There is much to be said for book learning, regardless of your age and background. Books can give you a great foundation in any art or information that you happen to be learning. However, they are underestimated when it comes to fishing. Most fishing enthusiasts prefer to look on the Internet, ask friends or learn via trial and error than read a book that can help inform them of new techniques. Books are also fantastic sources of information in the way of hints and tips from the esteemed experts that write them.

As a result of the above, books are seriously under utilized. There are some absolute gems available out there that any enthusiastic bass fisherman or woman should read if they want to improve their chances of success. They are undoubtedly popular, but nowhere near as popular as they should be. Choosing one of the following books will give you a head start and give you the edge whether you are competing against your friends or in a tournament!

Largemouth Bass: Tournament-Tested Patterns for Catching Big Bass in Lakes, Rivers, and Reservoirs (The Freshwater Angler) by Creative Publishing International (Jan 1, 2001)

This book provides an excellent introduction to one of the most common varieties of bass to be found in America. It tells you literally everything hat you need to know in order to catch more bass, from where to find them to the techniques and equipment that should be used to catch more of them! All of the techniques that are outlined in the book have photos attached so you can see, step-by-step, what you should be doing. It was published in 2001 and so is a recent and relevant book, but it will stand the test of time because the information is so comprehensive!

Everyone can benefit from the information because it is so easy to understand and the techniques are easy to use as well. Whether you have never picked up a rod before or have been bass fishing with some success for years, you should read this!

Kevin Van Dam's Bass Strategies: A Handbook for All Anglers by Kevin Van Dam and Louie Stout (Jan 1996)

Kevin Van Dam is a skilled bass fisherman who just happens to be one of the best in the world. As such, his book does not disappoint! Van Dam aims this book at every bass fishing enthusiast at every level and means it to increase the knowledge of fishing for bass that everyone reading the book has. That is not to say that he patronises the most experienced of readers because he does not. He just tells it like it is!

Unlike most other bass fishing authors, he actually deals with every step involved with preparing for a day bass fishing and actually going out onto the lake. Hints and tips are given regarding tackle, weather conditions and water conditions as well as going into the tactics that have made him so successful at his sport over the years.

Everything is easy to understand and there is no prior knowledge needed! However, if you do not happen to like one of his tactics or strategies then simply move on to the next one - he gives various alternatives for you to practically try and see what works best. What more could you ask for from a respected bass fisherman and author?