What Is Bass Fishing?
“Fishing for bass can be very tricky business, in this article I focus on some of the things that you should keep in mind if you are to have any success in with your fishing.” (“Successful Bass Fishing – Some Tips To Ensure Success”) Bass hunting is a quite common and popular type of fishing. Majority of bass fishing are found in both freshwater and saltwater. They are also available through ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and creeks. (“Bass Fishing”)
“Once you have the basics that regard to the conditions and locations where bass are most likely to be, then you stand a good chance when fishing for them.” (“Bass Fishing”)
“Many factors influence the location of bass; this may include water conditions, weather, water levels, light and the availability food.” (“Bass Fishing”)
These are some of the three major elements that must be present in a body of water so that bass can survive: oxygen, food, and cover. (“Bass Fishing”)
The most favorite meal for bass is crawfish, they prefer this to shad. Crawfish are normally available in large numbers, and they are an easy catch for Bass. Despite of this, bass normally feed on anything ranging from mice, ducklings, rats, frogs, snakes, salamanders, lizards, worms, grub, the baitfish, the insects, and even leeches. This rare ability of the fish feast on anything is what makes majority of people to enjoy fishing bass. (“Bass Fishing”)
“Oxygen is the other key factor in locating the bass fish.” (“Bass Fishing”) The rule the old law here is that the cool the water temperature, the higher the content of oxygen. This means that suppose you are fishing in the summer, early fall, or spring, large bass are likely to drop down to the lower areas of the lake to find cooler and oxygen rich water. (“Bass Fishing”)
They are also more likely to swim in areas rich in vegetation so that they can locate better sources of oxygen. (“Bass Fishing ,How to increase your odds of getting that …”) (“Bass Fishing ,How to increase your odds of getting that …”) “Wind-blown banks, stumps, Trees, and power plants are all excellent sources of oxygen that will attract the bass fish.” (“Bass Fishing”)
“The bass fish depend on cover as a way of protection and means of ambush.” (“Bass Fishing”) Cover is a very essential part of bass survival. Basses are notoriously known as a lazy fish; this means that they hide and lay in wait for their victim to come.
Another reason for cover is that because the bass fishes are devoid of eyelids and the cover is their way of preventing blindness. Some of the most commonplace area that bass seek for cover includes formulated wood structures such as docks, pilings, and fabricated wood structures. They are known to hide beneath floating wood pieces decomposing wood. (“Bass Fishing”)
The second ideal location to fish for bass is in the weeds. Rocks are also a good place that bass seek for cover. But rocks are not that much dependable as weeds can be or wood, bass also enjoy feeding on decomposing pieces of wood within rocks. But because rocks do not yield oxygen, they are not that much dependable. (“Bass Fishing”)
In fishing, each person has his own opinion, in most cases these opinions range from source to location. There are some bass fishing lures and baits which are much suggested for bass fishing because they could be extremely useful if you have not tried them. (“Bass Fishing”) An example is the 7-inch colored Tequila worms with additional scent are recommended, and Rebel wee-Rs. Hellgrammites are touted as the best of them all live baits, some people are of the opinion that you do not necessarily require big baits to attract big basses. Most people will advise you to tie up to a bank, or locate a dock to get closer, but then this is an art that cost you many years to perfect. (“Fishing News And Reviews: 05/09”)
Basses are well known for their slow movement and the absence of distance in their movement. That means that you could sit thirty feet from the largest bass in your entire life and he will not rush for your bait simply because of laziness. Locating the perfect spot is a big challenge and most fishing will therefore depend on sheer luck. (“Bass Fishing”)
“The only thing you can control is locating the ideal spot that bass may be and be a bit patience.” (“Bass Fishing”) The weather is also a crucial factor in getting bass as well. Cloudy days better than those clear summers. But remember that overcast is always ideal for water temperatures, but then you may have to decide whether you are determined to sit throughout to catch bass. The determining factor when it comes to bass fishing is that you can only do your best with your available knowledge. (“Fishing News And Reviews: 05/09”)
Tools Of the Trade
Tools Of the Trade Having the right equipment, knowing how to best use it, when and how, (also how not to use it and what it is not suitable for), can all help you in your bass fishing adventure. (“Become A Bass Fishing Pro With These Selected Tips – PLR …”)
The basics regarding rods, reels, line, hooks, weights, bobbers, sinkers, lures, sensors, and other equipment (hats, vests, nets, scents, scissors etc.), gives you an appreciation for having the right tools for the task(s) at hand. (“How To Become A Bass Fishing Pro”)
As a highly participatory and engaging sport, Bass fishing is simply almost unparalleled in the vast number of styles and tools to use. From quiet streams, tranquil lakes to open sea and rushing rivers – there is something for everyone. (“Blogger – ssddd”)
If you are looking for quick tips on the right equipment, most suited to your purpose and the techniques to master to catch bass in any conditions, might this next section enlighten and inspire you, as you delve right into the ‘utilities of the fishing trade’. Some tools of the bass fishing trade, we will be focusing on are: (“How To Become A Bass Fishing Pro”)
* Rods, Reels, Lines and Hooks
“* Tackle: Lures and Bait – live – artificial and, or, BUT YET…” (“How To Become A Bass Fishing Pro”)
Limited space does not permit large comparative explanations or ramblings on the merit of some tools above certain others. These debates are well known and well published in existing literature. We take a more practical approach and look at what you will need to hook your next big one, besides random chance and luck! We like to point out that picking the right equipment means a lot of different things to different people. (“Blogger – ssddd”)
Each angler has his/her own interpretation of what that means, varying skill level, physical characteristics, and strengths/weaknesses, so we will not profess knowing what is right for you. What we do offer are mere suggestions on which tools will stack the odds in your favor and help you enjoy preparing, rigging, baiting/hooking, retrieving, and landing YOUR next BIG ONE! Ensuring that is does not join the droves of ‘the ones that got away’ (“Blogger – ssddd”)
Bass Fish
“Several fish species that are being caught in the bass fishing events are the following:” (“BASS FISHING FACTS AND MORE”)
- Micropterus salmonids (Lakeweed) – Largemouth Bass
- Micropterus dolomieui – Smallmouth bass
- Micropterus punctatus – Kentucky Bass
“Other species of Micropterus are also caught but one that remains popular is the Largemouth bass.” (“BASS FISHING FACTS AND MORE”) However, it should be emphasized that Australian Bass are different from the above North American Bass variants although most share similar features.
“The most robust success of Bass Fishing was in the 1950s.” (“BASS FISHING FACTS AND MORE”) The popularity of the game during this period is the springboard to the development of modern fishing equipment from bass boats, rods, lines, lures, and various fishing gears.
Electronic gears were also incorporated among the host of equipment bass fishers used at that time. Reels of diverse types, which function in hauling and hoisting, were also created. (“Bass Fishing Facts and More”)
The contribution of bass fishing industry to the US economy records $50 to $70 Billion and the number continues to grow. Statistics show that the audience base of this sport is increasing and that more people are getting interested in it compared to tennis and golf. (“BASS FISHING FACTS AND MORE”)
Knowing And Going Where the Fish Are!
Bass defined: A fighter, ever-elusive, choice gamefish, predator by nature and reputation, the one sought-after, prized hook, catch, reel-in and land, of many an aspiring angler. (“Fish – Kids, Animals – Kids, eBooks & NOOK | Barnes & Noble®”)
How to catch Bass AND then catch more, larger bass, more often, in more places, with more consistency, having a pro-active plan and approach, stacking the odds in your favor to succeed, catching more fish, and enjoying the process, is what this basic guide is all about. (“Bass Fishing 101 How To Catch The Next Big One”)
The hunter becomes the hunted – learn how a slight change in your paradigm, thinking and approach can lead to bass-angling success! Start thinking like the watery hunter, become and understand the bass as a hunter. Observe, learn, follow, study, and use its natural habit, preferences, patterns, habits, prey, and choice of food, in your angling-strategy, and you will have some interesting fish-tales to tell. (None of them tall tales of course, we hope!) … and yes, we may even learn something from the ones that get/got away! (“Bass Fishing 101.pdf – Bass Fishing 101 How To Catch The …”)
“So, without further ado, let us get our rods and reels going…” (“Bass Fishing 101”)
If you were told that, there is one species of fish that most would describe as toughminded, smart, outwitting and elusively hard to catch, then it the Bass – in all its shapes, sizes, iterations, and sub-classes. (“Lets Fish”)
It rings true, no matter what the context, body of water, special and or any situation or condition, regardless of secrets, tips, proven science, technique, and intent in the world! Bass fishing is challenging and rewarding at the same time. To ensure hours of countless pleasure, follow the pointers (and add some of your own here too!) provided here, for Bass fishing 101 and be ready to hook the next big one… repeatedly, and be able to ENJOY it too! (“Bass Fishing 101.pdf – Bass Fishing 101 How To Catch The …”)
Techniques for Bass fishing like a Pro
The art of accurate casting
Mastering basic casting is key. Most spinning and bait-casting reel and rod combinations today, are made for hassle-free, ease-of-use flexibility by a variety of anglers (multi-level at that too!)
Try to eliminate errors from your basic style and technique. Skill and accuracy should matter more than strength and it is not always about getting it as far out, as fast as you can (although this might be important in certain situations and circumstances too!) (“Blogger – weew”)
Casting, getting your line/hook/bait, sinkers, weights, and leaders into the water, at the exact right depth, imitating ‘prey’, and doing so with extreme, pin-point accuracy, is what this is all about. Hitting your target with confidence is a basic skill to master and refine. Getting the hook out to exactly where you wanted it to be, what you should practice and work for. (“Simply Fishing”)
Casting is one part of this process, getting the lure to the right depth quite another. Advanced bass anglers suggest using a countdown OR counting method. (“Blogger – ewwr”) Quite simple really. From the moment the bait hits the water, start counting, 1000, 1000 and 1, 1000 and 2, 1000 and 3… estimating the seconds it will take for it to ‘drop’ into the water. This will help you know better what you are doing, when it hits the bottom for example, whether it got caught on something in the process etc. YOU establish reference points for yourself on and in the water. (“Blogger – ewwr”)
Firsthand and rod in-hand is the best way. Practice-plugs in the park, or your own backyard (be it on ‘dry land’, so to speak), will make you that more effective and accurate, in and on the water, no matter what the body of water, or style of fishing you choose to pursue. Whether spinning, bait casing or fly-rodding, there is something for every taste. Even missed targets, attempts and failure, are also good teachers, as this technique is somewhat of a routine you can master and learn. (“How To Become A Bass Fishing Pro”)
Mistakes And Secrets to Bass Fishing!
As we have discovered throughout these pages, there is a lot more to bass fishing than meets the eye. Once you are familiar with the species, different bodies of water, different and sophisticated fishing and angling equipment and accessories, as well as familiarizing yourself with habits, patterns and nature, behavior, natural diet, and preferred foods, mastering some basic skills like preparation, presentation, tackle, bait, and lures, casting accuracy, knots, hooks and the intricacies and complexities in retrieval and landing, the journey has but started. (“Blogger – sdsss”)
There is so much more to explore and learn about and through the activity, sport, art, and competitive science that is bass fishing, that we can almost say no more than the water await and let us go! (“Blogger – asadad”)
Although, there are some last thoughts we can offer on some of the more common casting mistakes. These ‘errors’ are well-documented in existing literature and easily overcome, to optimize your bass fishing experience and haul. (“Blogger – asadad”)
Here are but a few issues most beginners struggle with:
(1) overshot lure with too much power in the initial cast and the line release not slowed, or (“Blogger – asadad”)
(2) the lure falling short or being too light, with the line being release too early during the cast and or the rod held too high after the line was released.
(3) lure landing too hard, due to the release at too low of an angle and not arching enough in the air, and
(4) inaccurate casting (the most common) – missing the mark, where the lure goes off-course with too much side-to-side action/motioning of the rod while casting. “Practicing reel and line control, as well as the overhead cast might help.” (“Blogger – asadad”)
Lots of texts (like the Dorling Encyclopedia mentioned earlier, pg. 212-213), suggests thinking of ‘casting’, compared to the movement of the arms on a clock-face, beginning in the two o’clock position, pushing back to around the noon-position and back to the two again, with the rod slightly lowered as the lure drops deeper into the water. For most beginners this ‘visualization’ often helps refine technique.
Best Wishes, Coy
SEE TOMORROW: “The Thrilling Quest For Smallmouth”
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