Bass Books

[orch]

hi guys, just moved over from the UK to missouri, been fishing all my life, i have become a bass convert since coming to the USA, with all the different lures and techniques i'm finding it a bit hard going, could anyone help with book recommendations for begginers, i am a capable angler but it is lure choice and rigs and when to use them which is confusing, i look forward to any help you guys can send my way, tight lines to you all

[deep]

I'll start with some of the books I enjoyed.

KVD's book: A general bass fishing book. I love it how he breaks down everything methodically.

Ike's book: More of a personal journey in the fishing world for the man, he's sort of my hero.

Sowbelly: Stories of the hunt for the world-record bass by some very contrasting characters.

The BBZ, Bill Siemantel: You gotta buy this book even if you have no intention to catch a really big bass (who doesn't?)

Murphy's book: Same as above

I'll confess that I'm not the person who likes to learn from books. I'd rather buy a few different bait types, and fish them in different ways to see how they work, and how they can be worked (bit of a difference there). With that said, whether you are just starting out, or a seasoned bass angler, the articles on this site would be of great help to anyone. So I'd recommend starting with those.

[Grey Wolf]

As stated earlier , start by reading the fishing articles here.

[WanderLust]

In-Fishermen books are decent... Knowing Bass is very useful as well although a bit dry.

[BassThumb]

In-Fishermen books are decent... Knowing Bass is very useful as well although a bit dry.

Agreed. Knowing Bass is very dry, but still an interesting read. The In-Fisherman and KVD books are also good.

Aside from that, I would recommend reading online and saving your money for tackle.

[BASSclary]

I agree that In-Fisherman books are a bit dry, but THEY ARE FULL of very useful information. I've become a better angler 7-Fold by reading their Largemouth book. (And I havent even finished it yet!)

[Mattlures]

I would recomend hiring a well respected guide. Explain to him your situation and what you would like to learn. If you get a good guide, that day on the water will take months, maybe even years of the learning curve. It will also make it easier to relate to the articles and books you will be reading.

[Fishes in trees]

You're lucky, living on the Mo/Ark border you've got a number of great lakes to fish. From east to west you've got Norfolk, Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, Table Rock and Beaver. There are a number of good tackle stores in the area that can help you get started. There are a couple of good ones in Bull Shoals, Ark. There are a couple of good ones in the West Branson area near Table Rock. Don't forget the original Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, MO. This store has a strong book section. I'd recommend the Charlie Brewer book on Slider Fishing as the place to start for Ozark Highland reservoirs.

A previous posters suggestion to hire a guide was a good one. There is another website - Ozarkanglers.com - where lots of locals post and comment about Ozark lake conditions. You could probably find someone who lives relatively close to you on that site.

Good Luck - you've moved to a beautiful part of the country. I'd live there if I could find a job doing what I do.

[dulouz]

I have picked up many of the North American Fishing Club books at a used book store where I work. The series has many different volumes for specific fish/techniques.

[Crestliner2008]

You'll get yourself bogged down unless you learn something about structure and structure fishing. Get the bass fisherman's bible on structure fishing for starters: "Spoonplugging" by Buck Perry. Study it before you read anything else. Then add presentation specific books and other authors as you deem necessary.

Follow the previous suggestion as well; hire a guide. Unfortunately, there are guides....and there are guides, if you know what I mean. So I always recommend beginners start off with Perry's book. You'll be ahead of the curve in no time, if you do.

[Mottfia]

If I was to suggest a book I would go with the Infisherman Largemouth book 100%. It gives you everything you will need to know. The way it worked with me was that I would read it one time and figure out something new and come back a month later, read the same section and have something else click. The book is very detailed and thorough. It will definately lead you in the right direction and give you something to build upon until you are comfortable enough to wing it. I know you'll enjoy it

Mottfia

[RoLo]

I would recomend hiring a well respected guide. Explain to him your situation and what you would like to learn. If you get a good guide, that day on the water will take months, maybe even years of the learning curve. It will also make it easier to relate to the articles and books you will be reading.

Henry Thoreau wrote:"Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing it's not the fish they're after".

Henry was eluding of course to the 'challenge'. Speaking only for myself, studying the quarry,

designing a strategy and ultimately landing my target is my very favorite part of fishing (The Only Part).

If I were forced to give away that challenge, then someone else would be doing the part I love the most.

Differently put, Bring On The Books

Roger

[Mattlures]

Good Point Roger!

[Catt]

Get your hands on every thing by Elwood (Buck) Perry who is considered the father of structure fishing. Until you understand structure you will not understand where the bass are and you can not catch what you can not find.

[orch]

would like to thank everyone for their help, all the replies have certainly given me food for thought, cheers guys, tight lines to you all