There is truly much to know about Bass fishing. Anglers spend years trying to master the art of landing a keeper largemouth. Here is some advice from my experiences.
Best location for bass fishing:
Bass generally like cover, as in weeds, downed limbs, Lilly pads etc. They generally camp out in these areas until they see their next meal. I have had much luck in areas that are completely covered over on the surface by floating materials. This gives bass ample place to hide.
Also If the water you are fishing is deep enough, 8 Ft Plus they have at tendency to camp out on the lake floor where there is less light. Anywhere they can find a place to camp out.
If you find that an area is not producing within 30 minutes I would move to another location. I generally circle the whole pond at least once per fishing trip, as some spots generate well on some days where other spots generate well on other days.
I have noticed that they will also wait in an eddy at the mouth of a river waiting for their prey to float by them.
From what I understand as well is that bass generally like warmer water opposed to pike which prefer cooler water. This is why you find more bass near the banks of the lakes where the water is warmest.
Best time of day for bass fishing:
Generally I have found that early in the morning or late at night I see the most activity. Days that are overcast and the sun is not directly showing on the water as also offer better performing days than sunny days. I hardly every go out when I know the next day is going to be Sunny and hot. Cloudy days, with a little drizzle are my favorite days to hit the lake. A few hours before sunset through a few hours after are generally my best producing hours when bass fishing.
There is much debate over what the best bait or lures are for bass fishing. I personally feel as if live bait always works best, however some people swear by artificial bait as well. My favorite bait are shiners, hooked through the rear dorsal fin. Worms work well too, however you will also catch many panfish. Artificial plastic worms work well for me as well, but not nearly as effective as a live shiner. I generally get the medium sized shiners for lowest cost and most effectiveness reasons. If your bait looses life as you continually work it is the water, slightly toughing or jerking the line to give the impression that it is still alive helps to attract more fish.
Best bait for bass fishing:
In general the smaller bass’s diet consists more of small insects, whereas the larger adults consume small fish, frogs, salamanders, crawfish ect.
Grubs are also been known to generate some large bass.
Rooster tails or spinner baits also work well on clearer days. My advice is to keep to the live bait whenever possible. I also used a plastic frog and skim it over lily pads, this method as generated some 5lb + bass for me over the years.
Generally the more active the bait is the better as it will draw more attention to itself.
A few buddies of mine swear by top water skimmers or poppers. I found this works best when there is a large frog population on the pond. Does not seem to produce well on clear lakes and ponds
Best line set up for bass fishing:
I generally stick to the lighter tackle. 8lb test line or less, anything heavier and you risk spooking the bass away from your bait. No leader, small hook that is barely visible to the prey that you are after. I prefer eagle claw or another brand that has the barbs on the neck of the hook as well as at the point. I have found that darker colored hooks work best for me.
Best techniques for bass fishing:
One technique that I have found that generates the best results is to use a medium sized shiner with a small hook through its back fin and casting it is shallow areas, weedy and plenty of cover. I used to use a small dobber as well, but I have found over the years that if I play close enough attention to the line I do not even need to dobber which produces even more results.
The other favorite technique that I use is using a small plastic worm, slowly reeling it through tall weeds.
I hope this information helps you land the lunker bass your searching for.
