot type rig can boost your success greatly. A drop shot style rig is easy: tie the hook about 18" from the end of the line. On the end of the line, tie a small weight like a 3/8 ounce or ½ ounce sinker.
What happens here is that the weight sits on the bottom and the plastic worm floats about a foot and a half above, kind of like waving in the breeze, so to speak. The "lift & fall" retrieve is still the preferred. Try a few different retrieves to see what works for you.
You can catch more bass with plastics and give more meaning to your fishing excursions when you master the basics.
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Stephen Dolan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acupuncture Chiropractor, Gardening and Ideas for Remodeling. Steve Dolan is an avid fisherman who loves to catch bass Click on to find top tips and tricks. For general boat fishing try. Stephen Dolan's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
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