Bass Fishing Basics

Bass fishing is one of the most common types of fishing. Most bass fishing is done in freshwater, but there are also saltwater bass. They move through lakes, ponds, reservoirs and streams. If you know the basics regarding conditions and places where bass are likely to be, you will have more success when you fish for them.

Many variables change the location of bass, such as water conditions, water levels, weather, and light and food availability. There are three main elements that must be present in a body of water in order for bass to survive: Food, oxygen, and cover.

Food For Bass

A bass’ favorite meal is crawfish, which they may even prefer over shad. Crawfish are usually more plentiful and they are easy for the bass to catch. However, a bass will typically eat anything: rats, mice, ducklings, frogs, snakes, salamanders, worms, lizards, grubs, baitfish, insects, and leeches. Their ability to use a wide variety of baits is why many people find such enjoyment in bass fishing.

Bass Need To Breathe

Oxygen is another key component in finding bass. The basic rule of thumb is that the cooler the water, the more oxygen content. Therefore, if you are fishing in the late spring, summer or early fall, you will find that the larger bass will drop down lower to find the cooler and more oxygen-filled water. They will also swim to find areas that are more concentrated in vegetation in order to find a better oxygen source. Trees, stumps, wind-blown banks, and power plants are all good sources of oxygen that will attract bass.

Bass Run For Cover

A bass relies on cover for a means of protection and way of ambush. Cover is part of a bass’ survival. The bass is known as a lazy fish, so they will hide and wait for their prey to come to them. This helps them to conserve energy. The other reason for cover is that bass fish do not have eyelids and the cover is a way to prevent blindness.

Common Cover For Bass:

around fabricated wood structures such as fence rows, docks, and pilings. They have been known to hide under floating pieces of wood or decaying wood.
Weeds are the second best place to hunt for bass.
Rocks are the third place that bass will find cover. Rocks are not as reliable as weeds or wood, but sometimes a bass will find decaying pieces of food to feast on within some rocks. Remember that rocks do not produce oxygen, so the source is not as consistent.

Good Bass Baits

When it comes to bass fishing, everyone has a different opinion. You will often find that these opinions range in location and source. However, there are some lures and baits that are recommended for bass fishing that may be useful if you haven’t tried them.

Artificial Baits

Plastic worms with added scent and salt are very good. Other good choices for plastic baits would be lizards, frogs, and creature baits. Two of the most popular plastics today are flukes and Senkos. Also very effective are spinner baits, top water lures, and suspending and diving crank baits.

Live Baits

Hellgrammites are thought to be one of the best live baits. Also good are minnows and water dogs. Find a dock or other cover to fish around to to get the most out of these baits. Of course, don’t forget about night crawlers.

Other Bass Fishing Factors

Bass are notorious for moving slow and lack of distance in their movements. Logically, you could sit 30 feet from the biggest bass of your life, and she’s not likely to swim to your bait. Finding the exact spot is difficult and can challenge even bass tournament fishermen. You just have to educate yourself on finding the most likely places that a bass may be and have a lot of patience and persistence.

Weather is important to bass as well. If it is a cloudy day, you might have more luck than on a clear, hot summer day. Overcast conditions are usually ideal. The fishing can be very good right before a front moves in, but when the front hits, you might as well hang up your fishing rod until a few days after it blows over.

The bottom line with bass fishing is knowledge. It’s an art form that requires research and study, and lots of practice. The best part it that, practicing bass fishing is fun.

Recommended reading: Largemouth Bass Extreme Fishing Guide

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