Relearning to Bass fish

[basschaser63]

63 and trying to relearn bass fishing after some 45 years. I have my boat in a slip at Degray Lake so I am determined to learn how to catch largemouth there. I have been fishing there a year now and can't seem to catch largemouth. Any help would be appreciated !!!

[Hurricane]

Welcome! Make yourself a cup of coffee  and search the forums.   Plenty of knowledgeable posters here that can help you.  

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

When I got back in the hunt the articles on this
site were immensely helpful to me. I highly 
recommend you read up on it.

As well, the forums were and continue to be the
place to find great tips, help, how-to and such.

Personally, I would start by finding laydowns and 
docks. Throw some TX rigged worms in natural
colors (watermelon, green pumpkin, junebug, etc.).

Fish it slow. When you think you're slow enough,
slow down some more. My favorite rig is the wacky
rig. I use that more than anything other than the
dropshot now-a-days. There are articles on each
of these, as well as videos that can get you "re-
started".

Good luck!

[WRB]

Welcome aboard.

Lets start at the beginning with tackle, what do you use?

1. Bait casting combo; make and model of rod, reel and line.

2. Spinning comb; same info as above.

3. Spincast combo; same info as above.

Knowing the type of tackle helps to steer you in the right direction and get you started with some basic lure presentations appropriate for your style of fishing.

Tom

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

As for relearning to bass fish after 45 years - do whatever you were successful with back in the day.  I'm betting that you'll find the bass pretty much in the same type of places.  

So it's like riding a bike -again.  You'll probably be a little wobbly at first but once you get back in the groove it will be a lot better.

By the way, the rods, reels & lines have all improved since Tricky Dick was running the show and "Electronics" play a serious role in the bass fishing game for many boat owners as well.

Finally, there's this entity call The Bait Monkey.  You'll know him when you meet him.  Be warned, he can be problematic.

A-Jay 

[Roger, The Smiling BassHole]

8 hours ago, basschaser63 said:

63 and trying to relearn bass fishing after some 45 years. 

I'm 63 and got back into fishing recently, though not after 45 years.

Great questions and suggestions above.

I'll tell you what I learned reading and listening (on videos) from the Pros:

Step 1: Find the fish. That's where your electronics, or in-depth knowledge of the water.

Step 2: Find what the fish are biting. Could be worms, could be lures, etc.

Remember, you have 8 hours to do Steps 1 and 2. (At least in a tournament!)

Best of luck to you and let us know what you do and how it works!

Tight lines!

Roger, The Smiling BassHole

[Nitrofreak]

Keep it simple, bass haven't changed much in the last 45 years but the way we go about catching em', well, that's changed a bunch!!!

A great starting point starts with the above posts, welcome to BR!!!

 

[thomas15]

This is going to be my third year back after about 15 years off. In the past I fished the bank in small shallow ponds, now I have a boat in larger deep impoundments. Nothing that worked for me in the past works now.

Last year, while dismal, was better than the previous year. So I'm hopeful this year will be better but so far work/boat/weather have conspired to keep me sidelined. I think starting next weekend though I should be out on the water, my boat is now in service  and the weather and my personal schedule is opening up.

So, what keeps me going and interested is the fact that I don't have to catch large numbers of fish to have a great day on the water. I just like being out there. For years I could not find the time and now I have the time and a boat so all is good.

[WRB]

Was waiting to see if the OP would reply to my few questions .

45 years ago was 1971 the dawn of modern bass fishing as we know it today.

Nearly everything has changed since then.

The major changes are;

Acknowledged seasonal period and basic understanding of bass behavior.

Tackle, rods are much longer, spinning tackle is common, spin cast pistol and pistol grip rods are history for most bass anglers today.

Soft plastic worms are still a mainstay, more colors with unlimited sizes, styles. Rigging has changed but the Texas rig with sliding bullet sinker is still popular. 

Finesse fishing is something new using light line 6# to 10# test line and spinning tackle.

Finesse Rigs like drop shot and split shot using 4 1/2" to 6" worms is popular.

Swimbaits, wake baits, glide baits are new.

Bass anglers rarely troll to catch bass today.

Sonar units with GPS and Navonics maps have become important fishing tools.

Let us know what you know and we can help without confusing you hopefully.

Tom

 

[Sam]

Bass Chaser, it is like riding a bike. You never forget.

Of course, everything has changed in 43 years but you will have no problem picking up the basics and then expanding your fishing baits and techniques.

Lots of fun leaning how to bass fish so don't be bashful and ask your questions. We are here to help you as best we can.

[Catt]

Bass today are still the same as they were in 1971!

They still live on structure; points, humps, ridges, & cheek channels still hold bass. Learn the topography of DeGray.

They still have to eat; minimum output - maximum intake; find the food sources you'll find the bass.

The key to consistently catching bass is still a process of elimination & duplication. Eliminate patterns & water that are nonproductive & duplicate patterns & waters that are productive.

Yes the equipment is better but don't get hung up on thinking ya gotta have this or ya gotta have that; the #1 key to consistently catching bass is still between your ears, not between the folds of your wallet!

["hamma"]

  just because it gets confusing considering options at the tackle shop,... some good advice in choosing gear? 

 lures with treble hooks pair with med action gear

single hook lures pair with med heavy or heavy gear

 typically i try topwaters in the am, spinnerbaits in wind, fish docks and weeds in the sun, and fish will spread out on cloudy days. 

just a few tips hope it works for ya