What Are The Abcs Of Bass Fishing?

[Darren.]

Welcome to the forums!

 

I will echo the sentiment(s) encouraging you to hit the "library" on the forum.

 

So much can be learned there, and in articles, books, etc.

 

I'm not discouraging you from asking, though! That's what a forum is for!

[Ratherbfishing]

First, fishing is (or can be) a lifetime pursuit. About the time you "master" a technique, you'll probably move on and find something else to try. HOWEVER, you can make it as simple or as complicated as you wish it to be.

 

I agree with those who say location is the most important thing. Where fish can be found is impacted by time of year (which includes instinctive behaviors such as spawning, etc), weather conditions, food availability, etc. Bass, in particular, seem to always relate to structure and cover in some fashion.  Weed edges, points, shelves, submerged creek beds, tree lines, drop offs etc. are always good places to look.  But, again, bass will move according to factors like food availability, temperature, oxygen, etc.  Some bass move a lot while others in the right locations may move very little.  You can seldom go wrong by fishing in or near vegitation.

 

In my mind, there are two different kinds of baits:  Search baits and probing baits.  Search baits are helpful for covering a lot of water and finding the actively feeding fish (those willing to "chase" their prey).  Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, trolling spoons, inline spinners, swim baits, etc. are good examples of lures in this category.  Probe baits, like plastic worms, and creature baits, jigs, jigging spoons, etc are for methodically picking an area apart.  You can get hung up on brands (and generally it's true that brand names tend to work better than cheapo immitations) but if you are unwilling to fish a high dollar bait where it might hang up for fear you might lose it, you're better off going with a cheaper brand or model.

 

New fishermen,especially those with boats, often take the approach that the grass is greener on the other side of the lake and then roar off to the other side-just to find everything about the same, and then begin casting randomly.  It's better to use a map (in conjuction with a fish finder) to choose where you are going to fish however the geological features above the water (gentle sloping banks as opposed to steep cliffs, for example) will often give you a good idea as to what is going on below the water.  At least near the shore.

 

Although some "purists" tend to disdain trolling, this method will cover a lot of water, find more active feeding fish, and keep youngsters entertained. There are nuances to even this method, however, so like everything else, there is a learning curve.

 

Oh, bass tend to be more active during periods of stable weather than after it has been stormy or after a cold front has moved through.  Fish more quickly in the former and slow down after cold fronts.

 

There!  Everything you'll ever need to know!