Want To Be Better

[planebrutal]

What is the best way to become a better bass fisherman

[Weld's Largemouth]

fish 

[flyfisher]

fish 

yup what he said....that and read a lot.

[fishva]

First thing I would do is read through all the seasonal fishing articles on the site (not just the season you're in, but all seasons). I know for me, they gave me a basic understanding of how bass behave in certain weather, and that was hugely helpful.

Then, pick a basic all purpose lure that you want to start with. I picked the Senko, since you can pretty much fish it anywhere anytime (you just have to change your approach depending on the conditions, which you'll learn about when you read those seasonal articles).

Then, invest in a decent rod (doesn't have to be expensive) that's either all purpose or designed for the lure that you've chosen to start fishing with.

Then, hit the banks and start fishing. Try all the types of deliveries and retrieves you can think of. Take notes. Write down the water temp, the air temp, what you fished with, where you fished it, etc. Over time, this will become a valuable resource for you to look back on.

Once you feel like you have a good handle on the first lure and you're catching fish regularly, then introduce one more type of lure and get comfortable with it. Then just keep adding new lures and learning when and where to use them.

Anyway, that's what I did. I used to fish real casually (a couple times a year), but have started to take it more seriously in the last year. Having a focused and methodical approach to learning has really helped me a lot.

[tomustang]

More time on the water. Try new things. Read up on every aspect.

[planebrutal]

I have about every bait imaginable lol i have rods reels from plugger a bus diawa g Loomis rod i have all the equipment I'm lucky to be able to fish 3-4time a week I and always do well for the most part but some days I can't get bite no matter what I do I'm mainly a flipper but will whip out a Carolina rig or crank bait if need bee I just seem to struggle when is real cold or super hot

[Grizzn N Bassin]

Ive been learning by reading a lot and time on the water

[reb67]

First thing I would do is read through all the seasonal fishing articles on the site (not just the season you're in, but all seasons). I know for me, they gave me a basic understanding of how bass behave in certain weather, and that was hugely helpful.

Then, pick a basic all purpose lure that you want to start with. I picked the Senko, since you can pretty much fish it anywhere anytime (you just have to change your approach depending on the conditions, which you'll learn about when you read those seasonal articles).

Then, invest in a decent rod (doesn't have to be expensive) that's either all purpose or designed for the lure that you've chosen to start fishing with.

Then, hit the banks and start fishing. Try all the types of deliveries and retrieves you can think of. Take notes. Write down the water temp, the air temp, what you fished with, where you fished it, etc. Over time, this will become a valuable resource for you to look back on.

Once you feel like you have a good handle on the first lure and you're catching fish regularly, then introduce one more type of lure and get comfortable with it. Then just keep adding new lures and learning when and where to use them.

Anyway, that's what I did. I used to fish real casually (a couple times a year), but have started to take it more seriously in the last year. Having a focused and methodical approach to learning has really helped me a lot.

This is great advice for us beginners.

 

Another thing I found that helps is to seek out advice from anglers in your area they can guide you to the best bait and techniques for the waters you fish.

 

This will help you catch fish quickly and boost your confidence and that is very importing to all who fish

[reb67]

that's important not importing. sorry

[MarksHooked]

First thing I would do is read through all the seasonal fishing articles on the site (not just the season you're in, but all seasons). I know for me, they gave me a basic understanding of how bass behave in certain weather, and that was hugely helpful.

Then, pick a basic all purpose lure that you want to start with. I picked the Senko, since you can pretty much fish it anywhere anytime (you just have to change your approach depending on the conditions, which you'll learn about when you read those seasonal articles).

Then, invest in a decent rod (doesn't have to be expensive) that's either all purpose or designed for the lure that you've chosen to start fishing with.

Then, hit the banks and start fishing. Try all the types of deliveries and retrieves you can think of. Take notes. Write down the water temp, the air temp, what you fished with, where you fished it, etc. Over time, this will become a valuable resource for you to look back on.

Once you feel like you have a good handle on the first lure and you're catching fish regularly, then introduce one more type of lure and get comfortable with it. Then just keep adding new lures and learning when and where to use them.

Anyway, that's what I did. I used to fish real casually (a couple times a year), but have started to take it more seriously in the last year. Having a focused and methodical approach to learning has really helped me a lot.

 

 

This is excellent advice for any starting angler! Oh how I wish this was the first thing I read when I started looking up info online! Would have saved me tons of $$ and hopefully helps someone out there!

[gulfcaptain]

Agree with all of the above.  I'm still looking to read and learn more.  Always looking to try and piece the puzzle together and take notes of the conditions each time I go. Never be afraid to ask questions.  I fish a lot of local park lakes and have no problem asking or just conversing with other anglers.  You can learn a lot especially if it's somewhere you haven't fished before.  But remember to be respectful and not fish right on top of them. 

[Catt]

What is the best way to become a better bass fisherman

Learn Structure

[WIGuide]

Two basic things you have to do to improve:

 

1) continue to build your knowledge. Read up on everything you can on tips and techniques and learn all you can.

 

2) Put in as much time on the water as you can. There is absolutely no substitute for it. 

[atpns1234]

I've been bass fishing for 30 years and just within the last few months have learned to throw a bait casting reel (waited way to long on this one). Bottom line is just fish. Stuff changes so much that we all are always learning. I've really started changing my bait selection. Caught a ton of fish on square bill cranks. Super easy to use. Throw and retrieve with the occasional adjustment of speed.

[Deleted account]

yup what he said....that and read a lot.

Nope, just fish, reading won't help.

[flyfisher]

Right because if you fish without reading about new techniques or seasonal patterns etc... I am sure you will be successful because you get to figure everything out on your own instead if utilizing knowledge others have gained....sounds like a plan for success to me...well, minus the success part.

[Scott F]

My advise is to fish with other good fishermen. You will learn more faster than any other way. On your own, even if you memorize everything you read, it will take you a while to learn where to fish. Going with someone else who knows where to go will get you catching right away which will give you confidence.  Join a fishing club and be active.  If you can afford it, hire a guide.  Even experienced fishermen will benefit greatly from sharing a boat with another veteran angler.

[NathanW]

My advise is to fish with other good fishermen. You will learn more faster than any other way. On your own, even if you memorize everything you read, it will take you a while to learn where to fish. Going with someone else who knows where to go will get you catching right away which will give you confidence.  Join a fishing club and be active.  If you can afford it, hire a guide.  Even experienced fishermen will benefit greatly from sharing a boat with another veteran angler.

I agree. The best way to accomplish this is to fish tournaments as a co-angler. Think of the entry fee as "paying for lessons."

 

Added bonus these guys will take you right to their favorite spots without Bradshawing.

[Fish Murderer 71]

read, try, try again, read something else, try, try again, read something else, try, try again.  Talk, try, try again, talk to someone else, try, try again, talk to someone else, try, try again.  Use what works and keep trying that which doesnt work the first time.  Fishing is a lifetime of epic failure between successes!!!

[Bankbeater]

Don't be afraid to try something new, and think outside of the box.

[Mainebass1984]

Fish Fish Fish

 

Go early and stay late....

[collards]

Just have fun

[Ratherbfishing]

 I just seem to struggle when is real cold or super hot

 

Who doesn't?

[davidwright27]

Take notes of what worked and what didn't in different weather and water conditions.  But to do this you have to fish a lot.  I approve of reading too.

[aharris]

It's helpful to read magazines and stuff, but you gotta get out there and fish. Try new things and don't be scared to think "out of the box".