Beginners guide to who what where and when?

[Jer1983]

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a list our guide, sort of like a quick reference as to what lures are for what? Which fish live where, or where do fish live in a pond or a river? I know a lot of this is geographical and opinion but some sort of a loose reference chart would be helpful for beginners. It's hard when you're excited and you just wanna get out there to pick up a lure and remember hey this is for early spring, or this goes on the bait caster.I know there's endless info out there. I've been watching videos and trying out everything I can and adding what I can. Sometimes however I get to a new spot with limited time and am like wait what should I do?

 

[Vinjints]

I haven't found this in one exact spot, but it's all over the articles on bassresource.  I read, and continue to read, and keep my own notes.  What size weights are suggested for different techniques.  Most popular brand/name of lures based on type.  Colors or action based on weather, clouds, wind.  And now I'm prioritizing learning the techniques based on those that are suggested as viable options most of the time.

[Fishes in trees]

Here's the deal.   Do your research.   When you get to some place you can fish - try something.   If that don't work - try something else.  In olden times, Bill Dance & Roland Martin collaborated on a " fishing computer".    It was programmed to ask a series of questions and based on your responses it listed which lures you "should" be using.   If you're having issues deciding what & how to fish on your own, maybe that old school toy can help.

[Jer1983]

1 hour ago, Fishes in trees said:

Here's the deal.   Do your research.   When you get to some place you can fish - try something.   If that don't work - try something else.  In olden times, Bill Dance & Roland Martin collaborated on a " fishing computer".    It was programmed to ask a series of questions and based on your responses it listed which lures you "should" be using.   If you're having issues deciding what & how to fish on your own, maybe that old school toy can help.

Lol ?. I can just imagine whipping that puppy out. That's ok I'm learning a lot but there's a lot to learn. This morning I was frustrated cause I had scoped out a great spot, know fish, little pressure. My first trip there (Saturday) just to take a look there was some green growth floating on the near side. Cast a frog for like 10 mins and came up with a game plan for Monday morning after work. Showed up Monday and the entire reservoir was covered in green. I legit had nothing heavy enough to even break through it. No clue what I should have been doing because I had never researched those conditions. Should have just gone somewhere else instead of getting frustrated for an hour and leaving. At least I walked the perimeter and know the lay of the land now I guess. 

[NHBull]

Howdy and welcome to the forum.

It is always good to introduce yourself and fill out your bio.  It would make answering this question easier.  It would also be easier if you mentioned what set-up you have.

 

It sounds like you are a bank fisherman, that to plays into the response.

 

The short answer to your question is that I don't think there is a quick reference to jump start your fishing.  There is also no substitute for experience, so I would start with throwing Senkos.

 

 

Narrowing your question may also ellisient more responses........again, welcome

[deep]

Location, depth, speed.

Lures are just tools.

Sometimes too much information can be detrimental.

 

On 8/2/2007 at 7:59 AM, Catt said:

After reading numerous posts and comments it has became apparent that most members here do not understand what structure fishing is. If you are an angler after any species of fish you will need to understand structure. It is very important because knowing what structure is, how to truly identify it, read it, and then fish it effectively, is the quickest, surest means of consistently putting fish in the boat.

When the subject of structure fishing comes up many people incorrectly assume you are referring to deep water fishing this is partially untrue. It doesn't matter if you are fishing bank shallow or 40' deep your are fishing structure that is if you are catching fish.

Never will fish be found that are not related to structure in some manner; this is why it is said that 10% of the water holds 90% of the fish.  

[scaleface]

Bass are everywhere , very adaptive critters  . I've even caught big ones  in ditches . They habitate  clear , muddy , deep , shallow , rocky , soft .... you get the picture .   A lot of lures   can be fished in many different  situations and  they often overlap . Sometimes, for example , a spinnerbait or a crankbait would be a great choice and its just a guess as which one to use . Its easy to over  complicate bass fishing i'm as guilty as anyone .  To make it simple select lures that cast well with your equipment . Dont fret too much over the little stuff like color just pick a few time tested proven hues and try to choose lures that will fish the area effectively . Its actually  not that difficult  and if something doesnt work , change .

 

For example   a fallen tree is a  classic bass attractor   and there could  be several excellent choices . You could opt for a spinnerbait and work though the branches , or toss a buzzbait in the same places . Crankbaits may not be a good choice because they hang up easily .  You will want a lure that is almost snag-proof to fish deep inside of it . That is where jigs and texas rigs shine . Just ask yourself what you want  a lure to do and choose wisely .

 

 

[WRB]

Lures don't have seasons fish do.

You want to use lures that can be effectively presented to the fish wherever they may be located. Fish have active feeding periods and inactive time periods, about 20% active and 80% inactive. The more active a fish the faster a lure can be retreived. Bass don't eat anything when spawning and eat lots prior to the spawn and less following the spawn. Bass move into shallower water following cold water winter period to eventually spawn when the water temps are warmer, about 65 degrees on average.

Bigger or faster lures in pre spawn, smaller slower lures in post spawn any lure during the summer that can be fished effectively. During the fall it's similar to pre spawn except more baitfish are availble so structure spoons and tail or under spins that mimick smaller size baitfish tend to work good, along with a wide variety of bass lures. Winter or cold water, bass are less active because they are cold blooded animals that need less food, so slow way down the speed you fish your lures.

Tom

[bigbill]

I throw my ritual of baits. From cranks, topwater spooks, plastics, spinnerbaits, inline spinners, minnowbaits, I vary my presentations. The water conditions influence the colors I choose. 

I perfer lures that cover all the bass senses. Color(sight), smell(scent), vibration, rattle(sound).

[Jer1983]

21 hours ago, WRB said:

Lures don't have seasons fish do.

You want to use lures that can be effectively presented to the fish wherever they may be located. Fish have active feeding periods and inactive time periods, about 20% active and 80% inactive. The more active a fish the faster a lure can be retreived. Bass don't eat anything when spawning and eat lots prior to the spawn and less following the spawn. Bass move into shallower water following cold water winter period to eventually spawn when the water temps are warmer, about 65 degrees on average.

Bigger or faster lures in pre spawn, smaller slower lures in post spawn any lure during the summer that can be fished effectively. During the fall it's similar to pre spawn except more baitfish are availble so structure spoons and tail or under spins that mimick smaller size baitfish tend to work good, along with a wide variety of bass lures. Winter or cold water, bass are less active because they are cold blooded animals that need less food, so slow way down the speed you fish your lures.

Tom

Thanks Tom this is good info. Thanks all for the info. I will fill out my bio today. I'm in CT. I am buying a canoe but bank fish for now. I have a medium spinning 6'6" 2 piece in my trunk which I just set up for Ned rigs. I also just purchased a set of three rods on a great sale. A 7' medium spin (3000 reel) and 2 casting. A 7' medium and a 7'6" med/heavy. I do not own any bait casters yet though. 

 

I have senkos, a chatter bait and some spinners. Ordered some more cranks, jigs, spinners ect. Have a frog. No straight up spoons or Under spins. I'm also about to make an order for a bunch of plastics, senkos, tubes and creature baits from a reputable guy. He's going to put together a variety of effective lures. And more. I've been doing things on the cheap but feel like I've got some real quality stuff in the process.  

 

I will I'll try to fish "structure". I believe I know what that means but I'm going to google that and read up. My biggest enemy so far has been trees. Finding open banks in my area is a challenge so far. 

[CTBassin860]

Welcome to BR first. Secondly,there are no rules you need to abide by. Take the what,when and where list. Set it on fire and figure out what works on your water and your personal style.

[J Francho]

Here's a start:

 

https://www.bassresource.com/how-to-fish/

 

And if you like videos:

 

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/How-To-Fishing-Videos

[kickerfish1]

I got this...

 

Who: You

What: Senko

Where: Anywhere there is water

When: 24/7