How To – Bass Fishing Facts

Mastering Glide Baits: A Guide to Hooking Trophy-Sized Largemouth Bass

BassFishingFacts — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 20:04:56 +0000

When it comes to pursuing trophy-sized largemouth bass, anglers are constantly seeking new techniques and strategies to increase their chances of landing these elusive giants. One technique that has gained significant popularity in recent years is fishing with glide baits. These realistic lures mimic the natural movements of prey fish and can entice even the most discerning bass into striking. In this article, we will explore the art of fishing glide baits and offer valuable tips to help you target and catch trophy-sized largemouth bass.

Chad Shad Glide Bait

Choosing the Right Glide Bait: Selecting the appropriate glide bait is crucial for success. Opt for larger-sized baits that closely resemble the forage found in the water body you’re fishing. Consider the color patterns and finishes that imitate the prevalent baitfish species. Additionally, ensure that the bait has a smooth gliding action and good buoyancy to entice big bass.
Understanding the Retrieve: The retrieve is the key to triggering strikes from trophy largemouth bass. Start by casting the glide bait near potential holding areas such as weed edges, submerged structures, or drop-offs. Allow the bait to sink to the desired depth before initiating your retrieve. Once you start retrieving, impart a side-to-side gliding motion by manipulating the rod tip. This action should mimic an injured or fleeing baitfish, enticing the bass to strike.
Timing and Patience: Patience is crucial when fishing with glide baits. Allow the bait to work its magic by giving it enough time to glide through the water column. Largemouth bass are known for their ambush instincts, so it’s essential to give them an opportunity to observe and strike the bait. Vary the speed and cadence of your retrieve to determine the most effective presentation for the day.
Focus on Key Locations: To increase your chances of connecting with trophy bass, focus on high-percentage areas. Look for cover such as submerged vegetation, laydowns, rocks, or any structure that offers hiding spots for big bass. Glide baits excel in open water and can be worked around these areas to provoke a reaction from lurking giants.
Pay Attention to Seasonal Patterns: Understanding seasonal patterns is vital for successful glide bait fishing. In warmer months, bass are often more active and willing to chase down fast-moving prey. Speed up your retrieve and cover a larger area to trigger reaction strikes. In colder months or during the pre-spawn and post-spawn periods, slow down your retrieve and allow the bait to stay in the strike zone longer, tempting the bass to strike.
Experiment with Retrieves and Depths: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different retrieves and depths to figure out what the bass prefer on a particular day. Glide baits can be retrieved at different speeds, including slow, medium, or even fast. Additionally, try adjusting the depth by altering the length of your pause during the retrieve or by using sinking or suspending glide baits.

Fishing glide baits for trophy-sized largemouth bass is an exhilarating and rewarding endeavor. By selecting the right bait, mastering the retrieve, and understanding the key factors that influence bass behavior, you can greatly increase your chances of hooking into a true lunker. Remember to stay patient, adapt to seasonal patterns, and experiment with different techniques to unlock the full potential of glide bait fishing. So, gear up, hit the water, and get ready to tangle with those monstrous largemouth bass!

How to Catch Spawning Bass

BassFishingFacts — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 02:01:31 +0000

Catching largemouth bass off a bed while they are spawning can be challenging, but can also be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you catch a bass off a bed:

Look for beds: Largemouth bass typically create beds in shallow water, usually around 4 to 6 feet deep, near cover such as logs, rocks, and weed beds. Look for clear water and look for circular depressions on the bottom.
Be stealthy: Largemouth bass are very sensitive to movement and noise, so it is important to be as stealthy as possible when approaching a bed. Use a low profile boat and move slowly, and avoid making any unnecessary noise.
Use the right gear: Use a light rod and reel with 4-8 lb test line, and use a small, subtle lure or bait. A soft plastic worm or a small jig and pig can work well.
Fish the edges of the bed: Bass will often be on the edges of the bed, rather than in the middle. Try casting your lure or bait around the edges of the bed and work it slowly and steadily.
Be patient: Bass can be very finicky when they are spawning, and may not bite right away. Be patient and keep trying different lures and techniques until you find something that works.

Keep in mind that during the spawning period, it’s important to handle the fish carefully, as they are more vulnerable to injury. So, it’s important to use a landing net and wet your hands before handling the fish. Also, make sure to release the fish back into the water as soon as possible after you catch them.

How to Rig and Fish an Alabama Rig (A-Rig)

BassFishingFacts — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 03:22:38 +0000

Rigging and fishing an Alabama rig, also known as an A-rig, is a popular technique for catching largemouth bass. This rig is a multi-lure system that mimics a school of baitfish, making it irresistible to predatory bass. It is an effective way to target bass in open water, especially in the fall and winter months when the fish are in a schooling mode.

The first step in rigging an Alabama rig is to select the right rod and reel. A medium-heavy or heavy action rod with a fast taper is best for casting and working the rig. A high-speed baitcasting reel with a good drag system is also necessary to help control the fish once they are hooked.

Next, tie the main line to the eyelet at the base of the rig. This can be done using a Palomar knot or a double uni knot. The main line should be a braided or fluorocarbon line with a test strength of 20-30 pounds.

The Alabama rig is made up of a main wire that is connected to several smaller wires. Each of these smaller wires is called a “arm” of the rig and they are equipped with a swivel. To assemble the rig, attach a swivel to the end of each arm and then tie the swivel to the main wire.

Attach the lures to the swivels on the arms of the rig. The most popular choices for lures are soft plastic swimbaits, grubs, and minnows. The key to rigging the lures is to make sure they are the same length and color. This creates a natural look that mimics a school of baitfish. Lots of anglers will change out one lure so that there is one “baitfish” that looks different from the pack.

Once the rig is assembled, it is ready to be cast. The Alabama rig is best fished in open water, such as around points, drop-offs, and other structure. When casting, make sure to use a smooth and steady retrieve. This will help to keep the lures at the same depth and create a natural swimming action.

When fishing an Alabama rig, it is important to pay attention to the way the fish are biting. If they are biting the lures on the outside of the rig, try to move the lures closer to the center. If they are biting the lures on the inside of the rig, try to move the lures further away from the center.

Another effective technique is to fish the Alabama rig around submerged vegetation. This creates a natural environment that bass find appealing. Once you have located a school of bass, cast the rig into the area and slowly retrieve it through the vegetation.

When a bass is hooked, it is important to use the drag system on the reel to control the fish. The Alabama rig is a heavy rig and it will take a lot of pressure to reel the fish in. The fish will likely make several runs before it can be landed.

How To Fish For Largemouth Bass In Clear Water

BassFishingFacts — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 02:22:19 +0000

Largemouth bass are one of the most popular freshwater game fish in North America, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps, making them a thrill to catch.

Professional Angler Justin Lucas

When fishing for largemouth bass in clear water, there are a few key tactics to keep in mind. The first is to use natural-colored lures that mimic the local forage. Clear water allows fish to see your lure better, so it’s important to use something that looks like the food they’re used to eating. Some popular choices include soft plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits in natural colors like green, brown, or silver.

Another important tactic when fishing for largemouth bass in clear water is to use a stealthy approach. Clear water allows fish to see you, so it’s important to move slowly and quietly when approaching a spot. Wearing natural-colored clothing and using a low-profile fishing vessel like a kayak or canoe can help you blend in with your surroundings.

In clear water, bass can often be found around structure such as logs, rocks, and weed beds. These areas provide cover for the fish, as well as a source of food. When fishing around structure, it’s important to make your lure look like it’s part of the natural environment. A soft plastic worm rigged weedless on a jighead can be fished around weed beds without getting snagged.

Another effective technique when fishing for largemouth bass in clear water is to use a topwater lure. Topwater lures like poppers and walking baits create a commotion on the surface of the water, which can entice bass to strike. These lures are especially effective in the early morning or late evening when the water is calm and clear.

In clear water, the fish can be spooky, so it’s important to use light tackle. Use a light line, and a light-action rod to present your lure more naturally. The thinner the line, the less visible it is to the fish and the less likely they are to be spooked by it.

Fishing for largemouth bass in clear water can be challenging, but with the right tactics and equipment, it can also be incredibly rewarding. By using natural-colored lures, a stealthy approach, and fishing around structure, you’ll be well on your way to catching some of these hard-fighting fish. Remember to use light tackle, and be prepared to be patient and persistent. With the right approach, you’ll be able to catch some great largemouth bass in clear water.

How to Fish a Swim Jig

BassFishingFacts — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 02:03:47 +0000

Andrew Wheeler on Lake Travis in central Texas

Largemouth bass are a popular game fish in the central Texas region, and fishing for them using a swim jig can be a highly effective method. A swim jig is a type of fishing lure that is designed to mimic the swimming motion of small fish or other prey that largemouth bass commonly feed on.

The first step in fishing for largemouth bass using a swim jig is to select the right type of lure. Swim jigs come in a variety of sizes and colors, and the right choice will depend on the conditions of the water you are fishing in. In general, it is best to use a swim jig that is between 3/8 and 1/2 ounce in weight, and that is colored to match the natural prey that largemouth bass are accustomed to feeding on in your area.

Once you have selected the right swim jig, it is important to rig it up properly. The best way to rig a swim jig is to tie it to the end of your fishing line using a Palomar knot. This is a strong and reliable knot that will allow your swim jig to move freely through the water.

When fishing for largemouth bass using a swim jig, it is important to choose the right location. Look for areas of the lake or river that have a lot of cover, such as logs, rocks, or weed beds. Largemouth bass like to hide in these types of places, so they are likely to be found in these areas.

Another important factor to consider when fishing for largemouth bass using a swim jig is the time of day. Largemouth bass are most active during the early morning and late evening, so these are the best times to fish. During the hottest part of the day, the fish will be less active and may be harder to catch.

When you are ready to start fishing, cast your swim jig out into the water and begin to retrieve it slowly. You want to mimic the swimming motion of small fish or other prey, so make sure to retrieve your swim jig in a steady and smooth motion. As you retrieve your swim jig, keep an eye out for any signs of fish activity, such as a fish jumping out of the water or a sudden change in the water’s surface.

Once you have a bite, set the hook quickly and firmly. Largemouth bass are known to be strong fighters, so be prepared for a battle when reeling in your catch. Use a heavy-duty rod and reel, and keep a firm grip on the rod at all times.

When reeling in your catch, it is important to keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Largemouth bass are sensitive to air, and they can easily die if they are out of the water for too long. Once you have successfully landed your fish, release it back into the water as soon as possible.

In conclusion, fishing for largemouth bass using a swim jig can be a highly effective method in the central Texas region. With the right type of swim jig, proper rigging, and an understanding of the best fishing locations and times, you can increase your chances of catching these elusive fish. Remember to always follow local fishing regulations and to practice catch-and-release to ensure the sustainability of the species.

Largemouth Bass on a BIC Lighter

BassFishingFacts — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 03:40:34 +0000

You can customize pretty much anything these days, including your pocket lighter. Normally customers pay a couple of bucks for a standard BIC lighter but if you are willing to plop down $29.99 you can create your very own custom BIC lighter. Before beginning to create your custom lighter you’ll need first be sure you are willing to wait 2 weeks for it to arrive and have a at least 1244×1200 pixels picture handy.

BIC Lighter Largemouth Bass

You can also purchase specialty BIC lighters (like the one above) which look custom but are made by the company and only a few dollars.

Beer Can With Fish Hook Tab (Ringpull)

BassFishingFacts — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 01:42:22 +0000

How To Create A Hook From Ringpull Instructions

A clever brewing company has come up with the novel idea to create a fish hook out of a beer can tab. The brewery includes the 4 steps required to make a fish hook of out the can tab. The tab comes perforated in the appropriate sections so that it easily snaps from the twisting and folding action.

REMOVE RINGPULL FROM CAN
CUT ON LINES ———-
TWIST AND FOLD LOOP BACKWARDS
TIE ON LINE AND GO FISHING

While MacGyver-types have always been able to create things like hooks from a can tab with a simple pair of pliers – this makes it that much easier.

Fish Hook From Beer Ringpull

As you can tell from this Reddit thread, not everybody loves the novelty – with some commenters mentioning that if one plans to fish they will be prepared and would not need to rely on a beer ringpull for a hook or that you could cut yourself in the process of making it.

The fish hook – once produced from the can tab – does not look suitable to hold much other than live or cut-bait. It would be difficult to rig a soft-plastic and you run the likely event that the hook will bend or break if something of relative size bites.

Jig Fishing | How To Fish a Jig for Bass

BassFishingFacts — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 04:03:12 +0000

While not the easiest or most popular way of fishing – using a jig is an important part of the fishing arsenal that every angler should know. Jigs can be fished in a number of ways, at a variety of depths, and in various conditions.

COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZED

Skirted Weedless Jig with Soft Plastic Trailer © Bass Fishing Facts

Jigs are the most customizable bait in bass fishing. Fishermen have several choices when deciding on a jig setup – from the jig head, skirt, and soft-plastic trailer.

Anglers can choose between:

Jig Head: Size, Color, Shape, Weight

Jig Skirt: Color, Length

Jig Trailer: Color, Shape, Length

Jig Add-Ons: Weed-Guard, Rattle

An example JIG set up: A ¾ oz. black-and-blue Strike King Hack Attack Jig paired with a Junebug Strike King Rage Tail Craw trailer.

Kevin Van Dam says he would pick a jig and crankbait if he could only have two baits. His tip for anglers working on the technique is to go to places where you know you can get bites.

HOW TO FISH A JIG

Jigs are traditionally meant to be dragged along the lake bottom. However, anglers can also hop or swim them back on their retrieve. Using a jig allows fishermen to tell the lake bottom composition. Anglers can use heavy jigs with weed-guards to flip and pitch to punch through vegetation and target hard to reach bass. Jigs can imitate everything from scurrying crawfish to swimming shad depending on the setup.

KVD pairs with BPS to bring you a the jig fishing tips video you see below.

CATCH BIG FISH

If jigs are known for one thing – it’s for catching HUGE bass. Maybe the saying larger fish eat larger baits or the fact they are so customized but jigs can be a difference maker for angler on the water.

Just this year, up and coming Carhart sponsored angler, Jordan Lee won the 2017 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Conroe by using a homemade football jig paired with a Rage Craw and a Space Monkey for a trailer.

The current world record spotted bass caught on New Bullards Bar Resevoir in Califronia by Nick Dulleck in February 2017 was caught using a dirty jigs finesse football jig paired with a Gary Yamamoto Double Tail Grub trailer

How to Catch, Photo, and Release (CPR) Largemouth Bass

BassFishingFacts — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 04:07:52 +0000

Many anglers in today’s day and age are not out fishing for dinner but rather out fishing for the love of the tug, addicted to catching fish and enjoying spending time on the water. If anglers don’t plan to keep and clean the fish for the frying pan – then it is essential that they follow the prescribed catch, photo, and release (CPR) procedures to ensure bass are handled safety and have high rates of survival once returned to the water.

Lipping a largemouth bass.

1.THE CATCH – When you feel that “tap” or see your line moving – set the hook and begin to reel! While some pro’s will swing fish into the boat, that practice is generally discouraged for novice anglers. Lipping or netting the fish is the recommended way to secure the catch.

Lipping – anglers grasp a bass with their thumb and forefinger gripping the bottom lip, using their second hand to support the body if the fish is of larger size. Lipping bass can cause abrasions to the skin as bass have sandpaper like teeth along their lips that can scratch.
Netting – the fish should be near the surface of the water but not above. Be careful not to hit the fish with the rim of the net or extend it towards the fish too early.

Keep the fish submerged underwater for as long as possible – this allows the fish to breathe and keeps stress and time out of the water to a minimum. TIP – bass are covered in slime – this protective layer helps keep bass healthy. When a fish is put on to the ground, a boat floor, or handled with dry hands, it can remove this protective slime and hurt the fish’s chance for survival.

A great bass fishing picture via @bassfishingliz on instagram

Remove the hook(s) as quickly as possible – having a pair of pliers on hand can make things much easier.

2. THE PHOTO – Be sure to bring along your phone, GoPro or DSLR to document your catch! If you are into tracking size or length of your catch be sure to bring your scale or hawg trough. The key when taking photos is to find a pose that maximizes your good looks and the size of the fish but that takes very little time. I’ve mentioned before that kneeling with an arm extended is one of the best ways to achieve great fish photos.

3. THE RELEASE – Timing and gentleness are key. Set the fish back into the water while either lipping it or grasping its body. The fish should be supported until is begins to move or swim on its own. Most fish will begin to swim within 3-5 seconds, if not immediately. You may want to work a fish back and forth, in an almost swimming motion, to push water across its gills, if it does not respond a few seconds after placing it in the water.

Largemouth bass gentle release.

Tossing a fish back into the water ultimately may not injure the fish, but placing it in the water and allowing it to regain its bearing is preferred.

DO place the fish gently into the water
DO ensure the fish is able to swim on its own before releasing grasp
DO work fish in swimming motion to help it breathe
DO NOT throw or toss the fish
DO NOT leave any hooks or fishing line in the fish

Whopper Plopper Review

BassFishingFacts — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 04:12:53 +0000

One of the hottest new baits in 2016 is the River2Sea Whopper Plopper. Originally designed to catch northern species like the pike and walleye the Whopper Plopper not only accomplished that mission but caught many small and largemouth bass along the way. Now clearly in the bass catching category frame of mind the team at River2Sea turned to perfecting rattle, color and size options for the plopper.

On my latest trip to Cabela’s, I dropped by the fishing booth and chatted with the rep about the popularity of the lure this year. He was joking that River2Sea got a little overzealous with the success and release a “double” Whopper Plopper which seemed quite gimmicky. However, that is not to say that their original model wasn’t a huge success – cause it is.

I am not a top water guy. I’m not there yet. I always seem to take a frog, torpedo or popper but I just can’t ever get down the right cadence of the retrieve. With little success I always find myself going back to confidence baits all too quickly. Not the case with the Whopper Plopper – it is a steady retrieve! Of course you can mix things up but the rod and wrist action that normal top water lures require is not necessary.

5 inch Whopper Plopper

I picked up 3 versions on my trip to Cabela’s: 5″ Bone White with Rattle, 5″ Bluegill without Rattle and the 3″ shad color with rattle. After being out a few times with these here is what I have to say. My preference is for the 5 inch version – it is easier to cast and work and the “plopping” sound is much more effective. My perch color without a rattle saw more action than with of my other two but I also tended to throw it more. I tied the 5 inch versions directly to my braided line – 30 lb test. The 3 inch version and the one created more for bass anglers is good for a more targeted close range approach. However, the size and weight of this lure didn’t feel quite the same and I often found it would dive on my first and second reel before returning to the surface with the proper action ensuing. I like a heavy fluorocarbon line or leader when tossing this version. Overall, I do recommend this lure. The retail price is a little high at $16.99 but I got mine for 12.99 at Cabela’s and I’m sure that the retail price will eventually come down too. If you want the exciting blow up action of top water but haven’t gotten the hang of the other lures on the market then give the Whopper Plopper a try.

One thing to keep in mind. This 5 inch lure is not small – that means you are targeting larger fish – typically 1.5 pounds and larger. Make sure you are on a body of water that includes fish of that size and also keep in mind that larger fish come in fewer numbers so it’s not always a catchfest with these.

*UPDATE* The Whopper Plopper has been around for a while – since at least 2012 by way of the video below. It has only recently made it’s way into Texas stores.