Better Bass Fisher

[J Francho]

OK, I looked them up, they are the "Handbook of Stratgies" series. Big books from the early 90s that pretty much covered all the bases. Some of the info is dated, and there are some fantastic mullets in the photos, but it's still excellent info. Both my tattered copies were recently replaced with shiny new ones that sit on the back of the toilet.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Keep a fishing log book. It helps me a TON. Secondly, get on the water and fish, fish, fish.

[200racing]

fish with more experienced fishermen.

[Jake P]

Put your time in on the water. Like it has been said, nothing teaches like trial and error. Something i have learned ALOT over the past year and a half.

[aclark609]

1. Fish as much as possible

2. Do your homework

3. Become very good at casting/flipping/pitching

4. Become versatile

[Michael DiNardo]

fish with more experienced fishermen.

X2

Mike

[loodkop]

Join Bass Resource and learn the search function.

[Michael DiNardo]

Stay single and fish more.

Mike

[Clash City Rocker]

Learn the Texas Rig!

Jeff

x2

[jimmykm21]

There are a lot of people here with much more experience than I . My suggestion is learn how to catch midday bass and add deep cranking to your arsenal.

A lot of bass fisherman think fishing shallows morning and late afternoon is the best fishing.

That's not always the case. You can pull out some monsters deep cranking in 15 to 18 feet of water.

And night fish , can't tell how many bass boats I see going back to the launch when I'm just getting ready to launch in the evening.

Some lakes it's just me and only a couple of other boats on the water. Or just me alone..

Start fishing at night.

[K_Mac]

fish with more experienced fishermen.

There are no real shortcuts to being a good all-round fisherman. All the advice given will help to make you better. I am a much better fisherman for my time spent on this site, reading the articles and posts of folks more experienced in many techniques than me. Information is a powerful thing. There is no question about that, but until I get out on the water and put the suggestions and information into practice, it is all just theory. On the water is where the real learning happens.

The above quote is maybe the best single bit of advice given IMO. In any endeavor competing against, or working with others better than you will make you better. Fishing with better fishermen, and paying careful attention will save countless hours of doing it the hard way. Of course doing it the hard way has value also...

[Traveler2586]

Fishing with better fishermen, and paying careful attention will save countless hours of doing it the hard way. Of course doing it the hard way has value also...

Frequently, better anglers are just not available to the average recreational fisherman and going out with a guide can get expensive fast. I'm not a tournament angler and really see anyone I know at the ramps; so I rely on books, video/TV and this forum for my education; and for the price you can't beat Bass Resource and it's members for information on the subject.

[K_Mac]

Traveler2586 you are of course right that good fishermen willing to share their skills and time with others are not that easy to find. They are out there though. Over the last few years I have worked to expand my fishing circle. As a result, I am now fishing regularly with a guy I only knew through a friend a year ago. He has taught me me much about flipping, pitching, and shallow water fishing in general. For those of us who almost always find a way to bring any conversation around to fishing, there are networking opportunities out there. Making a new friend and finding a new fishing partner is easier for some of us than others, but once again paying attention to details is key.

[JellyMan]

Fish more, experiment more, and hit up youtube for tips. Any quick tips can help load up your brain with knowledge and ideas.

But again, most important is going to be water time.

[webertime]

Join a club, I have grown up fishing (had a fly rod in my hands at 4). I was a good fisherman and seeing things on TV/Computer are helpful there is nothing that comes close to seeing a good fisherman do their thing right in front of you. I learned more from the back of the boat in the last 2 years than I had in the previous 15 years! Read blogs for the guides in your area as well, often little nuggets of gold can be garnered from them.

[shimmy]

agree completely with everything. Never tell yourself your good enough! Fallin in that slippery slope a few times and got it handed to me. I will never brag again when it comes to bass fishing. This site will humble you real fast.

[PineappleWater]

Take your time and see what color lures/baits people are fishing in your lake. Also take note of the time of day and condition when you are really catching them!

[out_doors_guy]

Stay single and fish more.

Mike

X100 lol

Seriously, there are 4 things I would tell you. Study the fish, you can't catch them consistantly without knowing them, there habits and their habitats. Keep a log, Going back and reading past entries will accelerate the learning process. Spend time on the water, preferably as many different bodies of water as you can. Nothing beats experience. And do not be afraid to experiment. It is easy to get in a rut doing the things that you have had success with in the past even though those things may not be the best for the current conditions.

[A-Rob]

steroids

[Ratherbfishing]

Don't be afraid to try new things.