When it comes to recreation, there are very few activities as relaxing or exciting as fishing. This is especially the case when it comes to bass fishing. We hope our Bass Fishing Tips for Beginners, can help you learn how to fish for bass.
Let’s take a moment to discuss bass fishing equipment, where and how to fish, and tips for beginners.
So without further ado, let us get started.
Bass Fishing Gear
There are a lot of options on the market when it comes to fishing gear. But, most bass fishermen understand the importance of having quality equipment.
Let’s take a look at the equipment that you can’t go without.
Bass Fishing Rod & Reel
If you wish to learn more about fishing rods, then you can check out Different Types of Fishing Rods. If you are looking for a new rod, then you can check out the Best Bass Rods Under $150 reviews. It can help you pick the right Bass fishing rod for your trip.
Bass fishing rods typically vary between 6 to 12 feet. They were traditionally made from bamboo. But most modern rods use graphite, carbon fiber, or fiberglass.
Fishing reels are cylindrical devices that you attach to fishing rods. They’re used for storing and winding lines. Most modern reels can cast long distances with accuracy.
Fishing reels are the heart of any fishing trip. There are many types of fishing reels on the market. But it is important that you buy a reel matching your fishing rod. For a spinning rod, you can check out a matching striped bass fishing reel.
Fishing Line
Fishing lines come in different lengths and weights. You can choose the line based on whether you want the line to break, bend or stretch.
Fishing lines also come in different strengths. In most cases, we recommend beginners go for a copolymer or fluorocarbon fishing line. It is almost invisible to the bass.
Also, it does not absorb as much water as other lines making it less susceptible to corrosion.
Hooks
The most common terminal tackle is the hook as it delivers the final blow. It is most effective at penetrating the bass’ tough mouths.
From a single hook to a bait holder, there is a large variety of styles that are available. They also come in a variety of different points – from a spear to a surgical. You can carry most fishing tackle easily in your sling pack.
Tackle
Picking the right tackle is important. You should make sure that you have all the gear before starting your fishing trip.
For example, if you are going to fish in freshwater, it’s best to use light spinning tackle with lures and bait. If you are going to fish in saltwater, then it’s best to use heavy lines and deep-sea lures.
You can check out our pick of the Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combos for Beginners if you wish to avoid the hassle of buying matching gear.
Where to Fish for Bass
Bass fishing tips for beginners are not that different from other types of fishing. The most important thing is to find a location where you can spot the fish.
So, the first thing you’ll need to do is choose a good fishing spot. Bass fish are usually found in areas of slow, deep water where they can feed on crawfish, shad, or other small fish.
You can find it in ponds, lakes, streams, reservoirs, creeks, and rivers. The ease with which you can find these fish is one of the reasons bass fishing has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry
Fishing from Shore
Keep in mind that bass has great eyesight, so stay low and never walk right up to the edge.
When approaching the bank, walk softly and approach the water’s edge very slowly. In some cases, it’s a good idea to crawl. You can work in a fan-casting style, leaving no spot untouched.
We suggest that you get yourself a nice pair of fishing waders to keep you dry while fishing from shore.
Catching Bass from a Dock
When Bass fishing from a dock, you need to take the weather and season into account.
A dock with at least 20 feet of water can hold bass during colder months. So if the water is 48 degrees or below with less than 2 feet of visibility, then consider suspending jerk bait. You can do it by mimicking a dying shad.
During the summer, use the more aggressive hopping action and go up to depths of 30 feet.
Fishing from a Kayak
When Bass fishing from a kayak, you need to take your location into consideration. Are you fishing in a freshwater pond for largemouth? Are you fishing in a small river for smallmouth?
You think about where the fish will be spending most of their time.
For instance, the bigger fish will usually hang around at the end of timbers that extend from the bank. Smaller fish tend to be closer to the bank, so don’t be afraid to cast your line into the shallow waters.
You need to think about how you will be propelling. The kayak will give you the ability to arrange yourself so that positioning your bait won’t be a challenge.
When fishing from a kayak you should use a low-profile baitcaster and a medium graphite rod. Don’t forget to wear a life vest or life jacket when fishing from a kayak or boat.
5 Lures That Will Get You More Bass
Bass fishes have a keen sense of both hearing and sight. It is next to impossible to catch bass without having the proper lure. In most cases, you need to get their attention using a lure.
Luckily, there is no shortage of choices when it comes to choosing the right lure for bass fishing. It all comes down to a matter of personal choice as well as your environment.
Pay attention to the water temperature when choosing your bait or lure. It should match the temperature of the water where you will be fishing.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular bass fishing lures on the market today.
Plastic Worms
Plastic worms are the most popular types of lures for catching bass. They are inexpensive. You can use lures for bass fishing in deep or shallow water. They are great for all seasons.
The one you choose will depend on the water and conditions. The kind of presentation you’re trying to put on matters as well.
Spinnerbait
Spinnerbait is one or more metal blades shaped in a way they are able to spin like propellers. This motion mimics that of a small fish to attract bass fish.
The most important element of spinnerbait, besides the hook, is the blade. The blade comes in several different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some designs produce more vibration or flash than others.
In-line spinners and safety pins are the most popular spinnerbaits.
Topwater Lures
Topwater lures float on the surface of the water and move about to attract and provoke the bass to strike.
These lures look like smaller creatures that would usually be food for the bass.
In fact, they are often painted so that they look like insects, smaller fish, and frogs. What makes this type of lure so efficient is its action. It helps the lure give a more life-like appearance to the bass.
Popper Lures
Popper lures come in many different sizes and colors. Their bodies are hollow to ensure they remain on the surface of the water.
What makes them so effective is the jerking motions that they make. As the fishermen jerk their rods along the surface of the water, it splashes and creates a lot of bubbles.
Bass will often mistake a popper lure for a small fish that is in distress, which means that it will be easy prey.
Prop Baits
Prop baits also float on top of the water. The props spin and create rhythmic sound waves as well as vibrations inside the water. These types of lures are very effective.
Bass sometimes requires a little teasing, especially during the summer months.
The prop baits give off bright flashes from the blades to irritate and attract the inactive bass. Many fishermen like to take advantage of bass’ keen senses of both seeing and hearing.
It’s unclear exactly why bass are drawn to prop baits. This may be due to irritation or pursuit of possible prey, but it is hard to deny the effect of these lures.
Bash Fishing Techniques
Many beginners think that bass fishing only requires casting a line and waiting for the bite. But, there is actually much more to it. In fact, there are several techniques that can improve your chances.
These techniques can help you learn how to fish for bass like a pro!
Flipping and Pitching
Flipping requires you to peel off about 75 percent or more fishing line than the length of your rod. You then feed this line through your guides as you drop and lift your fishing rod.
While pitching you need to release the lure with an underhand pitch as your fishing line feeds through the guides.
It’s important to keep in mind that you can use limited types of baits you can use while pitching or flipping. You should especially avoid crankbaits.
Topwater
The topwater technique centers around keeping your eye on your lure and monitoring the amount of tension the line has.
When you are waiting for a bite, keep the line tight enough not to get tangled or pulled away from you. But, it should not be so tight that you don’t have any slack on your line.
When you feel the bass on your fishing line, wait until you feel the pull of the bass’s weight. Set the hook by snapping your wrist and then reeling it in. Remember, don’t get too excited when you first spot the bass.
Topwater fishing requires a great deal of patience. You should always stay attuned to what’s happening in the water. Mistakes can happen within a split second.
Crankbait
The most effective technique for crankbait is pulling, not snatching. For example, if your rod tip is at a 45-degree angle, pull your crankbait hookset.
During your hookset, if you snatch your crankbait you actually pull your bait away from the fish before the bite. So keep this in mind.
Spinnerbait
The spinnerbait technique requires adapting your retrieve to the conditions. If you are bass fishing in deep water, you need to make sure that your retrieve is very slow. You should barely move the handle of your reel.
Ensure that your blades look a lot like a shad that is dying. If you lose contact with the bottom while retrieving, then stop reeling and allow it to fall back to the bottom.
Jerkbait
Jerkbait is one of the more popular bass fishing techniques. It requires you to feed slack between each of your jerks. You need to use one of the Best Baitcasting Reels Under $150 for successful jerkbait fishing.
Before each jerk, put your fishing rod tip 6 inches toward your bait to create slack. This erratic action makes fish want to attack.
Drop Shot
Drop-shotting is a key bass fishing technique. You can cast your drop-shot rig to the same places you would cast other sub-surface plastic baits.
Drop-shotting is very useful in aquatic vegetation or near fallen trees. But, you need a stronger line for this technique.
Bass Fishing Tips for Beginners
Bass fish have gained a reputation for being strong fighters. The largemouth bass is large in size and can easily snap a line. The smallmouth bass tends to aggressively jump around when hooked.
Here are some of our best bass fishing tips for beginners.
How to Fish for Bass in Cold Climate
If you live in a cold climate or are bass fishing in the winter, then there are a few key tips you should keep in mind. For example, you need to take advantage of feeding time windows.
In most places, you should fish for the bass first thing in the morning when the day is at its warmest. Even if it is only a few degrees warmer in the morning, bass will take advantage of this time. So should you.
How to Fish for Bass in Warm Climate
If you live in a warm climate or are bass finishing in the summer, then consider casting near the weeds and grass.
During the summer, bass like to move into areas where they can rest and regain a little energy. The depth of such areas tends to vary depending on how clear the water is.
Dark water usually holds the bass while clear water tends to push the fish deeper. Fishing in these areas is most effective during the early morning and late afternoon as bass are more active then.
Make a Little Noise
Another bass fishing tip for beginners is to make a little noise when fishing for bass.
When it comes to summertime bass fishing, it’s key to make a little noise and vibrations. This is because bass tends to get comfortable in the summer.
So you need to entice them to come out of their resting places. Using spinner bait is even more important in such conditions.
Protect Yourself
Another key beginner tip is to be mindful of the possibility of hypothermia. While this has very little to do with the fishing techniques, it has everything to do with your safety.
Water in winter can be dangerously cold, so you need to dress in layers. You should also consider bringing extra clothes in case you happen to fall in. The warmer you dress, the longer you can fish.
Camouflage
When fishing for Bass, the key is to blend into your surroundings. Wear camouflaged clothing or at least muted colors such as green, brown, or gray.
Conclusion
The equipment you buy, the techniques you use, and the locations you select depend on your end goal.
But Bass fishing can be a very rewarding experience. Not only do you get the opportunity to relax, but you can also catch a meal. Bass fish are often filleted when prepared for the table and the flesh is flaky and white.
We hope you find our Bass Fishing Tips for Beginners useful. If you have any bass fishing tips which you would like to share, then you can let us know through the comments section. We will include your tips in the next update of this guide.
