Bass are found in freshwater lakes, streams and rivers across North America and are known for their aggressive attack on the hook, thrilling fight and leaps from the water. The combination of habitat and fun fishing experience make bass one of the most pursued species of fish. You can catch bass using a variety of techniques during any part of the day, but a productive time is early morning.
Bass fishing is one of the more popular forms of fishing because of the challenge the bass presents to find, hook and bring in. This combination makes the bass a worthy adversary for an experienced angler. There are a number of...
The largemouth bass are most-prized as trophy fish for their size, while the Guadalupe is the smallest and rarest. Whatever the type, knowing the times that bass prefer to feed will increase your catches and allow you to have a...
Bass are drawn to still water in the continental United States. They love weeds and plant growth and tend to stay in those areas. Most successful bass fishermen will find that they have their most productive days when there is ...
The lake features many natural low areas and small underwater coves that bass prefer. Bring your gear. Grab your favorite boat. Fish Union Lake. Be sure to bring your fishing license or obtain one from a local sporting goods st...
Northeast Texas is home to several large lakes that have been rated "Good" to "Excellent" for fishing for various types of bass according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TWPD) website. Catching a trophy fish in nort...
Spinner lures flash, splash and dazzle the bass into striking. But without a spinner rod, you can't get the necessary control over the lure. Spinning rods are thin, springy and usually less than 7 feet long. That gives them add...
Kansas offers anglers many fishing opportunities, and most of them offer good fishing opportunities for bass. From small ponds to large lakes and reservoirs, anglers can spend the day catching many bass of varying sizes. The po...
For decades, the classic J-hook has been the fishing hook of choice for anglers using natural baits. This hook was originally designed to catch fish that anglers intended to keep--when fishing was more for sustenance than sport...
Finding a spot to bass fish in Alabama is about as easy as finding a lake. Simply put, the waters of Alabama are full of bass. Bass are one of the most popular game fish in Alabama, in large part because of their abundance, wil...
Whether fishing some of Oregon's better known bass waters--Crane Prairie Reservoir, Phillips Lake or the Columbia River--or at a smaller, out-of-the-way spot, the spring is a good time to fish bass in the state. The bass are in...
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...
White bass are found in large rivers and lakes throughout much of the United States. Similar in appearance to their larger cousin, the striped bass, they have a stout body and silvery color with unbroken stripes running from he...
Still, there are a few tips you may want to keep in mind to assist your efforts.
Also known as "goggleyes," rock bass are a member of the sunfish family. With large red eyes, a stout body and spiny dorsal fin, this small game fish rarely exceeds 12 inches in length and usually weighs between 1/4 lb. and 1/2...
Anglers from around the world travel to these locations in pursuit of peacock bass. Watching the water levels, using noisy baits and staying persistent can improve your chances for a successful peacock bass fishing trip.
Think in practical terms when you fish for bass. When fish are shallow, use topwaters and shallow-running lures. When fish are deep, use deep crankbaits or weighted plastic worms. If the water is clear, use lures that look like...
All three can put up a significant fight, and you can catch them year-round. On your next fishing trip, employ several angling tips recommended by fishing experts to boost your chance of landing a big one.
Bass fishing is a competitive sport across the world. In order to be a top bass angler, you must have the best bait. The type of bass you are chasing largely will determine your bait choice, but you can use some standard bait t...
Spotted bass are a member of the bass family, cousins to black bass like the largemouth and smallmouth bass. Spotted bass have a similar appearance to more common bass, but they have a very different set of behaviors. Spotted b...
If you are new to bass fishing and you're intrigued by the wide variety of artificial lures available for use in the sport, crankbaits are a good place to start experimentation. Crankbait lures are one of the most effective lur...
Spinnerbaits are versatile, popular lures for bass fishing. Game and Fish magazine says about 30 million spinnerbaits are sold annually in the United States. They sell well because they catch fish. The more you learn about spin...
They find fish, they have built-in action and all you have to do is cast and retrieve them. That's the basic approach to fishing crankbaits for bass. But there's more to it if you want to catch more bass. Learn the subtleties o...
Regardless of the species, all types of bass will strike these active and enticing lures. Crankbaits come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, depth settings and colors to accommodate any type of bass fishing. With proper presen...
Take advantage of some of the year's prettiest days to get out on the water. Check water temperatures for an idea of what the bass are doing. When the water temperature is in the 50s, they're likely in prespawn. In the 60s, the...
White bass are popular game fish throughout much of the United States. Lakes and reservoirs are typically stocked to counter heavy fishing and a low rate of survival of wild spawned fry to adulthood. White bass can present a ch...
Water temperature will give you an idea of where those fish will be as they move from winter depths to spring spawning sites. Pick a place to fish that matches the seasonal movements of bass, then select a lure that matches the...
Little things give you an edge in bass fishing. One or two extra bites is all it takes to make your day fun or win a tournament. Sometimes you gain an edge by doing something nobody else is doing, by changing a lure color or by...
Summer bass fishing can be reliable. The fish fall into patterns that continue until the water begins to cool in the fall. If you catch bass in the summer, remember the places you caught them because there is something about th...
Do your homework, learn the lake and notice the little things. Those are three of the steps toward successful fishing for bass in lakes, whether you are heading out to a reservoir or a local farm pond. Start with map study, con...
They may be in flooded brush, along creek channels or tucked into grass beds. A variety of lures can reach them in those places. Use the right lure in the right spot, and then present that lure in the way the fish want it to se...
This early spring, pre-spawn period can be great for bass fishing, but success will take some work. During this period, bass are still "waking up" from their overwinter in deep waters. They are also more difficult to catch unle...
Bass fishing in June presents a range of opportunities and conditions. Bass in the southern United States are in summer patterns. Bass in Canada are likely to be on their spawning beds. Depending on your location, you can use m...
Jigs are type of lure often used in bass fishing. A jig often an incomplete lure, composed of just a weighted head and an elongated hook. You complete the lure by threading your own choice in "body" materials on the hook. Some ...
Private ponds can be especially hot fishing spots since they are not overfished and bass have a greater chance of growing to appreciable size. While many of the techniques used in lake fishing work well in ponds, there are few ...
Not every bass angler can afford to own a boat, nor does every angler feel comfortable fishing from a boat. In many cases boats are impractical, such as on smaller farm ponds. While boats can certainly extend your fishing oppor...
If you want to catch river bass, study the current. In river situations, the current will often tell you where the bass are. It will dictate which way the fish face and, combined with rocks and stumps that break up the flow, it...
You can fish bass tournaments for fun in a local club, you can try to make a living as a professional, or you can fish any number of tournament tours between those two extremes. The key to doing well at any level, as in any spo...
Spring is the time when bass answer nature's call to spawn, and this can be a very productive time for fishing. Spring bass fishing can produce big fish, according to professional fishing guide Dean Stroman. The key to being pa...
You've been waiting all winter to break out the tackle box, load up the boat and get out on the lake to enjoy some bass fishing. The first signs of early spring have come, and you're ready to start casting. Knowing where to go ...
The result is a "test tube" bass species that is famous for its size, strength and aggressive behaviors. Nearly 30 manmade lakes in the United States run hybrid bass production programs, especially in the Ozark mountain regions...
If you've ever toiled away in an arcade playing Sega Bass Fishing, you'll be pleased to know that the Wii version is a classic return to form in more ways than one. Unfortunately, those ways include choppy graphics and question...
Slap bass is a style in which a player uses a quick hand movement to slap a thumb against a string to sound a note, creating a loud, percussive effect. Many styles of music employ slap bass. For example, funk, soul, jazz and La...
The jig-and-pig has been around for decades and is a proven big-bass lure. You may need patience when learning to fish a jig, because it doesn't draw as many strikes as some other lures. But it does draw strikes from big fish. ...
Everything bass do at this time of year is because they are moving shallow to mate. They are hungry, and they are preparing and protecting their beds. Learn where they are, and you are on your way to some of the best fishing of...
Lack of visibility, difficulty in submerging baits down in the water column and altered fish behavior can make deep water bass fishing significantly more challenging than shallow water fishing. With this in mind, deep water fis...
Fishing for river bass requires certain skills including the ability to cast a fishing rod while getting as close to the fish as possible and the ability to set a hook with bait or lures. Bass move from place to place for feed...
The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide says fishermen who repeatedly catch big bass in spring are "not just lucky, they are fishing the right lake with the right lure at the right time with the right skills, technology, knowl...
The good thing about bass fishing in autumn is that the bass hit just about any lure you throw. The bad thing about it is that the fish are unpredictable and could be anywhere. Generally, they are heading to shallows to feed, b...
Bass fishing is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors. Like any endeavor, you get better with practice and knowledge. Learn bass movement patterns. Practice casting. Try different retrieves with your lures. Take notes on your ...
Fishing is a fun pastime, but for beginners, the preparation, timing and method for catching bass can be daunting. Bass are different from crappie or trout; they follow predictable patterns at certain times of the year. In the ...
Pre-spawn bass fishing falls between winter ice-out and spring spawning season. During this time, bass move from deeper waters to more shallow areas to prepare to spawn. These fish become more active and hungry during this peri...
A good baseball player understands his equipment. He knows how best his bat, glove, spikes, helmet and the ball respond to conditions. Bass fishing is the same. Knowing the workings of your rod, reel and lure will increase your...
These are three pieces to the puzzle you try to put together when you fish for bass. Equipment must be ready and functioning, and you must have the right equipment for conditions. Take these ideas and expand on them to improve ...
Fishing tends to become more complex in the winter. This can be especially true if you are fishing on a body of water that has frozen over. Although many would expect fish to be very hungry due to the food supply and eager to s...
Your line will influence how far you cast, what lure you can use, how sensitive your rod feels and whether you get the fish in the boat. Superlines, monofilament and fluorocarbon are the three basic types of line used in bass f...
Spring is the one truly sweet time of year for freshwater bass fishing. In the early spring, bass are spawning, so they are located in shallow water near their nesting areas. Shallow water makes it easier to work with a variety...
Fish topwater baits with your imagination. Develop a variety of retrieves, practice and become skilled with them, and experiment with lure modifications to get more strikes. Try different retrieves and lure modifications until ...
To save money on fishing gear, think smaller and bigger. Smaller boats and buying in bulk can pay dividends. Building and repairing your own equipment are other ways to keep money in your wallet. If you own a boat, save money o...
Those patterns will repeat throughout the warm months. If you can pinpoint what the fish are doing on a June day, you can have a lot of success by repeating your successful fishing techniques under similar weather and water con...
Power fishing is aggressive fishing in search of a reaction bite from bass. To power fish, put the trolling motor on high, throw big baits and cover a lot of water. Pro fisherman Mike Iaconelli says this fishing style relies on...
Prepare, concentrate and maintain equipment. Those might be the best fishing tips you'll ever get. If your equipment functions perfectly, if you are ready for anything that could happen and if you pay attention to what is happe...
"Summertime and the livin' is easy. Fish are jumpin'...." Unfortunately, composer Ira Gershwin got it wrong in his classic song "Summertime." Late summer can be a difficult time of year to go after bass. They're often not "jump...
You will catch more fish by practicing and paying attention to details. Small lure modifications can mean more fish in the livewell. Learning what is in the depths that you cannot see into will help you find fish. Practice, imp...
Fishing a river often can be more productive than lake fishing for bass, especially in the heat of summer when lake bass go deep. The location of fish in moving water is predictable. Fish don't want to expend a lot of energy fi...
Those are three tips you need to keep in mind to increase the number of bass you catch. Pay attention to little things on the water and you may net one or two more fish over a day. If you are a tournament fisherman, one or two mo
Finding them can be hard. This is a time to cover a lot of water. That means throwing lures like spinnerbaits, crankbaits and anything that you retrieve at a quick pace. In late fall, once you catch a fish or two, slow down and...
Spring is high season for bass fishing. From mid-February to late May in most of the United States, bass are spawning and have moved to shallower waters. During this period, they are hungry and aggressive, and a well prepared b...
Freshwater bass are creatures of habit and habitat. Fishing for bass during all periods of year takes sharp awareness of bass behaviors, but this is especially true in September as bass start to move to over-wintering grounds. ...
Sometimes you have to break the rules. All the time you have to prepare and be aware of what's going on around you. Catching bass isn't just asking somebody in a tackle shop what the fish are hitting. To catch bass today, you h...
Increase the number of bass you catch by paying attention to the little things. Pro fishermen have habits that many amateurs ignore. They keep their hooks sharp, they watch their line, they set the hook whenever something happe...
Those are the two critical steps to catching smallmouth, largemouth or spotted bass. Finding them is usually harder than catching them. They like to live in certain places, and you can use particular fishing techniques in certa...
Winter can produce some of the biggest fish of your life. The Potomac River record of 11.18 lbs. was caught on a blade bait in late January 2008. You might land the biggest bass of your life if you look for deep water, cover, f...
The striped bass is a prized gamefish because its unpredictability makes it difficult to catch. Millions of anglers spend their time and money each year trying to outwit the bass, even though they often have to release their ca...
Bass anglers recognize the potential for fishing during early fall. During this time, the bass are transitioning from their summer to winter patterns. Understanding these patterns and following a few tips, such as using the pro...
The nice aspect about fishing for bass in early summer is the variety of techniques that will work. Early summer bass are still in shallow water following their spawn, and you can catch them on a variety of topwater lures, spin...
If you’re looking to catch your limit the next time you head out for some sea bass fishing, follow some simple tips to give yourself the greatest chance of landing a whole cooler full of fish. You might even land a trophy...
But a well-stocked farm pond, with plenty of smaller bait fish such as bluegills, can yield trophy bass, too. Pond bass tend to spend time in similar areas as they would in a lake, but the different structures in a smaller envi...
Bass fishing is a relaxing hobby for some but a highly competitive sport for others. Bass-fishing enthusiasts enter competitions, scout out locations and take whatever steps are necessary to obtain the best fish. The key to bas...
Largemouth bass can be caught from top to bottom in a body of water. Leaving behind surface lures, there are several ways to approach fishing in the underwater world that bass inhabit. Water depth, contour changes, plant life a...
Two of the most popular varieties of black bass are the large-mouth and small-mouth bass. Whichever type of bass you intend to catch, following some summer bass-fishing tips will help you land the perfect fish.
The black sea bass is indigenous to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida coastline extending northward along the east coast to Cape Cod. These fish live around deep-water reefs, and they have a dense and tasty meat. However, they are...
Success is in the details. That's true in almost any endeavor, and it's certainly true in bass fishing. If you pay attention to the small details you should be able to add another fish or two to your creel each day. Professiona...
Having the right gear, practicing good technique and understanding bass behavior will help make your fishing trips successful ones.
Pro fisherman Chad Brauer says the fall fishing season is a good time to go hunting. Fall can be a tough time to catch bass because the lake water is turning over, and the mixture of water creates a wide range of places bass ca...
Some don't like fishing in clear water, some don't like fishing in muddy water. In reality, it doesn't matter whether the water in a lake is clear, stained, murky or muddy. The fish are still there. The trick is to understand h...
Bass fishermen have different methods of rigging their lines to catch the big ones, and each of these rigs has a different purpose. Weedy shallow areas call for a different setup than rocky, deep waters. Learning the different ...
They are finished with procreation and turn their attention to filling their bellies as they shift into patterns they will keep throughout the coming summer. Find the most abundant food in the water you are fishing and you'll f...
The more you know, the better your chances of figuring out what the bass are doing on any given day. Fishermen who are on the water making their living by catching bass learn a lot. Those professionals are great sources for you...
As one of the most popular species of game fish, bass are found in lakes and rivers across the United States. Fighting the current of the river is a challenge for river bass fishing. To be successful while river bass fishing, y...
Bank fishing may be the only way to catch bass in small farm ponds and streams. On larger bodies of water, bank fishing literally requires a different approach than fishing from a boat. Predatory bass ambush prey fish from dens...
Freshwater bass fishing is surrounded with more lore about tips and secrets than just about any other outdoor sport. Anglers have been going after bass in the United States for generations, and knowledge abounds about stalking ...
Soft plastic worms have been a central feature of bass fishing for nearly 40 years now. They remain one of the most popular and most effective lures for tempting all species of bass. No tackle box should be without a selection ...
Small ponds, often called "farm ponds," can present some worthwhile bass fishing under certain conditions. The most important factors to consider are whether the pond owner actively stocks the pond with bass hatchlings every se...
As lake water warms, bass move to shallower areas in preparation for spawning. Anglers can work several types of baits, including crankbaits, swimbaits, plastics and jigs, for success during spring fishing.
Peacock bass are species of game fish indigenous to the Amazon basin of South America. In 1984, Peacock bass were introduced into lakes and canals in the Miami-Dade area of Florida, with the intention of helping to control over...
Calico bass, sometimes known as kelp bass, bull bass or cabrilla, are among the most popular of game fish on the coast of Southern California and Mexico. This spunky fish can reach over 2 feet long and weigh up to 15 lbs., alth...
Experienced bass fishermen all have their favorite strategies for hooking a big one, from time of day to bait and lure choice. With some bass fishing tips, even a beginning angler can enjoy the thrill of catching a trophy bass.
A fairly adept fisherman can easily catch hundreds of 6- to 9-pound bass, but that elusive 10-pounder or larger sometimes seems to be a thing made of myths. In order to better your chances of landing a big bass, you should obse...
Even though bass are more likely to bite, inexperienced or careless anglers will find them difficult to catch without observing some essential bass-fishing techniques.
Cold weather in the fall, winter and spring have an impact on the location and feeding habits of bass. To the inexperienced fisherman, different conditions can make these fish impossible to catch, but the angler who goes after ...
A few tips and tricks can help anglers get the most out of their bass fishing expedition. For instance, bass tend to be most active on cloudy and overcast days because they don't like bright sunlight. Cooler mornings and late a...
Fishing at night for bass is a special experience. The catches are often action-packed, and being out under the stars on a quiet lake lets you commune with something bigger than yourself. You'll fish in the same places for bass...
The key to successful bass fishing is finding the fish. Catching them is relatively easy compared with finding them. There is a lot of empty water in your favorite lake or river, and there are ways to narrow your search in the ...
Fishing for bass in the summertime---successfully---is largely a matter of fighting against the effects of heat. Bass run for cover and cooler waters in the heat of the day and a smart fisherman will go after them in strategic ...
As cold winter weather approaches, cooling water can make bass fishing spotty. However, the changing conditions of fall can work in your favor if you can figure out what the bass are doing on the day you're on the water.
Fishing at midday, when the water temperature is warmest, is not considered "prime" bass time. But you can make adjustments in your attack to help overcome this problem.
The right technique depends on many factors. These include weather, water conditions, time of day and the type of bait or lure used. Successful use of these techniques will increase the chances of catching an otherwise hard-to-...
When most people think of bass fishing, they think of summer days and warm waters. Bass fishing often is the easiest during the summer months, but you also can fish for bass during the winter, according to Charles Stuart of The...
Approximately 16 percent of the U.S. population 16 years or older go fishing. Anglers spend about $42 billion annually, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Among freshwater anglers, black bass is the most popular s...
During the time, anglers can use a number of strategies and tactics to successfully catch bass. Incorporating a few summer bass fishing tips into your fishing strategy could help you catch more bass during June, July and August.
Anglers will find black sea bass and striped bass in saltwater, according to TakeMeFishing.org. While both fish frequent freshwater locations, their natural habitat is the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean.
Don't let winter's cold keep you from chasing bass, one of the most sought-after fish species in North America. Put on warm clothing and hit up your favorite reservoir or pond. Bass behavior changes slightly in the winter.
In most cases, their knack for the sport comes from hours spent trying different lures and fishing techniques. If you're a new angler, learning a few tips from veteran fishers will set you on course to become a successful bass ...
The fishing season in many areas starts in the spring but wait until the summer for the best fishing weather and the most bass activity. Several strategies and tips can help you make the most of your summer fishing trip.
Plastic worms are among the most popular of bass fishing lures, and there's good reason for this. Put simply, they catch fish. A great bait for beginners and experienced fishermen alike, plastic worms are easy to use, inexpensi...
Fishing for bass in the summer can be tricky. Many of the rules that apply to bass fishing in spring or fall simply do not apply. If you are used to looking for bass in shallow water once the sun has come up you may be sorely d...
Bass fishermen often troll in boats to catch their prey, but bass are just as easily caught from the banks by a skilled fisherman. While the best spots to find bass do not change, the techniques for luring and catching bass wil...
The group of fish known as bass comprise some of the most sought-after fish in the professional and amateur angling world. They're found in waterways across North America and offer a challenging fishing adventure for anglers of...
Fishing for bass from the shoreline can be more difficult than fishing from a boat. Bass congregate near "cover," places where downed tree limbs, old stumps, and clumps of weeds provide safe places to sit and wait for passing ...
Wildlife Service's 2006 national fishing survey, approximately 10 million anglers try to catch bass every year, making bass the most popular fish species in the United States. Don't rely on luck on your next bass fishing expedi...
September bass fishing can be tricky, but if you find the combination of a perfect spot and a lure you may catch an award-winning largemouth bass. Largemouth bass can be found in almost every state, Mexico and Central America, ...
Fall is when bass begin stocking their fat stores for the colder months ahead and their metabolism will slow down, according to Game and Fish Magazine. The heavyweight champion bass is from North Texas, and an angler caught the...
Bass fishing is both fun and challenging. It requires careful observation of the water, the weather and other conditions to be a success. Knowing what to look for and knowing a few things about bass behavior will determine whet...
White bass, also known as sand bass, are freshwater fish found in North American lakes and a few large rivers. As the smaller cousin of the striped bass, they typically weigh between 1 and 3 pounds but can rarely reach up to 5 ...
Most average fishing enthusiasts picture a warm day out on the lake, casting the line out and hoping to catch that next big bass. Cold weather isn't often associated with bass fishing, but if you have the urge to fish in the wi...
They differ from other bass in the sunfish family, called black bass, which includes largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass and spotted bass. All of these species vary, but reeling them in can be caught by using some of th...
Early spring is one of the best times to go fishing for bass. The water temperatures start to rise after a cold winter, and many bass are particularly hungry and trying to bulk up in anticipation of the spawning season later in...
While bass fishing can be challenging, there are a number of tips you can employ to make the experience a positive one.
