Bass Fishing How to Catch the Next Big One

8/12/2019 Bass Fishing How to Catch the Next Big One

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Bass Fishing 101: How To Catch The Next Big One

Learn the Basics

Master and Optimize

YOUR personal tangle

with one of natures

most worthy champions and opponents

Play the anglers game of

condition, circumstance,

nowledge, opportunity and sill

!ynergize and !trategize"

!hape YOUR OWN PERSONA APPROACH

to catching Bass, #$% &'($ more, )igger, more often,

consistently and regardless of conditions, considerations,

and or interplay of other random factors

Plan to succeed* and YOU will+


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&his how to guide, will help, gie you )acground information,

handy tips and pointers to ponder, consider, try, master an!

($-OY"Ta"#e O$ Contents

1. .oreword / 0hat are we fishing for again1 &he &arget2 3Bass defined

2. 4ntroduction 5 6nowing and 7oing where the fish are 8 Locating, Luring and #c9uiring

the target

3. &he )asics of Bass .ishing 8 #n oeriew :;

&ools of the trade2 &acle, Boats, #ccessories, Lures and Baits

:?

0ater, 0eather, &iming and Other (nironmental #spect, .acets and@onsiderations for Bass .ishing

AA

&echni9ues for Bass .ishing lie a Pro

/:

4. Mistaes and !ecrets to Bass .ishing /?

5. !tyles and !pecialty Bass .ishing &echni9ues /5

6. .inal &houghts2 !ummary and @onclusions :

7. References #nd Other 'andy Boos On Bass .ishing;

#PP($%4C :2 Bass .ishing 7lossary /

2


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1. Fo%ewo%! & What A%e We Fishing Fo% Again' TheTa%get: ()Bass*+ ,e$ine!

0hateer the reason you had for picing up these pages, to learn

more a)out fishing, and game fishing, specifically with an all=time

angling faorite em)edded in the aptly titled2 Bass Fishing, 101:

How To Catch The Next Big One, you are sure to find a 9uenching

repriee+ !till your thirst for nowledge and any )ass fishing

pursuit, challenge or )attle, you will or might face in your

lifetime, right here+ &here is something for eeryone in this )oo"

4f your main interest, is improing your a)ility to catch Bass,

increasing, een stacing the odds in your faor of

succeeding time and again, eery time, in this angling e9uation

and any future eDpeditions you plan to undertae, then this )oo

has something of alue to offer you+

0hen you are on the hunt for Bass, nowing the )asics is lie the

life)lood of your strategy, )ringing your chances alie with eery

cast"

#L!O, discoer and deelop YOUR O0$ sportsman=lie, angling

style and character, while gradually )uilding your appreciation

and understanding of the great outdoors, as part of your fishing

eDperience+

Fly Fishing From Scratch.3
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0e present a practical approach to the intricacies and

compleDities inoled in this popular sport+ 0e hope that this is

captured well )y the short title2 Bass Fishing 101: How to Catch

the Next Big One+

Our focus, approach, aims and goals are simple 8 the )asis and

premise een simpler2 #ea%n the "asics- get the. %ight-

consistent#/- with si## an! .aste%/- an! the/ wi##

eent2a##/ #ea! /o2 to catching a## the Bass /o2 can

3ossi"#/ want o% han!#e4

0e prefer to get right to the topic and elements of our discussion

8 how to find and catch Bass" Basic yet detailed, the teDt is

written in such a manner, that it can )e put to use and wor for

you right away, without spending hours reading and wading

through pages of information, you do not need+

Most pu)lished wors and accomplished authors , depict Bass fishing as the ultimate angling

eDperience and 3&he Bass , as tough=

minded, unpredicta)le, with a strong surial instinct, great

awareness, sensingEsensors, that mae them the een and

effectie hunters they are+

&hese fish )enefit from natures gifts of powerful sight, hearing,

ast speed, maneuera)ility and een Fumping action moes, that

will hae you catch , your )reath* with awe,

eDcitement and eDpectation that is" #ll of this maes it possi)le

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for the Bass to lie up to its name and reputation, as one of the

GeDtremesH of the gaming fish populations and eery anglers

dream catch"

Part of the Percichthyidaefamily


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&hese fishes are all actie predators, warming to natural )aits

an!artificial lures+ Most anglers would suggest spinning or

trolling for freshwater fishing for Bass andspinning or fly=fishing for the smaller species+ !altwater

enthusiasts might also consider surfcasting, trolling or up=tide

fishing+

.ishing for and catching Bass, in arious waters across the glo)e,

has a proud history and tradition+ Most of us are too glad to get

da))ling in and form part of it, whether from )oat, shore, rocs

or rocs, riers, streams, laes or oceans+ 0e lie to tell our

mighty tales and contemplate how to change and modify, adapt

and or create new techni9ues, approaches to hoo smallmouth,

large=mouth, specled, spotted, striped and )lac )ass+ &o each

his own+ You pic your faorite+

6nowing how to tell a smallmouth from a large=mouth )ass,

striped from spotted and so on, is a ery )asic sill most anglers

master 9uicly+ Looing specifically at size and physical features

are good places to start+ &rain your eye to 3spot the differences,

so to spea+

&hey differ in size, marings and dorsal fins for eDample+ &heir

upper Faws are different in length and their dorsal fins are not the

same+ &he large=mouth has a spiny dorsal fin, highest in the

middle portion, with almost a distinct 3)rea, right )efore the

second set of dorsal fins start+ .or our friends the small mouth

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)ass, these fins are flatter, first and second are connected, with

distinct scales at the )ase of the second set of dorsal fins+

#part from nowing and telling your fish species apart, )y sightsand or physical characteristics, there are some general adice we

can propose right upfront+ (Dperiencing, treading lightly and

honoring nature, the great outdoors, a)iding )y the anglers code

, enironmental protection for

generations of anglers to come, and the lie are all

astly important in your angling endeaors+

!econd, maintaining an oerall alertness, what some call Greading

the watersH , )eing

generally, as well as specifically 3o)serant, arming yourself with

nowledge, sill and understanding of the fish, the species, the

enironment, and all other releant factors to your fishing actiity

and undertaings 8 paramount for successful process and

outcome+

&hird, , remain adapta)le, for

change is a B47 part of this enFoya)le outdoor actiity+ 4t is

definitely not for the faint of heart or the impatient among us"



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2. 5nt%o!2ction & 6nowing An! 7oing Whe%e The Bass

A%e

Bass defined2 # fighter, eer=elusie, choice game=fish, predator)y nature and reputation, the one sought=after, prized hoo,

catch, reel=in and land, of many an aspiring angler+

'ow to catch Bass #$% then catch more, larger )ass, more often,

in more places, with more consistency, haing a pro=actie plan

and approach, stacing the odds in your faor to succeed,

catching more fish an! enFoying the process, is what this )asic

guide is all a)out+

&he hunter )ecomes the hunted 8 learn how a small change in

your paradigm, thining and approach can lead to )ass=angling

success" !tart thining lie the watery hunter, )ecome and

understand the )ass as a hunter+ O)sere, learn, follow, study

and use its natural ha)it, preferences, patterns, ha)its, prey and

choice of food, in your angling=strategy, and you will hae some

interesting fish=tales to tell+


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elusiely hard to catch, then it the Bass 8 in all its shapes, sizes,

iterations and su)=classes+

4t rings true, no matter what the conteDt, )ody of water, specialand or an/situation or condition, regardless of secrets, tips,

proen science, techni9ue and intent in the world" Bass fishing is

challenging and rewarding at the same time+ &o ensure hours of

countless pleasure, follow the pointers


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fly=fishing, on ice, fresh and salt, deep and shallow waters, do so,

using all to your adantage, as you undertae your own Fourney

of the Bass"

Bass is )y far the most widely distri)uted fish in $orth #merica 8

sometimes due to the conenience of our mo)ility and fast=paced

society, geared for trael and transportation, Bass is within easy

reach , Large=mouths,

!mall=mouths, striped, spotted, )lac )ass etc+ all await+

(er heard of a smart fish that maes calculated, in=the=moment

decisions1 One whose surial instinct is so strong, that it

snatches and at other times totally ignores and hangs around

seemingly uninterested, only to strieE)ite when least eDpected"

0ell, that would )e typical of our finned, scaly ,

fish=friend, the 3Bass+ .or the purposes of this )oo, this species

is and taes centre=stage 8this is deli)erate and intentional+ Bass

fishing is a)out eDactly that the fish, &he Bass+ &enacious,

unpredicta)le and a challenge to most of us+

Karious scientists hae proen that Bass almost 3calculate the

amount of energy it will tae them to go after the prey s+ the

return+ 4f this )e true and erified, what are the implications for

us anglers of promise1 OU&!M#R&4$7 &'(M of course" 4t is all in

the )asics, the strategies, )attle plan, allure, tease and

techni9ues we choose to use in this process+ &his will dictate and

determine our success+

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3. The Basics O$ Bass Fishing 8 An Oe%iew

Most, if not all of the so=called 3insider secrets, tips and stories

to tell of )ig hauls of Bass, all reole, around a ery simple)asic rule 8 understanding the fish,


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!eeing protectie coer, foraging amongst rocs, stumps,

weeds, at times on the prowl hunting for prey, other times Fust

3lunching around casually, all seem to )e part of &he Bassfeeding rituals and repertoire+ &aing adantage and

considering this when starting out and eery time casting, will

)enefit you greatly+

#nother is Gcompetitie adantageH, &he Bass has an Gairtight

sacH , that is inflata)le, which ena)les it to

swim and thrie at different leels+ # powerful tail helps with

speed, agility and maneuera)ility+ 4t can reach great depths+

Other factors lie water clarity, time of day, su)dued sunlight,

water displacement and i)ration sensing, noise sensitiity, all

add to this fish cunning and ensuring that you scrutinize these

clues, will increase your odds of hooing your neDt )ig one+

Unlocing for eDample how &he Bass senses and prefers color

and shade in the moment, can always also help anglers

increase their effectieness+ &he choice and type of lure, colors

and moement, )ait etc+ can all contri)ute meaningfully to

your attempts+

0here the fish are* eeryone will hae an answer, or at least

their opinionEeDperience on whatEwhereEwhen, een science+

$eertheless, sometimes it is as simple as understanding the

ha)itat and those that lie and thrie in it, to )etter interact

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with and enFoy fishing in it 8 a type of eDploring the depths, so

to spea+ .or eDample2 the temperature of the water and

aaila)le oDygen, dictate moing patterns and dis)ursement of

fish species+ .eeding ha)its and preferences are distinct, fallingmore on the Glooing alieH or lie )ait+ !ome 9uote

smallmouth )ass, as showing preference for crawfish and using

that as a 3sign of where these critters will )e found, on the

hunt for their faorite snac" Looing at stomach content of

fish you hae caught and ept , hold hidden clues a)out food

of preference 8whitefish, crawfish and others+

'aing self=confidence, aptitude AN,the right attitude when

fishing for Bass is crucial+ 4n this )attle to outwit your

opponent, you will need eery tool and tric at your disposal to

mae a successful catch+ $eer get discouraged, feel )eaten or

worse 9uit for the yield has )een slim to none at all 8 those

days happen to eery angler+ $ature )eats to its own drum,

you hae to discoer and enFoy the rhythm you are so

intricately part of+

Practice maes perfect 8 there is no siler )ullet, 9uic=fish

method for 5+55, that can guarantee you )ites and more )ass

all the time, anytime+ 4t %O(! tae hard wor and

commitment, persistence and rigor from the angler+ &here is

more than routine at stae and play here+ !ome days will )e

predicta)ly )etter than others+ $o matter what the conditions,

process and outcome, on the day, put it all down to eDperience



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and lessons learned+ Log and learn, share and grow, in your

own understanding, confidence and toolit, as an aid )ass

angler+

#nother ey tric, is actually $O &R4@6 #& #LL 8 we call it an

Gac9uired sillH+ 4t taes more of that hard wor we mentioned

)efore" (Dact, fiDed casting, re9uires target=precision practice,

improing your a)ility to place the lure eDactly where you

would want it to )e 8 let us call it 3hitting the mar+ &his is

another crucial tactic and techni9ue you can practice in the

par or your liing room 8 try using plugs and get )etter eery

time at consistently hitting your 3target


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and niceties for these watery GcreaturesH, holds clues and

adantage, for any and eery angler+

!timulus, pattern, routine, ha)it 8 predictors and hints 8 theace up your sleee when nothing else wors" Learn and

deelop sills, to 3read , now instinctiely what will come happen, neDt

and why 8 figure out the pattern, stic with it and eDploit it to

your adantage and angling success+ Meet the Bass where they

are, in what they do, cater to their needs and you will )e

surprised at what meets you in the waters )elow"



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.amiliarity with the Bass faorite places to hang around is

critical to success2 Bottoms, stumps, trees , logs, weeds and

plants, contours, structures, trael=routes, crees,

shallowsEdeeper passages, coes, channels, )luffs, )ans andshorelines 8 all can )e repetitie clues on ha)itual, predicta)le

)ehaior of the )ass+ Most of the 3eDperts came a)out their

nowledge through reading, studying ha)its of their catch, in

ery similar fashion than what you are undertaing+ (ery time

you get to now your fishy friends a little )etter, until you now

instinctiely where they will )e and where their faorite spots

are+ 6nowing and going where the fish are )ecomes

demystified, )ut een more eDciting, for it is now more than a

hunch or random chance 8 it is a planned encounter where the

watery predator, hunter(ar exce%%ence, )ecomes the hunted"

Too#s O$ The T%a!e: Tac#e- Boats- Accesso%ies- 2%es

An! Baits (A## A"o2t P#astics- S3inne%s- C%an An!

Othe%s& To3&Wate% An! S3ecia#t/ 2%es+

'aing the right e9uipment, nowing how to )est use it, when

and how, , can all help you in your )ass fishing adenture+

&he )asics regarding rods, reels, line, hoos, weights, )o))ers,

siners, lures, sensors and other e9uipment , gies you an appreciation for haing the

right tools for the tas at hand+

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#s a highly participatory and engaging sport, Bass fishing is

simply almost unparalleled in the ast amount of styles and

tools to use+ .rom 9uiet streams, tran9uil laes to open sea

and rushing riers 8 there is something for eeryone+

4f you are looing for 9uic tips on the right e9uipment, most

suited to your purpose and the techni9ues to master to catch

)ass in any conditions, might this neDt section enlighten and

inspire you, as you dele right into the 3utilities of the fishing

trade+ !ome tools of the )ass fishing trade, we will )e focusing

on are2

Rods, Reels, Lines and 'oos

&acle2 Lures and Bait 8 lie 8 artificial and, or, BU& Y(&*

Limited space does not permit large comparatie eDplanations

or ram)lings on the merit of some tools a)oe certain others+

&hese de)ates are well nown and well pu)lished in eDisting

literature+ 0e tae a more practical approach and loo at what

you will actually need to hoo your neDt )ig one, )esides

random chance and luc" 0e lie to point out that picing the

right e9uipment means a lot of different thing to different

people+ (ach angler has hisEher own interpretation of what that

means, arying sill leel, physical characteristics and

strengthsEweanesses, so we will not profess nowing what is

right for you+ 0hat we do offer are mere suggestions on which

tools will stac the odds in your faor and help you enFoy

preparing, rigging, )aitingEhooing, retrieing and landing

YOUR neDt B47 O$(" (nsuring that is does not Foin the droes

of 3the ones that got away"



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(en as you eDplore your surroundings and the wonder of fish

species and their life cycles, patterns and )ehaior,

eDperimenting, hands=on with your e9uipment and what isaaila)le to anglers today, is part of the eDciting world of Bass

fishing+ .rom fish=finders, temperature gauges, sensors and

more adanced technologies, to the art of preparing your lines

and hoos, choosing the luresE)ait most suited to your

circumstance and purpose and more, adds to the eDcitement

and enFoyment of the actiity+ Preparing yourself with

nowledge on these, will )oost your confidence and practicing

often, will pay off in the long run as your eDpertise, eDposure

and angling mastery grows+

0hen it comes to e9uipment, the opinions are many and far

)etween+ Your condition, circumstance, purpose and goal will

all figure into the final choice "

!pinning or )ait casting with artificial lures, fly=fishing, trolling

with lie=)aits, are all options aaila)le to you, with specialist

tools on hand to assist you mae the most of it+ &ypically a +

to ? feet rod , with a matching reel

with siD to ten pound line, fast taper, single action reel would

sere you well+ 0eed=less hoos are a lifesaer in ery dense

coer or weeds+

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#ngling techni9ues and tacle eep refining, deeloping and

almost taes on a life of its own for eery angler+ &here is not

really a one=size=fits=all approach+ &his personalized

relationship with your e9uipment, might mean a )asic rod tostart with and then adding a couple for your different

eDcursions and eDpeditions 8 your Bass Fourney has Fust

started+ Modern tacle and methods, traditional or innoatie,

technology=drien and ena)led 8 whateer your fancy or

preference 8 there is something for eery taste and )udget+

4t is an ancient sport, pursued )y many, with echoes of early

hunters and anglers liing off the land+ 7etting in touch with

that timeline through hands=on actiity, lie )ass fishing is ery

rewarding+ Most )eginners might )e oerwhelmed )y the

selection of e9uipment aaila)le on the maret today+ 6nowing

what to picE)uy, how and when to apply, use it

correctly, to maDimize your chances of catching your neDt )ig

one is ey+

7ood 9uality tacle is important 8 it needs to )e ade9uate for

whateer nature throws your way+ You will need to )uild your

arsenal of nowledge and e9uipment oer time, to respond

)est to some of the challenges at hand+ 7ood appropriate )aits

and lures and how to use them effectiely, in com)ination, in

9uic succession to ensure )ites, are other ey components, as

is importance of preparing, presenting well, accurate casting,

hooing


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eDample to ensure that the fish stay on your hoo as you reel

them in>, as well as retrieing and landing of the fish+

#n eDcellent source for )eginners on all things tacle=related,e9uipment, fish species, tools and techni9ues, is to )e found in

The &or%ing )inders%ey *ncyc%o(edia o+ Fishing: The co$(%ete

g"ide to the +ish, tac%e and techni!"es o+ +resh and sa%twater

ang%ing- Our intent and purpose here is not to restate the listed

facts found here+ #id and serious anglers are readers and

thirst nowledge that will increase their odds of success+ &his

source we recommend for young and old" +

#ll we will say, is that haing eDpensie or the right e9uipment,

is not a guarantee that you will land the neDt )ig one" 4n

fishing, there are no real guarantees+ &his is a 3contract and

actiity )etween you and nature+ (Dploring and getting you to

the point where you now the feel, function and em)edded

strengths and weanesses of your e9uipment, is the real way

to wisdom+ .or most trail and error, practice and persistence

are the roads to follow to )ecoming well=ersed and

eDperienced anglers+

Realizing the e9uipments full potential, will tae time and

practice+ Bear in mind, that sophistication in e9uipment will

deelop in parallel to your own mastery and sill=refinement+

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Your intended style of fishing


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.or most anglers, techni9ue is

dictated )y the species sought, esta)lished practice, conditions

and more+ Mostly artificial lures are suggested and accepted for

freshwater predatory fishing+ !ome prefer lie )ait, othershae success with hard )aits lie artificial rats and plastic

worms are another faorite+

0hether you are fishing from the )ans, )oat or float tu)e,

most would suggest you use a siD to siD and a half foot medium, heay=push=)utton, spinning or )ait=casting rod

and reel com)ination, with strong line + 4f you are

fishing in weeds, heay coer, thic, slop, grassy wetlands,

swamps, etc+ a heaier line , will sere you

)etterE)est+ 'oo sizes typically recommended around a N /

lie=)ait hoo, sharpened and turned up slightly , this is done to ensure that the fish stayed GhooedH and

gies you a 3fighting chance to reel it in and land it

successfully+ # weed=less, N hoo can also sere you well in

these conditions+ Large=mouth )ass can )e caught at any

depth, using lie )aits, throughout most the year " !harp hoos are ey+

0eights and siners are another element you must consider,

especially in dar, cloudy waters and or when fishing deep

water specifically+ &here are also specialty siners, with rattles

these days to entice the fish een more+ &hey are ery

sensitie to sounds, noise and i)rations in the water 8 so

anything you can do to create that allure, tease and temptation

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is great to )ear in mind+ %o eerything you can to trigger their

feeding response and ensure a strieE)ite"

#lso, remem)er, fish are a lot lie us 8 on hot, humid days,they loo for shelter, food and comfort+ &hese are their

handout and feeding ground


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distur)ance along the surface lie a minnow, triggering their

)asic feeding instincts and hunter impulse to strie+ Rewarding

you with a handsome catch"

@arolina Rig2 this can easily )e descri)ed as simply a ariation

of the standard, so=called 3&eDas Rig , great for

use with plastic worms or other soft )ait+ Most eDpert )ass

anglers suggest using a heaier weight lie :E; =:oz or more+

!lide the weight onto the line, follow with three plastic )eads, a

)arrel swiel, and a leader line +0hat this allows the )ass angler to do is to get the

)ait to 3drop down to the floor with speed and is especially

recommended for fishing deep waters+ &he moement of the

leader allows the )ait to swim and rise a)oe the )ottom, and

fall slowly down+ .or most )eginners this is easy to do and

practice and is ery ersatile to get your routine rigging and

tacle sills to improe+

@ran )ait2 mostly refers to lures, which is usually made from

a ariety of materials, including hard plastic or wood+ 0ith an

added feature of a diing lip on the front , entices the )ass to strie+ &he rule of thum),

normally is that the larger the lip, the deeper it can die+

(nhancements lie rattles are also good for certain conditions+

-er )aits2 # seasoned faorite amongst )ass anglers, for top=

water, as well as suspended )ass fishing+ longer minnow=

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shaped plugs, aaila)le in lots of different sizes and colors+ #s

a surface, top=water )ait with a slight twitch=and=stop type of

retriee, or een as a more slow=and=steady retriees

underwater+ #nother option is to use suspending Fer )aits thattypically die deeper, Fering it, almost teasing and tempting

the )ass to come up and )ite right at it+

-igs2 !ome hae descri)ed these trusted tacle as 3lead head

and hoo with dressing+ &heir 3added features could tae the

shape of ru))er or plastic sirts, soft plastic )aits for )odies,

instead of sirts+ Most )ass eDperts com)ine them with a frog,

or a plastic )ait as a Gfollower+

Lipless @ran )ait2 mostly referring to sining=type lures, made

from plastic, sometimes with many rattles inside for noise, ,

i)rations and causing distur)ances underwater+

Poppers2 &op water lures that carry long=range punch+ Retriee

with these inds of lures are fast, Fery or moe in one spot for

a duration of time+ @an )e 9uite effectie if you trying to figure

out 3where the fish are+

!oft -er )ait2 these can )e used to great effect in the same

manner as a regular Fer )ait, )ut can )e dropped to the

)ottom 9uite successfully as well to tease out our deep=water

predator, swimming around for food and feast+



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!pinner )aits2 another simulator of moement and prey on the

go+ 4t is ery similar to a Fig, )ut with a )lade that runs a)oe

the hoo, and spins to imitate a )ass faorite as well2 fish+

&eDas Rig2 this is considered and named specifically for

standard rigging with a plastic worm+ Use a sliding weight,

usually )ullet shaped, and a hoo sufficient for the size worm

you hae chosen+ !harpen the hoo and stic the point of the

hoo directly into the worm head, )ring it out the side a)out

:E = AE:Q )elow the entry, thread it again+ Rotate the hoo

around so the point is facing the worms )ody+ Lay it oer the

side to see where it should enter in order to hang straight+

Position the wor straight onto the hoo if it is hanging+ $O&(2

if the worm is twisted, your line and action will pay the price

and it will )e less effectie+

0aling= the=dog2 this is an angling techni9ue that usually

re9uires some time to master, )ut )eginners should not shy

away from trying it, for it is 9uite effectie with )ass+ @asting

oer a relatiely long distance, allow the )ait to sit for a )rief

period of time, tae up the slac, and with your rod tip pointed

at the water, gie it a Fer to the side, then immediately moe

it )acward and reel in any slac, then Fer again, and repeat

all the way )ac+ More or less a darting from side=to=side+ You

are in effect simulating the preys elusie moements, enticing

the hunter to follow, stal and hit" &his might )e your ace up

your sleee for hooing YOUR $(C& B47 O$(+

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!lip=)o))ers, rigged with a S ounce plastic Fig, lie )ait lie

minnow, night=crawler or leech at its tip and of course, all on a

sharpened hoo

-iggling, lightly shaing, presenting this close to any emerging

weeds or )rush, underwater logs, trees, stumps or coer, may

proe successful+

Remem)er that fish are constantly on the moe while feeding+

&he timing of day, amount of sunlight, temperature of the

water and more all feature into the angling e9uation+

Bo))er=rigs or Figs are popular and 9uite successful too+ !lip=

siners, @arolina wors well too+

.ree=line fishing in shallow waters may yield many a )ass

angler 9uite the haul+ @asting a plain hoo with lie )ait and

feed the line to the )ait, allowing it to 3swim naturally will

attract some certain attention+ Other eDperts would

recommend if you are in the so=called watery salad, weeds or

heay slop, coer and Fungles underwater, to go heaier is the

ey+ ;J l) line the minimum and heay=action, sturdy )ait=

casting rod and reel com)os with long, straight handles to

proide you with leerage to reel your B47 O$(! in"

.loating Fig=heads, with slip=siner rig, with ;=A foot leader

hae proen to )e useful too, especially when ept close to the

)ottom, watching not to get snagged in the process+ 0eed=less



28/62

hoos can help you retriee lie=)ait and or that hooed fish,

through ery thin under)rush+

#gain, understanding what )ass actually eat, where and when,will help you with choosing and presenting the most effectie,

appropriate and tempting )ait +

%rawing on the natural diet of the fish, can assist you in

improing your )aits and lures appearance, strategy, tactics

and eentual success+ Bass, as a predator will )e looing for

certain shapes, colors and familiar moement+ Plastic worms

and crawfish are popular choices+ Part of the reason )ass is

such a popular species to )e fishing for, is they are notorious

for hitting hard, )iting solid and strong pulling or fighting 8 a

strong game fish to )e sure+ &hey are nown to put up a good

fight+

!pinners or spoons are artificial )aits that are specifically

designed for the purpose of tantalizing the fish+ 4t is meant to

prooe, mae a strie irresisti)le, calling on the fish natural

instinct to feed and or defend+ 4t optimizes your chances of

securing stries+ Rotation, color, sirts, fluttering action all wor

together to simulate moement and prey on the moe+

!poons actEmoe in a fishlie manner in the water, trolled

)ehind )oats they are typically ery effectie and can also )e

cast and retrieed+ Plugs are made of arious materials,

designed specifically to float, die )elow the surface or sin

28


29/62

when reeling them )ac or in+ &hey simulate surface

distur)ance and entice fish with propellers or plastic sirts that

moe and flutter in the water+

#rtificial lures can )e utilized alone or in com)ination with lie

or natural )aits+ &he size and type of lure will depend on the

species, location and style of fishing you prefer, choose to

pursue+ +

.or )ass fishing particularly, a couple of suggestions are to

)ear in mind that enticing the predators from )elow, taes

sill, practice and patience+ .or matted weed=)eds and sloppy

pitches, you might hae to ticle the surface a )it+ 0hen

fishing in shallow waters, lures cast out fast and retrieed

slowly shaing it along, might trigger a response+ 4t is all in the

tease and promise to the fish that loo for signs of moement

in the water+ 'aing a handy pair of Polaroid sunglasses are a

MU!&" 6eep on moing the )ait around and play with the

presentation 8 it is an art, ac9uired sill that gets )etter oer

time+ 0hen casting the )ait out, try not to spoo the fish,

remem)ering that they are sensitie to soundEnoise,

moement and i)rations+ Plastic worms wor well + Being adapta)le, switching )aits, different color etc+,

using a strong &eDas rig for eDample, hooing up a worm near

the )ottom of the hoo, sliding it onto the shan, popping it

through, with a T ounce weight might )e all you need"



30/62

'aing a second rod set up and ready to go or fishing with a

)uddy that can help you to respond 9uicly and when they are ready to hit, you are

prepared for them" Others suggest using )raided line that isstronger than mono , with no

stretch that can minimize entanglement and optimize your

chances of retrieal through thin weeds and coer+

!tiff rods that can withstand the GfightH )ass can typically put

up are another )ase=re9uirement for )ass fishing enthusiasts+

Protecting your rods with rod wraps, to aoid dings and scrapes

can also maDimize not only its efficiency, )ut eep your angling

inestment in good condition" !haing and popping along

)aitElures, create a situation that lets the fish thin the GpreyH

is getting away+

'oweer, the right e9uipment, )ait, hoos and location is not

enough" !ome )asic angling techni9ues are re9uired, setting

up your rod and reel, nowing the )asics a)out tying nots for

Foining line to tacle, forming loops and more+ &ying a secure

not is the main thing here, as eery one could pose a

3weaness, which you do not need, when you hae the B47

O$( hooed" !ome suggest )efore tightening a not, to wet it

with some water and trim all edges and loose ends, to aoid

snagEdrag+

30


31/62

7ulp=sining minnows cast out fast and far, allowing to let it

fall and dangle, 9uier down, with lots of slac, might proe

Fust what the fish ordered"

&u)e=Figs, gulp=tu)es that are scented, are other options+ &he

soft, natural=chewy su)stance, trics the fish, into not wanting

to let go and hae another chew, thus increasing your odds of

landing it safely+

&op=water )aits with rattles are another all=time faorite, with

slac in the line, waling=the=dog maes for an

enticing presentation for the fish+

'aing a spinner=)ait with some red in it, simulates )lood or

wounded prey to our underwater predator, triggering yet again

their natural instincts and feeding response, increasing your

odds of getting a )ite, hit or strie+

0hether you find yourself in a Fet=)oat or flat=)ottom )ass

)oat, shore, rocs, )each, cliff, stream, rier, stream, lae,

reseroir, or other )ody of water, strong rods, hot hands, good

tacle, appropriate preparation, the right )ait and presentation,

accurate casting, where you now the fish might )eEmoeEfeed

naturally, fishing for structure and pattern, eeping an eye on

surroundings and conditions, can all mae those fleeting

moments of anticipation and elation at first strie momentous"

&he fights, flights, flips, turns and Fumps, attacs and hard



32/62

hits, struggles, retrieal and landing of )ass, is what eeps us

coming )ac"

Let us now turn to tae a loo at what other considerations,plan of attac, angling techni9ues, secrets, mistaes and

specialty circumstances, can teach us a)out the enFoya)le art

and actiity, that is "ass $ishing"

32


33/62

Wate%- Weathe%- Ti.ing An! Othe% Eni%on.enta#

As3ect- Facets An! Consi!e%ations Fo% Bass Fishing

#s mentioned throughout this teDt so far, there are numerousfactors that we often do not consider, and or dismiss, when we

first start out, angling for )ass+ &hese would include,

consideration of2

0ater stratification and depths shallow or deep, sometimes )oth

#s far as water temperatures goes, during a yearlyEseasonal

cycle, waters moe, turn and gets re=oDygenized+ #s

temperatures fall, from deep )elow and throughout ice forms,

floats to the surface, melts and moes down again+ !cience

has proided us with enough eidence that &'R(( distinct

layers from in a )ody of water 8 say a lae for eDample+

%eeperEcolder, Middle=groundEmilder 8 transitional layer and

the topEsurfaceEwarmer waters+ 'eeding these leels and

arying temperatures, and looing oDygen=rich spots are all

factors to consider een )efore heading out+ &hin the process

through+ &hin lie the fish would 8 as yourself, where would

you go in all lielihood, if you were faced with the same

situation 8 the answer will mostly lead you to where the fish

most liely #R("

# temperature gauge and depth meter can all prepare you

)etter, as an angler, nowledgea)le and prepared, to assess



34/62

the enironment, )etter understand it, learn from it, and use

the information you gather and hae on hand, due to these

readings and instruments, to 6$O0 or )est Fudge, where the

fish will )e at" %epth is a great indicator of what the )ass areup to and where they will )e most liely found+ &his will dictate

your approach, tacle and how you eDecute your angling sills

to land &'( $(C& B47 O$(" 4f you fish at the right leel,

understanding why the fish are there, on the moe, feeding

etc+, you will increase your odds drastically of getting stries

and hooing your neDt )ig catch+ 4t might een )e a trophy"

&he depth is related to water temperature and the optimal

comfort zone of the )ass 8 always as yourself, what they

would prefer on a day lie today and then go fish there+

Measure with temperature, depth sensors, 7P! etc+ to

esta)lish the 3pattern and depth of the day+

&emperature 8 optimal and changing

Most )ass species prefer a temperate climate 8their

meta)olism is influenced, if not goerned pretty much )y the

surrounding waters they find themseles in+ &hey can also

tolerate 9uite a wide range of temperatures, therefore we can

fish pretty much throughout the year+ E 4t is also less widely nown that ice=fishermen

hoo )ass at around A;=A5+; degree water temperatures, in

deeper waters" 0hen it does get colder, they get somewhat

more sluggish, as their enironment cools down significantly

and )earing this in mind will yield and improe your catch+

34


35/62

ODygen is also ery important to fish+ &he hotter it gets, the

closer they will stay to shore, and to plant=life, which produces

oDygen and or where they might catch the occasional )reeze+

Reading these signals nature proides right, will prepare anyangler )etter to go where the fish are and hoo your neDt B47

O$(+ #lso loo for spots that are not too stagnant and filled

with decaying plants, as this might )e an oDygen=depried area

with not a large concentration of fish 8 they need to 3)reathe

to stay alie too"

0ater conditions2 @larity

@lear and or mury 8 you will find )ass in )oth" &heir )ehaior

and mode of attac will change as they plan how to )est

eDpend their energies in the hunt for food, surial etc+

Predators )y design, they prefer coer and structure and

deeper waters+ 0hen spawning, > or on ery hot days, you will

most liely, find them more in the shallows+

Bass always hae a 3)ac=door access to deeper waters+ &hese

facts should )e a)le to point you in the general icinity of

where the fish are 9uite aptly+ &he male )ass is also ery

protectie of the nestEspawn site and will defend it, strie at

any perceied threat or intruder+ .ishing is no more left up to

random, contemplatie, reflectie trail and error casting+ $ow,

today, replaced with more a more drien, focused, thought=

through, rationalized and analytical competitie approach, that

tries to understand ha)its, patterns, enironment, conditions,

time of year etc+ at times relying on the aid of technology and



36/62

deices to assist and )etter your changes of spotting, finding,

hooing, retrieing and landing the fish successfully


37/62

and or coer+ 4t is a matter of appealing to their natural

instincts+

&hey are een o)serers and moement and color hae )eenresearched in the )ass species+ Picing presentation of )ait,

lure that is closest to lie or alie )ait, resem)les their prey, in

other words, will maDimize your chances of catching more

)ass+ &his does not mean that they will not strie at night for

eDample or at other times during the day 8 you might Fust

hae to adapt and use some specialist techni9ues to lure them

out of hiding a )it"

&ime of year2 !easons and things are a changing"

!urroundings, weather and angling rules change and eep

changing+ &he stage and players do not remain the same and

een on the same day, day to day, things will ary+ &his

ariety is what eeps most of us

guessing, adapting, changing strategy, )ait, depth etc+ all in

the continued hope and pursuit of catching the $(C& B47 O$(+

#s to the )est time to catch )ass 8 opinions ary greatly on

this topic+ 4n some areas, fishing is only allowed after

spawning+ !pring, summer and fall and een winter some form of )ass fishing is

aaila)le to you, depending on where you are, what the

weather conditions are lie and what type of year the )ass are

haing (en ice



38/62

fishing is possi)le +

#s pointed out earlier, weather affects )ehaior and the season

and type of water, might all re9uire different approach,e9uipment and )ait and luresEpreparation #$% presentation+

#s an angler, aid )ass angler, this will not faze you in any

way" On the contrary, it proides you with the opportunity to

shift gears, change strategy, tools, refine sills, learn more

a)out your opponent and its ha)its+ By )eing alert, aware and

o)serant, you will learn a lot a)out the fish 8 it is no longer a

passie sport" 0indy, low and or high air pressure, water

temperature, choppy waes and or surface moement of the

water, cloudy sies, with lots of cloud coer, masing the sun,

could dictate whether fish will )e )iting or not, color of plastic

worms might )e adFusted from )lue , to )lac

+ Modifying your

fishing techni9ues and adapting to weather patterns, een

adFusting your )aitElures, strategy, all )ear witness of an alert

)ass master"

Bass are also sensitie to ery )right sunlight, so then you

might find them looing for some shady coer and or cooler

waters+ &hat nowledge will prepare you well for where to go

and loo for them+ 4ncreasing your odds of finding them too"

Predatory $ature and creatures of ha)it 8 what the fish

themseles tell us


39/62

&here predators of the deep are rich in their life cycles, ha)its

and patters+ 4t is their nature after=all+ &hey are somewhat

predicta)le+ #s hunters, they do certain things, instinctielyand as anglers, we capitalize on it+ &here are lots of facts a)out

the species, worth nowing and ey to understanding 8 the

secret to unlocing the success of )ass fishing+ &hining lie a

hunter ourseles and at times lie the fish, can increase your

odds and success significantly+ Being one with nature and its

intricate patterns, )ehaior, )alance and 9uiriness, allow

fisherman to )e silled, precise, well prepared and more

successful, rather than leaing it up to eentuality and random

chance to secure a )ite"

Preferred ha)itat and fishing structures

One author liens contour and topographic maps to )ass

fishermen, lie treasure maps to pirates once were+ Lines show

eleation, depth etc+ 7et an idea of what the 3floor or )ottom

of the )ody of water would loo lie 8

it is rarely flat, often characterized )y rises and humps, slopes

and drop=offs+

!lopes and access=points into deeper water should also yield

more fre9uent, larger hauls and more stries, as )ass prefer to

hae access to deeper waters and are constantly on the moe,

hunting and feeding and or defending territory+



40/62

$atural %iet and Menu 8 the art of enticing fish2 creating the

right atmosphereEconditionsEallure for a strie

Lots hae already )een said a)out this topic+

!elf=confidence

&he )elief in your a)ility to locate and catch the arious )ass

species, is )y far the )est tool of the trade to foster and

deelop oer time+ &his cannot )e purchased and is the

personal call to eery fisherman, to include in hisEher tacle=

)oD"

0hether you choose to use spinners, or swear )y plastic

worms, crawfish and other lie )ait, chum or hae a faorite

lure for reasons and or secrets that are your ery own, you use

what wors the )est and what you )eliee will produce the

)ass you want, desire and must hae" Positie attitude goes a

long way when learning how to fish for )ass+ Profiting from on=

going eDperience, success and failure, your angling and odds

will eep improing+ Practice in this case, will go a long way to

ena)le success in this unpredicta)le, arying situation 8 when

you are one=on=one with the most popular game and sporting

fish of them all2 &he Bass itself"

40


41/62

Techni92es Fo% Bass Fishing ie A P%o (Wo%.s- Si33ing-

Ri33ing- ,%i$t T%o##ing- F#/%o!!ing+

&he art of accurate castingMastering )asic casting is ey+ Most spinning and )ait=casting reel

and rod com)inations today, are made for hassle=free, ease=of=

use fleDi)ility )y a ariety of anglers

@asting, getting your lineEhooE)ait, siners, weights and leaders

in and into the water, at the eDact right depth, imitating 3prey,

and doing so with eDtreme, pin=point accuracy, is what this is all

a)out+ 'itting your target with confidence is a ery )asic sill to

master and refine+ 7etting the hoo out to eDactly where you

wanted it to )e, what you should practice and wor for+

@asting is one part of this process, getting the lure to the right

depth 9uite another+ #danced )ass anglers suggest using a

countdown OR counting method+ Iuite simple really+ .orm the

moment the )ait hits the water, start counting, :JJJ, :JJJ and :,

:JJJ and ;, :JJJ and A* estimating the seconds it will tae for it

to 3drop into the water+ &his will help you now )etter what you

are doing, when it hits the )ottom for eDample, whether or not it



42/62

got caught on something in the process etc+ YOU esta)lish

reference points for yourself on and in the water+

'ands=on and rod in=hand is the )est way+ Practice=plugs in thepar, or your own )acyard , will

mae you that more effectie and accurate, in and on the water,

no matter what the )ody of water, or style of fishing you choose

to pursue+ 0hether spinning, )ait casing or fly=rodding, there is

something for eery taste+ (en missed targets, attempts and

failure, are also good teachers, as this techni9ue is somewhat of

a routine you can master and learn+

@asting a lure with a spinning reel for eDample, casting float and

or leger rig, )ait casting are ery similar+ Lure fishing, spinning,

floating, spoons, plugs, surface or top=water lures, cran )ait,

trolling etc+ are all )asic techni9ues that re9uire eDposure, 9uic

demos and hands=on practice+ 0e suggest a ideo or %K%, or

online in=depth eDplanation, watching a fishing show or two and

getting pointers from other anglers and professionals, as well as

finding and defining your own style that you are comforta)le and

successful with+ &he )eauty of )ass fishing, is that it offers

something for eeryone, no matter what your prior eDperience

with fishing might )e"

.ocusing on your grip, spinning reels, )ait=casters and or closed=

face spin casters techni9ues and mastery, picing a target,

aiming to land your lure in the middle of that

target, is a good approach+

42


43/62

#s a general rule of thum), a good arch in the air as a trael path

en route to the water, is a good reference and goals to hae, as

you set out to improe your casting techni9ue and accuracy+Line=control is crucial to aoid oershooting, get a gentler

landing, slow flight


44/62

re9uired, using one of the techni9ues a)oe+ 0atch tension and

aoid line=)reas and allow the fish to tire+

4t is one thing to prepare, cast, tease and tempt, hoo andeentually reel in+ &he process howeer does not stop there+ More

of the )asic techni9ue mastery includes methods of landing fish,

lie )eaching , tailing , lipping


45/62

the spinning 3)lade on the lure affects the action and mo)ility of

the lure 8 how it responds and acts in and under water+

.loating lures are also common and effectie especially for deep=water )ass fishing+ 0atch for snagging on the )ottom and ensure

to weigh it done appropriately using suita)le weights+ &his

method ensures getting the )ait at eye=leel of the fish+

.or spoons, there are two )road categories, namely trolling and

casting spoons+ 0eed=less lures mostly hae hoos with nylon or

metal weed=guards that preent snagging and or non=weedless

spoons are also commonly used+ 'ow to tell which one to use,

most )ass anglers loo for shape, weight and speed+ &he )est

way to find your way around in any tacle shop or )oD, is to

practice and get to now the )ehaior and or success in different

conditions+ &rying to get to now the optimum retrieal and

success rates, may)e een logging it in a personal Fournal as you

undertae your )ass FourneyEhunt for the $(C& B47 O$("

Plugs, surface lures, useful at all fishing leels, at all speeds

mae these lures ersatile, agile and an all=time faorite of many

a )ass angler+ Matching the lure to the conditions you face and

the circumstance, )ody of water and specific species you are

fishing for + !hallow=diing cran=)ait and or

surface or top=water lures hae proen themseles most effectie

for )ass fishing 8 great for fishing shallows+ !tic=)aits and

Fering, minnow plugs


46/62

distur)ers, crawler=type top=water )aits and een a floating,

driing cran=)ait can proe useful+

&he true secret lies in what some call the 3one=two punch 8teasing and enticing with a top=water or teaser and then following it up with a plastic worm for

eDample on a second rod, for optimizing stries and yet again

tipping the scales in your faor+

Plastic worms

&here are a ast array of worms aaila)le on the maret + .or aid )ass anglers they are a necessity+

&he techni9ue to master is hooing them properly+ 0hen hooing

a worm for )ass fishing, it is of utmost importance to ensure that

you thread it properly+ 7et a lot of the )ody onto the hoo,

hooing it twice, at top and )ottom+ &his is to ensure that it does

not fly loose when you are casting it out into the water+ 4t also

protects it somewhat in the su)merged paradise that the )ass

shares with other fish, who might want to come and tae a )ite

or sample" Using worms in com)ination with other )aitsElures and

enticing techni9ues lie top=water and or hard=)ait surface

distur)ers or frogs, eels or whateer species and )ody of water

would deem appropriate Gfeeding preyH for the )ass of your

choice and preference is the ey+ #gain adapting your strategy

when necessary and giing the )ass a ariety of foods to choose

from, will all hopefully increase you odds of hooing your neDt

)ass" * een if it is not yet the B47 O$("

46


47/62

4. istaes An! Sec%ets Re#ate! to Bass Fishing

#s we hae discoered throughout these pages, there is a lot

more the )ass fishing than meets the eye+ Once you are familiarwith the species, different )odies of water, different and

sophisticated fishing and angling e9uipment and accessories, as

well as familiarizing yourself with ha)its, patterns and nature,

)ehaior, natural diet and preferred foods, mastering some )asic

sills lie preparation, presentation, tacle, )ait and lures, casting

accuracy, nots, hoos and the intricacies and compleDities in

retrieal and landing, the Fourney has )ut started+ &here is so

much more to eDplore and learn a)out an through the actiity,

sport, art and competitie science that is )ass fishing, that we

can almost say no more than the water await and lets go"

#lthough, there are some last thoughts we can offer on some of

the more common casting mistaes+ &hese 3errors are well=

documented in eDisting literature and easily oercome, to

optimize your )ass fishing eDperience and haul+ 'ere are )ut a

few issues most )eginners struggle with2

oershot lure with too much power in the initial cast and the

line release not slowed, or the lure falling short or )eing too

light, with the line )eing release too early during the cast and or

the rod held too high after the line was released+ lure landing

too hard, due to the release at too low of an angle and not

arching enough in the air , and inaccurate casting 8 missing the mar, where the lure goes off=course



48/62

with too much side=to=side actionEmotioning of the rod while

casting+ Practicing reel and line control, as well as the oerhead

cast might help+

Lots of teDts , suggests thining of 3casting, compared to the

moement of the arms on a cloc=face, )eginning in the two

ocloc position, pushing )ac to around the noon=position and

)ac to the ; again, with the rod slightly lowered as the lure

drops deeper into the water+ .or most )eginners this

3isualization often helps refine techni9ue+

48


49/62

5. St/#es An! S3ecia#t/ Bass Fishing

!ipping

&his techni9ue might remind you a lot of throwing rocs onto thesurface of the water to see it 3sip+ #s a waterEtop=water

distur)ance and moement simulator, it triggers and teases our

predator to come up and see what is there to eatEattac+

!pinning rods and reel com)o is )est used for this techni9ue 8

perfect for fishing and reaching )ass where they swim and hide

under piers, docs and pontoons+ #lso useful for getting under

and into under)rush and growth+ Remem)er their 3comfort zone+

On sunny days, )ass loo for shade, food and shelter and often

rest here in shady areas, under coer of structure+

Ripping

!ome call this the throw it out, twitch, Fer and go method+ #

medium=action rod with para)olic )end and action to it+ 4f might

actually tric our )ass=friend into thining there is a 3wounded

prey around+ Lie a pro, let the worm drop and settle to the

)ottom, remaining there for a period of time+ Reel some slac

out of the line, picing up the worm with a long, sharp upsweep

of the rod tip+ Let 3er rip" Let it drop down again to the )ottom,

under tension while slowly lowering the rod tip 8 eep on

imitating lie prey lie this, moing, swimming and )o))ing a)out

and your predator will strie it with a engeance+



50/62

%rift &rolling

&railing )ehind the )oat, coering the )ottom worms crawl and

moe, simulating prey in its purest form+ Raise and lower itoccasionally, looing natural and alluring to any )ass in the

icinity hunting for a tasty morsel+

.ly=rodding

4n ponds, ,riers, streams and laes this approach is 9uite

effectie+ .ly=fishing lie techni9ues are ery effectie with )ass+

Begin )y preparing and rigging a plastic worm, weed=less adding

a small split=shot Fust )efore the hoo+ &his will ena)le it to sin

slowly+ .lip or cast and allow it to drop and )o) to the )ottom+

Iuite the tease and hard for the )ass with een sight, sound and

smell to miss+ 6eep the tip of the rod ery low, to mae it

possi)le for you to mae a well timed, strie when you feel a )ass

hit+

$ight and 4ce=fishing

!chooling, effectie tacle and dropping the lureE)ait right in

front of the fish, not haing them eDpend a lot of energy is the

ey for these timings and conditions+ 0ater tends to )e cooler

and all your approaches, strategies and techni9ues need to slow

down a notch+ Bass also tend to school, during these times+

6nowing this fact can help you in ac9uiring your target )etter and

increasing your odds of getting a hit under these unusual or

specialty conditions+

50


51/62

4t is almost an impossi)ility to proide here for eery uni9ue

condition and we )arely scratched the surface on most of the

conteDts )ass anglers might find themseles+ 0e loo forward to

sharing more secrets with you and learning from your Fourney"

6. Fina# Tho2ghts: S2..a%/ an! Conc#2sions

@atch=and=release fishing

%oing your part to protect nature and consere it for future

generations, is mandatory and regulated+ Using )ar)=less hoos

and or remoing them easily+ 'olding the fish in the water, gently

while unhooing, minimizing the trauma and damage to the fish

is crucial+ !upport the fish and let it go with the current,

swimming away and left to lie another day, for many )attles

more to come"

%o all you can to understand and adhere to licensing, permits,

closed season stipulations, minimum size and catch limits+ &hese

and other measures are there to protect and sere, to minimize

the ris of oer=fishing and species )ecoming eDtinct+

&his might not )e the utter finest )oo on )ass fishing eer

written, )ut may the passion and contents inspire you to

greatness as an aid and successful angler+ 4f we can )ut ignite

confidence and hints of eDcitement for fisher=fol, young and old,

then these pages hae succeeded"



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May the road , come up to meet you*

May your Fourney and Fournal grow, each entry teaching more,

increasing confidence and aptitude"

May the pleasures of Bass fishing and the many ways we can

choose actiely to partae of it, )ring you continued and continual

enFoyment, reward, haul and immense pleasure"

Re$e%ences An! Othe% Han!/ Boos On Bass Fishing

Miesen, 7, 'auge, !+, ;JJ2 &he .reshwater #ngler = Lie Bait.ishing+ @reatie Pu)lishing 4nternational 4nc+, Minnesota+ 4!B$2

:5;A:/

Roland, M+ :552 Roland Martins :J: Bass=@atching !ecrets


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7ra) my @ollection of .R(( e)oos here

APPEN,5; 5

Bass Fishing 7#ossa%/

#ction = Measure of rod performance that descri)es the elapsed time )etween fleDion and

return to straight configuration ranges from slow to fast, with slow )eing the most amountof fleDion also refers to the strength of the rod with light )eing a

lim)er rod and heay a stout rod also refers to gear of reels+

#ctie .ish = Bass that are feeding heaily and striing aggressiely+

#daptation = Biological adFustment that increases fitness+

#lgae = !imple plant organisms+

#lalinity = Measure of the amount of acid neutralizing )ases+

#lley = #n opening )etween patches of emergent weeds also the parallel space separating

emergent weeds and the shoreline+

#mp = Measure of electrical current+

#mp 'our = !torage capacity measurement of a deep=cycle )atter o)tained )y multiplyingthe current flow in amps )y the hours that it is produced+

#ngler = Person using pole or rod and reel to catch fish+

#nti=reerse = !ystem that preents reels from spinning in reerse+

Baclash = &angle of line on a )ait=casting reel due to spool oerrun+

Bacwater = !hallow area off a rier+

Bag Limit = Restriction on the num)er of fish that an angler may harest in a day+

Bail = Metal, semicircular arm on an open=face spinning reel that engages the line after a

cast+

Bait = #n artificial lure is usually what is meant een though )ait can also mean lie )ait+

Bait casting = .ishing with a reoling=spool reel and )ait casting rod reel mounted ontopside of rod+

Baitfish = !mall fish often eaten )y predators+

Bar = Long ridge in a )ody of water+

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Basic $eeds = Refers to the three surial re9uirements of )ass2 reproduction, security, andfood+

Bay = MaFor indentation in the shoreline of a lae or reseroir+

Bite = 0hen a fish taes or touches a )ait so that the fisherman feels it+ #lso

nown as a hit, )ump, or a strie+

Blac Bass = @ommon term used to descri)e seeral types of )ass, including thelargemouth, smallmouth, and spotted )ass+

Blan = .ishing rod without grip, guides or finish+

Bracish = 0ater of intermediate salinity )etween seawater and freshwater+

Brea = %istinct ariation in otherwise constant stretches of coer, structure, or )ottom type+

Basically anything, that Q)reas upQ the underwater terrain+

Brea line = # line of a)rupt change in depth, )ottom type, or water clarity in the feature of

otherwise uniform structure+ # place where there is a sudden or drastic change in the depthof the water, or weed type+ &his may )e the edge of a cree, a su)merged cliff, or een astand of su)merged weeds+

Brush line = &he inside or the outside edge of a stretch of )rush+

Brush pile = Usually refers to a mass of small= to medium=sized tree lim)s lying in the water+

Brush piles may )e only one or two feet across, or they may )e eDtremely large and theymay )e isi)le or su)merged+ &hey can )e created )y Mother $ature or manmade+ &hey

usually hold fish+ #nd fishermen+

Bumping = Refers to the act of maing a lure hit an o)Fect such as a log, tree, or pier piling

in a controlled manner+ &his is often done unintentionally, )ut can get the same reactionfrom the fish+ #lso, a lure maing contact with the )ottom+

Buzz)ait = &opwater )ait with large, propeller=type )lades that churn the water duringretriee+ @omprised of a leadhead, rigid hoo, and wire that supports one or more )lades+

Buzzing = Retrieing a lure, such as a spinner)ait or )uzz)ait, at a rate fast enough to cause

it to remain partially out of the water, causing a noisy distur)ance+ !ometimes called rippingor )urning+

@a))age = #ny of seeral species of weeds, located a)oe the surface or underwater, of the

genus Potamogeton+

@arolina Rig = # style of terminal tacle normally used to eep a lure a foot or two off the )ottom+ &his is most commonly used with a plastic worm, )ut is also used with

floating cran)aits and other lures as well+ # )arrel slip siner of :E;= to :=ounce is firstslipped on the line and then a swiel is tied to the end of the line+ # piece of line : to AJ

inches long is then tied to the other end of the swiel and a hoo or lure is tied to the end ofthis piece line+ Rigged &eDas style ,

the com)ination is eDcellent for fishing ledges, points, sand)ars, and humps+ %iagram

@hannel = &he )ed of a stream or rier+

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@hugger = &opwater plug with a dished=out head designed to mae a

splash when pulled sharply+

@larity = Refers to the depth you are a)le to see an o)Fect under thewater+

@old .ront = # weather condition accompanied )y high, clear sies, and a sudden drop in

temperature+

@ontact Point = &he deepest position on structure where a )ass angler can first effectielypresent his lure to )ass as they migrate from deep water+

@ontrolled %rift = &he act of using an electric motor, drift soc, or oars to allow a drift to )e

accomplished at a certain speed andEor direction+ &his term is often called Qdrift fishingQ )ymost anglers+

@oontail = !u)merged a9uatic plant of the hornwort family typically found in hard watercharactreized )y stiff, fored leaes+

@osmic @loc = &he suns seasonal effect on water and weather conditions relating to)arometric pressure, wind, and cloud coer+

@ount 4t %own = &iming a sining lure to determine when it will reach a specified depth+ &his

is accomplished )y finding the rate of sining of a lure in feet=per=second+ Often used whenfishing for suspended fish+

@oe = #n indentation along a shoreline+

@oer = $atural or manmade o)Fects on the )ottom of laes, riers, or impoundments,

especially those that influence fish )ehaior+ #nything a fish can use to conceal itself+

(Damples include stic=ups, tree lines, stumps, rocs, logs, pilings, docs, weeds,)oathouses, duc )linds, )ushes, etc+ +

@ran)ait = &ypically, a lipped lure that dies under the surface during the retriee+ !o=called lipless cran)aits are thin, minnow=lie lures that sin at a rate of a)out :=foot per

second+

%a))ling = 0oring a lure up and down in the same spot a dozen or more times in a )ush or)eside a tree+

%epthfinder = # sonar deice, either a flasher unit or L@R recorder, used to read the )ottom

structure, determine depth, and in some cases actually spot the fish also called a fishfinder+

%isgorger = %eice for remoing hoos deeply em)edded in the throat of fish+

%rag = %eice on fishing reels that allows line to pay out under pressure, een though thereel is engaged set correctly, it ensures against line )reaage+

%rop=Off = # sudden increase in depth, created )y gulley washes, small cree channels, land

points, and the general lay of the land+



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%rop !hot = # hoo tied directly to the line from four=inches to four=feet a)oe the siner+&he hoo is attached from the )ac side or opposite the point, with a simple Palomar not

with a tag end a)out four or fie feet long+ &he weight hangs and the hoo is at a 5J=degreeangle to the line with the hoo point up+ &he hoo can )e : to ;/ inches a)oe a )ell

siner tied on with a slip=not+

(cology = &he )ranch of )iology dealing with the relationship )etween organisms and theirenironment+

(dge = Refers to the )orders created )y a change in the structure or egetation in a lae+

!ome eDamples of edges are tree lines, weed lines, and the edge of a drop=off+

(uthrophic = 'ighly fertile waters characterized )y warm, shallow )asins+

.an @ast = Maing a series of casts only a few degrees apart to coer a half circle +

.arm Pond = !mall manmade )ody of water+

.eeder @ree = &ri)utary to a stream+

.eeding &imes = @ertain times of the day when fish are most actie+ &hese are associated

with the position of the sun and moon and are referred to as solunar ta)les and are predicta)le for any time and place+ !ee Moon &imes+

.ilamentous #lgae = &ype of algae characterized )y long chains of attached cells that gie it

a stringy feel and appearance+

.eeding @ycle = @ertain regular interals during which )ass satisfy their appetites+(Damples2 MaFor or Minor !olunar periods sunrise, sunset+

.inesse .ishing = #n angling techni9ue characterized )y the use of light tacle = line, rods,reel and artificial )aits often productie in clear, fairly uncluttered water+

.lat = #n area in a )ody of water with little if any change in depth+ !mall and large, flats are

generally surrounded on at least one side )y deeper water, the )ottom comes up to form aflat area where fish will often moe up for feeding+

.lipping = &he techni9ue of placing a lure in a gien spot

precisely, and 9uietly, with as little distur)ance of the water as possi)le using an underhandcast while controlling the line with your hand+

.lipping !tic = 'eay action fishing rod, ? to feet long, designed for )ass fishing+

.lorida Rig = Kery similar to the &eDas Rig, the only difference is the weight is secured )y

QscrewingQ it into the )ait+

.ly $ Rind = !ame thing as Fig=and=pig = a com)ination of a leadhead Fig and por rindtrailer+

.orage = !mall )aitfish, crayfish and other creatures that )ass eat+ May also )e used in the

sense of the )ass looing for food +

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.ront = 0eather system that causes changes in temperature, cloud coer, precipitation, wind

and )arometric pressure+

7ear Ratio = Measure of a reels retriee speed the num)er of times the spool reoles foreach complete turn of the handle+

7rayline = 7rayline lets you distinguish )etween strong and wea echoes+ 4t QpaintsQ gray on

targets that are stronger than a preset alue+ &his allows you to tell the difference )etweena hard and soft )ottom+ .or eDample, a soft, muddy or weedy )ottom returns a weaer

sym)ol which is shown with a narrow or no gray line+ # hard )ottom returns a strong signalwhich causes a wide gray line+

7ru) = # short plastic worm used with a weighted Fig hoo+

'a)itat = &he place in nature where a plant or animal species lies+ &he water, egetation,

and all that maes up the lae, which is where )ass lie+ 'a)itat, for other creatures, is also

in the woods and cities, its )asically a term used to indicate a Qliing areaQ or homeenironment+

'ard Bottom = #rea in a )ody of water with a solid )ase = clay, grael, roc, sand+ &he typeof )ottom that you would not sin far, if at all, were you to wal on it+

'awg = Usually refers to a luner=size or heayweight )ass weighing / pounds or more+

'olding #rea = !tructure that ha)itually holds three to fie catcha)le )ass+

'olding !tation = Place on lae where inactie fish spend most of their time+

'oney 'ole = # super fishing spot containing a num)er of )ig )ass also any place with a

large concentration of eeper )ass+

'orizontal Moement = &he distance a fish moes while remaining at the same depth+

'ump = #n area higher than the surrounding area+ # su)merged dam or island might )econsidered a hump+

4chthyology = &he )ranch of zoology that deals with fishes = their classification, structure,

ha)its, and lie history+

4nactie .ish = Bass that are in a non=feeding mood+ (Damples of typically inactie times2following a cold front during a maFor weather change that causes a sudden rise or fall in

water temperature, or when a rising lae leer is a)ruptly lowered+

4nside Bend = &he inside line of a grass )ed or a cree channel+

4solated !tructure = # possi)le holding spot for )ass eDamples include a single )ush on apoint a midlae hump, or a large tree that has fallen into the water+

-ig = # leadhead poured around a hoo and featuring a sirt of ru))er, plastic, or hair+

-ig=$=Pig = @om)ination of a leadhead Fig and por rind trailer among the most effectie

)aits for attracting trophy=size )ass+



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6eeper = # )ass that conforms to a specific minimum length limit esta)lished )y tournament

organizations andEor state fisheries department+

Lae Modification !ources = (lements that change )odies of water, such as ice action, waeaction, and erosion+

Lae Vones = %esignation that includes four categories2 shallow water, open water, deep

water, and )asin+

Laydown = # tree that has fallen into the water+

Light 4ntensity = &he amount of light that can )e measured at certain depths of water thegreater the intensity, the farther down the light will proFect+ &his measurement can )e

significantly affected )y wind conditions and water clarity+ 4n waters where light intensity islow, )rightly colored lures are smart choices+

Line 7uides = Rod rings through which fishing line is passed+

Lipless @ran)aits = #rtificial )aits designed to resem)le a swimming )aitfish+ !uch plugsi)rate andEor wo))le during retriee some hae )uilt=in rattles+ #lso called swimming)aits+

Liewell = #n aerated tan in )oats used to hold fish in water until weigh=in time so that

they hae a )etter chance of surial when released+ !imilar to an a9uarium+

LogFam = # group of horizontal logs pushed together )y wind or water flow to form ano)struction+ 4n laes, logFams are usually found close to shore and in the )acs of coes+

Loose=#ction Plug = # lure with wide and slow moements from side to side+

Luner = $ormally, a )ass weighing / pounds or more+

Micropterus !almoides = !cientific term for largemouth )ass+

Migration Route = &he path followed )y )ass when moing from one area to another+

Milfoil = !urface=growing a9uatic plants+

Mono = !hort for monofilament fishing line+

Moon &imes = .our phases of the moon are usually what the fisherman is concerned with+

7enerally the Q)est timesQ in a month occur three days prior and three days after, and

include the day of the new or full moon+ .irst 9uarter and second 9uarter periods are

considered as only Qgood times+Q

Off @olor = Refers to the color and or clarity of the water+ Brown is muddy lie from rainrunoff, greenish from algae and )lac from tannic acid are the normal off=color conditions+

Our 'ole = Proprietary term used )y anglers to descri)e the area they intend to fish+ &hough actually all holes are all anglers holes since the laes )eingfished are mostly pu)lic water+ 4ts only your hole if you get there first+ Otherwise its their

hole+

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Outside Bend = &he outside line of a cree channel or grass )ed can )e considered on

outside )end+

OD)ow = # U=shaped )end in a rier+

Pattern = # defined set of location and presentation factors that consistently produce fish+(Dample2 4f you catch more than one fish off a pier or stic=up, then your chances of

catching more )ass in such places are eDcellent+ &his is commonly called Qesta)lishing apatternQ+

Pegging = Putting a toothpic in the hole of a slip siner to preent the siner from sliding

along the line+ Other items such as ru))er )ands slipped through the siner hae also)ecome popular and dont snag line+

P.% = 4nitials that stand for Personal .loatation %eice also called a life est+

p' = &his is a measurement for li9uids to determine whether they are acidic or alaline+ Ona scale of one to ten, seen is considered neutral+ Below seen the li9uid is acidic and a)oe

seen it is alaline+ &his is a factor that plays a role in the health of the lae and the fish aswell as where the fish may )e found in a lae+

p' Meter = -ust as a thermometer measures heat and cold, a p' meter can )e used tomeasure the acidity and alalinity of water+ &he p' scale ranges from J to :/+ Bass

generally prefer water that is slightly alaline in the ?+ to ?+5 range+ 0ater with a p' lessthan ? is acidic+ Once popular among serious )ass fishermen, the deice is no longer widely

used+

Pic=Up = &he act of a )ass taing a slowly fished lure, such as a plastic worm, crawfish orlizard+

Pit = #rea eDcaated for mining operations that fills with water+

Pitching = Presentation techni9ue in which worms or Figs are dropped into coer at close

range with an underhand pendulum motion, using a 1 to ?:E; foot )aitcasting rod+ &he actof pitching a )ait into a pocet or under tree lim)s+ !imilar to flipping, )ut re9uires less

stealth and usually done from further distances +

Pocet = # small indentation of the shoreline+

Point = # finger of land Futting into the water deeper water is usually found Fust )eyond theeDposed tip and along the length of )oth sides+ .ishing on and around points is often

eDceptionally rewarding+ &hey almost always hold fish+

Post .ront = &he period following a cold front atmosphere clears and )ecomes )rightusually characterized )y strong winds and a significant drop in temperature+

Presentation = # collectie term referring to choice of type of lure, color, and size structure

targeted amount of distur)ance a )ait maes when entering the water and retriealtechni9ue, speed, and depth used to catch fish+ &his refers to the circumstances and

manner in which a lure is presented to a fish+



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Pro = # ery few of the nations top )ass fishermen can truly claim the word professional+$ot only must the pro )e a consistent money winner on the maFor tournament circuits, )ut

he or she must also )e articulate, a good salesperson, present a clean=cut image, and haethe a)ility to teach others to catch fish+

Professional Oerrun = # polite term for )aclash+

Reoling=!pool Reel = #nother term for )aitcasting reel+ &he spool turns during casting,

unlie the spool of a spinning or spincasting reel+

Reseroir = #rtificially created place where water is collected and stored also called animpoundment+

Riprap = # man=made stretch of rocs or material of a hard composition that usually eDtend

a)oe and )elow the shoreline often found near dams of )ig impoundments+

!addle = !ite where structure narrows )efore widening again+

!anctuary = %eep=water )ass ha)itat+

!catter Point = Position along structure where )ass start to separate or scatter often foundin shallow water, at or ery close to a )realine+

!hort !trie = 0hen a fish hits at a lure and misses it+

!lac Line = &he loose line from the tip of the rod to the lure+ &his can )e a slight )ow in the

line to an eDcess of line lying on the water+

!lics = Bass not long enough to meet tournament standards typically less than :/ inches+!uch fish also are called Qnu))ins Q, Qthrough )acsQ, Qpop cornsQ, Q)a)iesQ and QdinsQ+

!lip !iner = # lead weight with a hole through the center+ &hreaded on line, a slip sinerslides freely up and down+

!lough = # long, narrow stretch of water such as a small stream or feeder tri)utary off alae or rier+

!low Roll = !pinner)ait presentation in which the lure is retrieed slowly through and oer

coer o)Fects+

!lush Bait = &opwater plug with flat or pointed head+

!pincaster = # manner of fishing employing a push=)utton, closed=face spinning reel and

)aitcasting rod reel is mounted on topside of rod+

!pinner)ait = # leadhead lure similar in shape to an open safety=pin with a hoo other

features include a ru))er, plastics, or hair sirt, and one or two )lades of arious shapesand sizes+

!pinning = # manner of fishing employing an open=face or closed=face spinning reel an

spinning rod reel is mounted on the underside of the rod rod guides are on the undersideof the rod+

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!plit !hotting = Often called stitch fishing )ecause you moe the )ait in increments no largerthan a sewing stitch and made Fust as slowly and patience is the ey+ Use a small N split=

shot and crimp it a)out : inches a)oe a light wire :EJ or lighter small hoo+ !pinningtacle is a must+ !mall worms, A=inch salt craws and others are perfect for the gentle

application re9uired+

!poo = &he act of alarming a fish in a negatie way+ (Damples2 eDcessie noise, casting ahuman shadow+

!tic=Up = !tationary structure = stump, lim), section of pipe, fence post = that eDtends

a)out feet or less a)oe the surface a faorite casting target of )ass fishermen+

!tragglers = Bass that remain near shore following a general migration+

!tringer = #nti9uated term for a limit of fish, used )y tournament anglers to indicate theircatch


62/62

&opwaters = .loating hard )aits that create some degree of surfa

Bass Fishing How to Catch the Next Big One

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