Bass fishing tips and techniques

The first thing bass-catcher hopefuls need to know is the habits of the fish they are trying to catch. Knowing their habitat and meal times, plus the type of food they are probably looking for at a given time of day is one of the bass fishing secrets that help pile the pounds onto the daily catch.

Don’t be afraid to try some other ways of fishing, if you don’t like it you can at least say that you have tried it. On the other hand, you could just find that you catch more fish this way.

Trees, docks, creeks and channels all are good hiding places for bass, and fishing all angles of these areas can lure the fish out of hiding. Once the likes and dislikes of the bass are understood, there are four things that have to be right in order to become a successful bass angler. Knowing a few bass fishing secrets will help land more fish, but it will take lots of fishing practice to join the pro tour.

Four Rights Of Successful Bass Fishing

While some may consider these right as no-brainers, thinking back on the last few times the bass were left in the water at the end of the day, try to remember which of these items were ignored. The right bait, presented in the right manner, in the right location at the right time of day are essentially all the bass fishing secrets needed. Of course, flipping and working the bait will play into attracting the big fish, but no matter how well you work the bait, if the four rights of bass fishing are wrong, the fish won't leave the water.

Many believe the spinner baits are the gold standard for bass fishing and they will work well in many locations, on the lake, in rivers and streams, but there have been some large fish pulled in with fly equipment and live bait as well. Crank baits work for many anglers, but regardless of the bait, if the water isn't right and the bait is in the wrong area of the lake, river or stream all the bass fishing secrets in the world will not help the fish find a new home.

After considering the lures, there are still other factors to consider, chief of which is how you intend to cover the waters

in your fishing. Do you want to cover a smaller segment of water thoroughly or do you want to skim across a larger area as quickly as possible to find fishg. Worm baits are very effective and Bass are absolutely seduced by it. However, worm baits tend to be slower and are best in certain areas which will come with experience.

One main problem with learners fishing with a worm is that they do not realise that the worm does not have the ability to sense strikes. And the main reason for the inability to sense them is due to the fisherman using a sinker that is too heavy and a line that is too thick.

To overcome this predicament, a variable buoyancy worm using lead strip sinkers can be adopted. The advantages are:

• No moving lead on the line to dampen the feel of a gentle pickup Precise amount of lead can be applied to deliver the worm action needed Bass finds it easier to inhale the worm It helps in hook setting In snags, you can quickly shake yourself loose Worms can be hung virtually suspended over the bottom when fishing in shallow water.

To tell how much lead strip is needed, wrap one strip around the hook and bury the barb in the worm. Ease it into the water

and watch it sink, it should barely settle toward the bottom. If it sinks to fast, take some off, etc. Make sure to use no heavier than 8-pound mono line - preferably 6 pound.

How much lead strip do you need? Well, one tested way is to wrap one strip around the hook and bury the barb in the worm.

Now, gently ease it into the water and watch it sink. It should barely settle toward the bottom. If it sinks too fast, start

again by taking some off, etc. Use a mono line that is no heavier than 8-pounds - preferably 6 pound.

Spinner baits, by virture of its construction, can move more quickly across the surface. It can be bounced on the bottom,

against tree limbs and moved in many different ways in order to stimulate strikes. It is a great probing lure for the shoreline because of its tangle-free construction.

Lastly, Crank baits are great if you want to check out a spot without wasting too much time. They cover a lot of water in a hurrry and you can use them for locating fish that may be scattered.

The most important rule is this - make it easy for the Bass to get to the lure - no matter where you are fishing in. Drop that lure right in front of them! Scientists have proven that Bass can calculate the amount of energy it will take them to go after the prey and if they decide its too much effort, they won't bother.

The bottom line is this - discover and learn to use each type of lures and find what suits you. Once you find the right one for you, you will really find enjoyment in bass fishing!

Aside from considering the lures, the other important factor is to know the accurate time in going for bass fishing.

The Biggest Bass are definitely caught at dawn or dusk. Remember - bass love to prey at ambush spots, which seems to offer lots of cover for the baitfish. They like to hide, and then pounce on their prey.

These bait fish are most active in the dusk or dawn. When they feeding, the bait fish's guard is down and less aware of threats, So that is when the bass strikes. Fish during these times for the best chances of success.

When retrieving an underwater lure in poor light conditions, pull in the lure at a steady pace once it is set in motion. This makes it easier for bass to locate and grab it.

Although I mentioned that dawn or dusk is the best time to fish for bass, there is one exception. Don't bother trying when

the water is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature causes certain aquatics species to disappear, which in turn, nullifies the food chain feeding.

What kind of bass fishing boat should you get, and what size should it be? When you ask yourself these types of questions, first consider the bodies of water you'll be fishing in. If you're going to be fishing in larger bodies of water, your boat should be a least 19 feet long. If you're going to be fishing in smaller bodies of water, a boat with a small outboard motor and of smaller dimensions as well will be fine. In addition, your boat's material should be considered. Many of these boats are made from fiberglass or aluminum. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. If you're going to be fishing in a small lake, the aluminum boat is likely best.

You may want to go with a fiberglass boat if you want a smoother ride on larger bodies of water. Fiberglass is generally more expensive then aluminum but not in all cases. The fiberglass boats are sturdier than the aluminum and they will not be blown around with the wind as much. Before making your choice, be sure to way all the options and check the pros and cons of each type to make the best educated decision.

When fishing buzzbaits, I try to make persistent casts to an area. My favorite spots in early summer are channel bends, drops into channels with weedbeds nearby or directly on the drop-off. I cast the buzzbait over the weeds and bring it over the edge. Once it is in the channel, I rip it back. If I see any motion around the weeds, the drop-off or the point, I will continue casting until the bass finally blows up on the bait. Usually the fish you'll catch will be good-sized, often in the 6- to 9-pound range. Buzzbaits should be a major component of any angler's arsenal. Before heading out to your favorite pond or lake, be sure you have a selection of quality buzzbaits that run smooth, loud and straight. However, the key to buzzbait fishing is buzzin' it and believing it will catch fish.

I cast the buzzbait over the weeds and bring it over the edge. Once it is in the channel, I rip it back. If I see any motion around the weeds, the drop-off or the point, I will continue casting until the bass finally blows up on the bait. Usually the fish you'll catch will be good-sized, often in the 6- to 9-pound range.

Tips

Instead of running off on your own, try to fish with buddies who's fishing skills you envy. Or hunker down near a few total strangers and pick their brain while you're all casting and reeling. And while you're not talking, do some watching as well. Observe their techniques. Check out what equipment they use. And watch what kind of fish they're catching.

Remember that jig fishing demands lots of concentration.

Fish jigs slowly during all seasons, but extremely slow in cold water.

As a rule, smallmouth bass tend to prefer hair jigs while largemouths are more often taken on the bulkier rubber jugs.

To improve your feel and maintain your maximum pounds of hook setting pressure, use a fast action medium-heavy to heavy rod in the 6 1/2 foot or even longer lengths.

Jigs are excellent night-fishing lures. Many fishermen use a heavier jig at night, one that can be fished on stouter tackle, even in clear water.

When bass aren't hitting more attention-getting lures such as rattling crank baits, a jig fished in or close to cover is often the answer to getting bass to strike.

Keep your hooks sharp. Sharp hooks penetrate more easily and they're harder to dislodge.The type of reel you use affects the type of fishing you will be doing. Reels are designed for different purposes and produce different effects on the lures and bait that you use. If you are fishing large plugs and bait style lures, which are commonly used with bass fishing, a baitcasting (or levelwind) reel is probably what you're looking for. These reels don't produce too much action in the lure, and allow very accurate casting control. Spinning reels on the other hand are designed to transfer action into the lure from the reel, and are used commonly with trolling, and casting spoons and spinner type lures.

Some simple bass fishing tips can include casting past schools of fish and then gently retrieving the lure as it passes over the fish. This methods will not startle the wish against casting the lure directly over the fish which will. You might want to practice some different types of casts; take the hooks and lures off and try some in the backyard or your living room. Use an underhand cast or sidearm cast to get past some cover in the lake; these will need some practice as well. Some of the best bass fishing tips should tell you how to practice these casts until you're comfortable with them.

Common mistakes made when winterizing a boat. As already stated, while several of these concern boats on salt water, others apply equally to all boats.

* Failure to winterize the engine.

* Failure to drain water from sea strainer.

* Failure to close seacocks: For boats left in the water, leaving seacocks open over the winter is like going on extended vacation without locking the house.

* Clogged petcocks. Engine cooling system petcocks clogged by rust or other debris can prevent water from fully draining.

* Using bimini covers as winter storage covers. Unlike a bonafide winter cover, biminis tend to rip apart and age prematurely by the effects of winter weather.

Remove all water from the water system, from pumps, heater, bilge, outdrive and engine.

* Make sure that engine blocks, manifolds, heat exchangers, water tanks and heaters are drained completely and flushed with -50 or -100 RV/Marine anti-freeze. Put your boat's drain plug in a place where you can find it next spring!

* Water heaters, ice makers and air conditioners need special attention. When pumping out the toilet system, add -50 RV/Marine anti-freeze.

* Change the gear oil in outdrives or lower units to make sure no water is present and refill with fresh gear oil. Grease all fittings.

* Fog the engine with fogging oil to prevent internal corrosion. Pirko recommends that you add the appropriate amount of fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank for fresh starting in the spring. It is best to store the boat either with an empty tank or almost full tank to prevent water condensation, he adds.

* Mildew prevention bags and dehumidifier pots will help keep the boat interior fresh and dry. Leave cabinets open. Remove and take home your boat batteries. Store in a warm and dry place,.Remember to fish the windblown points and flats in the afternoon, after the sun has warmed the water back up a bit. Doing this can load the boat if you hit the right spots. Chunk a spinnerbait or Rat-L-Trap along these windy sections and hang on! Shiners can actually be steered under vegetation to exact points where you want to be. When casting live bait, remember the object is to get them to the fish in perfect condition. Underhand pitching or side arm casting prevent hard impact with the water, thus helps to keep all the scales intact. Scales that are knocked off leave white spots on your bait that can be seen under water as well as makes your bait weak. Take the time to hit your target the first time without repeated casts. Just remember you are not fishing with artificial bait, so let the shiner sit and do his job.

Handling live bait can be very important. Water temperature should make slow changes, if any, from the time shiners are placed in live well, until they reach destination to be fished. Plenty of oxygen must be provided also. Bass rarely hit bait that can't run away from them.The Flip-Cast; use your wrist, NOT your arm.

. Concentrate on the spot you want to hit, not on what you want to miss.

. Use plenty of scent when trying to penetrate thick cover - it acts as a lubricant.

. Stick to basic jig colors (black/blue, brown/brown, black/chartreuse).

. Use a plastic worm with a glass bead between the worm and the weight for inactive fish.

. If you think it's a strike, reel down until your rod is in a hookset position before you check.

. A strike is anything different (something you wouldn't feel in a bathtub!).

. Tighten your drag all the way down for better hooksets.

. Use 17 to 25 pound test line for bait casting gear, 10 to 14 pound test on spinning (for flipping finesse baits).

In order to establish a pattern it is essential you understand how a bass lives in its environment. Knowing where the bass can be found at any given time or place is something you must develop. Always go fishing with a plan in mind.

Remember that every fish you catch can reveal clues on how to catch another. After establishing a pattern, realize that when the action slows down in the area you were fishing, you can then search for more areas that would fill the same criteria. The first tip for better bass fishing is to use fishing line that's as light as you can. Many bass anglers tend to use fishing line that's much too heavy. I realize that if you fish for bass in heavy cover heavier line is necessary, but in most bass fishing situations it's not. For example, did you know that 8 pound test monofilament fishing line can hold 8 pounds of dead weight without breaking at its weakest point? This doesn't take into account the bend of the rod and the drag of the reel, which both take pressure off of the fishing line as well.

Most crankbaits are not considered weedless, often contact with weeds is needed to get that strike. When you hit the weeds use a ripping action to free it. A lot of great stikes will occur right after you rip away.

 

Fishing is a game of patience. That elusive monster we all want to land and brag about for the rest of our lives is what drives many of us on. But did you know it is virtually only one more cast away. When using bass fishing lures, put the hook deeper down through the plastic worm to eliminate the chance of a short-strike resulting in a broken worm. Make sure the fish will get hooked if they only bite two or three inches of the worm.Try this bass fishing techniques with the adjusted worm will provide better catches with the strikes.

Many late-model fishing boats are equipped with factory live wells; other boaters use five-gallon buckets or coolers to keep bait fish alive.

Unfortunately, the water in coolers and buckets must be changed frequently, or impurities, secretions and oxygen depletion will degrade water quality to the point that the bait dies. Moreover, there are species such as anchovies that won't live for five minutes without a constant source of "fresh" water.

Finally, don't beat up your bait by going too fast. Even moderate boat speeds across a short wind chop can quickly bruise the bait to the point that picky game fish will ignore your red-nosed or scale less offerings. And speaking of rough conditions, be sure to mount the tank securely, and in a location that does not compromise boat handling or seaworthiness.

If you decide to remove the line completely from a reel, you don't want to re-spool until you go fishing again next spring as line memory makes it harder to cast. Another school of thought that may save a little time and money is to not remove all of the line, leaving some "backing," or a permanent length of line on the reel. This way, you don't have to replace all of the line every year. To leave the correct length of backing, make one long cast and then cut the line.

Then tie the lure or weight on and make a second long cast, cut the line, and repeat this process one more time. Now that you've gotten about three cast-lengths of line removed from the reel, you're ready to tie your new line onto the end of the backing line. No matter which route you go, try to recycle your discarded fishing line. Use Kalin's 3-inch Salty Lunker grubs in rivers and streams to catch big smallmouth. Fish them in weeds and rocks.

When you are fishing for the summer bass, although you may not think it, the more stained the water the better off you are going to be.
You want to cast the bait towards the shore and make sure that you aim where the water meets the bank. This is one of the best summer bass fishing tips that you will ever get.

Season - Most fish are more likely to bite willingly during seasonal transitions with the transition from winter to spring and summer to fall being the two best fishing times. Now that you know that moon phase fishing really works, there's no reason why you shouldn't utilize this knowledge to increase your own fishing catch by being at the ready with your rod during the best fishing times available. It's easy and it works!Live bait to use for smallmouth bass. Crayfish, also known as crawfish, crawdads, or crabs, or soft shell crabs are the number one live bait to catch smallmouth bass in the river.

You want to use smaller crayfish 1"to 1 1/2" hooking the crawdad up through the tail. Bass tend to shy away from larger crayfish due to their larger pinchers. Shiner minnows are also good hook through both lips.The problem I have with minnows is that the perch will bite them but that's ok if your after perch. Artificial baits are plastic worms, jigs, spinner baits and lures and metal spoons. There are way too many to list and I am sure you have tried many yourself. One advantage to artificial is they are clean and don’t smell. But to make them work well, you must make them act like live bait. The use of high tech gadgets is sometimes the best thing around when fishing for bass. This will make sure the person is in the right spot instead of doing the hit or miss process that will make the competition get ahead in this sport.

The deeper the spot you are fishing might require a heaver split shot sinker. Depending on how the bass are biting its important to keep a good feel of the line if the bass are finicky.When the bass are biting good they will take the bait hard,set the hook and your off to the races and spectacular jumps. Spinrite: style baits have a marabou attractor on the hook, often a brilliant color such a chartreuse. They are best fished by slow-reeling the lure so it crawls just off the bottom. Often the fisherman cannot reel slowly enough to provide the right action. The super-slow retrieve is deadly in deep, cold water.Schooling bass are often just out of casting range.They normally eat craw-fish, minnows, worms, insects, frogs and so on. If fishermen learn such things on bass, together with their feeding and mating habits, fishing would be much easier and more fun.