Bass Fishing Basics
You set off early in the morning
for a day of bass fishing. As you reach the bank of your
favorite fishing spot, your eyes rest on a tranquil pool
a few feet from shore where reeds bend in the early
morning breeze. As the sun rises, you cast your line
into the reeds. Is this the day that you are going to
catch the granddaddy of all bass?
Bass is the name shared by a wide range of fish species
that are game fish. The sunfish family includes
bluegills, spotted bass, pumpkinseed fish, largemouth,
small mouth and rock bass. These bass are known as warm
water or black bass. The striped bass, white bass and
white perch are temperate bass. Bass are popular with
both casual and tournament anglers.
The trick to successful bass fishing is to know where to
find them. Bass can be found in lakes, ponds, rivers and
streams. They tend to lurk in areas where bait fish are
plentiful.
Lakes
Natural lake bass fishing can range from mediocre to
very successful. In southern areas, shallow lakes are
the natural habitat of whopping largemouth. They glide
through reedy and weedy areas close to shore. Northern
natural lakes often contain a wide variety of landscape
formations, such as holes, humps, rocky bluffs, natural
reefs, islands and reedy or weedy areas. Bass hang out
here, but are not as plentiful in these lakes because
the water doesn't contain the algae and plankton that
they like to feed on.
Rivers
Rivers are great places to fish for bass. Oxygen
levels in rivers tend to be the same from the surface to
the river bed. Water temperatures in rivers tend to be
more moderate and isn't as cold in winter or as warm in
summer as water in lakes. Bass can be found just outside
of the current's direct flow and on the downstream side
of fallen trees, logs, stumps and weed beds. If there
are boulders or logs in the direct current flow, that's
where you will find largemouth bass lurking. It's very
easy for them to feed in areas like this, as the current
carries the food along. Bass tend to lurk around river
bends and any floating cover they might find. Bottom and
surface fishing will make your fishing excursion a great
success. Streams
Most anglers do not fish for bass in streams and
this can be a huge mistake. Smallmouth bass tend to lurk
in the cooler water of streams, especially below fast
moving rapids, in holes, on the bottom and along steep
banks and bluffs. Areas that are undercut by erosion are
the perfect place to find bass because they provide good
hiding spots, as are areas around large rocks and fallen
logs. Bass never stay in direct current flow, so cast
into tranquil pools, eddies and in reedy and weedy areas
and where objects break the flow of the current. Places
where bait fish congregate draw bass to the area. Below
a dam is an excellent place to fish for bass on an
extremely hot summer day or on a mild day in the fall.
Ponds
If you want to catch some big bass, don't count out
ponds. Bass tend to stay near shore around fallen logs,
rocks and in deep pools. Reeds and weeds are a natural
habitat for bass. If a pond draws a large amount of
anglers during the day try your luck at night. You might
be surprised at the results.
There are many factors involved when fishing for bass.
They tend to move with the season and water conditions.
Factors include water temperature, time of year, water
level, weather conditions, food availability, and amount
of sunlight.
Still fishing using night crawlers, minnows, insects,
insect larvae and other baits mentioned will bring good
results. Spinning or bait-casting with artificial lures,
trolling with live bait, or fly fishing are all very
successful methods when fishing for bass. If you are
using lures, you need a 5½ to 7 foot rod that will
compliment live bait or spin and bait casting. Your line
should be between six and ten pound-test. If you are
fly-fishing for bass, you will need a 7 to 9 foot fly
rod with a fast taper, fitted with a single action reel
that carries a floating # 7 to # 9 line with a 6 to 8
pound leader. If you plan on fishing for bass in reeds
or weeds, always use a weedless hook.
If you have problems finding bass or are stumped over
the tackle or technique you should use, seek out an
experienced angler. This could be a family member, a
friend or the staff of your local fishing shop.
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