Keeping It Simple

[roadwarrior]

Bass fishing isn't a lot different than other fresh water game fish, with a few exceptions.

1. Bass can be caught on a wider variety of lures than any other fresh water game fish.

2. Bass are easy to catch when they are active, very difficult when they are not active.

3. Bass location is dependent on seasonal periods and prey type.

Because bass can be caught on a lot of different lures choosing a lure that is similar to the prey the bass are currently eating simplifies how to present it to the bass. You need to understand what the prey types are where you fish.

Active bass are easier to catch than inactive bass. Understanding structure and cover elements helps to find the bass. Using lures that replicate what they are feeding on helps to find active bass by increasing your odds.

Understanding basic bass behavior and seasonal periods helps to eliminate water where the bass are not and locate and focus where they are located. Bass are predators and stay close to their food.source, locate the predominate prey, the bass should be nearby.

Tom

 

Great post!

 

 

 

[SirSnookalot]

Bass fishing isn't a lot different than other fresh water game fish, with a few exceptions.

1. Bass can be caught on a wider variety of lures than any other fresh water game fish.

2. Bass are easy to catch when they are active, very difficult when they are not active.

3. Bass location is dependent on seasonal periods and prey type.

Because bass can be caught on a lot of different lures choosing a lure that is similar to the prey the bass are currently eating simplifies how to present it to the bass. You need to understand what the prey types are where you fish.

Active bass are easier to catch than inactive bass. Understanding structure and cover elements helps to find the bass. Using lures that replicate what they are feeding on helps to find active bass by increasing your odds.

Understanding basic bass behavior and seasonal periods helps to eliminate water where the bass are not and locate and focus where they are located. Bass are predators and stay close to their food.source, locate the predominate prey, the bass should be nearby.

Tom

Sounds like a lot of info, but it really isn't and much of it is plain common sense, this is a good information list. Guys and gals learning to fish in the 40's and early 50's started off on shore or in a row boat with no electronics or trolling motor.  I don't think we were at a disadvantage because we learned this common sense approach, find the fish and match the hatch.  The modern angler has so much going now, hi tech rods and reels, faster boats with electronics a TM's and IMO the biggest game changer plastic weedless baits.  Knowing the basics plus all the hi tech stuff is a recipe for success.

[blongfishing]

Like someone said ahead of me, keep the tackle box small. I have spent atleast $500 this year!!

[roadwarrior]

Off topic posts have been removed. If you want to talk saltwater please post in "Other Species".

 

-Kent

[Deleted account]

Great post!

 

 

No its not!

[Chance_Taker4]

Almost anything you throw this time a year will be bit on. Just remember to match color with water (darker the water the brighter the colors, the clearer the water the more natural colors). Also do not get hung up on all the baits when to use them and how. I learned from using one at a time. Every type of bait will catch them at some point. The easiest thing to do is decide on one bait only. Just throw the one bait until you can catch them consistently and feel comfortable. Once this happens go on to a different bait until you gain confidence. Once you get confidence in each baits then you can decide how you want to catch them as well as find out which baits works best at which time.  

[roadwarrior]

Also do not get hung up on all the baits when to use them and how. I learned from using one at a time. Every type of bait will catch them at some point. The easiest thing to do is decide on one bait only. Just throw the one bait until you can catch them consistently and feel comfortable. Once this happens go on to a different bait until you gain confidence. Once you get confidence in each baits then you can decide how you want to catch them as well as find out which baits works best at which time.  

 

Well, I don't think you need to reinvent the wheel. There is tons of helpful information from

experienced fishermen here at BassResource.com. "any bait/lure" is NOT the best choice

year around. As a specific example, The Rig has proven to be seasonal and not particularily

productive in the summer. Spring is the easiest time to catch bass on a variety of lures, but

some are FAR MORE PRODUCTIVE than others.

[Chance_Taker4]

Well, I don't think you need to reinvent the wheel. There is tons of helpful information from

experienced fishermen here at BassResource.com. "any bait/lure" is NOT the best choice

year around. As a specific example, The Rig has proven to be seasonal and not particularily

productive in the summer. Spring is the easiest time to catch bass on a variety of lures, but

some are FAR MORE PRODUCTIVE than others.

 

 

 

 

I think there was a misunderstandment on my post. I didn't say you can use "any" bait whenever you would like to catch fish. I said all baits catch fish at some point.

Spring- Spinnerbait, Jerkbait

Summer- Cranks and Plastics

Fall- Plastics, cranks, spinnerbait

Winter- Lipless cranks, plastic, Jig

 

That is how I fish my baits and it works quite well for me. However when learning I threw cranks every time I was on the water no matter the season until I was confident with them. Then I moved to plastics, spinnerbait, etc, etc. Until I figured what baits work well in what conditions and season. I never threw an A Rig and never plan on it. I feel that they are more dangerous to the fish.

[OntarioFishingGuy]

Tie on a Rapala Original minnow or Shad rap. Cast it out and reel it back in. Thats all you have to do. Those were the only lures i had for about a year. I caught Largemouth, Smallies, Pike, Muskies, Walleyes, Perch, Crappies, etc on them. Then i found Tackle Warehouse...

[SENKOSAM]

First of all, bass fishing isn't rocket science. Just take into account depth and lure capabilities such as action (finesse to extreme), depth a lure can be fished effectively and it's speed range. Always know where you are using sonar to account for bottom and weed changes.

 

Take notes for each water you discover things. Each water is different and the bottoms are different.

 

Some lures are multi-specie lures and find out which are. Cast, cast, cast. It's the only way to discover (a key word) and add to one's experience which is accumulative.

 

Understand seasonal differences in bass locations so that finding active fish becomes a bit easier as the years go by. Fishing with others speeds the process by noting what and how they caught fish, no matter how inexperienced you both are. Discovery is the essence of fishing - not winning tournaments or expecting all outings to be successful.

 

This site has an overwhelming amount of good information, especially in it's archives and is the best in my opinion as a true encyclopedia of every facet of fishing you could ever know in a lifetime. But focusing on one general category at a time and not cramming everything into future outings, allows you to understand the value of each article and put it to use until you discover its usefulness, whether it be the use of jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits or structural / cover difference.

Finding and fishing fish magnets are key!

 

Learn a few waters very well and expand to others. Tournament fishing with others more experienced in certain techniques and lure use allowed me to realize their potential in different situations, but again, there will never be a substitution for replicating what you've seen or done.

 

You can't rush success, so understand the tool of presentation speed, because without it, no lure in the world will work if you ignore that simple element of the retrieve.

 

No point in wishing you luck because luck is when and where you find it and depending on blind luck, less and less.

 

SS

[merc1997]

the best fishing tool you have is your brain.  catching the bass is the easiest part of the job.  the hardest is locating them.  spend time learning seasonal patterns for the waters you fish.  learn the food base and food chain for those waters.  this will help you eliminate a lot of water and key in on areas that are holding the bass.  

 

wrb, a member here has a calendar he developed called the cosmic clock.  for those just starting out bassing, it is a great aid.  i think tom posted on this thread and gave the best advice you can go by.  bass are always going to be around food.

 

lure selection can also be kept pretty simple.  there is not any magic lure, but we do have some very effective fishing tools.  in my opinion, the jig is at the top of the list.  it can be fished skirted with trailer, or naked with any plastic.  it can be fished from top to bottom, and swam, coasted, dragged, or jigged.  

 

depth and speed are the two most crucial factors in enticing strikes out of bass.  as tom stated, active bass are easier to catch.  in between those active periods are when fishing at the right depth and speed will elicit reaction bites.

 

time on the water will help hone your skills and thought process. 

 

good luck.

 

bo

[HeavyFisher]

Simply put.. A 7" ribbon tail worm 3/0 hook... 3/8 oz slip sinker... Use it and catch fish... It's just a bait that works everyday

 

Do what this guy says! Don't get to caught up on reading and trying to "figure out" bass fishing. I never read a bass book in my life, my dad started me when I was around 4. I think the longer you do it the more in tune you become. I catch lunkers all the time and have the pics to prove it. From one fisherman to another here are a few pointers I've learned over the years, if your not catching anything move to a different spot, always count to 2 before you set your hook, best times to fish are early morning and dusk, top water lures are best used on water that is as flat as glass. That should get you started and goodluck bub!

[F14A-B]

Do what this guy says! Don't get to caught up on reading and trying to "figure out" bass fishing. I never read a bass book in my life, my dad started me when I was around 4. I think the longer you do it the more in tune you become. I catch lunkers all the time and have the pics to prove it. From one fisherman to another here are a few pointers I've learned over the years, if your not catching anything move to a different spot, always count to 2 before you set your hook, best times to fish are early morning and dusk, top water lures are best used on water that is as flat as glass. That should get you started and goodluck bub!

HeavyFisher like you I have found that simplicity is Bliss! When it becomes confusing or overly expensive get back to bare bone tactics and catch fish... Big ones! Or little... Lol... All fun and joy for me!

[missouribigbass]

I've been fishing since I was old enough to walk. If your just getting started you need 3 lures imo and I tell everyone starting out the same thing. Master these 3 and then start moving on to more tackle.

The 3 lures to start with are...

1.Your good old basic plastic worm. I prefer a berkley 7inch power bait in grape-purple. To me the purple worm is consistently the best color but get several colors just giving you my personal preference.

2.Spinnerbait...Get several colors. To me a white 1/4 oz tandem blade booyah is my personal favorite with one willow and one colorado.

3. Buzzbait....just like the spinner get several colors. Lol I sound like a booyah rep but I do prefer their buzz baits as noise and water disruption is at a premium with buzzbait fishing and the clacker on a booyah is a difference make. Contrary to what you will read about buzzbait fishing. It works best at a very stay pace sitting nicely atop the water and running smoothly. I Ive caught tons of big bass on buzzbaits it is the most under utilized lure among fishermen today. A topwater strike is also the most exciting and will keep you coming back for more

The last thing I will tell you is the most important thing in fishing and I think many will agree. And that is placement. You've got to put the lure no matter what it is in the right place. I see so many people just cast and cast randomly for hours and rarely catch a thing. Understand whee and what fish like where your at. Find vegetation, brush, underwater structure and put your lure there. Starting off as a newbie to fishing really work on your accuracy is a super important part of being a good fisherman. Pick spots and try and hit them.

Take those 3 lures find the right cover and put your lure in the right spot and you WILL catch fish. We over complicate fishing sometimes and we rig up 25 different lures during the course of the day whdn a lot of the time these 3 lures thrown in the right places would hsve produce the bedt over the course of a day.

Hope some of this helps you and happy fishing!

[CDMeyer]

Same with me when I switch to bass last year it is overwhelming..... but here is what I did

take it one week at a time, pick a technique, a lure, or a bait and fish that and ONLY that all week

Take what you learned right it down, and then move on to the next

Pay attention to every little detail, the feel of the bait, the way bass react to it

Ask your self why did you not catch something here, but you did over there.....

And then if you have question research and watch videos, but what really helped me was this form you can ask specific questions, for example on the week I spent with a  jig it turned into a week and a half because I did not catch anything in the week, so I had to keep working, this site helped me with so much it is not funny

Go get them and stay positive, God Bless