If you want to experience that exhilarating moment when an 8 lb. “lunker” bass comes up out of a submerged tree stump and hits your fishing lure like the kick of a mule, be prepared to work for it. Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass are vigorous and clever creatures and rarely is bass fishing as easy as baiting a hook, throwing it in the drink, and watching the bobber. Battle-planning is everything in bass fishing.
Location
Bass like “cover,” areas of calm water with lots of stumps, tree limbs, and weeds creating “stick ups.” They prefer to feed on the “points” of a lake where sandy shoals or rocky banks gently slide into the water, and where favorite baitfish like shad or crawfish are likely to gather.
Time of Day
Bass prefer to feed very early in the morning, at night or just after nightfall, when the water temperature is coolest. Mid-day is generally not a good time for bass fishing. But, if you must fish for bass mid-day, bass are most likely located in deeper water or near cooler underwater channels.
Water Color and Pattern
While there are no hard rules about water conditions, bass seem to prefer clear water to muddy water, and a calm, flat surface compared to a surface that is ruffled by wind. Casting on windy days is difficult anyway. Look for a calm cove if you can.
Angle of Attack
Hungry bass tend to park with their heads pointed out towards the deep of the lake, while waiting for food to come by. Your best attack is to throw a lure towards the shoreline, and then reel back to a boat parked 20 or 30 feet off shore. The passing lure will attract the bass and he will follow it out a few feet into deeper water before striking. Bass fishing from the shore is often difficult because the angle of attack is not as good as boat fishing.
Reels
The right reel for the conditions is very important. Bass fishing can be done with either a spin cast real or a bait casting reel. A spin cast reel affords more precision when trying to drop a spinner lure in the middle of a group of tree stumps. A bait casting reel can be most effective when fishing in cleaner water and with a heavier plug lure. Be prepared and carry both weapons with you on a bass trip.
Lures
There are hundreds of types of fishing lures available and few should be left out of a well stocked bass tackle box. Change lures often if nothing happens. If a plastic worm doesn’t work, try a neon pink spinner bait. If that doesn’t work, start throwing a pork rind jig or a “rattlin’” lure. Ask local bait shop pros about what's biting at the lake in which you are fishing to get inside information on current trends.
Casting ‘The Clock’
Stake out a likely bass hole and begin casting around the area starting at the nine o’clock position respective to you as you face the target. Cast and retrieve. Cast again at the 10 o’clock position, and then the 11 o’clock position. Work all the way around to the three o’clock position and then start over at nine o’clock. If you haven’t felt a bass “tap” or had a hit by the end of your second “clock,” move to another location, or try another type of lure.
Be Prepared to Win
A bass that is five or more pounds in weight will pack a mighty wallop when it takes your bait. Be ready to be literally jolted out of your seat when the bass strikes. Wear a life vest. Remain seated if possible to avoid falling out of the boat. Keep calm and keep reeling. Call on your fishing buddy to net the bass when you get it near the boat. Grab the fish by its lower lip with your thumb and forefinger while you safely remove the lure.
Practice Good Conservation
Toss “keepers” into your boat's live well if you intend to eat your catch. If not, gently slip the bass back into the water after releasing it from the line. “Catch and release” is the good bass fisherman’s creed.
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