E-Book Bass Fishing 101

5/28/2018 E-Book Bass Fishing 101

1/69

Bass Fishing 101

How to Catch The Next Big One

By John Seiko


2/69

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, gie you )acground information,

handy tips and pointers to ponder, consider, try, master an!

($-OY"


3/69

BASS FISHING 101 3

Ta"#e O$ Contents

FOREWORD - WHAT ARE WE FISHING FOR AGAIN? THE TARGET: (BASS) DEFINED ....................4

INTRODUCTION - KNOWING AND GOING WHERE THE BASS ARE ..........................................................9

THE BASICS OF BASS FISHING AN OVERVIEW ..........................................................................................1

WATER! WEATHER! TI"ING AND OTHER ENVIRON"ENTA# AS$ECT! FACETS AND

CONSIDERATIONS FOR BASS FISHING ............................................................................................................%

TECHNI&UES FOR BASS FISHING #IKE A $RO (WOR"S! SKI$$ING! RI$$ING! DRIFT TRO##ING!

F#'RODDING) ..........................................................................................................................................................44

THEARTOFACCURATECASTING ......................................................................................................................................44

PLAYINGANDLANDINGFISH ...........................................................................................................................................46

LURE-FISHINGANDSPINNING ..........................................................................................................................................48PLASTICWORMS ...........................................................................................................................................................50

"ISTAKES AND SECRETS RE#ATED TO BASS FISHING .............................................................................%1

ST'#ES AND S$ECIA#T' BASS FISHING ................................................................................................ .........%

SKIPPING ....................................................................................................................................................................53

RIPPING .......................................................................................................................................................................53

DRIFTTROLLING ..........................................................................................................................................................54

FLY-RODDING ...............................................................................................................................................................54

NIGHTANDICE-FISHING .................................................................................................................................................54

FINA# THOUGHTS: SU""AR' AND CONC#USIONS ...................................................................................%%

CATCH-AND-RELEASEFISHING .........................................................................................................................................55

REFERENCES AND OTHER HAND' BOOKS ON BASS FISHING ....................................................... .........%

OTHER ON#INE #INKS AND RESOURCES .......................................................................................................%

BASS FISHING G#OSSAR' ...................................................................................................................................%9

More Free eBooks www.getreee!ooks.co"
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4/69

BASS FISHING 101 4

Foreword - What Are We Fishing For Again? The Target:

(Bass) Defined

.hateer the reason you had for picing up these pages, to learn

more a)out fishing, and game fishing, specifically with an all/time

angling faorite em)edded in the aptly titled0 Bass Fishing, 101:

How To Catch The Next Big One, you are sure to find a 1uenching

repriee+ !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 eeryone in this )oo"

2f your main interest, is improing your a)ility to catch Bass,

increasing, 3and may)e4 een stacing the odds in your faor of

succeeding time and again, eery time, in this angling e1uation

and any future e5peditions you plan to undertae, then this )oo

has something of alue to offer you+

.hen you are on the hunt for Bass, nowing the )asics is lie the

life)lood of your strategy, )ringing your chances alie with eery

cast"

#L!O, discoer and deelop YOUR O.$ sportsman/lie, angling

style and character, while gradually )uilding your appreciationand understanding of the great outdoors, as part of your fishing

e5perience+



5/69

BASS FISHING 101 5

.e present a practical approach to the intricacies and

comple5ities inoled in this popular sport+ .e hope that this iscaptured well )y the short title0 Bass Fishing 101: How to Catch

the Next Big One+

Our focus, approach, aims and goals are simple 6 the )asis and

premise een simpler0 #ea%n the "asics& get the' %ight&

consistent#(& with s)i## an! 'aste%(& an! the( wi##

e*ent+a##( #ea! (o+ to catching a## the Bass (o+ can

,ossi"#( want o% han!#e-

.e prefer to get right to the topic and elements of our discussion

6 how to find and catch Bass" Basic yet detailed, the te5t 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 3many anglers

themseles4, depict Bass fishing as the ultimate angling

e5perience and 7&he Bass 3predator/hunter itself4, as tough/

minded, unpredicta)le, with a strong surial instinct, great

awareness, sensing8sensors, that mae them the een and

effectie hunters they are+

&hese fish )enefit from natures gifts of powerful sight, hearing,

ast speed, maneuera)ility and een 9umping action moes, that

will hae you catch 3pardon the pun4, your )reath* with awe,



6/69

BASS FISHING 101 6

e5citement and e5pectation that is" #ll of this maes it possi)le

for the Bass to lie up to its name and reputation, as one of the:e5tremes; of the gaming fish populations and eery anglers

dream catch"

Part of the Percichthyidaefamily 3also su)/classified into the

genus Morone6 considered a separate unit or )ranch 3white,

yellow, striped4, 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 3c!"aria no#e$ac"%eate4,

(uropean sea )ass 3&icentrarch"s %a'rax4+

&heir food of choice8feed and natural diet includes small fish,

crustaceans, worms and insects 6 some anglers hae also had

great success with lie/)ait, lie eels and een frogs+

&hen there are the )lac )ass, collectiely referred to and

including our prized target 6 called )y some to )e the most

sporting species in $orth #merica 6 the Centrarchidaefamily+

3Largemouth and smallmouth )ass, redeye, spotted, striped,

)lac )ass, !uwannee,


7/69

BASS FISHING 101 7

and how to optimize this art of

allure, is a ey )asic element foreery aspiring or great angler

alie+

&hese fishes are all actie

predators, warming to natural )aits

an!artificial lures+ Most anglers

would suggest spinning or trolling

for freshwater fishing for Bass

3larger species4 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, riers, streams, laes or

oceans+ .e lie to tell our mighty

tales and contemplate how to change and modify, adapt and or

create new techni1ues, approaches to hoo smallmouth, large/


a%ge'o+th Bass Ext%e'e

. C#ic) he%e to )now 'o%e

?uaranteed &o 2mproe Your

Results By !uper/#ccelerating

Your Largemouth Bass >ishing

&echni1ues to the point of

!aturation+++

F#( Fishing Fo% T%o+t / A

+iet Re*o#+tion . C#ic)

he%e to )now 'o%e

#re you interested in

discoering PRO@($, Astep/)y/

stepA >ly >ishing methods

significantly improing your

!trie Rate / Using

omprehensie

BR(#=&'ROU?' =nowledge

$eer Before !een OR

Released to the Pu)licC

F#( Fishing Fo% Beginne%s .C#ic) he%e to )now 'o%e

&he >ly/fishing techni1ue /

from finding fish hideouts to

understanding the lifecycles of

the different insects they eat,

along with the other

comple5ities hae fascinated

fly fishers for thousands of

years+
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BASS FISHING 101 8

mouth, specled, spotted, striped and )lac )ass+ &o each his

own+ You pic your faorite+

=nowing how to tell a smallmouth from a large/mouth )ass,

striped from spotted and so on, is a ery )asic sill most anglers

master 1uicly+ Looing specifically at size and physical features

are good places to start+ &rain your eye to 7spot the differences,

so to spea+

&hey differ in size, marings and dorsal fins for e5ample+ &heir

upper 9aws 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 7)rea, right )efore the

second set of dorsal fins start+ >or our friends the small mouth

)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 adice we

can propose right upfront+ (5periencing, treading lightly and

honoring nature, the great outdoors, a)iding )y the anglers code

3catch and release, licensing4, enironmental protection for

generations of anglers 3and women4 to come, and the lie are all

astly important in your angling endeaors+

!econd, maintaining an oerall alertness, what some call :reading

the waters; 3understanding the )ody of water, ha)itat to the fish,

contour, depth, temperature, stratified leels etc+4, )eing



9/69

BASS FISHING 101 9

generally, as well as specifically 7o)serant, arming yourself with

nowledge, sill and understanding of the fish, the species, theenironment, and all other releant factors to your fishing actiity

and undertaings 6 paramount for successful process and

outcome+

&hird, 3and almost most importantly4, remain adapta)le, for

change is a B2? part of this en9oya)le outdoor actiity+ 2t is

definitely not for the faint of heart or the impatient among us"

ntrod!"tion - #nowing And $oing Where The Bass Are

Bass defined0 # fighter, eer/elusie, 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, haing a pro/actie plan

and approach, stacing the odds in your faor to succeed,

catching more fish an! en9oying the process, is what this )asic

guide is all a)out+

&he hunter )ecomes the hunted 6 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)sere, learn, follow, study



10/69

BASS FISHING 101 10

and use its natural ha)it, preferences, patterns, ha)its, prey and

choice of food, in your angling/strategy, and you will hae someinteresting fish/tales to tell+ 3$one of them tall tales of course,

we hope"4* and yes, we may een learn something from the

ones that get8got away"

!o, without further ado, let us get our rods and reels going*

2f you were told that, there is one particular species of fish that

most would descri)e as tough/minded, smart, outwitting and

elusiely hard to catch, then it the Bass 6 in all its shapes, sizes,

iterations and su)/classes+

2t rings true, no matter what the conte5t, )ody of water, special

and or an(situation or condition, regardless of secrets, tips,

proen science, techni1ue and intent in the world" Bass fishing is

challenging and rewarding at the same time+ &o ensure hours of

countless pleasure, follow the pointers 3and add some of your

own here too"4 proided here, for Bass fishing DED and )e ready

to hoo the ne5t )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 eentual, and 3we will argue4, consistent

and repeata)le success+ (1uipment, site, lure and sill, dawn and

or dus, shallow or deep waters, fresh8salt water, from )oat or



11/69

BASS FISHING 101 11

shore 6 it does not matter" &here are secrets and techni1ues for

each of them+

$oices, )eginners, seasonal and seasoned anglers alie, are all

welcome to flip through these pages to discoer some magical,

sought/after truths a)out )ass fishing" 2n the end, it is as much

a)out the process, en9oyment, understanding and appreciation,

as it is a)out the fish"

Become an o)serant, student of nature itself, the Bass ha)its

and patterns, whether using trolling, artificial and or lie )ait,

fly/fishing, on ice, fresh and salt, deep and shallow waters, do so,

using all to your adantage, as you undertae your own 9ourney

of the Bass"

Bass is )y far the most widely distri)uted fish in $orth #merica 6

sometimes due to the conenience of our mo)ility and fast/paced

society, geared for trael and transportation, Bass is within easy

reach 3for most within D days trael at most4, Large/mouths,

!mall/mouths, striped, spotted, )lac )ass etc+ all await+

(er heard of a smart fish that maes calculated, in/the/moment

decisionsC One whose surial instinct is so strong, that it

snatches and at other times totally ignores and hangs around

seemingly uninterested, only to strie8)ite when least e5pected"



12/69

BASS FISHING 101 12

.ell, that would )e typical of our finned, scaly 3pardon the pun4,

fish/friend, the 7Bass+ >or the purposes of this )oo, this speciesis and taes centre/stage 6this is deli)erate and intentional+ Bass

fishing is a)out e5actly that the fish, &he Bass+ &enacious,

unpredicta)le and a challenge to most of us+

@arious scientists hae proen that Bass almost 7calculate the

amount of energy it will tae them to go after the prey s+ the

return+ 2f this )e true and erified, what are the implications for

us anglers of promiseC OU&!M#R&2$? &'(M of course" 2t is all in

the )asics, the strategies, )attle plan, allure, tease and

techni1ues we choose to use in this process+ &his will dictate and

determine our success+



13/69

BASS FISHING 101 13

The Basi"s %f Bass Fishing & An %'er'iew

Most, if not all of the so/called 7insider secrets, tips and stories to

tell of )ig hauls of Bass, all reole, around a ery simple )asic

rule 6 understanding the fish, 3their 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 e1uipment 3tools4, haing the now how and

)asics under your )elt and finally optimizing 3eery"4

opportunity*

2n effect, you are going a)out, creating the most faora)le

angling process and outcome you can muster"

Bass fishing is a passion, a science and an art form upon itself+ 2t

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,

7predicta)le )ehaior+ 'a)its, patterns, life cycles, the natural

rhythm that is life and nature 6 also applies to fish+ &his meansthat Bass e5ist within this natural reality+ 2f you can capitalize on

understanding it )etter, you will increase your chances of

successful hoos8)ites+



14/69

BASS FISHING 101 14

!eeing protectie coer, foraging amongst rocs, stumps,

weeds, at times on the prowl hunting for prey, other times 9ust7lunching around casually, all seem to )e part of &he Bass

feeding rituals and repertoire+ &aing adantage and considering

this when starting out and eery time casting, will )enefit you

greatly+

#nother is :competitie adantage;, &he Bass has an :airtight

sac; 3)reathing )ladder4, that is inflata)le, which ena)les it to

swim and thrie at different leels+ # powerful tail helps with

speed, agility and maneuera)ility+ 2t can reach great depths+

Other factors lie water clarity, time of day, su)dued sunlight,

water displacement and i)ration sensing, noise sensitiity, all

add to this fish cunning and ensuring that you scrutinize these

clues, will increase your odds of hooing your ne5t )ig one+

Unlocing for e5ample how &he Bass senses and prefers color and

shade in the moment, can always also help anglers increase their

effectieness+ &he choice and type of lure, colors and moement,

)ait etc+ can all contri)ute meaningfully to your attempts+

.here the fish are* eeryone will hae an answer, or at least

their opinion8e5perience on what8where8when, een science+

$eertheless, sometimes it is as simple as understanding the

ha)itat and those that lie and thrie in it, to )etter interact with

and en9oy fishing in it 6 a type of e5ploring the depths, so to



15/69

BASS FISHING 101 15

spea+ >or e5ample0 the temperature of the water and aaila)le

o5ygen, dictate moing patterns and dis)ursement of fishspecies+ >eeding ha)its and preferences are distinct, falling more

on the :looing alie; or lie )ait+ !ome 1uote smallmouth )ass,

as showing preference for crawfish and using that as a 7sign of

where these critters will )e found, on the hunt for their faorite

snac" Looing at stomach content of fish you hae caught and

ept 3not part of the catch and release protocol8re1uirements4,

hold hidden clues a)out food of preference 6whitefish, crawfish

and others+

'aing self/confidence, aptitude ANthe right attitude when

fishing for Bass is crucial+ 2n this )attle to outwit your opponent,

you will need eery tool and tric at your disposal to mae a

successful catch+ $eer get discouraged, feel )eaten or worse

1uit for the yield has )een slim to none at all 6 those days

happen to eery angler+ $ature )eats to its own drum, you hae

to discoer and en9oy the rhythm you are so intricately part of+

Practice maes perfect 6 there is no siler )ullet, 1uic/fish

method for FG+GG, that can guarantee you )ites and more )ass all

the time, anytime+ 2t %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 e5perience and lessons learned+ Log



16/69

BASS FISHING 101 16

and learn, share and grow, in your own understanding,

confidence and toolit, as an aid )ass angler+

#nother ey tric, is actually $O &R2= #& #LL 6 we call it an

:ac1uired sill;+ 2t taes more of that hard wor we mentioned

)efore" (5act, fi5ed casting, re1uires target/precision practice,

improing your a)ility to place the lure e5actly where you would

want it to )e 6 let us call it 7hitting the mar+ &his is another

crucial tactic and techni1ue you can practice in the par or your

liing room 6 try using plugs and get )etter eery time at

consistently hitting your 7target 3and nothing else we hope"4+

Becoming and )eing a proactie participant in the conte5t and

enironment 3and process4, you are in, nowing when to moe

on, change something and or 1uit for the time/)eing 3postponing

the hunt or resting when re1uired, planning your strategy for the

ne5t trip out4, is what it is all a)out as well"

'a)itual creatures of comfort, &he Bass 3as a species4, are not so

much different than modern man+ Bearing this in mind will help

you too as an angler+ .e lie what we lie, when and how we lie

it and normally want it on time, when it is there and ready, )e

safe, en9oy life and we crae comfort 6 food, shelter and well/

)eing" %oes this sound a lot different from our own needs and

re1uirementsC $ot really" .ell, that is one way of leeling the

playing field+ Understanding the )asic necessities and niceties for



17/69

BASS FISHING 101 17

these watery :creatures;, holds clues and adantage, for any

and eery angler+

!timulus, pattern, routine, ha)it 6 predictors and hints 6 the ace

up your sleee when nothing else wors" Learn and deelop

sills, to 7read 31uicly at a glance, o)sere and mae a

9udgment4, now instinctiely what will come happen, ne5t and

why 6 figure out the pattern, stic with it and e5ploit it to your

adantage 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"

>amiliarity with the Bass faorite places to hang around is critical

to success0 Bottoms, stumps, trees , logs, weeds and plants,

contours, structures, trael/routes, crees, shallows8deeper

passages, coes, channels, )luffs, )ans and shorelines 6 all can

)e repetitie clues on ha)itual, predicta)le )ehaior of the )ass+

Most of the 7e5perts 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 instinctiely where

they will )e and where their faorite spots are+ =nowing and

going where the fish are )ecomes demystified, )ut een more

e5citing, for it is now more than a hunch or random chance 6 it

is a planned encounter where the watery predator, hunter(ar

exce%%ence, )ecomes the hunted"



18/69

BASS FISHING 101 18

Toos %f The Trade: Ta"ke Boats A""essories *!res And

Baits (A A+o!t ,asti"s Sinners .rank And %thers- To-Water And Se"iaty *!res)

'aing the right e1uipment, nowing how to )est use it, when

and how, 3also how not to use it and what it is not suita)le for4,

can all help you in your )ass fishing adenture+

&he )asics regarding rods, reels, line, hoos, weights, )o))ers,

siners, lures, sensors and other e1uipment 3hats, ests, nets,

scents, scissors etc+4, gies you an appreciation for haing the

right tools for the tas3s4 at hand+

#s a highly participatory and engaging sport, Bass fishing is

simply almost unparalleled in the ast amount of styles and tools

to use+ >rom 1uiet streams, tran1uil laes to open sea and

rushing riers 6 there is something for eeryone+

2f you are looing for 1uic tips on the right e1uipment, most

suited to your purpose and the techni1ues to master to catch

)ass in any conditions, might this ne5t section enlighten and

inspire you, as you dele right into the 7utilities of the fishingtrade+ !ome tools of the )ass fishing trade, we will )e focusing

on are0

Rods, Reels, Lines and 'oos



19/69

BASS FISHING 101 19

&acle0 Lures and Bait 6 lie 6 artificial and, or, BU&

Y(&*

Limited space does not permit large comparatie e5planations or

ram)lings on the merit of some tools a)oe certain others+ &hese

de)ates are well nown and well pu)lished in e5isting literature+

.e tae a more practical approach and loo at what you will

actually need to hoo your ne5t )ig one, )esides random chance

and luc" .e lie to point out that picing the right e1uipment

means a lot of different thing to different people+ (ach angler has

his8her own interpretation of what that means, arying sill leel,

physical characteristics and strengths8weanesses, so we will not

profess nowing what is right for you+ .hat we do offer are mere

suggestions on which tools will stac the odds in your faor and

help you en9oy preparing, rigging, )aiting8hooing, retrieing and

landing YOUR ne5t B2? O$(" (nsuring that is does not 9oin the

droes of 7the ones that got away"

(en as you e5plore your surroundings and the wonder of fish

species and their life cycles, patterns and )ehaior,

e5perimenting, hands/on with your e1uipment and what is

aaila)le to anglers today, is part of the e5citing world of Bass

fishing+ >rom fish/finders, temperature gauges, sensors and more

adanced technologies, to the art of preparing your lines and

hoos, choosing the lures8)ait most suited to your circumstance

and purpose and more, adds to the e5citement and en9oyment of

the actiity+ Preparing yourself with nowledge on these, will



20/69

BASS FISHING 101 20

)oost your confidence and practicing often, will pay off in the long

run as your e5pertise, e5posure and angling mastery grows+

.hen it comes to e1uipment, the opinions are many and far

)etween+ Your condition, circumstance, purpose and goal will all

figure into the final choice 3oh, yes and do not forget the eer/

present )udget and afforda)ility4"

!pinning or )ait casting with artificial lures, fly/fishing, trolling

with lie/)aits, are all options aaila)le to you, with specialist

tools on hand to assist you mae the most of it+ &ypically a H+H to

I feet rod 3spinning or )ait casting4, with a matching reel with si5

to ten pound line, fast taper, single action reel would sere you

well+ .eed/less hoos are a lifesaer in ery dense coer or

weeds+

#ngling techni1ues and tacle eep refining, deeloping and

almost taes on a life of its own for eery angler+ &here is not

really a one/size/fits/all approach+ &his personalized relationship

with your e1uipment, might mean a )asic rod to start with and

then adding a couple for your different e5cursions and

e5peditions 6 your Bass 9ourney has 9ust started+ Modern tacle

and methods, traditional or innoatie, technology/drien and

ena)led 6 whateer your fancy or preference 6 there is

something for eery taste and )udget+

2t is an ancient sport, pursued )y many, with echoes of early

hunters and anglers liing off the land+ ?etting in touch with that



21/69

BASS FISHING 101 21

timeline through hands/on actiity, lie )ass fishing is ery

rewarding+ Most )eginners might )e oerwhelmed )y theselection of e1uipment aaila)le on the maret today+ =nowing

what to pic8)uy, how and when to 3)est4apply, use it correctly,

to ma5imize your chances of catching your ne5t )ig one is ey+

?ood 1uality tacle is important 6 it needs to )e ade1uate for

whateer nature throws your way+ You will need to )uild your

arsenal of nowledge and e1uipment oer time, to respond )est

to some of the challenges at hand+ ?ood appropriate )aits and

lures and how to use them effectiely, in com)ination, in 1uic

succession to ensure )ites, are other ey components, as is

importance of preparing, presenting well, accurate casting,

hooing 3sharpening the hoos and turning them up slightly for

e5ample to ensure that the fish stay on your hoo as you reel

them in4, as well as retrieing and landing of the fish+

#n e5cellent source for )eginners on all things tacle/related,

e1uipment, fish species, tools and techni1ues, 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" 3&here are also some other

references listed at the end of this te5t, if you choose to pursue



22/69

BASS FISHING 101 22

more facts and or crae deeper insights into the art and science

of Bass fishing4+

#ll we will say, is that haing e5pensie or the right e1uipment, is

not a guarantee that you will land the ne5t )ig one" 2n fishing,

there are no real guarantees+ &his is a 7contract and actiity

)etween you and nature+ (5ploring and getting you to the point

where you now the feel, function and em)edded strengths and

weanesses of your e1uipment, is the real way to wisdom+ >or

most trail and error, practice and persistence are the roads to

follow to )ecoming well/ersed and e5perienced anglers+

Realizing the e1uipments full potential, will tae time and

practice+ Bear in mind, that sophistication in e1uipment will

deelop in parallel to your own mastery and sill/refinement+

Your intended style of fishing 3from )oat or shore, shallow or

deep 3or )oth4 will dictate the most appropriate choice for tacle

3reel and rod, line 6 thicness and weight4, line, hoos, )aits and

lures, weights, siners, leaders and more+

.hether you are a salt/water fanatic that en9oys 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 9ust right for you+



23/69

BASS FISHING 101 23

Basic angling techni1ues are relatiely easy to master, yet

con1uering and refining all the su)tleties and intricate moes andmaneuers, e5ploring the secrets 3discoered or yet to )e

unearthed4, of in this case )ass fishing 3which has so many

iterations and settings4, will tae a lifetime of pleasure and

defeat"

Practice and en9oy )ass fishing, according to your own niche and

style, preference and location of choice 6 in a word / YOUR

7specialty+ 2t is a ery personalized and indiidualized pursuit and

passion+ #lways remem)er, that there is a wide array of ariety

and en9oyment on offer, )y different inds of fishing, locations,

)aits and lures etc+, to eep angling interesting and a growing

sport 6 it is contagious and perasie 6 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+

>or most anglers, techni1ue 3and choice of e1uipment4 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 lie )ait, others hae success with

hard )aits lie artificial rats and plastic worms are another

faorite+



24/69

BASS FISHING 101 24

.hether you are fishing from the

)ans, )oat or float tu)e, mostwould suggest you use a si5 to si5

and a half foot 3D+J /Km4 medium,

heay/push/)utton, spinning or

)ait/casting rod and reel

com)ination, with strong line 3DE/

pound4+ 2f you are fishing in weeds,

heay coer, thic, slop, grassy

wetlands, swamps, etc+ a heaier

line 3)raided4, will sere you )etter8

)est+ 'oo sizes typically

recommended around a lie/)ait

hoo, sharpened and turned up

slightly 3say around DEN4, this is

done to ensure that the fish stayed

:hooed; and gies you a 7fighting

chance to reel it in and land it

successfully+ # weed/less, H hoo

can also sere you well in these

conditions+ Large/mouth )ass can )e

caught at any depth, using lie

)aits, throughout most the year

3een ice fishing4" !harp hoos are

ey+








!aturation+++



he%e to )now 'o%e

#re you interested in




!trie Rate / Using

omprehensie


$eer Before !een ORReleased to the Pu)licC

F#( Fishing Fo% Beginne%s .

C#ic) he%e to )now 'o%e








years+


25/69

BASS FISHING 101 25

.eights and siners are another element you must consider,

especially in dar, cloudy waters and or when fishing deep waterspecifically+ &here are also specialty siners, with rattles these

days to entice the fish een more+ &hey are ery sensitie to

sounds, noise and i)rations in the water 6 so anything you can

do to create that allure, tease and temptation is great to )ear in

mind+ %o eerything you can to trigger their feeding response

and ensure a strie8)ite"

#lso, remem)er, fish are a lot lie us 6 on hot, humid days, they

loo for shelter, food and comfort+ &hese are their handout and

feeding ground 3no different than us, wanting to sit under an

um)rella, or in front on the &@, in an air/conditioned

enironment, trying to stay cool and en9oy our snac/foods"4+

=nowing and considering these ha)its, will help you catch more

fish+ Loo for the lily pads, thin coer, giing them shade from

the sun+ >ind the right depth, structure and hide/away3they

normally loo for coer, lie any other predator4 and their

lighting/fast speed ena)led them to coer water8ground 1uicly

and really strie8attac8hit their :prey;+

.eedy, 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 moing 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+



26/69

BASS FISHING 101 26

(5amples of luring techni1ues and how the right e1uipment canhelp you0

!urface, &op/water and or Buzz )aits0 #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++ 2t

attracts the attention of the )ass, )y creating a 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 Rig0 this can easily )e descri)ed as simply a ariation of

the standard, so/called 7&e5as Rig 3see )elow4, great for use

with plastic worms or other soft )ait+ Most e5pert )ass anglers

suggest using a heaier weight lie D8K /Doz or more+ !lide the

weight onto the line, follow with three plastic )eads, a )arrel

swiel, and a leader line 3somewhat smaller than the main

line4+.hat this allows the )ass angler to do is to get the )ait to

7drop down to the floor with speed and is especially

recommended for fishing deep waters+ &he moement of the

leader allows the )ait to swim and rise a)oe 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 improe+

ran )ait0 mostly refers to lures, which is usually made from a

ariety of materials, including hard plastic or wood+ .ith an



27/69

BASS FISHING 101 27

added feature of a diing lip on the front 3simulating effectiely

the moements of natural prey, wo))ling, diing and swimmingactions4, entices the )ass to strie+ &he rule of thum), normally is

that the larger the lip, the deeper it can die+ (nhancements lie

rattles are also good for certain conditions+

-er )aits0 # seasoned faorite amongst )ass anglers, for top/

water, as well as suspended )ass fishing+ longer minnow/shaped

plugs, aaila)le in lots of different sizes and colors+ #s a surface,

top/water )ait with a slight twitch/and/stop type of retriee, or

een as a more slow/and/steady retriees underwater+ #nother

option is to use suspending 9er )aits that typically die deeper,

9ering it, almost teasing and tempting the )ass to come up and

)ite right at it+

-igs0 !ome hae descri)ed these trusted tacle as 7lead head and

hoo with dressing+ &heir 7added features could tae the shape

of ru))er or plastic sirts, soft plastic )aits for )odies, instead of

sirts+ Most )ass e5perts com)ine them with a frog, or a plastic

)ait as a :follower3plastic worm, crawfish4+

Lipless ran )ait0 mostly referring to sining/type lures, made

from plastic, sometimes with many rattles inside for noise, ,

i)rations and causing distur)ances underwater+

Poppers0 &op water lures that carry long/range punch+ Retriee

with these inds of lures are fast, 9ery or moe in one spot for a



28/69

BASS FISHING 101 28

duration of time+ an )e 1uite effectie if you trying to figure out

7where the fish are+

!oft -er )ait0 these can )e used to great effect in the same

manner as a regular 9er )ait, )ut can )e dropped to the )ottom

1uite successfully as well to tease out our deep/water predator,

swimming around for food and feast+

!pinner )aits0 another simulator of moement and prey on the

go+ 2t is ery similar to a 9ig, )ut with a )lade that runs a)oe the

hoo, and spins to imitate a )ass faorite as well0 fish+

&e5as Rig0 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 hae chosen+

!harpen the hoo and stic the point of the hoo directly into the

worm head, )ring it out the side a)out D8J / 8DA )elow the

entry, thread it again+ Rotate the hoo around so the point is

facing the wormQs )ody+ Lay it oer 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&(0 if the worm is twisted, your

line and action will pay the price and it will )e less effectie+

.aling/ the/dog0 this is an angling techni1ue that usually

re1uires some time to master, )ut )eginners should not shy away

from trying it, for it is 1uite effectie with )ass+ asting oer a

relatiely long distance, allow the )ait to sit for a )rief period of



29/69

BASS FISHING 101 29

time, tae up the slac, and with your rod tip pointed at the

water, gie it a 9er to the side, then immediately moe it)acward and reel in any slac, then 9er again, and repeat all

the way )ac+ More or less a darting from side/to/side+ You are in

effect simulating the preys elusie moements, enticing the

hunter to follow, stal and hit" &his might )e your ace up your

sleee for hooing YOUR $(& B2? O$(+

!lip/)o))ers, rigged with a S ounce plastic 9ig, lie )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 coer, may

proe successful+

Remem)er that fish are constantly on the moe while feeding+

&he timing of day, amount of sunlight, temperature of the water

and more all feature into the angling e1uation+

Bo))er/rigs or 9igs are popular and 1uite successful too+ !lip/

siners, arolina 3drop/shot rig4 wors well too+

>ree/line fishing in shallow waters may yield many a )ass angler

1uite the haul+ asting a plain hoo with lie )ait and feed the

line to the )ait, allowing it to 7swim naturally will attract some

certain attention+ Other e5perts would recommend if you are in

the so/called watery salad, weeds or heay slop, coer and

9ungles underwater, to go heaier is the ey+ KE l) line the



30/69

BASS FISHING 101 30

minimum and heay/action, sturdy )ait/casting rod and reel

com)os with long, straight handles to proide you with leerageto reel your B2? O$(! in"

>loating 9ig/heads, with slip/siner rig, with K/ foot leader hae

proen to )e useful too, especially when ept close to the )ottom,

watching not to get snagged in the process+ .eed/less hoos can

help you retriee lie/)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 effectie,

appropriate and tempting )ait 3whether lie or artificial4+ %rawing

on the natural diet of the fish, can assist you in improing your

)aits and lures appearance, strategy, tactics and eentual

success+ Bass, as a predator will )e looing for certain shapes,

colors and familiar moement+ 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 6 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+ 2t is meant to

prooe, mae a strie irresisti)le, calling on the fish natural

instinct to feed and or defend+ 2t optimizes your chances of

securing stries+ Rotation, color, sirts, fluttering action 3Lil



31/69

BASS FISHING 101 31

hustler spoiler is a faorite of many )ass anglers4 all wor

together to simulate moement and prey on the moe+

!poons act8moe in a fishlie manner in the water, trolled )ehind

)oats they are typically ery effectie and can also )e cast and

retrieed+ Plugs are made of arious materials, designed

specifically to float, die )elow the surface or sin when reeling

them )ac or in+ &hey simulate surface distur)ance and entice

fish with propellers or plastic sirts that moe and flutter in the

water+

#rtificial lures can )e utilized alone or in com)ination with lie or

natural )aits+ &he size and type of lure will depend on the

species, location and style of fishing you prefer, choose to

pursue+ 3for e5ample trolling, spinning, fly/fishing4+

>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 hae to ticle the surface a )it+ .hen fishing in shallow

waters, lures cast out fast and retrieed slowly shaing it along,

might trigger a response+ 2t is all in the tease and promise to the

fish that loo for signs of moement in the water+ 'aing a handy

pair of Polaroid sunglasses are a MU!&" =eep on moing the )ait

around and play with the presentation 6 it is an art, ac1uired sill

that gets )etter oer time+ .hen casting the )ait out, try not to

spoo the fish, remem)ering that they are sensitie to



32/69

BASS FISHING 101 32

sound8noise, moement and i)rations+ Plastic worms wor well

3around DE;4+ Being adapta)le, switching )aits, different coloretc+, using a strong &e5as rig for e5ample, 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"

'aing a second rod set up and ready to go or fishing with a

)uddy that can help you to respond 1uicly 3as the fish are

always on the moe4 and when they are ready to hit, you are

prepared for them" Others suggest using )raided line that is

stronger than mono 3for when fishing in weedy areas4, with no

stretch that can minimize entanglement and optimize your

chances of retrieal through thin weeds and coer+

!tiff rods that can withstand the :fight; )ass can typically put up

are another )ase/re1uirement for )ass fishing enthusiasts+

Protecting your rods with rod wraps, to aoid dings and scrapes

can also ma5imize not only its efficiency, )ut eep your angling

inestment in good condition" !haing and popping along

)ait8lures, create a situation that lets the fish thin the :prey; is

getting away+

'oweer, the right e1uipment, )ait, hoos and location is not

enough" !ome )asic angling techni1ues are re1uired, setting up

your rod and reel, nowing the )asics a)out tying nots for

9oining line to tacle, forming loops and more+ &ying a secure

not is the main thing here, as eery one could pose a



33/69

BASS FISHING 101 33

7weaness, which you do not need, when you hae the B2? O$(

hooed" !ome suggest )efore tightening a not, to wet it withsome water and trim all edges and loose ends, to aoid

snag8drag+

?ulp/sining minnows cast out fast and far, allowing to let it fall

and dangle, 1uier down, with lots of slac, might proe 9ust

what the fish ordered"

&u)e/9igs, 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 hae another chew, thus increasing your odds of

landing it safely+

&op/water )aits with rattles are another all/time faorite, with

slac in the line, waling/the/dog 3flipping4 maes for an enticing

presentation for the fish+

'aing 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+

.hether you find yourself in a 9et/)oat or flat/)ottom )ass )oat,

shore, rocs, )each, cliff, stream, rier, stream, lae, reseroir,

or other )ody of water, strong rods, hot hands, good tacle,

appropriate preparation, the right )ait and presentation, accurate



34/69

BASS FISHING 101 34

casting, where you now the fish might )e8moe8feed naturally,

fishing for structure and pattern, eeping an eye on surroundingsand conditions, can all mae those fleeting moments of

anticipation and elation at first strie momentous" &he fights,

flights, flips, turns and 9umps, attacs and hard hits, struggles,

retrieal 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 techni1ues, secrets, mistaes and specialty

circumstances, can teach us a)out the en9oya)le art and actiity,

that is "ass $ishing"



35/69

BASS FISHING 101 35

Water Weather Ti/ing And %ther 0n'iron/enta Ase"t

Fa"ets And .onsiderations For Bass Fishing

#s mentioned throughout this te5t 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 of0

.ater stratification and depths 3)ass are found at arying leels

and nowing whe%e 3at which leel4, to fish for them is

paramount4 shallow or deep, sometimes )oth+

#s far as water temperatures goes, during a yearly8seasonal

cycle, waters moe, turn and gets re/o5ygenized+ #s

temperatures fall, from deep )elow and throughout ice forms,

floats to the surface, melts and moes down again+ !cience has

proided us with enough eidence that &'R(( distinct layers from

in a )ody of water 6 say a lae for e5ample+ %eeper8colder,

Middle/ground8milder 6 transitional layer and the

top8surface8warmer waters+ 'eeding these leels and arying

temperatures, and looing o5ygen/rich spots are all factors to

consider een )efore heading out+ &hin the process through+&hin lie the fish would 6 as yourself, where would you go in all

lielihood, if you were faced with the same situation 6 the answer

will mostly lead you to where the fish most liely #R("



36/69

BASS FISHING 101 36

# temperature gauge and depth meter can all prepare you )etter,

as an angler, nowledgea)le and prepared, to assess theenironment, )etter understand it, learn from it, and use the

information you gather and hae on hand, due to these readings

and instruments, to =$O. or )est 9udge, 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 e5ecute your angling sills to land

&'( $(& B2? O$(" 2f you fish at the right leel, understanding

why the fish are there, on the moe, feeding etc+, you will

increase your odds drastically of getting stries and hooing your

ne5t )ig catch+ 2t might een )e a trophy" &he depth is related to

water temperature and the optimal comfort zone of the )ass 6

always as yourself, what they would prefer on a day lie today

and then go fish there+ Measure with temperature, depth sensors,

?P! etc+ to esta)lish the 7pattern and depth of the day+

&emperature 6 optimal and changing

Most )ass species prefer a temperate climate 6their meta)olism

is influenced, if not goerned pretty much )y the surrounding

waters they find themseles in+ &hey can also tolerate 1uite a

wide range of temperatures, therefore we can fish pretty much

throughout the year+ 3E/IH degrees >ahrenheit48 2t is also less

widely nown that ice/fishermen hoo )ass at around K/G+K

degree water temperatures, in deeper waters" .hen it does get

colder, they get somewhat more sluggish, as their enironment



37/69

BASS FISHING 101 37

cools down significantly and )earing

this in mind will yield and improeyour catch+

O5ygen is also ery important to

fish+ &he hotter it gets, the closer

they will stay to shore, and to plant/

life, which produces o5ygen and or

where they might catch the

occasional )reeze+ Reading these

signals nature proides right, will

prepare any angler )etter to go

where the fish are and hoo your

ne5t B2? O$(+ #lso loo for spots

that are not too stagnant and filled

with decaying plants, as this might

)e an o5ygen/depried area with

not a large concentration of fish 6

they need to 7)reathe to stay alie

too"

.ater conditions0 larity

lear and or mury 6 you will find

)ass in )oth" &heir )ehaior and

mode of attac will change as they

plan how to )est e5pend their

energies in the hunt for food, surial etc+ Predators )y design,








!aturation+++



he%e to )now 'o%e#re you interested in




!trie Rate / Using

omprehensie


$eer Before !een OR











years+


38/69

BASS FISHING 101 38

they prefer coer and structure and deeper waters+ .hen

spawning, 4 or on ery hot days, you will most liely, find themmore in the shallows+

Bass always hae a 7)ac/door access to deeper waters+ &hese

facts should )e a)le to point you in the general icinity of where

the fish are 1uite aptly+ &he male )ass is also ery protectie of

the nest8spawn site and will defend it, strie at any perceied

threat or intruder+ >ishing is no more left up to random,

contemplatie, reflectie trail and error casting+ $ow, today,

replaced with more a more drien, focused, thought/through,

rationalized and analytical competitie approach, that tries to

understand ha)its, patterns, enironment, conditions, time of

year etc+ at times relying on the aid of technology and deices to

assist and )etter your changes of spotting, finding, hooing,

retrieing and landing the fish successfully 3mostly in deeper

waters"4+ &herefore, it the waters are clear, head for deeper

waters as a general rule of thum)+

$oise8%istur)ances8@i)rations

%O $O& %2!&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 1uiet around them+ &he )ass

particularly uses its whole )ody as a sounding )oard+ #ny surface

distur)ance, water moement and or displacement will attract

their attention 6 this can in fact )oth help and or hurt your

angling hopes and dream+



39/69

BASS FISHING 101 39

Rusty, s1ueay oars, noisy motors and een the sound of a fast,far cast may interfere and or get their attention+ Being aware of

any, moement, spotting fish so to spea in their enironment,

things 3water, plants4 moing around, can )e good indicators+

.earing a good pair of Polaroid sunglasses may also help you

7see )etter in the )right sunlight and glare, reflections off the

surface of the water3s4+

olor, !unlight, &ime of day

Most )ass anglers propose dawn and duc to )e the )est feeding

time for the )ass 6 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 and or coer+ 2t is

a matter of appealing to their natural instincts+

&hey are een o)serers and moement and color hae )een

researched in the )ass species+ Picing presentation of )ait, lure

that is closest to lie or alie )ait, resem)les their prey, in other

words, will ma5imize your chances of catching more )ass+ &his

does not mean that they will not strie at night for e5ample or at

other times during the day 6 you might 9ust hae to adapt and

use some specialist techni1ues to lure them out of hiding a )it"

&ime of year0 !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

een on the same day, day to day, things will ary+ &his ariety



40/69

BASS FISHING 101 40

3the spice of life most say4 is what eeps most of us guessing,

adapting, changing strategy, )ait, depth etc+ all in the continuedhope and pursuit of catching the $(& B2? O$(+

#s to the )est time to catch )ass 6 opinions ary greatly on this

topic+ 2n some areas, fishing is only allowed after spawning+

!pring, summer and fall 3with fall )eing the )est for most )igger

fish4 and een winter some form of )ass fishing is aaila)le to

you, depending on where you are, what the weather conditions

are lie and what type of year the )ass are haing 3spawning

success, health of the )ody of water they lie and thrie in, the

eco/system, stocing, pollution etc+4 (en ice fishing is possi)le

3more a)out this under specialty fishing closer to the end of the

te5t4+

#s pointed out earlier, weather affects )ehaior and the season

and type of water, might all re1uire different approach,

e1uipment and )ait and lures8preparation #$% presentation+

#s an angler, aid )ass angler, this will not faze you in any way"

On the contrary, it proides 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)serant,

you will learn a lot a)out the fish 6 it is no longer a passie sport"

.indy, low and or high air pressure, water temperature, choppy

waes and or surface moement of the water, cloudy sies, with

lots of cloud coer, masing the sun, could dictate whether fish



41/69

BASS FISHING 101 41

will )e )iting or not, color of plastic worms might )e ad9usted

from )lue 3on )right days4, to )lac 3on cloudy days with not a lotof sun around4+ Modifying your fishing techni1ues and adapting to

weather patterns, een ad9usting your )ait8lures, strategy, all

)ear witness of an alert )ass master"

Bass are also sensitie to ery )right sunlight, so then you might

find them looing for some shady coer and or cooler waters+

&hat nowledge will prepare you well for where to go and loo for

them+ 2ncreasing your odds of finding them too"

Predatory $ature and creatures of ha)it 6 what the fish

themseles tell us 3or not"4

&here predators of the deep are rich in their life cycles, ha)its and

patters+ 2t is their nature after/all+ &hey are somewhat

predicta)le+ #s hunters, they do certain things, instinctiely and

as anglers, we capitalize on it+ &here are lots of facts a)out the

species, worth nowing and ey to understanding 6 the secret to

unlocing the success of )ass fishing+ &hining lie a hunter

ourseles and at times lie the fish, can increase your odds and

success significantly+ Being one with nature and its intricate

patterns, )ehaior, )alance and 1uiriness, allow fisherman to )e

silled, precise, well prepared and more successful, rather than

leaing it up to eentuality and random chance to secure a )ite"

Preferred ha)itat and fishing structures



42/69

BASS FISHING 101 42

One author liens contour and topographic maps to )ass

fishermen, lie treasure maps to pirates once were+ Lines showeleation, depth etc+ ?et an idea of what the 7floor or )ottom of

the )ody of water 3lie a lae for instance4 would loo lie 6 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 fre1uent, larger hauls and more stries, as )ass prefer to

hae access to deeper waters and are constantly on the moe,

hunting and feeding and or defending territory+

$atural %iet and Menu 6 the art of enticing fish0 creating the right

atmosphere8conditions8allure for a strie+ Lots hae 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 deelop

oer time+ &his cannot )e purchased and is the personal call to

eery fisherman, to include in his8her tacle/)o5"

.hether you choose to use spinners, or swear )y plastic worms,

crawfish and other lie )ait, chum or hae a faorite lure for

reasons and or secrets that are your ery own, you use what

wors the )est and what you )eliee will produce the )ass you



43/69

BASS FISHING 101 43

want, desire and must hae" Positie attitude goes a long way

when learning how to fish for )ass+ Profiting from on/goinge5perience, success and failure, your angling and odds will eep

improing+ Practice in this case, will go a long way to ena)le

success in this unpredicta)le, arying situation 6 when you are

one/on/one with the most popular game and sporting fish of

them all0 &he Bass itself"



44/69

BASS FISHING 101 44

Te"hni1!es For Bass Fishing *ike A ,ro (Wor/s Skiing

2iing Drift Troing Fyrodding)

The 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 fle5i)ility )y a ariety of anglers 3multi/leel at that too"4

&ry to eliminate errors from your )asic style and techni1ue+ !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

3although this might )e important in certain situations and

circumstances too"4

asting, getting your line8hoo8)ait, siners, weights and leadersin and into the water, at the e5act right depth, imitating 7prey,

and doing so with e5treme, pin/point accuracy, is what this is all

a)out+ 'itting your target with confidence is a ery )asic sill to

master and refine+ ?etting the hoo out to e5actly 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 1uite another+ #danced )ass anglers suggest using a

countdown OR counting method+ orm the

moment the )ait hits the water, start counting, DEEE, DEEE and

D, DEEE and K, DEEE and * estimating the seconds it will tae



45/69

BASS FISHING 101 45

for it to 7drop into the water+ &his will help you now )etter what

you are doing, when it hits the )ottom for e5ample, whether ornot it 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 3)e it on 7dry land, so to spea4, will

mae you that more effectie and accurate, in and on the water,

no matter what the )ody of water, or style of fishing you choose

to pursue+ .hether spinning, )ait casing or fly/rodding, there is

something for eery taste+ (en missed targets, attempts and

failure, are also good teachers, as this techni1ue is somewhat of

a routine you can master and learn+

asting a lure with a spinning reel for e5ample, 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 techni1ues that re1uire e5posure, 1uic

demos and hands/on practice+ .e suggest a ideo or %@%, or

online in/depth e5planation, 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 eeryone, no matter what your prior e5perience

with fishing might )e"



46/69

BASS FISHING 101 46

>ocusing on your grip, spinning reels, )ait/casters and or closed/

face spin casters techni1ues and mastery, picing a target,aiming to land your lure 3terminal tacle4 in the middle of that

target, is a good approach+

#s a general rule of thum), a good arch in the air as a trael path

en route to the water, is a good reference and goals to hae, as

you set out to improe your casting techni1ue and accuracy+

Line/control is crucial to aoid oershooting, get a gentler

landing, slow flight 3)y touching the lip of the spool with the tip of

your inde5 finger 3also nown to anglers as 7feathering4 is useful+

Playing and landing fish

?etting to now the feel of a fish on your hoo, line and rod is

ery important+ Retrieal is a)out more than simply getting the

fish into the eager hands8net8)oat+ Mastery, maneuering,

responsieness, nowledge of your tacle, well/)alanced control,

reel/clutching, fighting cures and arching8)ending rods and the

arious controls and settings, techni1ues 3including casting,

hooing, playing, reeling in, retrieing 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/fishinge5perience and success, appreciation of the symphony of the

interplay of process and outcome, tactic, techni1ue, angler,

e1uipment, the catch and haul is what is at play here+ .hen

using a spinning reel8)ait/casting, there are three ey techni1ues



47/69

BASS FISHING 101 47

to master that would include reel

control0 with anti/reerse on, )acwinding 3anti/reerse off4 and thum)/

pressure control

&here is nothing more e5citing than a

fish on the run, apply pressure, eep

the rod up slightly and increase the

7drag if re1uired, using one of the

techni1ues a)oe+ .atch tension and

aoid line/)reas and allow the fish to

tire+

2t is one thing to prepare, cast, tease

and tempt, hoo and eentually reel

in+ &he process howeer does not

stop there+ More of the )asic

techni1ue mastery includes methods

of landing fish, lie )eaching 3not

suita)le for catch and release4, tailing

3not suited for all species4, lipping

3watch the teethed species here"4,

netting or een gaffing 3)anned in

most areas, due to the ris of the

stroe in9uring the fish4+








!aturation+++



he%e to )now 'o%e#re you interested in




!trie Rate / Using

omprehensie


$eer Before !een OR











years+


48/69

BASS FISHING 101 48

&he most useful tip we can proide or suggest, is remaining in

control, alert and not upset or startle the fish een more+ #llowthe tired fish to turn, su)merge the net and aoid lunging at it+

.hen 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 6 een for noices and )eginner anglers of all ages and

fishing style and sill/leels+ Rotation, color and moement,

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

the spinning 7)lade on the lure affects the action and mo)ility of

the lure 6 how it responds and acts in and under water+

>loating lures are also common and effectie especially for deep/

water )ass fishing+ .atch for snagging on the )ottom and ensureto weigh it done appropriately using suita)le weights+ &his

method ensures getting the )ait at eye/leel of the fish+



49/69

BASS FISHING 101 49

>or spoons, there are two )road categories, namely trolling and

casting spoons+ .eed/less lures mostly hae hoos with nylon ormetal weed/guards that preent 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 )o5, is to

practice and get to now the )ehaior and or success in different

conditions+ &rying to get to now the optimum retrieal and

success rates, may)e een logging it in a personal 9ournal as you

undertae your )ass 9ourney8hunt for the $(& B2? O$("

Plugs, surface lures, useful at all fishing leels, at all speeds

mae these lures ersatile, agile and an all/time faorite 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 3small/mouth, large/mouth, striped, spotted, roc,

yellow, )lac, white etc+4+ !hallow/diing cran/)ait and or

surface or top/water lures hae proen themseles most effectie

for )ass fishing 6 great for fishing shallows+ !tic/)aits and

9ering, minnow plugs 3or the real thing"4, prop/)aits, surface

distur)ers, crawler/type top/water )aits and een a floating,

driing cran/)ait can proe useful+

&he true secret lies in what some call the 7one/two punch 6

teasing and enticing with a top/water or teaser 3surface

distur)er4 and then following it up with a plastic worm for



50/69

BASS FISHING 101 50

e5ample on a second rod, for optimizing stries and yet again

tipping the scales in your faor+

Plastic worms

&here are a ast array of worms aaila)le on the maret 3)oth

lie )ait and artificial4+ >or aid )ass anglers they are a necessity+

&he techni1ue to master is hooing them properly+ .hen hooing

a worm for )ass fishing, it is of utmost importance to ensure that

you thread it properly+ ?et 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+ 2t 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 )aits8lures and

enticing techni1ues lie top/water and or hard/)ait surface

distur)ers or frogs, eels or whateer species and )ody of water

would deem appropriate :feeding prey; for the )ass of your

choice and preference is the ey+ #gain adapting your strategy

when necessary and giing the )ass a ariety of foods to choose

from, will all hopefully increase you odds of hooing your ne5t

)ass" * een if it is not yet the B2? O$("



51/69

BASS FISHING 101 51

3istakes And Se"rets 2eated to Bass Fishing

#s we hae discoered 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 e1uipment and accessories, as

well as familiarizing yourself with ha)its, patterns and nature,

)ehaior, natural diet and preferred foods, mastering some )asic

sills lie preparation, presentation, tacle, )ait and lures, casting

accuracy, nots, hoos and the intricacies and comple5ities in

retrieal and landing, the 9ourney has )ut started+ &here is so

much more to e5plore and learn a)out an through the actiity,

sport, art and competitie 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 7errors are well/

documented in e5isting literature and easily oercome, to

optimize your )ass fishing e5perience and haul+ 'ere are )ut a

few issues most )eginners struggle with0

3i4oershot lure with too much power in the initial cast and theline release not slowed, or 3ii4 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+ 3iii4 lure landing

too hard, due to the release at too low of an angle and not



52/69

BASS FISHING 101 52

arching enough in the air , and 3i4 inaccurate casting 3the most

common4 6 missing the mar, where the lure goes off/coursewith too much side/to/side action8motioning of the rod while

casting+ Practicing reel and line control, as well as the oerhead

cast might help+

Lots of te5ts 3lie the %orling (ncyclopedia mentioned earlier, pg+

KDK/KD4, suggests thining of 7casting, compared to the

moement of the arms on a cloc/face, )eginning in the two

ocloc position, pushing )ac to around the noon/position and

)ac to the K again, with the rod slightly lowered as the lure

drops deeper into the water+ >or most )eginners this

7isualization often helps refine techni1ue+



53/69

BASS FISHING 101 53

Styes And Se"iaty Bass Fishing

Skipping

&his techni1ue might remind you a lot of throwing rocs onto the

surface of the water to see it 7sip+ #s a water8top/water

distur)ance and moement simulator, it triggers and teases our

predator to come up and see what is there to eat8attac+

!pinning rods and reel com)o is )est used for this techni1ue 6

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 7comfort zone+

On sunny days, )ass loo for shade, food and shelter and often

rest here in shady areas, under coer of structure+

Ripping

!ome call this the throw it out, twitch, 9er and go method+ #

medium/action rod with para)olic )end and action to it+ 2f might

actually tric our )ass/friend into thining there is a 7wounded

prey around+ Lie a pro, let the worm drop and settle to the

)ottom, remaining there for a period of time+ Reel some slacout of the line, picing up the worm with a long, sharp upsweep

of the rod tip+ Let 7er rip" Let it drop down again to the )ottom,

under tension while slowly lowering the rod tip 6 eep on



54/69

BASS FISHING 101 54

imitating lie prey lie this, moing, swimming and )o))ing a)out

and your predator will strie it with a engeance+

Drift Trolling

&railing )ehind the )oat, coering the )ottom worms crawl and

moe, 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+

Fly-rodding

2n ponds, ,riers, streams and laes this approach is 1uite

effectie+ >ly/fishing lie techni1ues are ery effectie with )ass+

Begin )y preparing and rigging a plastic worm, weed/less adding

a small split/shot 9ust )efore the hoo+ &his will ena)le it to sin

slowly+ >lip or cast and allow it to drop and )o) to the )ottom+


55/69

BASS FISHING 101 55

down a notch+ Bass also tend to school, during these times+

=nowing this fact can help you in ac1uiring your target )etter andincreasing your odds of getting a hit under these unusual or

specialty conditions+

2t is almost an impossi)ility to proide here for eery uni1ue

condition and we )arely scratched the surface on most of the

conte5ts )ass anglers might find themseles+ .e loo forward to

sharing more secrets with you and learning from your 9ourney"

Fina Tho!ghts: S!//ary and .on"!sions

atch-and-release fishing

%oing your part to protect nature and consere it for future

generations, is mandatory and regulated+ Using )ar)/less hoos

and or remoing 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 lie 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 sere, to minimize

the ris of oer/fishing and species )ecoming e5tinct+



56/69

BASS FISHING 101 56

&his might not )e the utter finest )oo on )ass fishing eer

written, )ut may the passion and contents inspire you togreatness as an aid and successful angler+ 2f we can )ut ignite

confidence and hints of e5citement for fisher/fol, young and old,

then these pages hae succeeded"

May the road 3and the waters, &he Bass4, come up to meet you*

May your 9ourney and 9ournal grow, each entry teaching more,

inc

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