There is gear that you will need to get the bass. A rod and reel, bait or lures are the main.
New anglers tend to think they might require expensive and urbane equipment for a successful fishing trip.
That couldn’t be further from the truth, but you don’t really need much to start. You only need the essential equipment, and you are good to go on a fishing trip right away.
Fishing rods
The fishing rod is among the most essential equipment for bass fishing, and much of your success will rely on it. For starters, there are certain qualities that you have to look for in a rod. If you are not sure what to do or how to pick the right equipment for your location, local anglers can guide you further.
First and foremost, the fishing rod that you pick must work exceptionally well with the chosen lure. Furthermore, you will be relying on the rod to alert you whenever the fish starts chewing on the end of the line. This means that it should be sensitive so you can quickly get the alert on your end. A good rod is also comfortable on the hands and powerful enough to take on heavy bass without bending too much.
There are different types of rods, and the one you pick will depend on your particular preferences. When thinking of going after the bigger bass, you’re better off with a casting rod. It has a more robust backbone ideal for handling heavier lines and lures. Spinning rods are commonly used by anglers of all skill levels, probably because of their resourcefulness. Additionally, they are more accurate and will help you reach hidden spots with ease. You can also opt for the fly rods.
Fishing reels
The fishing reel is just as vital as a rod because one cannot function without the other. The fishing rod and reel go hand in hand. Another thing is that you will come across different types of fishing reels. If you’re a beginner, it’s easy to get torn between the many options at your display. The best thing to do is to choose a fishing reel and rod combo. This way, you are sure the chosen fishing rod and reel will work perfectly well together. But in case you decide to buy them separately, take time to make inquiries. You mustn’t pick a rod and reel that will not be compatible.
When you want to pair up your fishing rod or looking for a suitable rod and reel combo, there are three notable types of reels to choose from. These include the spinning reels, bait cast reels, and the spin-cast reels. From these three types, you are likely to encounter a myriad of variations, unique features, and models. However, you have to comprehend how each type works to make an informed decision.
The most common reels are the bait cast and spinning reel. At this point, I will elaborate further on each of them so that you have a clear picture of what will work for you. Keep in mind; your fishing style is also a crucial consideration.
Bass fishing spinning reels
Many bass fishermen choose the spinning reel because it’s simple and easy to use. You will rarely encounter glitches while using this reel. Additionally, beginners will not have a hard time using the spinning reel even if they have no familiarity whatsoever. The first advantage of this type of reel is that it can easily handle the lightweight lures, and any bass fishing pro will tell you this is one of the essential tricks.
The other lead is the spinning reel has a better casting distance than the bait caster. It casts smoothly even when it’s windy. The major drawback would be that the line is totally exposed to the elements, which shortens its service life over time. Also, keep in mind, the size of the line must complement the reel. A larger line would mean an equally larger reel, which will eventually be cumbersome and uncomfortable for the user.
Now when it comes to usage, the spinning reel will work perfectly fine with any kind of fishing technique and lure. But since it’s mainly used with the lighter lines, it’s ideal for the slow fishing techniques. This is if there will be no fast retrieval and constant reeling. So keep all that at the back of your mind. It will be useful when making a purchase.
Baitcasting reel for bass fishing
Next in line of the most common reels for bass fishing is the baitcasting reel. It’s generally used by the anglers who have more experience and a higher skill level. People often ask why the pro anglers use this type of reel. The answer is pretty simple; it’s versatile and suitable for almost any fishing technique that crosses your mind. Unlike the spinning reel, the bait caster sits right at the top of the rod and has a closed spool.
For a beginner, this type of reel can be a bit more challenging than the spinning reel. It’s prone to what we call backlash, which is a common problem for the inexperienced users. The bait cast reel consists of settings that the user has to adjust according to the fishing situation. That’s why it’s considered versatile since you can tailor it to suit various conditions and skill levels. Another major pro is the fact that it can handle a variety of line sizes and strengths.
Besides learning the right way to adjust the settings, you will have to prepare yourself to part with a good amount of money. The bait caster reels are quite expensive. A high-quality bait cast reel for bass fishing can cost up to several hundred dollars.
Baitcast reels are excellent for power fishing, especially if the technique involves fast retrievals and casting. You can customize it to suit different speeds and techniques. Its no wonder the serious anglers would rather spend money on this type of reel than any other. Also, the price should not intimidate you. Many of the baitcasting models will not cost you an arm and a leg, yet they work perfectly well.
Fishing line
Once you have successfully settled for a suitable rod and reed, you will need to pick the type of line to use. There are three notable types of lines, namely monofilament, fluorocarbon and braided. Each fishing line consists of qualities best suited for different circumstances. On that note, it’s mandatory to talk about the few fishing line options in the market. Next time you plan on going for an angling adventure, it will be easier to know what to do and the ideal gear needed for your trip.
Monofilament lines
The monofilaments line is a popular choice for every angler regardless of the skill level or experience. This line has been around for decades, and for so long, it was the only line bass anglers could use. That aside, the monofilament line comes with lots of benefits, which make it a good choice. For starters, it’s quite castable, almost invisible to the fish, and floats effortlessly. The fact that it can float makes it an obvious choice for the topwater baits.
Another feature of this line is that it stretches. Depending on your needs, this can be a hit or miss. Let me elaborate on that, so we are all on the same page. The stretch factor comes in handy when you want fish to have a better, stronger bite and hold. This makes it harder for the more aggressive bass to lose the lure. On the other hand, if you require a stronger hookset, the stretch factor may be more of an inconvenience, and there’s a high possibility of the line snapping. Make sure the line you go for matches your particular fishing style requirements.
Braid
Braided fishing lines are great alternatives to the monos. The defining feature of the braided line is its incredible strength and the fact that it has absolutely no stretch. As the name might suggest, the braided fishing line is made up of a cluster of small strands rather than merely a single fiber. That’s why it’s super strong despite the small diameter.
The best thing about using a braided line is anglers have an opportunity to work with a thinner line, which is more castable. Also, if you will be fishing in heavy cover and weeds, this is the perfect line to use. It’s a bit abrasive hence cuts through cover with so much ease. With that said, its major drawback is that it’s more visible than the other types. Though, this shouldn’t be a big deal for the anglers fishing under heavy cover or in low light conditions. They probably won’t be able to recognize the line.
Fluorocarbon
Just like the other two options, fluorocarbon has its advantages. If you’re an angler who has been searching around for a line with minimal stretch and excellent abrasion resistance, this is a perfect choice. Well, for starters, it’s relatively invisible underwater thanks to its refractive capabilities. This means it is much harder to see underwater, and the fish will not even recognize it. If you ask me, this is a significant advantage for all things considered. It’s also more sensitive when compared to the monofilament.
Since it sinks, it’s excellent for the underwater baits such as the soft plastics or reaction baits. However, it’s certainly not the best choice for the topwater or floating baits. Furthermore, while it has decent abrasion resistance, it’s not as good as the monofilament lines. There is a possibility it will disappoint when fishing in heavy cover.
Recommendation for beginners
Use the monofilament line as a suitable choice for the inexperienced bass fishers. First and foremost, it offers good abrasion resistance and spools quite well. This allows the beginner enough time to focus on technique rather than learning the line. A braided line would pose a challenge to someone new to bass fishing because it’s a bit heavy and visible underwater. Once you gain more experience, you can upgrade and use it to catch the more massive bass.
You will find some anglers using a combination of two lines for the purposes of more stretch. Also, using a single line would mean the fish is more likely to shake off the hook and get away. Therefore, they combine a fluorocarbon with a braid or monofilament with a braid. In both cases, you benefit from the strength and resilience the braided line will offer and the qualities of the others.
Fishing lures
For a successful bass fishing adventure, you will surely need to select the best lures to get those fish. The problem comes with picking the most suitable lures to put at the end of your rod. The market is filled with hundreds of bass fishing lures with different variations in color, style, and shape. Without the proper knowledge, it’s easy to find yourself standing in a corner dumbfounded, not knowing what to choose.
The three lures your tackle box should not lack comprise the spinnerbaits, soft plastic worms, and crankbaits. A spinnerbait is suitable for fishing in just about any place and makes things so much easier. It’s mostly ideal for topwater fishing because it’s able to vibrate and move through the water. The vibration and ruckus movement imitates a struggling baitfish, and this is bound to catch the bass’s attention.
The second lure I will talk about is the soft plastic baits. No matter the time of the year, the bass will most likely go for it. Another thing is that they are easy to use and manage as long as you do an excellent job of hooking them. Otherwise, they work like a charm.
Crankbaits typically look more or less similar to real baitfish. There is a lip on the front, which creates the presentation making them appear real to the bass. Though ensure you have picked the right size.
Remember, presentation is essential for bass fishing lures. You also have to find out what triggers the bass in your locality to strike. There are some lures you can use, and they just don’t work for the bass in that particular area. On that note, the best people to guide you on this would be the local anglers in your area.
There are two types of baiting used in freshwater fishing. These include use of natural and artificial baits.
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Natural fishing baits.
Natural fishing baits include living or dead organisms used to catch fish. There are different natural fishing baits used during freshwater baits as discussed below:-
Worms. Using worms as fishing baits is most common fishing bait that is used. Using worms is traditional fishing bait method. The worms used as baits may include the night crawlers, bloodworms and red worms among others. These worms can be found in the soil or in compost.
Minnows. These are a small type of fish and it’s among the best natural fish baits. They are best in catching crappies, catfish and bluegills among other types.
Insects. The best insects best used for freshwater fishing are grasshoppers, frogs, spiders, bugs and caterpillars.
Leeches. Leeches are among the most used freshwater fish baits. These are mainly used to catch fish like the bass and walleye. These are found in the fresh water.
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Artificial fishing baits.
These are artificial objects used to lure and catch fish. The following are the artificial fishing baits used in freshwater fishing as discussed below:-
Plastic baits. The plastic baits include soft plastic worms, leeches and other types. They are capable of attracting and enticing the fish to fall into the set trap. This is because they look like real worms and leeches.
Plugs. These are hard bodied plastic lures in form of a bait fish or other fish prey. They are placed on the water surface and only get into the water when pulled down by a fish. The hooks found on these plugs are used to trap the fish.
Jigs. These are heavy weighted baits used to catch the fish. They are dropped into the eater where they sink at the bottom. When they sink, you can start moving it up and down. From here the fish will see it and move towards it. Its hook head will then trap the fish.
There are very many natural and artificial fishing baits used to catch fish. You can choose from those provided or any other of your choice. However remember, that the way you present you bait matters. This is because different fish are attracted by different baits.
Fishing is dated from way back. Back in the days, very many people took part in fishing. This was mainly for commercial or subsistence purposes.
This type of fishing is known as traditional method of fishing. It involved use of arrows, nets and spears to catch fish. However, as times change so did the types of fishing and methods of fishing used.
Water temperatures. Knowing the water temperatures helps you predict the fish types you will catch. This is because the different fish types are adoptive to different temperatures. For example warm water fish include catfish and sunfish. While for cold water is the northern pike.
Fish types. While going out to fish you have a particular type of fish you want to catch. You may ask the authorities of the area or read the lake guide. These help you have an idea of what fish type you expect.
The water body depth. While going out to fish whether on the lake or river, find out its depth. Knowing its depth helps you know what fish to find there.
The weather at the water body. Weather determines the effectiveness of the fishing activity.
Types of fishing like the freshwater and saltwater fishing were adopted. Methods like using baits have been adopted by different people who fish.
Freshwater fishing is manly done in lakes, rivers and ponds among other water bodies. These bodies must be salt free. One of the most common methods used in fishing is baiting. Baiting can best be defined as using an object or organism called a bait to attract and catch fish. The most popular freshwater fish types are the catfish and largemouth bass among others.
Other bass fishing tackle items people often forget
At this point, you already have a fishing rod and reel, fishing line and lures. Is that really it? Well, absolutely not. The equipment mentioned above is essentially what you will need to catch bass successfully. However, there are other items that you might want to include in your tackle box. These items are not vital; that’s why they are often overlooked but will undoubtedly improve your bass fishing experience. Here is a list of the other things you might need for your trip;
- Lure retriever
- Fish handling gloves
- Polarized sunglasses
- Lip grippers
- Large knife
- A small knife
- A small towel
- Needle nose pliers
- Flashlight
- An extra fishing line
- Clippers
- warm clothing/hat
- Fish scale
- extra lures
- Bait bucket for live bait
Bass fishing at night might seem like such a big challenge, but surprisingly, it’s not. Though don’t get too excited just yet. Bass fishing in the dark is not the same experience as the daytime. Therefore, you have to prepare for the fishing trip and be knowledgeable about what to do.
Why is bass fishing at night a good idea?
Let’s begin with the reasons why you might feel compelled to go bass fishing at night. The truth is that not so many people are eager to hit the water at night. With that said, there might be no better time for bass fishing than this. Think of the ruckus that typically occurs at the daytime, especially during the summer season. The lake is in a mess with jetskis running around everywhere, cabin cruisers occupying a large part of the lake, and not to forget the hot, humid weather. All you can get out of the lake is a headache and a couple of sunburns.
For a great summer fishing experience, consider nighttime fishing. Sometimes you might spend the entire summer afternoon out in the lake and come out with nothing to show for your efforts. When the air temperature rises to about 70 degrees and above, the water temperatures rise. Such conditions are not ideal for bass. This is because there is very little oxygen in the water, and this tends to make the fish less active.
Furthermore, the high water temperatures force bass to hide for most of the day. The fish will take cover under lily pads, rocks, tree stumps, docks, or simply stay deeper in the water. However, when the sun goes down, the water temperatures become cooler. The fish can now get out of their hiding places and start feeding. That’s how fishing at night comes into play.
Besides, there is much less competition at night than during the day. There may be a few people on the lake but at least you won’t have to face the noise and commotion of daytime. The fishing experience is also peaceful at this time. This should be enough reason for you to test the waters at night.
When should I go bass fishing at night?
Many anglers prefer to go bass fishing at night during the summer season. States with a warm climate are suitable for nighttime fishing throughout the year, so the season might not really matter. Additionally, bass hangs out in both shallow and deep waters during the hot months. If you don’t feel safe taking a boat at night, fishing from the banks will do the trick.
According to the experienced anglers, bass fishing at night should occur at midnight, dusk and just before dawn. The prime time is on the nights with a full moon. The truth is bass like feeding under the bright light of the full moon. For this reason, they will be exposed and hovering around the lake while feeding. It’s also good to know that the moonlight will eliminate the need for flashlights.
Important tips for bass fishing at night
The time is right, the moon is full but what else do you have to do for a successful night of fishing. Here are some of the vital tips for bass fishing at night that you shouldn’t overlook.
Your lure colors should match the moonlight
Select lures with colors that match the moonlight. One might think there is no logic in this, but it actually works. The rules are pretty simple. Pitch dark nights require lures with colors such as solid black or brown. A well-lit night with a bright moonlight or many stars calls for loud color combinations such as red, green, or orange. The thing is bass have a different kind of vision from ours. In this case, dark-colored lures create a silhouette on the water which the bass can easily see
Bass love loud noise
Bass are quite curious creatures and would quickly be drawn towards the loud noise coming from your lures. Therefore, always greet them with some lively and bold lures that are bound to catch their attention. For instance, a spinnerbait with a single large blade will work like a charm. The blade creates a vibration that attracts bass from miles away.
Another great alternative is a standard jig equipped with a chunk trailer. This lure mimics the natural movement of shad and instantly solicits an aggressive reaction from the bass. On other occasions, think of using the classic jitterbug or put some rattles on the spinnerbait, a crankbait, or plastic worm. All that noise will probably make your fishing dreams come true. Who knows, you might be lucky enough to finally catch that big smashing bass.
Lighting is important
Casting in darkness is no walk in the park. It’s pretty obvious that you will need some form of lighting before setting out on your fishing adventure. Sometimes the night is filled with darkness, and there is barely any moonlight. Without a reliable source of light, you will not only be putting your safety at risk but also you won’t stand a chance of successfully catching bass.
If you want to start your fishing night on a high note, the docks should be your first stop. For starters, there is plenty of lighting to keep you safe. Secondly, this is where some of the baitfish and other small fish like to hang out. Since they are prey, bass are likely to follow them or stay in the vicinity waiting for a good opportunity to ambush.
Don’t ignore the rocks
You will find that bass like to hang out somewhere in the rocky bars. The main reason for this is the smaller fish are also attached to the rocks. And what does bass feed on? Of course, they feed on the smaller fish! This means bass are likely to be somewhere nearby looking for feeding opportunities.
Safety when bass fishing at night
Every skillful angler will tell you that it’s tough to fish bass during the day, and it gets even tougher at night. Aside from the fact that it’s dark outside, casting at night is an intimidating process. Your balance may be distorted, and without proper care, there is a possibility of falling into the water.
Safety comes above everything else. If you are new in the area, do not go fishing at night alone. It surely won’t hurt to request the company of a friend, fishing buddy, or any other trusted person. In addition, fish in the locations that you are well familiar with. Things are not necessarily the same at night as they would be during the day.
Also, ensure your lights are working perfectly well. Nothing can ruin your nighttime fishing adventure faster than a flashlight that suddenly won’t turn on. Test the lights before you leave. This simple act will save you a lot of headaches and frustrations. Since you can never be too sure, go by, the two are better than one policy. Bring along two flashlights so that when one fails, the other one will be a backup.
Dress warmly. I don’t think you want to make a cast while shivering from the cold outside. When the sun goes down, the air temperatures might fall. In addition to the cold conditions, there is a possibility a wind might come gusting over the lake. On that note, the main point here is to dress appropriately.
If you must use a boat, a bass boat would be more suitable. It’s designed and well equipped for this kind of activity. It usually has a Livewell where you can keep the catch.
Calm surrounding
Firstly, when you are new to the area or place, always explore the place during day time to know all the dangers and hurdles that you might face when you are going to fish at the night. Prior reason to choose fishing at the night time is that you can escape the crowds and chaos like that during the day time aka combat fishing. You can also stick to your favorite spot for the whole time you wanted to be there.
Active state
You can see fish are more active in the night than during the day time. Hence get ready to treat yourself if you are set with all the equipment. Try using your lures slowly into the water as fish can see the lure clear in the night. Tides and moon play a vital role in the reason for fish to be active in the night. And this is why we hear fishing will not be successful after the new moon period. The wind during the night time, but sometimes can be the opposite. Bass and catfish are active after dark.
Nocturnal creatures
There are various species of fish that you will bump into during the night, but cannot be seen in the day time. Say the bio-luminescent ones, a type of algae creatures that glow in the moonlight. There are other fish like the Starfish, a favorite drawing of the kids today. Cardinalfish, a bright red to pink colored ones that are a treat to the eyes. Big eyes and the squirrelfish which have huge eyes and the later one being pink in color are known to be the nocturnal creatures.
Bait fishing
Bait fishing can get extra catches in the night than during the day time. Fish like the black bass come out more in the night and having the right bait for them can get you more catches. As mentioned earlier, these kinds of fish sometimes hide in the holes during daytime and when they come to shallow, wisely make use of the baits to catch them.
Temperature
Another important reason for fish to be active during the night time is the cool temperature. During the day time, the temperature is high so that the fish dive deep into the water, whereas when the temperature cools down, they come to shallow. This happens especially in the summer. Temperature is also another reason for an angler to choose fishing at night. Fishing during the day time can cause sunburns, especially in the summer season. You can bring up sunscreen for debate, but you will have to keep using it often during the day in Summer. Hence you can come after the dusk and enjoy fishing better.
Get set and go
Night stay can sometimes be dangerous, but trying a night fishing experience and you will be blown away by its beauty. If you choose to fish at night, the key factor is organization. Organize everything before you are set to come to the spot. Here are a few things to do when you get set for fishing at the night.
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Have with you a couple of lights or torches, since moonlight cannot guide you for everything the whole time you are being there. So have sufficient lights with you.
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Have a watch or cell phone
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Bring different color lures
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Set a landmark when you decide to come at night time because you can lose your spot sometimes in the dark.
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Bring a few things required to build a small shelter if necessary.
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Since you are going to stay out in the night for a longer time, make sure you wear the right clothes that can help you keep yourself warm.
Day time fishing is fun! But don’t miss the opportunity to try night fishing and enjoy the pleasant fishing experience that it gives.
Bass Fishing: Fishing Techniques
There are different bass fishing techniques, and learning all of them is usually a good idea. For one thing, you will become a better fisherman. Moreover, increasing your skill level means you stand a chance of getting a good catch each time you go out fishing. If no one has told you yet, I will let you know the enjoyment of bass fishing is in the catch.
Someone who has never participated in bass fishing will think it’s all about a person sitting in a boat or a riverbank with a rod in hand lazily waiting for the fish to take the bite. That’s where you are all wrong. Serious fishers know too well the work that goes into catching bass. It involves tossing a variety of lures in different spots, different times of the day, and even at varying depths. To cut a long story short, having a diverse approach to bass fishing will increase your chances of catching.
These are the notable bass fishing techniques;
Dragging
Dragging is the number one fishing technique when using soft plastic. It utilizes a rig that is made up of a line, sinker, a swivel, and a plastic lure. It’s a technique suitable for fishing all year round. Dragging mostly works well when applied in areas without thick vegetation or gnarled up wood cover. It’s also ideal for fishing in deep water.
Drop-shot
Bass are not the easiest aquatic creatures to catch, especially in deep, clear waters. A technique such as drop-shot can be quite handy in such situations. It’s simple but very effective in handling small soft lures. The technique uses a light line and a tiny hook tied onto the line with a Palomar knot. It also consists of a rig with a sinker tied to the bottom end of the line just below the hook.
Shaky head
This is another fishing technique that has quickly gained popularity. It’s instrumental on those days bass fishing feels like an exercise in futility. This can be during harsh conditions like winter, cold fronts, or in the hot summer days. The rig consists of a plastic lure, mostly a worm mounted on a long hook. Normally, the hook point is buried inside the worm. A spinning reel best applies to this kind of technique.
Split shotting
As a fisherman, it’s important to know the right technique that will save the day no matter how tough the conditions seem. Split shotting is a technique mainly used to trick bass into biting under cold weather conditions. You will need a line, a splitshot placed strategically on a line (it should be at least 10lb) with a light wire hook and preferably plastic bait. A spinning reel is the most suitable tackle for this particular technique.
Dead sticking
Dead sticking is a bass fishing technique that takes advantage of its behavior of hiding and ambushing wounded or unsuspecting baitfish. Baitfish such as shad move in a bait ball. Once in a while, a shad can lose sight of the ball and end up separated from all the others. Losing contact with the ball leaves the unfortunate shad defenseless and at the mercy of a patiently waiting bass. This technique consists of a straight tail worm on a jig head or sometimes weightless.
Swimbaits
Fishing swimbaits is another very effective technique that never disappoints. Going for a lure style that has a close resemblance to the real thing increases the chances of success. Swimbaits come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some have a single hook placed at the top. Others come with both a top hook and bottom treble hook. Keep in mind; the paddle tails should be rigged properly so that they mimic the movement of real baitfish.
Jig fishing
For many people, jig fishing is a finesse technique that requires skill and focus. It’s a technique meant to catch the big bass. Its popularity is in the fact that it’s a versatile lure suitable for fishing all through the year. Another thing you might want to keep in mind is that this is a type of cover specific lure. Basically, this indicates the lure is more effective when used to fish under cover, rocky structures, weeds, and tree stumps. All these are areas where the big bass are likely to hide or gather. On that note, anglers have to learn how to fish a jig the right way.
Float fishing
Float fishing works quite well for the wary bass. It applies to deep water fishing and when you need to make longer casts. It allows you to hover over different structures, adjust depth with ease, and use as many artificial or live baits as possible.
Many other bass fishing techniques may not be included here but still work to get you a catch.
What are the knots used for bass fishing?
First and foremost, there are so many knots out there that apply to bass fishing. The trick is in knowing the right fishing knot that will land fish. Anglers tend to pay more attention to the other elements of bass fishing, such as the rod and reel combination, as well as the lures. There is no doubt these are essential, especially if it’s about presentation. However, using a wrong knot could mean having trouble landing fish, which is beside the point.
A fishing knot connects a lure to a line, and if it doesn’t get the attention it deserves, you might have to prepare yourself for a day of missed opportunities. Different knots work under different conditions. Thus don’t stick to the same knot you learned decades ago from your grandfather. On that note, here are notable fishing knots to get you started on the best footing;
Palomar knot
Search around, and you will not find an angler who doesn’t know how to tie the Palomar knot. It’s literally the foundation of all fishing knots. The Palomar knot is quite popular among anglers because of its strength. In addition, it’s so versatile that you can use it to tie just about any type of line you can think of. It’s ideal for tying on smaller crankbaits, jigs, frogs, texas rigs, and so on. It creates a line to lure connection.
Improved clinch knot
Here comes another great knot almost every angler loves. Wondering why? The main reason is its super easy to bite. It may not be as strong as the Palomar knot, but it works perfectly well with the bigger baits. Swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and large crankbaits are all suitable choices for the improved clinch knot.
Snell knot
The snell knot is the best knot for the purposes of spinning and pitching. Also, when you snell your hook, retrieving the line becomes easier. Since the line is secured onto the hook’s shaft and not necessarily the eye, setting a snelled hook makes the hook have a rotational motion. This, in turn, drives into the mouth of the fish. This knot becomes particularly important if you’re planning on flipping a considerable weight.
Loop knot
The loop knot works in such a way that bait can slide freely around it. This, therefore, maximizes the action of the lure. The prime candidates for this type of note include jerk baits, topwater poppers, and walk-the-dog-style kind of baits. The flexibility and free movement contribute largely to a more natural action of the lures.
Albright knot
Nowadays, so many anglers prefer the braided super line. For starters, it’s strong and offers the kind of sensitivity a fisherman needs. Secondly, it’s a durable type of fishing line. The only problem is that it’s really visible, which can significantly reduce the chances of getting a bite in clear water or when the fish are spooky. That’s why anglers opt to add a fluorocarbon leader to the braided lines as a way to make them less visible.
In this case, an Albright knot is used to create a leader to line connection. Although there are other leader knots, the Albright knot is way better in terms of strength and ability to pass through line guides easily.
Is it mandatory to always catch and release?
In every state, there are rules and regulations that everyone must abide by before fishing in a public water body. The rules are meant for wildlife management and conservation to ensure the fish thrive even in the future. However, the fishing industry is not small. As a matter of fact, its vast and more people are now joining the sport. With millions of people engaging in recreational angling, catch and release is the sensible thing to do.
For one thing, catch and release prevent a tremendous decrease in a particular fish species population. The released fish will breed and spawn much more fish that can be caught once again and released. Before recreational fishing was a thing, anglers fished as a means to provide food to their families. Nowadays, a good number of fishermen only consider it to be a sport.
While the catch and release method has many benefits, it has a catch to it, which is to ensure the released fish can live. This ultimately goes back to the importance of using proper fishing techniques. There are also guidelines for safely handling fish to avoid injuries on the fish and other kinds of complications.
Always find cover
Out of all the bass fishing tips out there, this is the most important and relevant one. You will never miss bass in place where there is the cover. These fish like to hide under various cover so that they can easily ambush prey or avoid predators. For this reason, anytime you are fishing, look for cover in the particular water body. Keep in mind that the cover comes in many forms, including rocks, grass, lily pads, tree stumps, boat docks, wood, fallen logs, and so much more.
Match what they eat
As I have mentioned earlier, bass is found in various locations across the state. This means they don’t all eat the same thing but rather adapt to feeding on what is in the environment around them. That’s why these fish generally have a broad diet and feed on many of the baitfish. Pay close attention to what the bass in your area eats and match it with the lures you use. For instance, if the bass mainly feeds on shad, your best choice of lure would be a crankbait or swimbait. Doing this will definitely increase your chances of catching more bass.
Learn something new
For you to succeed as an angler, you have to be versatile. Always be willing and eager to learn something new. Practice new techniques, fish in new locations and teach yourself to adapt to different fishing conditions. With time, you will be a better angler because you’re learning continually and getting new skills or improving on what you already have. So don’t be afraid to go a little bit outside of your comfort zone. After, it will do you more good than bad.
Understand the relationship between weather conditions and bass fishing
If you’re a serious angler and you really want to catch some bass, pay close attention to the weather. The weather does have an effect on bass behavior as well as how an angler should fish. The first thing is to know precisely how the bass behaves during the various weather conditions. This is also discussed earlier in the article. If it’s a hot sunny fishing day, the bass are likely hiding under different covers such as grasses or rocks. Cloudy days mean bass are active and more likely to be hovering around the waters. They’re more exposed at this time.
The wind might work in your favor.
Casting on a windy day is no mean feat. With the wind passing through your face at high speed, even holding a boat in position could take some time. However, your patience and resilience might pay off more than expected. The wind aggravates bass to bite aggressively. Furthermore, when the wind disturbs the water surface, it’s harder for the bass to spake.
Red works like a charm
As any skillful angler will tell you, the key to catching bass is knowing and understanding its behavior and habits. Bass has this particular habit, which is to pick on other injured fish. Since they are savage feeders, they will eat almost anything that looks like an easy meal. In that case, if you’re having a hard time catching anything, go for a red-colored lure. For instance, a crankbait with some red hooks will easily fool the fish.
Ensure your hooks are sharp
A sharp hook can make quite a huge difference; you’ll be surprised. Get a file and sharpen your hooks before each fishing trip. A sharp hook is bound to penetrate the boney jaw of the bass easily. Keep in mind; this fish is well-known for putting up a fight. This means a blunt hook may not do a good job of catching it.
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