The large mouth black bass is among the most sought-after game fish in the United States. Anglers appreciate the hard-hitting strike, strong fight and shear power these fish possess. When fishing for large mouth black bass, the right bait presented in the proper manner makes all the difference. Understand your quarry and adjust your tactics to suit the fishing conditions and you just might catch not just a fish, but an experience to remember.
Artifical Baits
A good selection of artificial baits is essential when fishing for large mouth black bass. Popular types include spinnerbaits, crank baits, stick baits and swim baits. When you select these baits, choose some that work at shallow depths and some that dive deep to accommodate different fishing conditions. Soft plastic baits, in the form of worms, grubs, lizards and other natural shapes are also effective.
Bait Colors
Color is often critical to large mouth black bass fishing. For murky conditions, use brightly colored lures in white, charteuse, yellow or orange. For clearer conditions, try more naturally-colored baits. Dark colors, such as blue, purple or black, work well at night. Also, select spinnerbaits with gold or silver spinners to produce a lot of flash to attract bass.
Locations
Large mouth black bass are prone to inhabit shallow areas with structure, according to The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide. As ambush predators, this fish lie in wait until prey swims by. They then move out to strike. For this reason, look for large mouth black bass to hold around docks, rock piles, submerged trees and other places that provide good cover. Other good areas include along the edges or over the tops of weed beds, near ledges and drop offs and in holes or humps in the bottom of lakes or reservoirs.
Casting and Retrieving
When casting, try to be as accurate as possible at placing your bait. While a spinning rod and reel may be easier to use, a bait casting setup offers greater accuracy. On the retrieve, vary the speed. Pause occasionally and allow the bait to sink. Bounce the bait along the bottom or against structure to attract the attention of lurking bass. Do your best to make the bait look as real as possible.
Bait Scents
Spray-on bait scents can prove effective at drawing the attention of large mouth black bass, particularly when used with artificial baits. These odorous attractants contain enzymes and other chemicals that small fish or other prey species give off. Try spraying some on your lures the next time you go fishing.
Seasons
While you can catch large mouth black bass at any time of the year, certain seasons tend to produce more strikes. Pre-spawning season, when bass are actively feed in preparation for mating is a good time to work natural baits or natural looking lures. During spawning, brightly-colored lures can generate aggression strikes, particularly from egg-laden females in spawning areas. Warmer weather usually finds bass in more shallow waters around the perimeter of lakes and reservoirs, while cooler weather causes bass to move to deeper waters.
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