Bass Fishing Tips

Bass is the name shared by a wide range of fish species that are game fish. The sunfish family includes bluegills, spotted bass, pumpkinseed fish, largemouth, small mouth and rock bass. These bass are known as warm water or black bass. The striped bass, white bass and white perch are temperate bass. Bass are very popular with both casual and fishing tournament anglers.

To be successful at bass fishing you need to know where to find them. Bass can be found in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. They are generally in areas where bait fish are plentiful. We'll take a look at these areas and give you some bass fishing tips to help you bag more fish.

Lakes...In natural lakes, bass fishing can range from mediocre to very successful. In southern areas, shallow lakes are the natural habitat of some whopping largemouth. They are found in weedy areas near the shore. Northern lakes often contain a wide variety of landscape formations, such as holes, humps, rocky bluffs, natural reefs, islands, and weedy areas. Bass hang out here, but are not as plentiful in these lakes because the water doesn't contain the algae and plankton that they like to feed on.

Rivers...Rivers are great places to fish for bass. Oxygen levels in rivers tend to be the same from the surface to the bottom. Water temperatures in rivers tend to be more moderate and isn't as cold in winter or as warm in summer as the water in lakes. Bass can be found just outside of the current's direct flow and on the downstream side of fallen trees, logs, stumps and weed beds. If there are boulders or logs in the direct current flow, that's where you will find largemouth bass. It's very easy for them to feed in areas like this, as the current carries the food along. Bass tend to hang around river bends and any floating cover they might find. Bass fishing on the bottom or surface can bag you some good fish.

Streams...Most anglers do not fish for bass in streams and this can be a good thing for you. Smallmouth bass tend to hang around in the cooler water of streams, especially below fast moving rapids, in holes, on the bottom and along steep banks and bluffs. Areas that are undercut by erosion are a good place to find bass because they provide good hiding spots, as are areas around large rocks and fallen logs. Bass never stay in direct current flow, so cast into tranquil pools, eddies, in weedy areas, and where objects break the flow of the current. Places where bait fish congregate draw bass to the area to feed. Below a dam is an excellent place to fish for bass on an extremely hot summer day or on a mild day in the fall.

Ponds...If you want to catch some big bass, don't count out ponds. Bass tend to stay near shore around fallen logs, rocks and in deep pools. Reeds and weeds are a natural habitat for bass. If a pond draws a large amount of anglers during the day try your luck at night. You might be surprised at the results.

There are many factors involved when fishing for bass. They tend to move with the season and water conditions. Factors include water temperature, time of year, water level, weather conditions, food availability, and amount of sunlight.

You can still fishing using night crawlers, minnows, insects, and insect larvae will bring good results. Spinning or bait-casting with artificial lures, trolling with live bait, or fly fishing are all very successful methods when bass fishing. If you are using bass fishing lures, you need a 5½ to 7 foot rod that will compliment live bait or spin and bait casting. Your line should be between six and ten pound-test. If you are fly-fishing for bass, you will need a 7 to 9 foot fly rod with a fast taper, fitted with a single action reel that carries a floating # 7 to # 9 line with a 6 to 8 pound leader. If you plan on bass fishing in reeds or weeds, always use a weedless hook.

If you have problems finding bass or are stumped over the tackle or technique you should use, don't be afraid to ask someone. You may get some good bass fishing tips from people that go alot. Want to know how to cook those bass you catch,check out our recipe page. We add good recipes as we find them, so add us to your favorites list and check back often.

Want to learn the secrets of the professional largemouth bass fisherman, I mean the pros who win the tournaments. Your buddies will envy you because you are so lucky, but you'll know it's not luck. You have learned to read the bass, you'll know where they are hiding, what color of lure to use during different conditions, the best time of day and much more.

We have run across a downloadable e-book that teaches you these techniques to give you an advantage over most of the bass fishing population. Unlike many other bass fishing books, this one gives you extreme detail, so you'll have a short learning curve. You can check it out for yourself, just click on the name of the book Largemouth Bass Extreme. You'll be bagging trophy largemouth in no time.