Any sportsman will tell you that knowing your subject matter inside and out brings the best results. Bass fishing is no exception. Anyone can throw a line in the water, and lucky ones will even get a strike without ever knowing just how they did it. Once you know great techniques, you can then apply them to your fishing habits. Knowing and perfecting bass fishing techniques will not only give you the best results in fishing habits but will also bring higher yields in bass on the line. Determine the following criteria before beginning:
*What type of bass: striper, largemouth, smallmouth, etc.
*What type of waters will be fished: rivers, lakes, or other waterway
The best technique to tackle first is actually getting to know your prey. There are several types of bass, all of which can be found in a variety of different waterways. By learning where they live, what they eat, when they spawn, how they live and what it takes to get them on your line, you will have first hand knowledge of getting them into your hands. Take some time to study videos, television shows, DVDs, books or even a local experienced fisherman friend to find out the vital details of the bass you will be fishing.
Bass are found in rivers, channels, lakes and even ditches in some areas. Most bass prefer to lie in wait for their next meal in reedy or grassy areas, areas containing structures of some sort, and water that is covered with vegetation such as lily pads. Since their main diet is of smaller fish, waters of these conditions provide ample hiding and camouflaging opportunities to help them be invisible until their hapless dinner floats into view. The time of year you are fishing also affects the fishing results. Bass tend to move to deeper waters after a cold snap, as their baitfish supply is minimal during colder weather. Warm weather increases the number of baitfish, so bass will tend to spend considerably more time in shallower waters feeding heavily during warmer temperatures.
By learning as much as possible about the waterways you will be fishing, you will be able to determine the type of lures and bait to use, as well as the rod and line you will choose. In murky waters or during night fishing, a good technique is to use brightly colored lures. On clear days, lures that are the most natural in appearance will yield the best results. The best type of lure is a matter of great debate, with some fisherman swearing by crankbaits, others using nothing but spoons, and yet others using surface lures. The general rule of thumb is that whichever lure you feel most comfortable using and have the best results with the majority of times is the best lure to use.
What it really boils down to when thinking bass fishing techniques is what works best for you in the area you are fishing. A lure and rod that worked yesterday like a charm in that small river that snakes through your hometown may not bring in a single bass today. The bass will dictate the method, so tailor your bass fishing technique to what the bass want that day.
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