Fly Fishing From Scratch: How To Catch Bass With The Basics

Bass Fishing 101: How To Catch The Next Big One
Learn the Basics

Master and Optimize
YOUR personal tangle
with one of natures
most worthy champions and opponents
Play the anglers game of
condition, circumstance,
nowledge, opportunity and sill
!ynergize and !trategize"
!hape YOUR OWN PERSONA APPROACH
to catching Bass, #$% &'($ more, )igger, more often,
consistently and regardless of conditions, considerations,
and or interplay of other random factors
Plan to succeed* and YOU will+
&his how to guide, will help, gi,e you )acground information,
handy tips and pointers to ponder, consider, try, master an!
($-OY"Ta"#e O$ Contents
1. .oreword /
0hat are we fishing for again1 &he &arget2 3Bass defined
2. 4ntroduction 5
6nowing and 7oing where the fish are 8 Locating, Luring and #c9uiring
the target
3. &he )asics of Bass .ishing 8 #n o,er,iew :;
&ools of the trade2 &acle, Boats, #ccessories, Lures and Baits <all
a)out plastics, spinners, cran and others= top=water and specialty
lures>
:?
0ater, 0eather, &iming and Other (n,ironmental #spect, .acets and
@onsiderations for Bass .ishing
AA
&echni9ues for Bass .ishing lie a Pro <worms, sipping, Ripping,
%rift trolling, .ly=rodding>
/:
4. Mistaes and !ecrets to Bass .ishing /?
5. !tyles and !pecialty Bass .ishing &echni9ues /5
6. .inal &houghts2 !ummary and @onclusions B:
7. References #nd Other 'andy Boos On Bass .ishing
B;
#PP($%4C :2 Bass .ishing 7lossary B/
2
1. Fo%ewo%! & What A%e We Fishing Fo% Again' The
Ta%get: ()Bass*+ ,e$ine!
0hate,er the reason you had for picing up these pages, to learn
more a)out fishing, and game fishing, specifically with an all=time
angling fa,orite em)edded in the aptly titled2 Bass Fishing, 101:
How To Catch The Next Big One, you are sure to find a 9uenching
reprie,e+ !till your thirst for nowledge and any )ass fishing
pursuit, challenge or )attle, you will or might face in your
lifetime, right here+ &here is something for e,eryone in this )oo"
4f your main interest, is impro,ing your a)ility to catch Bass,
increasing, <and may)e> e,en stacing the odds in your fa,or of
succeeding time and again, e,ery time, in this angling e9uation
and any future eDpeditions you plan to undertae, then this )oo
has something of ,alue to offer you+
0hen you are on the hunt for Bass, nowing the )asics is lie the
life)lood of your strategy, )ringing your chances ali,e with e,ery
cast"
#L!O, disco,er and de,elop YOUR O0$ sportsman=lie, angling
style and character, while gradually )uilding your appreciation
and understanding of the great outdoors, as part of your fishing
eDperience+
Fly Fishing From Scratch.
3
0e present a practical approach to the intricacies and
compleDities in,ol,ed in this popular sport+ 0e hope that this is
captured well )y the short title2 Bass Fishing 101: How to Catch
the Next Big One+
Our focus, approach, aims and goals are simple 8 the )asis and
premise e,en simpler2 #ea%n the "asics- get the. %ight-
consistent#/- with s0i## an! .aste%/- an! the/ wi##
e1ent2a##/ #ea! /o2 to catching a## the Bass /o2 can
3ossi"#/ want o% han!#e4
0e prefer to get right to the topic and elements of our discussion
8 how to find and catch Bass" Basic yet detailed, the teDt is
written in such a manner, that it can )e put to use and wor for
you right away, without spending hours reading and wading
through pages of information, you do not need+
Most pu)lished wors and accomplished authors <many anglers
themsel,es>, depict Bass fishing as the ultimate angling
eDperience and 3&he Bass <predator=hunter itself>, as tough=
minded, unpredicta)le, with a strong sur,i,al instinct, great
awareness, sensingEsensors, that mae them the een and
effecti,e hunters they are+
&hese fish )enefit from natures gifts of powerful sight, hearing,
,ast speed, maneu,era)ility and e,en Fumping action mo,es, that
will ha,e you catch <pardon the pun>, your )reath* with awe,
eDcitement and eDpectation that is" #ll of this maes it possi)le
4
for the Bass to li,e up to its name and reputation, as one of the
GeDtremesH of the gaming fish populations and e,ery anglers
dream catch"
Part of the Percichthyidae family <also su)=classified into the
genus Morone 8 considered a separate unit or )ranch <white,
yellow, striped>, they are widely distri)uted in temperate and
tropical waters, su)=species to )e found in fresh and saltwater+
&here are also the #ustralian )ass <c!"aria no#e$ac"%eate>,
(uropean sea )ass <&icentrarch"s %a'rax>+
&heir food of choiceEfeed and natural diet includes small fish,
crustaceans, worms and insects 8 some anglers ha,e also had
great success with li,e=)ait, lie eels and e,en frogs+
&hen there are the )lac )ass, collecti,ely referred to and
including our prized target 8 called )y some to )e the most
sporting species in $orth #merica 8 the Centrarchidae family+
<Largemouth and smallmouth )ass, redeye, spotted, striped,
)lac )ass, !uwannee, Iuadalupee>+
#rtificial )aits ha,e pro,en useful to most anglers+ Li,e )aits are
)est, )ut these fish can )e tempted, teased and lured to strie
with artificial ones such as spinners, spoons, cran=)aits, surface
plugs and plastic worms 8 more on this a little later+ 6nowing
which to choose <and 0'Y>, use, switch to in certain conditions,
and how to optimize this art of allure, is a ey )asic element for
e,ery aspiring or great angler alie+
5
&hese fishes are all acti,e predators, warming to natural )aits
an! artificial lures+ Most anglers would suggest spinning or
trolling for freshwater fishing for Bass <larger species> and
spinning or fly=fishing for the smaller species+ !altwater
enthusiasts might also consider surfcasting, trolling or up=tide
fishing+
.ishing for and catching Bass, in ,arious waters across the glo)e,
has a proud history and tradition+ Most of us are too glad to get
da))ling in and form part of it, whether from )oat, shore, rocs
or rocs, ri,ers, streams, laes or oceans+ 0e lie to tell our
mighty tales and contemplate how to change and modify, adapt
and or create new techni9ues, approaches to hoo smallmouth,
large=mouth, specled, spotted, striped and )lac )ass+ &o each
his own+ You pic your fa,orite+
6nowing how to tell a smallmouth from a large=mouth )ass,
striped from spotted and so on, is a ,ery )asic sill most anglers
master 9uicly+ Looing specifically at size and physical features
are good places to start+ &rain your eye to 3spot the differences,
so to spea+
&hey differ in size, marings and dorsal fins for eDample+ &heir
upper Faws are different in length and their dorsal fins are not the
same+ &he large=mouth has a spiny dorsal fin, highest in the
middle portion, with almost a distinct 3)rea, right )efore the
second set of dorsal fins start+ .or our friends the small mouth
6
)ass, these fins are flatter, first and second are connected, with
distinct scales at the )ase of the second set of dorsal fins+
#part from nowing and telling your fish species apart, )y sights
and or physical characteristics, there are some general ad,ice we
can propose right upfront+ (Dperiencing, treading lightly and
honoring nature, the great outdoors, a)iding )y the anglers code
<catch and release, licensing>, en,ironmental protection for
generations of anglers <and women> to come, and the lie are all
,astly important in your angling endea,ors+
!econd, maintaining an o,erall alertness, what some call Greading
the watersH <understanding the )ody of water, ha)itat to the fish,
contour, depth, temperature, stratified le,els etc+>, )eing
generally, as well as specifically 3o)ser,ant, arming yourself with
nowledge, sill and understanding of the fish, the species, the
en,ironment, and all other rele,ant factors to your fishing acti,ity
and undertaings 8 paramount for successful process and
outcome+
&hird, <and almost most importantly>, remain adapta)le, for
change is a B47 part of this enFoya)le outdoor acti,ity+ 4t is
definitely not for the faint of heart or the impatient among us"
7
2. 5nt%o!2ction & 6nowing An! 7oing Whe%e The Bass
A%e
Bass defined2 # fighter, e,er=elusi,e, choice game=fish, predator
)y nature and reputation, the one sought=after, prized hoo,
catch, reel=in and land, of many an aspiring angler+
'ow to catch Bass #$% then catch more, larger )ass, more often,
in more places, with more consistency, ha,ing a pro=acti,e plan
and approach, stacing the odds in your fa,or to succeed,
catching more fish an! enFoying the process, is what this )asic
guide is all a)out+
&he hunter )ecomes the hunted 8 learn how a small change in
your paradigm, thining and approach can lead to )ass=angling
success" !tart thining lie the watery hunter, )ecome and
understand the )ass as a hunter+ O)ser,e, learn, follow, study
and use its natural ha)it, preferences, patterns, ha)its, prey and
choice of food, in your angling=strategy, and you will ha,e some
interesting fish=tales to tell+ <$one of them tall tales of course,
we hope">* and yes, we may e,en learn something from the
ones that getEgot away"
!o, without further ado, let us get our rods and reels going*
4f you were told that, there is one particular species of fish that
most would descri)e as tough=minded, smart, outwitting and
8
elusi,ely hard to catch, then it the Bass 8 in all its shapes, sizes,
iterations and su)=classes+
4t rings true, no matter what the conteDt, )ody of water, special
and or an/ situation or condition, regardless of secrets, tips,
pro,en science, techni9ue and intent in the world" Bass fishing is
challenging and rewarding at the same time+ &o ensure hours of
countless pleasure, follow the pointers <and add some of your
own here too"> pro,ided here, for Bass fishing :J: and )e ready
to hoo the neDt )ig one* repeatedly, and actually )e a)le to
($-OY it too"
&here are ,arious aspects, woring in com)ination in the art and
science, sport and pursuit that is Bass .ishing" !trategy an!
synergy, contri)ute to e,entual, and <we will argue>, consistent
and repeata)le success+ (9uipment, site, lure and sill, dawn and
or dus, shallow or deep waters, freshEsalt water, from )oat or
shore 8 it does not matter" &here are secrets and techni9ues for
each of them+
$o,ices, )eginners, seasonal and seasoned anglers alie, are all
welcome to flip through these pages to disco,er some magical,
sought=after truths a)out )ass fishing" 4n the end, it is as much
a)out the process, enFoyment, understanding and appreciation,
as it is a)out the fish"
Become an o)ser,ant, student of nature itself, the Bass ha)its
and patterns, whether using trolling, artificial and or li,e )ait,
9
fly=fishing, on ice, fresh and salt, deep and shallow waters, do so,
using all to your ad,antage, as you undertae your own Fourney
of the Bass"
Bass is )y far the most widely distri)uted fish in $orth #merica 8
sometimes due to the con,enience of our mo)ility and fast=paced
society, geared for tra,el and transportation, Bass is within easy
reach <for most within : days tra,el at most>, Large=mouths,
!mall=mouths, striped, spotted, )lac )ass etc+ all await+
(,er heard of a smart fish that maes calculated, in=the=moment
decisions1 One whose sur,i,al instinct is so strong, that it
snatches and at other times totally ignores and hangs around
seemingly uninterested, only to strieE)ite when least eDpected"
0ell, that would )e typical of our finned, scaly <pardon the pun>,
fish=friend, the 3Bass+ .or the purposes of this )oo, this species
is and taes centre=stage 8this is deli)erate and intentional+ Bass
fishing is a)out eDactly that the fish, &he Bass+ &enacious,
unpredicta)le and a challenge to most of us+
Karious scientists ha,e pro,en that Bass almost 3calculate the
amount of energy it will tae them to go after the prey ,s+ the
return+ 4f this )e true and ,erified, what are the implications for
us anglers of promise1 OU&!M#R&4$7 &'(M of course" 4t is all in
the )asics, the strategies, )attle plan, allure, tease and
techni9ues we choose to use in this process+ &his will dictate and
determine our success+
10
3. The Basics O$ Bass Fishing 8 An O1e%1iew
Most, if not all of the so=called 3insider secrets, tips and stories
to tell of )ig hauls of Bass, all re,ol,e, around a ,ery simple
)asic rule 8 understanding the fish, <their life=cycles, feeding
preferences, ha)its and patterns, ha)it and menu of choice,
their nature, their relationship with the )roader eco=system
and position on the food=chain, timing it right+ #lso heeding
your surroundings, your e9uipment <tools>, ha,ing the now
how and )asics under your )elt and finally optimizing <e,ery">
opportunity*
4n effect, you are going a)out, creating the most fa,ora)le
angling process and outcome you can muster"
Bass fishing is a passion, a science and an art form upon itself+
4t appeals to young and old, attracts anglers from all wals of
life and )oth sides of the professional and amateur spectrum+
One ey to )ass fishing is, what we can easily refer to as,
3predicta)le )eha,ior+ 'a)its, patterns, life cycles, the natural
rhythm that is life and nature 8 also applies to fish+ &his means
that Bass eDist within this natural reality+ 4f you can capitalize
on understanding it )etter, you will increase your chances of
successful hoosE)ites+
11
!eeing protecti,e co,er, foraging amongst rocs, stumps,
weeds, at times on the prowl hunting for prey, other times Fust
3lunching around casually, all seem to )e part of &he Bass
feeding rituals and repertoire+ &aing ad,antage and
considering this when starting out and e,ery time casting, will
)enefit you greatly+
#nother is Gcompetiti,e ad,antageH, &he Bass has an Gairtight
sacH <)reathing )ladder>, that is inflata)le, which ena)les it to
swim and thri,e at different le,els+ # powerful tail helps with
speed, agility and maneu,era)ility+ 4t can reach great depths+
Other factors lie water clarity, time of day, su)dued sunlight,
water displacement and ,i)ration sensing, noise sensiti,ity, all
add to this fish cunning and ensuring that you scrutinize these
clues, will increase your odds of hooing your neDt )ig one+
Unlocing for eDample how &he Bass senses and prefers color
and shade in the moment, can always also help anglers
increase their effecti,eness+ &he choice and type of lure, colors
and mo,ement, )ait etc+ can all contri)ute meaningfully to
your attempts+
0here the fish are* e,eryone will ha,e an answer, or at least
their opinionEeDperience on whatEwhereEwhen, e,en science+
$e,ertheless, sometimes it is as simple as understanding the
ha)itat and those that li,e and thri,e in it, to )etter interact
12
with and enFoy fishing in it 8 a type of eDploring the depths, so
to spea+ .or eDample2 the temperature of the water and
a,aila)le oDygen, dictate mo,ing patterns and dis)ursement of
fish species+ .eeding ha)its and preferences are distinct, falling
more on the Glooing ali,eH or li,e )ait+ !ome 9uote
smallmouth )ass, as showing preference for crawfish and using
that as a 3sign of where these critters will )e found, on the
hunt for their fa,orite snac" Looing at stomach content of
fish you ha,e caught and ept <not part of the catch and
release protocolEre9uirements>, hold hidden clues a)out food
of preference 8whitefish, crawfish and others+
'a,ing self=confidence, aptitude AN, the right attitude when
fishing for Bass is crucial+ 4n this )attle to outwit your
opponent, you will need e,ery tool and tric at your disposal to
mae a successful catch+ $e,er get discouraged, feel )eaten or
worse 9uit for the yield has )een slim to none at all 8 those
days happen to e,ery angler+ $ature )eats to its own drum,
you ha,e to disco,er and enFoy the rhythm you are so
intricately part of+
Practice maes perfect 8 there is no sil,er )ullet, 9uic=fish
method for L5+55, that can guarantee you )ites and more )ass
all the time, anytime+ 4t %O(! tae hard wor and
commitment, persistence and rigor from the angler+ &here is
more than routine at stae and play here+ !ome days will )e
predicta)ly )etter than others+ $o matter what the conditions,
process and outcome, on the day, put it all down to eDperience
13
and lessons learned+ Log and learn, share and grow, in your
own understanding, confidence and toolit, as an a,id )ass
angler+
#nother ey tric, is actually $O &R4@6 #& #LL 8 we call it an
Gac9uired sillH+ 4t taes more of that hard wor we mentioned
)efore" (Dact, fiDed casting, re9uires target=precision practice,
impro,ing your a)ility to place the lure eDactly where you
would want it to )e 8 let us call it 3hitting the mar+ &his is
another crucial tactic and techni9ue you can practice in the
par or your li,ing room 8 try using plugs and get )etter e,ery
time at consistently hitting your 3target <and nothing else we
hope">+
Becoming and )eing a proacti,e participant in the conteDt and
en,ironment <and process>, you are in, nowing when to mo,e
on, change something and or 9uit for the time=)eing
<postponing the hunt or resting when re9uired, planning your
strategy for the neDt trip out>, is what it is all a)out as well"
'a)itual creatures of comfort, &he Bass <as a species>, are not
so much different than modern man+ Bearing this in mind will
help you too as an angler+ 0e lie what we lie, when and how
we lie it and normally want it on time, when it is there and
ready, )e safe, enFoy life and we cra,e comfort 8 food, shelter
and well=)eing" %oes this sound a lot different from our own
needs and re9uirements1 $ot really" 0ell, that is one way of
le,eling the playing field+ Understanding the )asic necessities
14
and niceties for these watery GcreaturesH, holds clues and
ad,antage, for any and e,ery angler+
!timulus, pattern, routine, ha)it 8 predictors and hints 8 the
ace up your slee,e when nothing else wors" Learn and
de,elop sills, to 3read <9uicly at a glance, o)ser,e and mae
a Fudgment>, now instincti,ely what will come happen, neDt
and why 8 figure out the pattern, stic with it and eDploit it to
your ad,antage and angling success+ Meet the Bass where they
are, in what they do, cater to their needs and you will )e
surprised at what meets you in the waters )elow"
15
.amiliarity with the Bass fa,orite places to hang around is
critical to success2 Bottoms, stumps, trees , logs, weeds and
plants, contours, structures, tra,el=routes, crees,
shallowsEdeeper passages, co,es, channels, )luffs, )ans and
shorelines 8 all can )e repetiti,e clues on ha)itual, predicta)le
)eha,ior of the )ass+ Most of the 3eDperts came a)out their
nowledge through reading, studying ha)its of their catch, in
,ery similar fashion than what you are undertaing+ (,ery time
you get to now your fishy friends a little )etter, until you now
instincti,ely where they will )e and where their fa,orite spots
are+ 6nowing and going where the fish are )ecomes
demystified, )ut e,en more eDciting, for it is now more than a
hunch or random chance 8 it is a planned encounter where the
watery predator, hunter (ar exce%%ence, )ecomes the hunted"
Too#s O$ The T%a!e: Tac0#e- Boats- Accesso%ies- 2%es
An! Baits (A## A"o2t P#astics- S3inne%s- C%an0 An!
Othe%s& To3&Wate% An! S3ecia#t/ 2%es+
'a,ing the right e9uipment, nowing how to )est use it, when
and how, <also how not to use it and what it is not suita)le
for>, can all help you in your )ass fishing ad,enture+
&he )asics regarding rods, reels, line, hoos, weights, )o))ers,
siners, lures, sensors and other e9uipment <hats, ,ests, nets,
scents, scissors etc+>, gi,es you an appreciation for ha,ing the
right tools for the tas<s> at hand+
16
#s a highly participatory and engaging sport, Bass fishing is
simply almost unparalleled in the ,ast amount of styles and
tools to use+ .rom 9uiet streams, tran9uil laes to open sea
and rushing ri,ers 8 there is something for e,eryone+
4f you are looing for 9uic tips on the right e9uipment, most
suited to your purpose and the techni9ues to master to catch
)ass in any conditions, might this neDt section enlighten and
inspire you, as you del,e right into the 3utilities of the fishing
trade+ !ome tools of the )ass fishing trade, we will )e focusing
on are2
Rods, Reels, Lines and 'oos
&acle2 Lures and Bait 8 li,e 8 artificial and, or, BU& Y(&*
Limited space does not permit large comparati,e eDplanations
or ram)lings on the merit of some tools a)o,e certain others+
&hese de)ates are well nown and well pu)lished in eDisting
literature+ 0e tae a more practical approach and loo at what
you will actually need to hoo your neDt )ig one, )esides
random chance and luc" 0e lie to point out that picing the
right e9uipment means a lot of different thing to different
people+ (ach angler has hisEher own interpretation of what that
means, ,arying sill le,el, physical characteristics and
strengthsEweanesses, so we will not profess nowing what is
right for you+ 0hat we do offer are mere suggestions on which
tools will stac the odds in your fa,or and help you enFoy
preparing, rigging, )aitingEhooing, retrie,ing and landing
YOUR neDt B47 O$(" (nsuring that is does not Foin the dro,es
of 3the ones that got away"
17
(,en as you eDplore your surroundings and the wonder of fish
species and their life cycles, patterns and )eha,ior,
eDperimenting, hands=on with your e9uipment and what is
a,aila)le to anglers today, is part of the eDciting world of Bass
fishing+ .rom fish=finders, temperature gauges, sensors and
more ad,anced technologies, to the art of preparing your lines
and hoos, choosing the luresE)ait most suited to your
circumstance and purpose and more, adds to the eDcitement
and enFoyment of the acti,ity+ Preparing yourself with
nowledge on these, will )oost your confidence and practicing
often, will pay off in the long run as your eDpertise, eDposure
and angling mastery grows+
0hen it comes to e9uipment, the opinions are many and far
)etween+ Your condition, circumstance, purpose and goal will
all figure into the final choice <oh, yes and do not forget the
e,er=present )udget and afforda)ility>"
!pinning or )ait casting with artificial lures, fly=fishing, trolling
with li,e=)aits, are all options a,aila)le to you, with specialist
tools on hand to assist you mae the most of it+ &ypically a B+B
to ? feet rod <spinning or )ait casting>, with a matching reel
with siD to ten pound line, fast taper, single action reel would
ser,e you well+ 0eed=less hoos are a lifesa,er in ,ery dense
co,er or weeds+
18
#ngling techni9ues and tacle eep refining, de,eloping and
almost taes on a life of its own for e,ery angler+ &here is not
really a one=size=fits=all approach+ &his personalized
relationship with your e9uipment, might mean a )asic rod to
start with and then adding a couple for your different
eDcursions and eDpeditions 8 your Bass Fourney has Fust
started+ Modern tacle and methods, traditional or inno,ati,e,
technology=dri,en and ena)led 8 whate,er your fancy or
preference 8 there is something for e,ery taste and )udget+
4t is an ancient sport, pursued )y many, with echoes of early
hunters and anglers li,ing off the land+ 7etting in touch with
that timeline through hands=on acti,ity, lie )ass fishing is ,ery
rewarding+ Most )eginners might )e o,erwhelmed )y the
selection of e9uipment a,aila)le on the maret today+ 6nowing
what to picE)uy, how and when to <)est>apply, use it
correctly, to maDimize your chances of catching your neDt )ig
one is ey+
7ood 9uality tacle is important 8 it needs to )e ade9uate for
whate,er nature throws your way+ You will need to )uild your
arsenal of nowledge and e9uipment o,er time, to respond
)est to some of the challenges at hand+ 7ood appropriate )aits
and lures and how to use them effecti,ely, in com)ination, in
9uic succession to ensure )ites, are other ey components, as
is importance of preparing, presenting well, accurate casting,
hooing <sharpening the hoos and turning them up slightly for
19
eDample to ensure that the fish stay on your hoo as you reel
them in>, as well as retrie,ing and landing of the fish+
#n eDcellent source for )eginners on all things tacle=related,
e9uipment, fish species, tools and techni9ues, is to )e found in
The &or%ing )inders%ey *ncyc%o(edia o+ Fishing: The co$(%ete
g"ide to the +ish, tac,%e and techni!"es o+ +resh and sa%twater
ang%ing- Our intent and purpose here is not to restate the listed
facts found here+ #,id and serious anglers are readers and
thirst nowledge that will increase their odds of success+ &his
source we recommend for young and old" <&here are also some
other references listed at the end of this teDt, if you choose to
pursue more facts and or cra,e deeper insights into the art and
science of Bass fishing>+
#ll we will say, is that ha,ing eDpensi,e or the right e9uipment,
is not a guarantee that you will land the neDt )ig one" 4n
fishing, there are no real guarantees+ &his is a 3contract and
acti,ity )etween you and nature+ (Dploring and getting you to
the point where you now the feel, function and em)edded
strengths and weanesses of your e9uipment, is the real way
to wisdom+ .or most trail and error, practice and persistence
are the roads to follow to )ecoming well=,ersed and
eDperienced anglers+
Realizing the e9uipments full potential, will tae time and
practice+ Bear in mind, that sophistication in e9uipment will
de,elop in parallel to your own mastery and sill=refinement+
20
Your intended style of fishing <from )oat or shore, shallow or
deep <or )oth> will dictate the most appropriate choice for
tacle <reel and rod, line 8 thicness and weight>, line, hoos,
)aits and lures, weights, siners, leaders and more+
0hether you are a salt=water fanatic that enFoys shore, )each,
)oat or )ig=game fishing or a freshwater guru, preferring lure,
)ait, pole and or fly fishing, there are rod, reels, line, hoos,
leaders, lins, )ait, and landing tacle Fust right for you+
Basic angling techni9ues are relati,ely easy to master, yet
con9uering and refining all the su)tleties and intricate mo,es
and maneu,ers, eDploring the secrets <disco,ered or yet to )e
unearthed>, of in this case )ass fishing <which has so many
iterations and settings>, will tae a lifetime of pleasure and
defeat"
Practice and enFoy )ass fishing, according to your own niche
and style, preference and location of choice 8 in a word =
YOUR 3specialty+ 4t is a ,ery personalized and indi,idualized
pursuit and passion+ #lways remem)er, that there is a wide
array of ,ariety and enFoyment on offer, )y different inds of
fishing, locations, )aits and lures etc+, to eep angling
interesting and a growing sport 8 it is contagious and per,asi,e
8 once let in, it is hard to let go" You are hooed and )eing
reeled in )y this sport and ho))y )efore you now it+
21
.or most anglers, techni9ue <and choice of e9uipment> is
dictated )y the species sought, esta)lished practice, conditions
and more+ Mostly artificial lures are suggested and accepted for
freshwater predatory fishing+ !ome prefer li,e )ait, others
ha,e success with hard )aits lie artificial rats and plastic
worms are another fa,orite+
0hether you are fishing from the )ans, )oat or float tu)e,
most would suggest you use a siD to siD and a half foot <:+M
=;m> medium, hea,y=push=)utton, spinning or )ait=casting rod
and reel com)ination, with strong line <:J=pound>+ 4f you are
fishing in weeds, hea,y co,er, thic, slop, grassy wetlands,
swamps, etc+ a hea,ier line <)raided>, will ser,e you
)etterE)est+ 'oo sizes typically recommended around a N /
li,e=)ait hoo, sharpened and turned up slightly <say around
:JO>, this is done to ensure that the fish stayed GhooedH and
gi,es you a 3fighting chance to reel it in and land it
successfully+ # weed=less, N B hoo can also ser,e you well in
these conditions+ Large=mouth )ass can )e caught at any
depth, using li,e )aits, throughout most the year <e,en ice
fishing>" !harp hoos are ey+
0eights and siners are another element you must consider,
especially in dar, cloudy waters and or when fishing deep
water specifically+ &here are also specialty siners, with rattles
these days to entice the fish e,en more+ &hey are ,ery
sensiti,e to sounds, noise and ,i)rations in the water 8 so
anything you can do to create that allure, tease and temptation
22
is great to )ear in mind+ %o e,erything you can to trigger their
feeding response and ensure a strieE)ite"
#lso, remem)er, fish are a lot lie us 8 on hot, humid days,
they loo for shelter, food and comfort+ &hese are their
handout and feeding ground <no different than us, wanting to
sit under an um)rella, or in front on the &K, in an air=
conditioned en,ironment, trying to stay cool and enFoy our
snac=foods">+ 6nowing and considering these ha)its, will help
you catch more fish+ Loo for the lily pads, thin co,er, gi,ing
them shade from the sun+ .ind the right depth, structure and
hide=away<they normally loo for co,er, lie any other
predator> and their lighting=fast speed ena)led them to co,er
waterEground 9uicly and really strieEattacEhit their GpreyH+
0eedy, shallow )ays, hard=)ottom flats, rocs, trees and or
other structures, crees, channels, deeper waters, drops, )luffs
and more can all )e part of their mo,ing patterns and ha)itat,
where they loo for food+ &hey also lie )eing close to access
point to deeper water+ More later on their preferred spots and
how to optimize these patterns+
(Damples of luring techni9ues and how the right e9uipment
can help you2
!urface, &op=water and or Buzz )aits2 #cting almost lie a
spinner )ait, )ut with a flat )lade that ena)les it to surface
with speed, this is a popular choice for many a )ass
enthusiast++ 4t attracts the attention of the )ass, )y creating a
23
distur)ance along the surface lie a minnow, triggering their
)asic feeding instincts and hunter impulse to strie+ Rewarding
you with a handsome catch"
@arolina Rig2 this can easily )e descri)ed as simply a ,ariation
of the standard, so=called 3&eDas Rig <see )elow>, great for
use with plastic worms or other soft )ait+ Most eDpert )ass
anglers suggest using a hea,ier weight lie :E; =:oz or more+
!lide the weight onto the line, follow with three plastic )eads, a
)arrel swi,el, and a leader line <somewhat smaller than the
main line>+0hat this allows the )ass angler to do is to get the
)ait to 3drop down to the floor with speed and is especially
recommended for fishing deep waters+ &he mo,ement of the
leader allows the )ait to swim and rise a)o,e the )ottom, and
fall slowly down+ .or most )eginners this is easy to do and
practice and is ,ery ,ersatile to get your routine rigging and
tacle sills to impro,e+
@ran )ait2 mostly refers to lures, which is usually made from
a ,ariety of materials, including hard plastic or wood+ 0ith an
added feature of a di,ing lip on the front <simulating effecti,ely
the mo,ements of natural prey, wo))ling, di,ing and swimming
actions>, entices the )ass to strie+ &he rule of thum),
normally is that the larger the lip, the deeper it can di,e+
(nhancements lie rattles are also good for certain conditions+
-er )aits2 # seasoned fa,orite amongst )ass anglers, for top=
water, as well as suspended )ass fishing+ longer minnow=
24
shaped plugs, a,aila)le in lots of different sizes and colors+ #s
a surface, top=water )ait with a slight twitch=and=stop type of
retrie,e, or e,en as a more slow=and=steady retrie,es
underwater+ #nother option is to use suspending Fer )aits that
typically di,e deeper, Fering it, almost teasing and tempting
the )ass to come up and )ite right at it+
-igs2 !ome ha,e descri)ed these trusted tacle as 3lead head
and hoo with dressing+ &heir 3added features could tae the
shape of ru))er or plastic sirts, soft plastic )aits for )odies,
instead of sirts+ Most )ass eDperts com)ine them with a frog,
or a plastic )ait as a Gfollower<plastic worm, crawfish>+
Lipless @ran )ait2 mostly referring to sining=type lures, made
from plastic, sometimes with many rattles inside for noise, ,
,i)rations and causing distur)ances underwater+
Poppers2 &op water lures that carry long=range punch+ Retrie,e
with these inds of lures are fast, Fery or mo,e in one spot for
a duration of time+ @an )e 9uite effecti,e if you trying to figure
out 3where the fish are+
!oft -er )ait2 these can )e used to great effect in the same
manner as a regular Fer )ait, )ut can )e dropped to the
)ottom 9uite successfully as well to tease out our deep=water
predator, swimming around for food and feast+
25
!pinner )aits2 another simulator of mo,ement and prey on the
go+ 4t is ,ery similar to a Fig, )ut with a )lade that runs a)o,e
the hoo, and spins to imitate a )ass fa,orite as well2 fish+
&eDas Rig2 this is considered and named specifically for
standard rigging with a plastic worm+ Use a sliding weight,
usually )ullet shaped, and a hoo sufficient for the size worm
you ha,e chosen+ !harpen the hoo and stic the point of the
hoo directly into the worm head, )ring it out the side a)out
:EM = AE:PQ )elow the entry, thread it again+ Rotate the hoo
around so the point is facing the wormRs )ody+ Lay it o,er the
side to see where it should enter in order to hang straight+
Position the wor straight onto the hoo if it is hanging+ $O&(2
if the worm is twisted, your line and action will pay the price
and it will )e less effecti,e+
0aling= the=dog2 this is an angling techni9ue that usually
re9uires some time to master, )ut )eginners should not shy
away from trying it, for it is 9uite effecti,e with )ass+ @asting
o,er a relati,ely long distance, allow the )ait to sit for a )rief
period of time, tae up the slac, and with your rod tip pointed
at the water, gi,e it a Fer to the side, then immediately mo,e
it )acward and reel in any slac, then Fer again, and repeat
all the way )ac+ More or less a darting from side=to=side+ You
are in effect simulating the preys elusi,e mo,ements, enticing
the hunter to follow, stal and hit" &his might )e your ace up
your slee,e for hooing YOUR $(C& B47 O$(+
26
!lip=)o))ers, rigged with a S ounce plastic Fig, li,e )ait lie
minnow, night=crawler or leech at its tip and of course, all on a
sharpened hoo
-iggling, lightly shaing, presenting this close to any emerging
weeds or )rush, underwater logs, trees, stumps or co,er, may
pro,e successful+
Remem)er that fish are constantly on the mo,e while feeding+
&he timing of day, amount of sunlight, temperature of the
water and more all feature into the angling e9uation+
Bo))er=rigs or Figs are popular and 9uite successful too+ !lip=
siners, @arolina <drop=shot rig> wors well too+
.ree=line fishing in shallow waters may yield many a )ass
angler 9uite the haul+ @asting a plain hoo with li,e )ait and
feed the line to the )ait, allowing it to 3swim naturally will
attract some certain attention+ Other eDperts would
recommend if you are in the so=called watery salad, weeds or
hea,y slop, co,er and Fungles underwater, to go hea,ier is the
ey+ ;J l) line the minimum and hea,y=action, sturdy )ait=
casting rod and reel com)os with long, straight handles to
pro,ide you with le,erage to reel your B47 O$(! in"
.loating Fig=heads, with slip=siner rig, with ;=A foot leader
ha,e pro,en to )e useful too, especially when ept close to the
)ottom, watching not to get snagged in the process+ 0eed=less
27
hoos can help you retrie,e li,e=)ait and or that hooed fish,
through ,ery thin under)rush+
#gain, understanding what )ass actually eat, where and when,
will help you with choosing and presenting the most effecti,e,
appropriate and tempting )ait <whether li,e or artificial>+
%rawing on the natural diet of the fish, can assist you in
impro,ing your )aits and lures appearance, strategy, tactics
and e,entual success+ Bass, as a predator will )e looing for
certain shapes, colors and familiar mo,ement+ Plastic worms
and crawfish are popular choices+ Part of the reason )ass is
such a popular species to )e fishing for, is they are notorious
for hitting hard, )iting solid and strong pulling or fighting 8 a
strong game fish to )e sure+ &hey are nown to put up a good
fight+
!pinners or spoons are artificial )aits that are specifically
designed for the purpose of tantalizing the fish+ 4t is meant to
pro,oe, mae a strie irresisti)le, calling on the fish natural
instinct to feed and or defend+ 4t optimizes your chances of
securing stries+ Rotation, color, sirts, fluttering action <Lil
hustler spoiler is a fa,orite of many )ass anglers> all wor
together to simulate mo,ement and prey on the mo,e+
!poons actEmo,e in a fishlie manner in the water, trolled
)ehind )oats they are typically ,ery effecti,e and can also )e
cast and retrie,ed+ Plugs are made of ,arious materials,
designed specifically to float, di,e )elow the surface or sin
28
when reeling them )ac or in+ &hey simulate surface
distur)ance and entice fish with propellers or plastic sirts that
mo,e and flutter in the water+
#rtificial lures can )e utilized alone or in com)ination with li,e
or natural )aits+ &he size and type of lure will depend on the
species, location and style of fishing you prefer, choose to
pursue+ <for eDample trolling, spinning, fly=fishing>+
.or )ass fishing particularly, a couple of suggestions are to
)ear in mind that enticing the predators from )elow, taes
sill, practice and patience+ .or matted weed=)eds and sloppy
pitches, you might ha,e to ticle the surface a )it+ 0hen
fishing in shallow waters, lures cast out fast and retrie,ed
slowly shaing it along, might trigger a response+ 4t is all in the
tease and promise to the fish that loo for signs of mo,ement
in the water+ 'a,ing a handy pair of Polaroid sunglasses are a
MU!&" 6eep on mo,ing the )ait around and play with the
presentation 8 it is an art, ac9uired sill that gets )etter o,er
time+ 0hen casting the )ait out, try not to spoo the fish,
remem)ering that they are sensiti,e to soundEnoise,
mo,ement and ,i)rations+ Plastic worms wor well <around
:JH>+ Being adapta)le, switching )aits, different color etc+,
using a strong &eDas rig for eDample, hooing up a worm near
the )ottom of the hoo, sliding it onto the shan, popping it
through, with a T ounce weight might )e all you need"
29
'a,ing a second rod set up and ready to go or fishing with a
)uddy that can help you to respond 9uicly <as the fish are
always on the mo,e> and when they are ready to hit, you are
prepared for them" Others suggest using )raided line that is
stronger than mono <for when fishing in weedy areas>, with no
stretch that can minimize entanglement and optimize your
chances of retrie,al through thin weeds and co,er+
!tiff rods that can withstand the GfightH )ass can typically put
up are another )ase=re9uirement for )ass fishing enthusiasts+
Protecting your rods with rod wraps, to a,oid dings and scrapes
can also maDimize not only its efficiency, )ut eep your angling
in,estment in good condition" !haing and popping along
)aitElures, create a situation that lets the fish thin the GpreyH
is getting away+
'owe,er, the right e9uipment, )ait, hoos and location is not
enough" !ome )asic angling techni9ues are re9uired, setting
up your rod and reel, nowing the )asics a)out tying nots for
Foining line to tacle, forming loops and more+ &ying a secure
not is the main thing here, as e,ery one could pose a
3weaness, which you do not need, when you ha,e the B47
O$( hooed" !ome suggest )efore tightening a not, to wet it
with some water and trim all edges and loose ends, to a,oid
snagEdrag+
30
7ulp=sining minnows cast out fast and far, allowing to let it
fall and dangle, 9ui,er down, with lots of slac, might pro,e
Fust what the fish ordered"
&u)e=Figs, gulp=tu)es that are scented, are other options+ &he
soft, natural=chewy su)stance, trics the fish, into not wanting
to let go and ha,e another chew, thus increasing your odds of
landing it safely+
&op=water )aits with rattles are another all=time fa,orite, with
slac in the line, waling=the=dog <flipping> maes for an
enticing presentation for the fish+
'a,ing a spinner=)ait with some red in it, simulates )lood or
wounded prey to our underwater predator, triggering yet again
their natural instincts and feeding response, increasing your
odds of getting a )ite, hit or strie+
0hether you find yourself in a Fet=)oat or flat=)ottom )ass
)oat, shore, rocs, )each, cliff, stream, ri,er, stream, lae,
reser,oir, or other )ody of water, strong rods, hot hands, good
tacle, appropriate preparation, the right )ait and presentation,
accurate casting, where you now the fish might )eEmo,eEfeed
naturally, fishing for structure and pattern, eeping an eye on
surroundings and conditions, can all mae those fleeting
moments of anticipation and elation at first strie momentous"
&he fights, flights, flips, turns and Fumps, attacs and hard
31
hits, struggles, retrie,al and landing of )ass, is what eeps us
coming )ac"
Let us now turn to tae a loo at what other considerations,
plan of attac, angling techni9ues, secrets, mistaes and
specialty circumstances, can teach us a)out the enFoya)le art
and acti,ity, that is "ass $ishing"
32
Wate%- Weathe%- Ti.ing An! Othe% En1i%on.enta#
As3ect- Facets An! Consi!e%ations Fo% Bass Fishing
#s mentioned throughout this teDt so far, there are numerous
factors that we often do not consider, and or dismiss, when we
first start out, angling for )ass+ &hese would include,
consideration of2
0ater stratification and depths <)ass are found at ,arying
le,els and nowing whe%e <at which le,el>, to fish for them
is paramount>U shallow or deep, sometimes )oth
#s far as water temperatures goes, during a yearlyEseasonal
cycle, waters mo,e, turn and gets re=oDygenized+ #s
temperatures fall, from deep )elow and throughout ice forms,
floats to the surface, melts and mo,es down again+ !cience
has pro,ided us with enough e,idence that &'R(( distinct
layers from in a )ody of water 8 say a lae for eDample+
%eeperEcolder, Middle=groundEmilder 8 transitional layer and
the topEsurfaceEwarmer waters+ 'eeding these le,els and
,arying temperatures, and looing oDygen=rich spots are all
factors to consider e,en )efore heading out+ &hin the process
through+ &hin lie the fish would 8 as yourself, where would
you go in all lielihood, if you were faced with the same
situation 8 the answer will mostly lead you to where the fish
most liely #R("
# temperature gauge and depth meter can all prepare you
)etter, as an angler, nowledgea)le and prepared, to assess
33
the en,ironment, )etter understand it, learn from it, and use
the information you gather and ha,e on hand, due to these
readings and instruments, to 6$O0 or )est Fudge, where the
fish will )e at" %epth is a great indicator of what the )ass are
up to and where they will )e most liely found+ &his will dictate
your approach, tacle and how you eDecute your angling sills
to land &'( $(C& B47 O$(" 4f you fish at the right le,el,
understanding why the fish are there, on the mo,e, feeding
etc+, you will increase your odds drastically of getting stries
and hooing your neDt )ig catch+ 4t might e,en )e a trophy"
&he depth is related to water temperature and the optimal
comfort zone of the )ass 8 always as yourself, what they
would prefer on a day lie today and then go fish there+
Measure with temperature, depth sensors, 7P! etc+ to
esta)lish the 3pattern and depth of the day+
&emperature 8 optimal and changing
Most )ass species prefer a temperate climate 8their
meta)olism is influenced, if not go,erned pretty much )y the
surrounding waters they find themsel,es in+ &hey can also
tolerate 9uite a wide range of temperatures, therefore we can
fish pretty much throughout the year+ <PJ=?B degrees
.ahrenheit>E 4t is also less widely nown that ice=fishermen
hoo )ass at around A;=A5+; degree water temperatures, in
deeper waters" 0hen it does get colder, they get somewhat
more sluggish, as their en,ironment cools down significantly
and )earing this in mind will yield and impro,e your catch+
34
ODygen is also ,ery important to fish+ &he hotter it gets, the
closer they will stay to shore, and to plant=life, which produces
oDygen and or where they might catch the occasional )reeze+
Reading these signals nature pro,ides right, will prepare any
angler )etter to go where the fish are and hoo your neDt B47
O$(+ #lso loo for spots that are not too stagnant and filled
with decaying plants, as this might )e an oDygen=depri,ed area
with not a large concentration of fish 8 they need to 3)reathe
to stay ali,e too"
0ater conditions2 @larity
@lear and or mury 8 you will find )ass in )oth" &heir )eha,ior
and mode of attac will change as they plan how to )est
eDpend their energies in the hunt for food, sur,i,al etc+
Predators )y design, they prefer co,er and structure and
deeper waters+ 0hen spawning, > or on ,ery hot days, you will
most liely, find them more in the shallows+
Bass always ha,e a 3)ac=door access to deeper waters+ &hese
facts should )e a)le to point you in the general ,icinity of
where the fish are 9uite aptly+ &he male )ass is also ,ery
protecti,e of the nestEspawn site and will defend it, strie at
any percei,ed threat or intruder+ .ishing is no more left up to
random, contemplati,e, reflecti,e trail and error casting+ $ow,
today, replaced with more a more dri,en, focused, thought=
through, rationalized and analytical competiti,e approach, that
tries to understand ha)its, patterns, en,ironment, conditions,
time of year etc+ at times relying on the aid of technology and
35
de,ices to assist and )etter your changes of spotting, finding,
hooing, retrie,ing and landing the fish successfully <mostly in
deeper waters">+ &herefore, it the waters are clear, head for
deeper waters as a general rule of thum)+
$oiseE%istur)ancesEKi)rations
%O $O& %4!&URB signs are hard to post in the water" #lways
remem)er that there is some truth to not chasing the fish
away and )eing somewhat careful and 9uiet around them+ &he
)ass particularly uses its whole )ody as a sounding )oard+ #ny
surface distur)ance, water mo,ement and or displacement will
attract their attention 8 this can in fact )oth help and or hurt
your angling hopes and dream+
Rusty, s9ueay oars, noisy motors and e,en the sound of a
fast, far cast may interfere and or get their attention+ Being
aware of any, mo,ement, spotting fish so to spea in their
en,ironment, things <water, plants> mo,ing around, can )e
good indicators+ 0earing a good pair of Polaroid sunglasses
may also help you 3see )etter in the )right sunlight and glare,
reflections off the surface of the water<s>+
@olor, !unlight, &ime of day
Most )ass anglers propose dawn and duc to )e the )est
feeding time for the )ass 8 not the height of day or when the
sun is at it )rightest and the water may)e a degree or two too
warm for our fishy friends and when they head for the deep
36
and or co,er+ 4t is a matter of appealing to their natural
instincts+
&hey are een o)ser,ers and mo,ement and color ha,e )een
researched in the )ass species+ Picing presentation of )ait,
lure that is closest to li,e or ali,e )ait, resem)les their prey, in
other words, will maDimize your chances of catching more
)ass+ &his does not mean that they will not strie at night for
eDample or at other times during the day 8 you might Fust
ha,e to adapt and use some specialist techni9ues to lure them
out of hiding a )it"
&ime of year2 !easons and things are a changing"
!urroundings, weather and angling rules change and eep
changing+ &he stage and players do not remain the same and
e,en on the same day, day to day, things will ,ary+ &his
,ariety <the spice of life most say> is what eeps most of us
guessing, adapting, changing strategy, )ait, depth etc+ all in
the continued hope and pursuit of catching the $(C& B47 O$(+
#s to the )est time to catch )ass 8 opinions ,ary greatly on
this topic+ 4n some areas, fishing is only allowed after
spawning+ !pring, summer and fall <with fall )eing the )est for
most )igger fish> and e,en winter some form of )ass fishing is
a,aila)le to you, depending on where you are, what the
weather conditions are lie and what type of year the )ass are
ha,ing <spawning success, health of the )ody of water they li,e
and thri,e in, the eco=system, stocing, pollution etc+> (,en ice
37
fishing is possi)le <more a)out this under specialty fishing
closer to the end of the teDt>+
#s pointed out earlier, weather affects )eha,ior and the season
and type of water, might all re9uire different approach,
e9uipment and )ait and luresEpreparation #$% presentation+
#s an angler, a,id )ass angler, this will not faze you in any
way" On the contrary, it pro,ides you with the opportunity to
shift gears, change strategy, tools, refine sills, learn more
a)out your opponent and its ha)its+ By )eing alert, aware and
o)ser,ant, you will learn a lot a)out the fish 8 it is no longer a
passi,e sport" 0indy, low and or high air pressure, water
temperature, choppy wa,es and or surface mo,ement of the
water, cloudy sies, with lots of cloud co,er, masing the sun,
could dictate whether fish will )e )iting or not, color of plastic
worms might )e adFusted from )lue <on )right days>, to )lac
<on cloudy days with not a lot of sun around>+ Modifying your
fishing techni9ues and adapting to weather patterns, e,en
adFusting your )aitElures, strategy, all )ear witness of an alert
)ass master"
Bass are also sensiti,e to ,ery )right sunlight, so then you
might find them looing for some shady co,er and or cooler
waters+ &hat nowledge will prepare you well for where to go
and loo for them+ 4ncreasing your odds of finding them too"
Predatory $ature and creatures of ha)it 8 what the fish
themsel,es tell us <or not">
38
&here predators of the deep are rich in their life cycles, ha)its
and patters+ 4t is their nature after=all+ &hey are somewhat
predicta)le+ #s hunters, they do certain things, instincti,ely
and as anglers, we capitalize on it+ &here are lots of facts a)out
the species, worth nowing and ey to understanding 8 the
secret to unlocing the success of )ass fishing+ &hining lie a
hunter oursel,es and at times lie the fish, can increase your
odds and success significantly+ Being one with nature and its
intricate patterns, )eha,ior, )alance and 9uiriness, allow
fisherman to )e silled, precise, well prepared and more
successful, rather than lea,ing it up to e,entuality and random
chance to secure a )ite"
Preferred ha)itat and fishing structures
One author liens contour and topographic maps to )ass
fishermen, lie treasure maps to pirates once were+ Lines show
ele,ation, depth etc+ 7et an idea of what the 3floor or )ottom
of the )ody of water <lie a lae for instance> would loo lie 8
it is rarely flat, often characterized )y rises and humps, slopes
and drop=offs+
!lopes and access=points into deeper water should also yield
more fre9uent, larger hauls and more stries, as )ass prefer to
ha,e access to deeper waters and are constantly on the mo,e,
hunting and feeding and or defending territory+
39
$atural %iet and Menu 8 the art of enticing fish2 creating the
right atmosphereEconditionsEallure for a strie
Lots ha,e already )een said a)out this topic+
!elf=confidence
&he )elief in your a)ility to locate and catch the ,arious )ass
species, is )y far the )est tool of the trade to foster and
de,elop o,er time+ &his cannot )e purchased and is the
personal call to e,ery fisherman, to include in hisEher tacle=
)oD"
0hether you choose to use spinners, or swear )y plastic
worms, crawfish and other li,e )ait, chum or ha,e a fa,orite
lure for reasons and or secrets that are your ,ery own, you use
what wors the )est and what you )elie,e will produce the
)ass you want, desire and must ha,e" Positi,e attitude goes a
long way when learning how to fish for )ass+ Profiting from on=
going eDperience, success and failure, your angling and odds
will eep impro,ing+ Practice in this case, will go a long way to
ena)le success in this unpredicta)le, ,arying situation 8 when
you are one=on=one with the most popular game and sporting
fish of them all2 &he Bass itself"
40
Techni92es Fo% Bass Fishing i0e A P%o (Wo%.s- S0i33ing-
Ri33ing- ,%i$t T%o##ing- F#/%o!!ing+
&he art of accurate casting
Mastering )asic casting is ey+ Most spinning and )ait=casting reel
and rod com)inations today, are made for hassle=free, ease=of=
use fleDi)ility )y a ,ariety of anglers <multi=le,el at that too">
&ry to eliminate errors from your )asic style and techni9ue+ !ill
and accuracy should matter more than strength and it is not
always a)out getting it as far out, as fast as you possi)ly can
<although this might )e important in certain situations and
circumstances too">
@asting, getting your lineEhooE)ait, siners, weights and leaders
in and into the water, at the eDact right depth, imitating 3prey,
and doing so with eDtreme, pin=point accuracy, is what this is all
a)out+ 'itting your target with confidence is a ,ery )asic sill to
master and refine+ 7etting the hoo out to eDactly where you
wanted it to )e, what you should practice and wor for+
@asting is one part of this process, getting the lure to the right
depth 9uite another+ #d,anced )ass anglers suggest using a
countdown OR counting method+ Iuite simple really+ .orm the
moment the )ait hits the water, start counting, :JJJ, :JJJ and :,
:JJJ and ;, :JJJ and A* estimating the seconds it will tae for it
to 3drop into the water+ &his will help you now )etter what you
are doing, when it hits the )ottom for eDample, whether or not it
41
got caught on something in the process etc+ YOU esta)lish
reference points for yourself on and in the water+
'ands=on and rod in=hand is the )est way+ Practice=plugs in the
par, or your own )acyard <)e it on 3dry land, so to spea>, will
mae you that more effecti,e and accurate, in and on the water,
no matter what the )ody of water, or style of fishing you choose
to pursue+ 0hether spinning, )ait casing or fly=rodding, there is
something for e,ery taste+ (,en missed targets, attempts and
failure, are also good teachers, as this techni9ue is somewhat of
a routine you can master and learn+
@asting a lure with a spinning reel for eDample, casting float and
or leger rig, )ait casting are ,ery similar+ Lure fishing, spinning,
floating, spoons, plugs, surface or top=water lures, cran )ait,
trolling etc+ are all )asic techni9ues that re9uire eDposure, 9uic
demos and hands=on practice+ 0e suggest a ,ideo or %K%, or
online in=depth eDplanation, watching a fishing show or two and
getting pointers from other anglers and professionals, as well as
finding and defining your own style that you are comforta)le and
successful with+ &he )eauty of )ass fishing, is that it offers
something for e,eryone, no matter what your prior eDperience
with fishing might )e"
.ocusing on your grip, spinning reels, )ait=casters and or closed=
face spin casters techni9ues and mastery, picing a target,
aiming to land your lure <terminal tacle> in the middle of that
target, is a good approach+
42
#s a general rule of thum), a good arch in the air as a tra,el path
en route to the water, is a good reference and goals to ha,e, as
you set out to impro,e your casting techni9ue and accuracy+
Line=control is crucial to a,oid o,ershooting, get a gentler
landing, slow flight <)y touching the lip of the spool with the tip of
your indeD finger <also nown to anglers as 3feathering> is useful+
Playing and landing fish
7etting to now the feel of a fish on your hoo, line and rod is
,ery important+ Retrie,al is a)out more than simply getting the
fish into the eager handsEnetE)oat+ Mastery, maneu,ering,
responsi,eness, nowledge of your tacle, well=)alanced control,
reel=clutching, fighting cur,es and archingE)ending rods and the
,arious controls and settings, techni9ues <including casting,
hooing, playing, reeling in, retrie,ing and landing is important+
&hey are so much more than mere steps in a process and or sum=
total of parts+ &o translate into a true )lue=)lood )ass=fishing
eDperience and success, appreciation of the symphony of the
interplay of process and outcome, tactic, techni9ue, angler,
e9uipment, the catch and haul is what is at play here+ 0hen
using a spinning reelE)ait=casting, there are three ey techni9ues
to master that would include reel control2 with anti=re,erse on,
)ac winding <anti=re,erse off> and thum)=pressure control
&here is nothing more eDciting than a fish on the run, apply
pressure, eep the rod up slightly and increase the 3drag if
43
re9uired, using one of the techni9ues a)o,e+ 0atch tension and
a,oid line=)reas and allow the fish to tire+
4t is one thing to prepare, cast, tease and tempt, hoo and
e,entually reel in+ &he process howe,er does not stop there+ More
of the )asic techni9ue mastery includes methods of landing fish,
lie )eaching <not suita)le for catch and release>, tailing <not
suited for all species>, lipping <watch the teethed species here">,
netting or e,en gaffing <)anned in most areas, due to the ris of
the stroe inFuring the fish>+
&he most useful tip we can pro,ide or suggest, is remaining in
control, alert and not upset or startle the fish e,en more+ #llow
the tired fish to turn, su)merge the net and a,oid lunging at it+
0hen lipping, grip the lower lip gently )etween your thum) and
forefingers, unhoo carefully or hold in the water while freeing it
gently, )ut efficiently, without hurting the fish, adhering as far as
possi)le, to current and accepted, catch=and=release practices+
Lure=fishing and spinning
!pinning tacle and artificial )aits and lures are increasing in
popularity and the most popular form of fishing worldwide+ #s far
as )ass fishing is concerned, one of the easiest way to attract the
species 8 e,en for no,ices and )eginner anglers of all ages and
fishing style and sill=le,els+ Rotation, color and mo,ement,
staying as true as you can to the natural diet and target prey of
the )ass will optimize your chances+ &he shape and thicness of
44
the spinning 3)lade on the lure affects the action and mo)ility of
the lure 8 how it responds and acts in and under water+
.loating lures are also common and effecti,e especially for deep=
water )ass fishing+ 0atch for snagging on the )ottom and ensure
to weigh it done appropriately using suita)le weights+ &his
method ensures getting the )ait at eye=le,el of the fish+
.or spoons, there are two )road categories, namely trolling and
casting spoons+ 0eed=less lures mostly ha,e hoos with nylon or
metal weed=guards that pre,ent snagging and or non=weedless
spoons are also commonly used+ 'ow to tell which one to use,
most )ass anglers loo for shape, weight and speed+ &he )est
way to find your way around in any tacle shop or )oD, is to
practice and get to now the )eha,ior and or success in different
conditions+ &rying to get to now the optimum retrie,al and
success rates, may)e e,en logging it in a personal Fournal as you
undertae your )ass FourneyEhunt for the $(C& B47 O$("
Plugs, surface lures, useful at all fishing le,els, at all speeds
mae these lures ,ersatile, agile and an all=time fa,orite of many
a )ass angler+ Matching the lure to the conditions you face and
the circumstance, )ody of water and specific species you are
fishing for <small=mouth, large=mouth, striped, spotted, roc,
yellow, )lac, white etc+>+ !hallow=di,ing cran=)ait and or
surface or top=water lures ha,e pro,en themsel,es most effecti,e
for )ass fishing 8 great for fishing shallows+ !tic=)aits and
Fering, minnow plugs <or the real thing">, prop=)aits, surface
45
distur)ers, crawler=type top=water )aits and e,en a floating,
dri,ing cran=)ait can pro,e useful+
&he true secret lies in what some call the 3one=two punch 8
teasing and enticing with a top=water or teaser <surface
distur)er> and then following it up with a plastic worm for
eDample on a second rod, for optimizing stries and yet again
tipping the scales in your fa,or+
Plastic worms
&here are a ,ast array of worms a,aila)le on the maret <)oth
li,e )ait and artificial>+ .or a,id )ass anglers they are a necessity+
&he techni9ue to master is hooing them properly+ 0hen hooing
a worm for )ass fishing, it is of utmost importance to ensure that
you thread it properly+ 7et a lot of the )ody onto the hoo,
hooing it twice, at top and )ottom+ &his is to ensure that it does
not fly loose when you are casting it out into the water+ 4t also
protects it somewhat in the su)merged paradise that the )ass
shares with other fish, who might want to come and tae a )ite
or sample" Using worms in com)ination with other )aitsElures and
enticing techni9ues lie top=water and or hard=)ait surface
distur)ers or frogs, eels or whate,er species and )ody of water
would deem appropriate Gfeeding preyH for the )ass of your
choice and preference is the ey+ #gain adapting your strategy
when necessary and gi,ing the )ass a ,ariety of foods to choose
from, will all hopefully increase you odds of hooing your neDt
)ass" * e,en if it is not yet the B47 O$("
46
4. :ista0es An! Sec%ets Re#ate! to Bass Fishing
#s we ha,e disco,ered throughout these pages, there is a lot
more the )ass fishing than meets the eye+ Once you are familiar
with the species, different )odies of water, different and
sophisticated fishing and angling e9uipment and accessories, as
well as familiarizing yourself with ha)its, patterns and nature,
)eha,ior, natural diet and preferred foods, mastering some )asic
sills lie preparation, presentation, tacle, )ait and lures, casting
accuracy, nots, hoos and the intricacies and compleDities in
retrie,al and landing, the Fourney has )ut started+ &here is so
much more to eDplore and learn a)out an through the acti,ity,
sport, art and competiti,e science that is )ass fishing, that we
can almost say no more than the water await and lets go"
#lthough, there are some last thoughts we can offer on some of
the more common casting mistaes+ &hese 3errors are well=
documented in eDisting literature and easily o,ercome, to
optimize your )ass fishing eDperience and haul+ 'ere are )ut a
few issues most )eginners struggle with2
<i>o,ershot lure with too much power in the initial cast and the
line release not slowed, or <ii> the lure falling short or )eing too
light, with the line )eing release too early during the cast and or
the rod held too high after the line was released+ <iii> lure landing
too hard, due to the release at too low of an angle and not
arching enough in the air , and <i,> inaccurate casting <the most
common> 8 missing the mar, where the lure goes off=course
47
with too much side=to=side actionEmotioning of the rod while
casting+ Practicing reel and line control, as well as the o,erhead
cast might help+
Lots of teDts <lie the %orling (ncyclopedia mentioned earlier, pg+
;:;=;:A>, suggests thining of 3casting, compared to the
mo,ement of the arms on a cloc=face, )eginning in the two
ocloc position, pushing )ac to around the noon=position and
)ac to the ; again, with the rod slightly lowered as the lure
drops deeper into the water+ .or most )eginners this
3,isualization often helps refine techni9ue+
48
5. St/#es An! S3ecia#t/ Bass Fishing
!ipping
&his techni9ue might remind you a lot of throwing rocs onto the
surface of the water to see it 3sip+ #s a waterEtop=water
distur)ance and mo,ement simulator, it triggers and teases our
predator to come up and see what is there to eatEattac+
!pinning rods and reel com)o is )est used for this techni9ue 8
perfect for fishing and reaching )ass where they swim and hide
under piers, docs and pontoons+ #lso useful for getting under
and into under)rush and growth+ Remem)er their 3comfort zone+
On sunny days, )ass loo for shade, food and shelter and often
rest here in shady areas, under co,er of structure+
Ripping
!ome call this the throw it out, twitch, Fer and go method+ #
medium=action rod with para)olic )end and action to it+ 4f might
actually tric our )ass=friend into thining there is a 3wounded
prey around+ Lie a pro, let the worm drop and settle to the
)ottom, remaining there for a period of time+ Reel some slac
out of the line, picing up the worm with a long, sharp upsweep
of the rod tip+ Let 3er rip" Let it drop down again to the )ottom,
under tension while slowly lowering the rod tip 8 eep on
imitating li,e prey lie this, mo,ing, swimming and )o))ing a)out
and your predator will strie it with a ,engeance+
49
%rift &rolling
&railing )ehind the )oat, co,ering the )ottom worms crawl and
mo,e, simulating prey in its purest form+ Raise and lower it
occasionally, looing natural and alluring to any )ass in the
,icinity hunting for a tasty morsel+
.ly=rodding
4n ponds, ,ri,ers, streams and laes this approach is 9uite
effecti,e+ .ly=fishing lie techni9ues are ,ery effecti,e with )ass+
Begin )y preparing and rigging a plastic worm, weed=less adding
a small split=shot Fust )efore the hoo+ &his will ena)le it to sin
slowly+ .lip or cast and allow it to drop and )o) to the )ottom+
Iuite the tease and hard for the )ass with een sight, sound and
smell to miss+ 6eep the tip of the rod ,ery low, to mae it
possi)le for you to mae a well timed, strie when you feel a )ass
hit+
$ight and 4ce=fishing
!chooling, effecti,e tacle and dropping the lureE)ait right in
front of the fish, not ha,ing them eDpend a lot of energy is the
ey for these timings and conditions+ 0ater tends to )e cooler
and all your approaches, strategies and techni9ues need to slow
down a notch+ Bass also tend to school, during these times+
6nowing this fact can help you in ac9uiring your target )etter and
increasing your odds of getting a hit under these unusual or
specialty conditions+
50
4t is almost an impossi)ility to pro,ide here for e,ery uni9ue
condition and we )arely scratched the surface on most of the
conteDts )ass anglers might find themsel,es+ 0e loo forward to
sharing more secrets with you and learning from your Fourney"
6. Fina# Tho2ghts: S2..a%/ an! Conc#2sions
@atch=and=release fishing
%oing your part to protect nature and conser,e it for future
generations, is mandatory and regulated+ Using )ar)=less hoos
and or remo,ing them easily+ 'olding the fish in the water, gently
while unhooing, minimizing the trauma and damage to the fish
is crucial+ !upport the fish and let it go with the current,
swimming away and left to li,e another day, for many )attles
more to come"
%o all you can to understand and adhere to licensing, permits,
closed season stipulations, minimum size and catch limits+ &hese
and other measures are there to protect and ser,e, to minimize
the ris of o,er=fishing and species )ecoming eDtinct+
&his might not )e the utter finest )oo on )ass fishing e,er
written, )ut may the passion and contents inspire you to
greatness as an a,id and successful angler+ 4f we can )ut ignite
confidence and hints of eDcitement for fisher=fol, young and old,
then these pages ha,e succeeded"
51
May the road <and the waters, &he Bass>, come up to meet you*
May your Fourney and Fournal grow, each entry teaching more,
increasing confidence and aptitude"
May the pleasures of Bass fishing and the many ways we can
choose acti,ely to partae of it, )ring you continued and continual
enFoyment, reward, haul and immense pleasure"
Re$e%ences An! Othe% Han!/ Boo0s On Bass Fishing
Miesen, 7, 'auge, !+, ;JJB2 &he .reshwater #ngler = Li,e Bait
.ishing+ @reati,e Pu)lishing 4nternational 4nc+, Minnesota+ 4!B$2
:BM5;A:/PB
Roland, M+ :55M2 Roland MartinRs :J: Bass=@atching !ecrets
<'ardco,er>0inchester PressU ;nd edition+ 4!B$2 JMA;5J/B?J
!osin, M+, %ance, B+, :5552 &he .ield and !tream Bass .ishing
'and)oo+ 0here to find and catch large=mouths and small=
mouths 8 match )aits and lures to e,ery situation+ &he Lyons
Press, $ew Yor+ 4!B$2 :BBM;:M5BB
&he %orling 6indersley encyclopedia of fishing 8 :
st
#merican
(dition+ :55/ %orling 6indersley Pu)lishing, London+
4!B$2 :BP/BM/5;B
Kaughan, #+ Ladle, M+, :5MM2 'ooed on BassE &he @rowood
Press, 7reat Britain+ 4!B$2 :MP:;PP;5/
52
7ra) my @ollection of .R(( e)oos here
APPEN,5; 5
Bass Fishing 7#ossa%/
#ction = Measure of rod performance that descri)es the elapsed time )etween fleDion and
return to straight configurationU ranges from slow to fast, with slow )eing the most amount
of fleDionU also refers to the strength of the rod <light, medium and hea,y> with light )eing a
lim)er rod and hea,y a stout rodU also refers to gear of reels+
#cti,e .ish = Bass that are feeding hea,ily and striing aggressi,ely+
#daptation = Biological adFustment that increases fitness+
#lgae = !imple plant organisms+
#lalinity = Measure of the amount of acid neutralizing )ases+
#lley = #n opening )etween patches of emergent weedsU also the parallel space separating
emergent weeds and the shoreline+
#mp = Measure of electrical current+
#mp 'our = !torage capacity measurement of a deep=cycle )atter o)tained )y multiplying
the current flow in amps )y the hours that it is produced+
#ngler = Person using pole or rod and reel to catch fish+
#nti=re,erse = !ystem that pre,ents reels from spinning in re,erse+
Baclash = &angle of line on a )ait=casting reel due to spool o,errun+
Bacwater = !hallow area off a ri,er+
Bag Limit = Restriction on the num)er of fish that an angler may har,est in a day+
Bail = Metal, semicircular arm on an open=face spinning reel that engages the line after a
cast+
Bait = #n artificial lure is usually what is meant e,en though )ait can also mean li,e )ait+
Bait casting = .ishing with a re,ol,ing=spool reel and )ait casting rodU reel mounted on
topside of rod+
Baitfish = !mall fish often eaten )y predators+
Bar = Long ridge in a )ody of water+
53
Basic $eeds = Refers to the three sur,i,al re9uirements of )ass2 reproduction, security, and
food+
Bay = MaFor indentation in the shoreline of a lae or reser,oir+
Bite = 0hen a fish taes or touches <or hammers> a )ait so that the fisherman feels it+ #lso
nown as a hit, )ump, or a strie+
Blac Bass = @ommon term used to descri)e se,eral types of )ass, including the
largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted )ass+
Blan = .ishing rod without grip, guides or finish+
Bracish = 0ater of intermediate salinity )etween seawater and freshwater+
Brea = %istinct ,ariation in otherwise constant stretches of co,er, structure, or )ottom type+
Basically anything, that Q)reas upQ the underwater terrain+
Brea line = # line of a)rupt change in depth, )ottom type, or water clarity in the feature of
otherwise uniform structure+ # place where there is a sudden or drastic change in the depth
of the water, or weed type+ &his may )e the edge of a cree, a su)merged cliff, or e,en a
stand of su)merged weeds+
Brush line = &he inside or the outside edge of a stretch of )rush+
Brush pile = Usually refers to a mass of small= to medium=sized tree lim)s lying in the water+
Brush piles may )e only one or two feet across, or they may )e eDtremely large and they
may )e ,isi)le or su)merged+ &hey can )e created )y Mother $ature or manmade+ &hey
usually hold fish+ #nd fishermen+
Bumping = Refers to the act of maing a lure hit an o)Fect such as a log, tree, or pier piling
in a controlled manner+ &his is often done unintentionally, )ut can get the same reaction
from the fish+ #lso, a lure maing contact with the )ottom+
Buzz)ait = &opwater )ait with large, propeller=type )lades that churn the water during
retrie,e+ @omprised of a leadhead, rigid hoo, and wire that supports one or more )lades+
Buzzing = Retrie,ing a lure, such as a spinner)ait or )uzz)ait, at a rate fast enough to cause
it to remain partially out of the water, causing a noisy distur)ance+ !ometimes called ripping
or )urning+
@a))age = #ny of se,eral species of weeds, located a)o,e the surface or underwater, of the
genus Potamogeton+
@arolina Rig = # style of terminal tacle normally used to eep a lure a foot or two <or more>
off the )ottom+ &his is most commonly used with a plastic worm, )ut is also used with
floating cran)aits and other lures as well+ # )arrel slip siner of :E;= to :=ounce is first
slipped on the line and then a swi,el is tied to the end of the line+ # piece of line :M to AJ
inches long is then tied to the other end of the swi,el and a hoo or lure is tied to the end of
this piece line+ Rigged &eDas style <weedless with the hoo )uried in the )ody of the )ait>,
the com)ination is eDcellent for fishing ledges, points, sand)ars, and humps+ %iagram
@hannel = &he )ed of a stream or ri,er+
54
@hugger = &opwater plug with a dished=out <conca,e or QcuppedQ> head designed to mae a
splash when pulled sharply+
@larity = Refers to the depth you are a)le to see an o)Fect <such as your lure> under the
water+
@old .ront = # weather condition accompanied )y high, clear sies, and a sudden drop in
temperature+
@ontact Point = &he deepest position on structure where a )ass angler can first effecti,ely
present his lure to )ass as they migrate from deep water+
@ontrolled %rift = &he act of using an electric motor, drift soc, or oars to allow a drift to )e
accomplished at a certain speed andEor direction+ &his term is often called Qdrift fishingQ )y
most anglers+
@oontail = !u)merged a9uatic plant of the hornwort family typically found in hard waterU
charactreized )y stiff, fored lea,es+
@osmic @loc = &he sunRs seasonal effect on water and weather conditions relating to
)arometric pressure, wind, and cloud co,er+
@ount 4t %own = &iming a sining lure to determine when it will reach a specified depth+ &his
is accomplished )y finding the rate of sining of a lure in feet=per=second+ Often used when
fishing for suspended fish+
@o,e = #n indentation along a shoreline+
@o,er = $atural or manmade o)Fects on the )ottom of laes, ri,ers, or impoundments,
especially those that influence fish )eha,ior+ #nything a fish can use to conceal itself+
(Damples include stic=ups, tree lines, stumps, rocs, logs, pilings, docs, weeds,
)oathouses, duc )linds, )ushes, etc+ <not to )e confused with structure>+
@ran)ait = &ypically, a lipped lure that di,es under the surface during the retrie,e+ !o=
called lipless cran)aits are thin, minnow=lie lures that sin at a rate of a)out :=foot per
second+
%a))ling = 0oring a lure up and down in the same spot a dozen or more times in a )ush or
)eside a tree+
%epthfinder = # sonar de,ice, either a flasher unit or L@R recorder, used to read the )ottom
structure, determine depth, and in some cases actually spot the fishU also called a fishfinder+
%isgorger = %e,ice for remo,ing hoos deeply em)edded in the throat of fish+
%rag = %e,ice on fishing reels that allows line to pay out under pressure, e,en though the
reel is engagedU set correctly, it ensures against line )reaage+
%rop=Off = # sudden increase in depth, created )y gulley washes, small cree channels, land
points, and the general lay of the land+
55
%rop !hot = # hoo tied directly to the line from four=inches to four=feet a)o,e the siner+
&he hoo is attached from the )ac side or opposite the point, with a simple Palomar not
with a tag end a)out four or fi,e feet long+ &he weight hangs and the hoo is at a 5J=degree
angle to the line with the hoo point up+ &he hoo can )e :M to ;/ inches a)o,e a )ell
siner tied on with a slip=not+
(cology = &he )ranch of )iology dealing with the relationship )etween organisms and their
en,ironment+
(dge = Refers to the )orders created )y a change in the structure or ,egetation in a lae+
!ome eDamples of edges are tree lines, weed lines, and the edge of a drop=off+
(uthrophic = 'ighly fertile waters characterized )y warm, shallow )asins+
.an @ast = Maing a series of casts only a few degrees apart to co,er a half circle <more or
less>+
.arm Pond = !mall manmade )ody of water+
.eeder @ree = &ri)utary to a stream+
.eeding &imes = @ertain times of the day when fish are most acti,e+ &hese are associated
with the position of the sun and moon and are referred to as solunar ta)les <also called
moon charts> and are predicta)le for any time and place+ !ee Moon &imes+
.ilamentous #lgae = &ype of algae characterized )y long chains of attached cells that gi,e it
a stringy feel and appearance+
.eeding @ycle = @ertain regular inter,als during which )ass satisfy their appetites+
(Damples2 MaFor or Minor !olunar periodsU sunrise, sunset+
.inesse .ishing = #n angling techni9ue characterized )y the use of light tacle = line, rods,
reel and artificial )aits <often tu)e worms, gru)s, or other small=sized soft=plastic lures>U
often producti,e in clear, fairly uncluttered water+
.lat = #n area in a )ody of water with little if any change in depth+ !mall and large, flats are
generally surrounded on at least one side )y deeper water, the )ottom comes up to form a
flat area where fish will often mo,e up for feeding+
.lipping = <generally shortened to flippinR> &he techni9ue of placing a lure in a gi,en spot
precisely, and 9uietly, with as little distur)ance of the water as possi)le using an underhand
cast while controlling the line with your hand+
.lipping !tic = 'ea,y action fishing rod, ? to M feet long, designed for )ass fishing+
.lorida Rig = Kery similar to the &eDas Rig, the only difference is the weight is secured )y
QscrewingQ it into the )ait+
.ly R$ Rind = !ame thing as Fig=and=pig = a com)ination of a leadhead Fig and por rind
trailer+
.orage = !mall )aitfish, crayfish and other creatures that )ass eat+ May also )e used in the
sense of the )ass looing for food <foraging>+
56
.ront = 0eather system that causes changes in temperature, cloud co,er, precipitation, wind
and )arometric pressure+
7ear Ratio = Measure of a reelsR retrie,e speedU the num)er of times the spool re,ol,es for
each complete turn of the handle+
7rayline = 7rayline lets you distinguish )etween strong and wea echoes+ 4t QpaintsQ gray on
targets that are stronger than a preset ,alue+ &his allows you to tell the difference )etween
a hard and soft )ottom+ .or eDample, a soft, muddy or weedy )ottom returns a weaer
sym)ol which is shown with a narrow or no gray line+ # hard )ottom returns a strong signal
which causes a wide gray line+
7ru) = # short plastic worm used with a weighted Fig hoo+
'a)itat = &he place in nature where a plant or animal species li,es+ &he water, ,egetation,
and all that maes up the lae, which is where )ass li,e+ 'a)itat, for other creatures, is also
in the woods and cities, itRs )asically a term used to indicate a Qli,ing areaQ or home
en,ironment+
'ard Bottom = #rea in a )ody of water with a solid )ase = clay, gra,el, roc, sand+ &he type
of )ottom that you would not sin far, if at all, were you to wal on it+
'awg = Usually refers to a luner=size or hea,yweight )ass weighing / pounds or more+
'olding #rea = !tructure that ha)itually holds three to fi,e catcha)le )ass+
'olding !tation = Place on lae where inacti,e fish spend most of their time+
'oney 'ole = # super fishing spot containing a num)er of )ig )assU also any place with a
large concentration of eeper )ass+
'orizontal Mo,ement = &he distance a fish mo,es while remaining at the same depth+
'ump = #n area higher than the surrounding area+ # su)merged dam or island might )e
considered a hump+
4chthyology = &he )ranch of zoology that deals with fishes = their classification, structure,
ha)its, and li,e history+
4nacti,e .ish = Bass that are in a non=feeding mood+ (Damples of typically inacti,e times2
following a cold frontU during a maFor weather change that causes a sudden rise or fall in
water temperature, or when a rising lae le,er is a)ruptly lowered+
4nside Bend = &he inside line of a grass )ed or a cree channel+
4solated !tructure = # possi)le holding spot for )assU eDamples include a single )ush on a
pointU a midlae hump, or a large tree that has fallen into the water+
-ig = # leadhead poured around a hoo and featuring a sirt of ru))er, plastic, or hair+
-ig=$=Pig = @om)ination of a leadhead Fig and por rind trailerU among the most effecti,e
)aits for attracting trophy=size )ass+
57
6eeper = # )ass that conforms to a specific minimum length limit esta)lished )y tournament
organizations andEor state fisheries department+
Lae Modification !ources = (lements that change )odies of water, such as ice action, wa,e
action, and erosion+
Lae Vones = %esignation that includes four categories2 shallow water, open water, deep
water, and )asin+
Laydown <or .alldown> = # tree that has fallen into the water+
Light 4ntensity = &he amount of light that can )e measured at certain depths of waterU the
greater the intensity, the farther down the light will proFect+ &his measurement can )e
significantly affected )y wind conditions and water clarity+ 4n waters where light intensity is
low, )rightly colored lures are smart choices+
Line 7uides = Rod rings through which fishing line is passed+
Lipless @ran)aits = #rtificial )aits designed to resem)le a swimming )aitfish+ !uch plugs
,i)rate andEor wo))le during retrie,eU some ha,e )uilt=in rattles+ #lso called swimming
)aits+
Li,ewell = #n aerated tan in )oats used to hold fish in water until weigh=in time so that
they ha,e a )etter chance of sur,i,al when released+ !imilar to an a9uarium+
LogFam = # group of horizontal logs pushed together )y wind or water flow to form an
o)struction+ 4n laes, logFams are usually found close to shore and in the )acs of co,es+
Loose=#ction Plug = # lure with wide and slow mo,ements from side to side+
Luner = $ormally, a )ass weighing / pounds or more+
Micropterus !almoides = !cientific term for largemouth )ass+
Migration Route = &he path followed )y )ass when mo,ing from one area to another+
Milfoil = !urface=growing a9uatic plants+
Mono = !hort for monofilament fishing line+
Moon &imes = .our phases of the moon are usually what the fisherman is concerned with+
7enerally the Q)est timesQ in a month occur three days prior and three days after, and
include the day of the new or full moon+ .irst 9uarter and second 9uarter periods are
considered as only Qgood times+Q
Off @olor = Refers to the color and or clarity of the water+ Brown is muddy lie from rain
runoff, greenish from algae and )lac from tannic acid are the normal off=color conditions+
Our 'ole = Proprietary term used )y anglers to descri)e the area they intend to fish+ <My
hole, their hole, etc+> &hough actually all holes are all anglerRs holes since the laes )eing
fished are mostly pu)lic water+ 4tRs only your hole if you get there first+ Otherwise itRs their
hole+
58
Outside Bend = &he outside line of a cree channel or grass )ed can )e considered on
outside )end+
OD)ow = # U=shaped )end in a ri,er+
Pattern = # defined set of location and presentation factors that consistently produce fish+
(Dample2 4f you catch more than one fish off a pier or stic=up, then your chances of
catching more )ass in such places are eDcellent+ &his is commonly called Qesta)lishing a
patternQ+
Pegging = Putting a toothpic in the hole of a slip siner to pre,ent the siner from sliding
along the line+ Other items such as ru))er )ands slipped through the siner ha,e also
)ecome popular and donRt snag line+
P.% = 4nitials that stand for Personal .loatation %e,iceU also called a life ,est+
p' = &his is a measurement for li9uids to determine whether they are acidic or alaline+ On
a scale of one to ten, se,en is considered neutral+ Below se,en the li9uid is acidic and a)o,e
se,en it is alaline+ &his is a factor that plays a role in the health of the lae and the fish as
well as where the fish may )e found in a lae+
p' Meter = -ust as a thermometer measures heat and cold, a p' meter can )e used to
measure the acidity and alalinity of water+ &he p' scale ranges from J to :/+ Bass
generally prefer water that is slightly alaline in the ?+B to ?+5 range+ 0ater with a p' less
than ? is acidic+ Once popular among serious )ass fishermen, the de,ice is no longer widely
used+
Pic=Up = &he act of a )ass taing a slowly fished lure, such as a plastic worm, crawfish or
lizard+
Pit = #rea eDca,ated for mining operations that fills with water+
Pitching = Presentation techni9ue in which worms or Figs are dropped into co,er at close
range with an underhand pendulum motion, using a P 1 to ?:E; foot )aitcasting rod+ &he act
of pitching a )ait into a pocet or under tree lim)s+ !imilar to flipping, )ut re9uires less
stealth and usually done from further distances <nown as pitchinR>+
Pocet = # small indentation of the shoreline+
Point = # finger of land Futting into the waterU deeper water is usually found Fust )eyond the
eDposed tip and along the length of )oth sides+ .ishing on and around points is often
eDceptionally rewarding+ &hey almost always hold fish+
Post .ront = &he period following a cold frontU atmosphere clears and )ecomes )rightU
usually characterized )y strong winds and a significant drop in temperature+
Presentation = # collecti,e term referring to choice of type of lure, color, and sizeU structure
targetedU amount of distur)ance a )ait maes when entering the waterU and retrie,al
techni9ue, speed, and depth used to catch fish+ &his refers to the circumstances and
manner <speed and direction, etc+> in which a lure is presented to a fish+
59
Pro = # ,ery few of the nationRs top )ass fishermen can truly claim the word professional+
$ot only must the pro )e a consistent money winner on the maFor tournament circuits, )ut
he or she must also )e articulate, a good salesperson, present a clean=cut image, and ha,e
the a)ility to teach others to catch fish+
Professional O,errun = # polite term for )aclash+
Re,ol,ing=!pool Reel = #nother term for )aitcasting reel+ &he spool turns during casting,
unlie the spool of a spinning or spincasting reel+
Reser,oir = #rtificially created place where water is collected and storedU also called an
impoundment+
Riprap = # man=made stretch of rocs or material of a hard composition that usually eDtend
a)o,e and )elow the shorelineU often found near dams of )ig impoundments+
!addle = !ite where structure narrows )efore widening again+
!anctuary = %eep=water )ass ha)itat+
!catter Point = Position along structure where )ass start to separate or scatterU often found
in shallow water, at or ,ery close to a )realine+
!hort !trie = 0hen a fish hits at a lure and misses it+
!lac Line = &he loose line from the tip of the rod to the lure+ &his can )e a slight )ow in the
line to an eDcess of line lying on the water+
!lics = Bass not long enough to meet tournament standardsU typically less than :/ inches+
!uch fish also are called Qnu))ins Q, Qthrough )acsQ, Qpop cornsQ, Q)a)iesQ and QdinsQ+
!lip !iner = # lead weight with a hole through the center+ &hreaded on line, a slip siner
slides freely up and down+
!lough = # long, narrow stretch of water such as a small stream or feeder tri)utary off a
lae or ri,er+
!low Roll = !pinner)ait presentation in which the lure is retrie,ed slowly through and o,er
co,er o)Fects+
!lush Bait = &opwater plug with flat or pointed head+
!pincaster = # manner of fishing employing a push=)utton, closed=face spinning reel and
)aitcasting rodU reel is mounted on topside of rod+
!pinner)ait = # leadhead lure similar in shape to an open safety=pin with a hooU other
features include a ru))er, plastics, or hair sirt, and one or two )lades of ,arious shapes
and sizes+
!pinning = # manner of fishing employing an open=face or closed=face spinning reel an
spinning rodU reel is mounted on the underside of the rodU rod guides are on the underside
of the rod+
60
!plit !hotting = Often called stitch fishing )ecause you mo,e the )ait in increments no larger
than a sewing stitch and made Fust as slowly and patience is the ey+ Use a small NB split=
shot and crimp it a)out :M inches a)o,e a light wire :EJ or lighter small hoo+ !pinning
tacle is a must+ !mall worms, A=inch salt craws and others are perfect for the gentle
application re9uired+
!poo = &he act of alarming a fish in a negati,e way+ (Damples2 eDcessi,e noise, casting a
human shadow+
!tic=Up = !tationary structure = stump, lim), section of pipe, fence post = that eDtends
a)out B feet or less a)o,e the surfaceU a fa,orite casting target of )ass fishermen+
!tragglers = Bass that remain near shore following a general migration+
!tringer = #nti9uated term for a limit of fish, used )y tournament anglers to indicate their
catch <:J=pound stringer W :J pounds of fish+ $ot actually used any longer to retain )ass,
Fust a term people canRt seem to stop using+ <see li,ewell>+
!tructure = @hanges in the shape of the )ottom of laes, ri,ers, or impoundments,
especially those that influence fish )eha,ior+ &his is pro)a)ly the most misunderstood word
in )ass fishing+ !tructure is a feature on the )ottom of the lae+ !ome eDamples of structure
are crees, humps, depressions, sand)ars, road)eds, ledges, and drop=offs+ !ome eDamples
that are not structure2 a stump, tree, or )rush pile <these are co,er>+
!uspended .ish = Bass at midle,el depths, neither near the surface nor on the )ottom+
!wimming Lures = !ining=type artificial )aits designed to resem)le a swimming )aitfish+
!uch plugs ,i)rate andEor wo))le during retrie,eU some ha,e )uilt=in rattles+ #lso called
lipless cran)aits+
&ail=!pinners = @ompact, lead=)odied lures with one or two spinner )lades attached to the
tail, and a tre)le hoo suspended from the )odyU designed to resem)le a wounded shadU
effecti,e on schooling )ass+
&aper = #n area in a )ody of water that slopes toward deeper depths+
&erminal &acle = #ngling e9uipment, eDcluding artificial )aits, attached to the end of a
fishing lineU eDamples include hoos, snaps, swi,els, snap=swi,els, siners, floats, and
plastic )eads+
&eDas Rig = &he method of securing a hoo to a soft=plastic )ait = worm, lizard, crawfish, so
that the hoo is weedless+ # slip siner is threaded onto the line and then a hoo is tied to
the end of the line+ &he hoo is then inserted into the head of a worm for a)out one=9uarter
of an inch and )rought through until only the eye is still em)edded in the worm+ &he hoo is
then rotated and the point is em)edded slightly into the worm without coming out the
opposite side+ %iagram
&hermocline = &he layer of water where the temperature changes at least one=half a degree
per foot of depth+ Basically, a layer of water where rising warm and sining cold water meet+
&ight=#ction Plug = # lure with short, rapid side=to=side mo,ement+
&iptop = Line guide at top of fishing rod+
61
&opwaters = .loating hard )aits that create some degree of surface distur)ance during
retrie,e+
&railer 'oo = &he eDtra hoo, or cheater hoo added to a single=hoo lure, such as a
spinner)ait or weedless spoon+
&ransition = &he imaginary line where one type of )ottom material changes to another+
&re)le 'oo = 'oo with single or )undled shaft and three points+
&riggering = (mployment of any lure=retrie,al techni9ue or other fishing strategy that causes
a )ass to strie+
&rolling Motor = # small electric fishing motor, typically mounted on the )ow, that is used as
secondary )oat propulsion, for )oat positioning, and to maneu,er 9uietly in fishing areas+
&urno,er = &he period when the cold water on the surface of a )ody of water descends and
is replaced )y warmer water from )elow+
Kertical Mo,ement = Up and down mo,ement of fish+ @an also )e mo,ement of a lure such
as a spoon <,erticalFigging>+
0eedless = # description of a lure designed to )e fished in hea,y co,er with a minimum
amount of snagging+
0eedline = #)rupt edge of a weed)ed caused )y a change in depth, )ottom type, or other
factor+
0orminR = &he act of fishing with a plastic worm, lizard, crawfish, or similar )ait+
62

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