Bass fishing can be as
basic as using live minnows from the bank, or it can be as involved
as using rods and reels and fishing from boats.
Lures for Bass Fishing:
Bass can be caught on the same live
bait rigs as crappie, but most bass anglers prefer using
artificial lures.
Spinnerbaits are a
year-round lure for bass. To get started, pick spinnerbaits in
white and chartreuse, ranging in size from ¼-ounce to ½-ounce.
Fish spinnerbaits in shallow water close to cover. It’s hard to snag
a spinnerbait on cover, so fish as close as you can to objects in
the water.
Crankbaits are a good
choice to fish in water that has some cover but plenty of open
water. Crankbaits dive to specific depths, so cast beyond your
target and retrieve it at a medium speed.
Soft-plastic worms are
some of the most popular lures for bass. To Texas-rig a worm,
slide a bullet sinker on the line and tie a 2/0 or 3/0 hook to the
end. Thread the worm onto the hook and push the hook through the
side about a quarter-inch from the head. Pull the hook through until
its eye is buried in the top of the worm, then twist it and push the
point back into the body of the worm. Worms are almost snag-proof,
so they’re great for fishing around thick bushes and grass.
Rods, Reels & Tackle:
Most bass fishing is done with spinning rod-and-reel combos and
baitcasting rod-and-reel combos.
Use 6- to 10-pound test monofilament line on spinning rods, and use
lures that match the rod’s action. Most spinning rods are used for
lightweight lures, such as small spinners, crankbaits and
soft-plastics.
Use 10- to 20-pound test monofilament on baitcasting rods.
Baitcasting rods use heavier lures and are more comfortable to cast
and retrieve all day.
Top-water lures are an exciting way to catch bass during spring and
summer. Bass are some of the only game fish that hit top-water
lures.
Fishing Tips for Catching Bass:
Top-water fishing is exciting, but bass rarely hit a
top-water lure in the middle of the day unless the sky is filled
with clouds. Fish top-water lures early in the morning and late in
the evening.
Spinnerbaits are excellent lures on windy days, when small waves
cover the surface of the water. Spinnerbaiting in water with a slick
surface can be tough.
The packages of crankbaits will tell you how deep they will run.
Match the running depth of the crankbait with the depth of the water
you’re in. You want the bait to barely bump along the bottom and
trigger strikes.
When fishing a soft-plastic worm, keep contact with your lure and
watch your line at all times. If you feel slight tug or see the line
begin to move away from you, reel up any slack in the line and yank
back hard to set the hook.
VIDEO'S ON STRIPED BASS FISHING:
