First of all, bass fishing is very popular amongst the fishing community all over the world. This fish gifted many anglers with unique feelings and brought much joy to their hearts. The suspense to discover the right fishing spot and the tension while you have to fight the fish, are unique feelings.
Above all, the satisfaction you feel when you finally have the fish in your hands, cannot be described with simple words. Bass fishing is not difficult, but there are many traps you should definitely avoid and follow some specific guidelines. Unfortunately, we heard many wrong perceptions and ambiguities that must be clarified.
Bass fishing, in effect, has not some specialized steps to follow, because the fish changes its habits constantly. Thus, we decided to present detailed bass fishing tips in order to put you on the road of success.
A Few Words About Bass
Bass are fascinating bloodthirsty predators and they basically feed on different small fish, crayfish, worms, frogs and several insects. Until around the age of one, they live in shoals with other bass in order to find food easily. Afterwards, they live alone and hunt for food.
Undoubtedly, they are intelligent and quite strong, so we all fishermen struggle to fight them. You can find them all over the country in big lakes and estuaries. Furthermore, they love locations with lush vegetation where they like to hide from the hot sun.
It is important to mention that “bass” is not a single fish, but it is a family of fish species. Specifically, we are going to present the most common bass species which are largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. All three bass fish species are members of the black bass family.
They main differences between them are the size and shape.
#1 – The most efficient techniques for bass fishing
Now we will start analyzing the most essential bass fishing tips in detail. However, before that we would like to make some thing clear. The basic techniques for bass fishing are spinning, casting, trolling and match fishing.
If you are going to pursue bass by spinning you must use a fishing lure and you can fish from the shore or from a boat. For the casting technique you will need live bait and you can fish only from the shore. On the other hand, the trolling technique requires a boat or kayak and you have to drag a fishing lure through the water.
Moreover, it is equally important to mention that you can fish for bass by match fishing. This technique is carried out from the shore, but in this case you have to use a float in order to keep the rig several feet above the bottom.
We started with this tip because we think that the techniques are significant cornerstones. You must first learn the basics.
#2 – Which Tackle Should I use?
#Spinning: First and foremost, the spinning rod has an action weight of 10-30g. We describe as “action weight” the allowable weight of our rig in order to perform long and accurate casts. Generally speaking, it is the weight limit of our fishing lures.
The suitable length of the rod is 2.1m-3m and it should be definitely equipped with special vlog guides (eyes). If you are fishing for smallmouth or spotted bass, it would be a good idea to choose a rod with light action. For largemouth bass the suitable action is certainly medium.
Moreover, you should get a reel N.1500-3000 and if you want to secure your catch you should use mono or braided line 0.30mm 10lbs.
However, if you want to increase your opportunities to catch a bass, we recommend the use of fluorocarbon fishing line. This special line is absolutely invisible in the water and it is able to delude these clever creatures.
#Casting: Additionally, you should choose a casting rod 2.5-3.2m with cast weight 50-150g for the casting technique. The material of the rod plays definitely a significant role, when it comes to casting. Thus, you should select a carbon or fiberglass rod for extra durability and Castability.
It goes without saying that the reel N.3000-5000 should be a fixed spool reel loaded with mono line 0.40mm. Keep in mind that you have to use a 80g sinker and fluorocarbon leader lines.
#Match Fishing: Match fishing is a delicate technique so you will need a rod of the length of 3-4m with action weight 5-15g. The reel is N.1000-2000 fixed spool with monofilament line 0.25mm. Please do not forget the waggler (6+4).
#Trolling: As far as trolling is concerned, things are slightly different here. Firstly, you should get a multiplier reel loaded with 0.50mm monofilament line. Secondly, the rod should be 10lbs. and of course the leaders are only fluorocarbon lines of the diameter of 0.30mm.
These fishing tackle tips are the key of success. If you combine knowledge and appropriate fishing tackle, we can ensure you that you will catch a trophy bass.
#3 – Best bass lures
It goes without saying that you cannot catch bass easily. If the bass notices that the bait or lure is not real he will definitely overlook it and swim away. Consequently, manufacturers managed to develop some lures that are able to attract even the most lethargic bass.
Unfortunately, there is a misconception that only natural bait is effective for bass. After testing fishing lures and participating in many fishing discussion we came to the conclusion that they are more than effective. They could even replace natural bait.
#Spinnerbaits: These lure type is the most popular fishing lure. Spinnerbaits are, in effect, small hooks covered with colorful rubber threads. The multi-colored threads are able to attract bass.
Moreover, they are attached on an open pin which has a blade on the end. The blade has an oval shape and while you drag the lure through the water, it starts to spin and reflect light.
#Jerkbaits: Obviously, we recommend jerkbaits because they have a realistic appearance. They look similar to small fish, so it is an irresistible meal for bass. Most of them are “sinking” (type) because they have metal balls inside and are able to reach the bottom water column.
#Crankbaits: Every avid bass angler knows that crankbaits are the ultimate bass killer. They look like jerkbaits but they are smaller and have a round big belly. Equally important is the fact that you should pay attention at the lip of the lure.
Crankbaits with long lips can reach deeper water columns and touch the bottom. You can use them especially for bottoms with sand.
#Topwater: Finally it is summer, they sun is very hot and it is a nice day for bass fishing. If you are a summer bass fishing fan, you should definitely grab a topwater lure and go for bass. There is no need to use any other lure.
Poppers, lipless and buzzbaits should be in your fishing tackle box.
#4 – Natural Bait is the key of success
It is scientifically proven that bass prefer live baits. Natural baits are closer to their nutritional preferences because they not only look natural but also smell this way. The combination of action and smell are the major factors of bass fishing success.
The most difficult part here is to catch and store live bait. Fortunately, many local fishing tackle stores have live baits, so you can buy them directly there. For casting it would be ideal to use shads, minnows and worm.
On the other hand, for match fishing you will need maggots or small crayfish. If you want to catch your baits, you can use a fishing or cast net.
#5 – Seasons and fishing Hours
Bass is a multi-faceted fish and no matter the season you can fish all year long. However, you should keep in mind that during the winter, bass are lethargic and hypotonic. You can find them in deep waters and the most efficient technique is trolling of course.
Spring is the spawn period, so they approach shallow waters close to the rocks. This time span lasts from 15 March until 10 May.
Summer is the ultimate bass fishing season. If you want to find the best fishing spot, you should observe closely the water. Spots with hundreds of small fish (shoals) are the best, because there is definitely a bass lurking for fish.
Fall is a transitional time period, as you can find them both in shallow and deep waters. Bass are affected by the climate change.
Bass are active early in the morning and at dusk. However, we could mention that fishing hours do not play a significant role.
#6 – Play with the fish and tire it out!
Please pay close attention at this tip. It definitely deserves the first place on the bass fishing tips list. Once you have the fish on the hook, you do not have to land it immediately. The first thing you should do is to tire the fish out.
Bass tend to do abrupt movements and it can easily break the line. We highly recommend adjusting the brakes of the reel 1/3 of the max drag. You might think that the brakes are loose, but do not worry.
If the fish is hooked, there is no way to lose it.
Bass Fishing Records: When and Where
1932-> OFFICIAL WORLD RECORD- BASS 22.4LB.
In 1932, Mr. George Perry caught the biggest largemouth bass in Georgia!
1973-> 68 POUNDS BASS
Beryl Bliss was able to catch this really huge striped bass in Umpqua River
2006-> FOUL-HOOKED BASS-25.01LB
This could be a world record but the fish was foul-hooked. However the size is still incredible. Mike Winn found the bass in Lake Dixon.
2009-> WORLD RECORD- 22.5LB.
Manabu Kurita was the lucky angler who landed the 29in. huge bass in Japan.
2017-> Maybe you are the next!…
Conclusion
It goes without saying that bass fishing is a good opportunity to disconnect. Moreover, if you want to fight a big fish, bass will not disappoint you. Unfortunately, due to the requirements of this article, we cannot mention all bass fishing tips.
If we would do so, the list would never end. Finally, emphasis should be laid on the fact that it is not all about the knowledge. Good mood and tenacity are enough to bring you closer to a really big bass.
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