Paddling Upstream: Bass Fishing Basics

Bass are the most popular game fish in North America. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass popular lakes and rivers from Canada to Mexico, making it extremely accessible to all anglers of all experience levels. Fishing can be complicated not for questions of technique, but for location and cost; a lot of beginners will not be able to dedicate the time and money necessary for many advanced programs. Now, fishing in general is a leisurely activity; armed with a rod and a lure, even a live worm, anyone can go down to the local lake and fish. But bass fishing is an art, but it is an art that is not hard to perfect, especially when one is aware of the bass fishing basics.

The Joy of Fishing

As stated above, while fishing in general is a sport for enthusiasts of all ages and levels of income, bass fishing especially is a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. Expensive boats are not necessary, nor are expensive rods and a large rainbow of lures. Bass fishing basics begin at the local Natural Resources office; a simply call can help anyone discover the best locations for smallmouth and largemouth bass. However, thankfully, almost every region in North America has at least one lake, river, stream or pond filled to the brim with these fish, meaning an expensive, timely vacation is not necessary; all a bass angler needs is one morning or afternoon. The local Natural Resources office is full of information concerning stocking patterns and history, meaning it knows exactly what body of water offers the best probability of catching good bass, an essential tool for bass fishing basics.

Largemouth bass are called bucketmouths due to their desire to eat almost anything. For the angler, this means they can be caught with a large variety of lures and even live bait. Bass fishing basics include selecting the best possible rod and the best possible lure, but thankfully, this decision is not as hard as it is with other fish. Largemouth bass are most often found in weedy areas, while the smallmouth variety enjoys shallow, rock-covered lakes. These factors can influence the choice of lure, as lures that can be easily tangled are not ideal for weedy locations. Bass fishing basics mean knowing the area, surveying the body of water and finding these key areas.

The weather plays a role as well, as largemouth bass are attracted to cooler areas. On rainy days, however, these bass much seek food elsewhere, often roaming into uncovered areas. For the angler, this means a better chance of catching fish and not having to go to the weeds to do it. The bass are also more aggressive at times like this, as they are hungry and more frustrated. Cloudy conditions are a key to bass fishing basics; they are easier on the lure, easier on the boat and easier on the angler.