Difference between revisions of "Choose Lures for Bass Fishing"
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#Fish along the shore early in the morning during the Summer and off of structures during the day. When fishing in the Summer, bass will be closer to the shore early in the morning to feed then move into open water around creek channels and structures. | #Fish along the shore early in the morning during the Summer and off of structures during the day. When fishing in the Summer, bass will be closer to the shore early in the morning to feed then move into open water around creek channels and structures. | ||
#*They will school together and feed on shad near the top of the water so it's best to use topwater, plastics, jigs, and even lipless crankbaits. | #*They will school together and feed on shad near the top of the water so it's best to use topwater, plastics, jigs, and even lipless crankbaits. | ||
| − | #Fish the first cool night of the Fall. As the temperature drops in the Fall, bass will be feeding closer to shore but will show more erratic behavior. The first cool night of Fall is a good time to look for a feeding frenzy as bass prepare for the upcoming cold months.<ref>http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/seasonal_lure_selection.html</ref> | + | #Fish the first cool night of the Fall. As the temperature drops in the Fall, bass will be feeding closer to shore but will show more erratic behavior. The first cool night of Fall is a good time to look for a feeding frenzy as bass prepare for the upcoming cold months.<ref name="rf1">http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/seasonal_lure_selection.html</ref> |
#Analyze the terrain. Depending on the weather and which phase of their mating cycle they are in, bass may like to stay close to certain areas or hide within debris. Vegetation, rocky bottoms, shallow flats, fallen trees, structures, bushes and grass can all provide ample places to cast. Research the swimming habits that may correspond to the time and place that you are fishing. | #Analyze the terrain. Depending on the weather and which phase of their mating cycle they are in, bass may like to stay close to certain areas or hide within debris. Vegetation, rocky bottoms, shallow flats, fallen trees, structures, bushes and grass can all provide ample places to cast. Research the swimming habits that may correspond to the time and place that you are fishing. | ||
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#*Another good feature to look for on a crankbait is very visible eyes. Glowing eyes seem to work best as predatory fish target the eyes when striking. | #*Another good feature to look for on a crankbait is very visible eyes. Glowing eyes seem to work best as predatory fish target the eyes when striking. | ||
#*Crankbaits come either lipless or with a lip and each is effective dependant on depth and the speed at which you reel. | #*Crankbaits come either lipless or with a lip and each is effective dependant on depth and the speed at which you reel. | ||
| − | #Examine how deep you will be fishing. Use lipless crankbaits if you’re fishing in 1 foot of water or if you’re fishing as deep as 50 feet. You will have to reel faster or use a lighter lure in shallow water, whereas you will reel slower or use a heavier lure when fishing deeper water.<ref>http://www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1468581-a-guide-to-bass-fishing-crankbaits</ref> | + | #Examine how deep you will be fishing. Use lipless crankbaits if you’re fishing in 1 foot of water or if you’re fishing as deep as 50 feet. You will have to reel faster or use a lighter lure in shallow water, whereas you will reel slower or use a heavier lure when fishing deeper water.<ref name="rf2">http://www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1468581-a-guide-to-bass-fishing-crankbaits</ref> |
| − | #*Use a specific lipped crankbait depending on the depth of the water because they are classified as shallow, medium or deep diving based on a 10 pound nylon monofilament or fluorocarbon line.<ref | + | #*Use a specific lipped crankbait depending on the depth of the water because they are classified as shallow, medium or deep diving based on a 10 pound nylon monofilament or fluorocarbon line.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #* Use square bill crankbaits or crankbaits with round, stubby lips and sharp angled off noses when fishing for bass in shallow water, around wood or rock.<ref | + | #* Use square bill crankbaits or crankbaits with round, stubby lips and sharp angled off noses when fishing for bass in shallow water, around wood or rock.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Deploy medium-diving crankbaits when fishing in a 5-10 foot range. If you’re fishing 12 feet or deeper, use deep-diving crankbaits. | #*Deploy medium-diving crankbaits when fishing in a 5-10 foot range. If you’re fishing 12 feet or deeper, use deep-diving crankbaits. | ||
| − | #Examine the water conditions. Lipless crankbaits can easily be ripped out of grass or bumped along a clean bottom whereas a lipped crankbait will hit something and kick outwards because the lip acts as a deflector.<ref | + | #Examine the water conditions. Lipless crankbaits can easily be ripped out of grass or bumped along a clean bottom whereas a lipped crankbait will hit something and kick outwards because the lip acts as a deflector.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Use lipped crankbaits when fishing through wood cover like tree limbs or stumps. | #*Use lipped crankbaits when fishing through wood cover like tree limbs or stumps. | ||
#Choose the shape of your crankbait. The shape of your crankbait determines how much movement you will get, which is important depending on the temperature of the water as bass are less active in colder temperatures. | #Choose the shape of your crankbait. The shape of your crankbait determines how much movement you will get, which is important depending on the temperature of the water as bass are less active in colder temperatures. | ||
| − | #*With a more rounded-bodied crankbait you’ll get a wide wobble that is attractive to bass that are aggressive, usually when water is warmer; in contrast, a flat crankbait with narrow sides will have a tighter wiggle that is more appealing to bass in cold water who won’t react to large movements.<ref | + | #*With a more rounded-bodied crankbait you’ll get a wide wobble that is attractive to bass that are aggressive, usually when water is warmer; in contrast, a flat crankbait with narrow sides will have a tighter wiggle that is more appealing to bass in cold water who won’t react to large movements.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Match your line with the diving depth. Pair the correct size of line with your crankbait according to how deep you want the bait to run. | #Match your line with the diving depth. Pair the correct size of line with your crankbait according to how deep you want the bait to run. | ||
| − | #*For example, use a 10 pound fluorocarbon line to lighten up a deep diving crankbait or you can use the same 10 pound fluorocarbon line to get a medium diving cranbait to stay at its deepest range.<ref | + | #*For example, use a 10 pound fluorocarbon line to lighten up a deep diving crankbait or you can use the same 10 pound fluorocarbon line to get a medium diving cranbait to stay at its deepest range.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Limit the colors. Crankbaits come in the full spectrum of colours but stick to the basics of bass fishing. Choose bright shad patterns, dull shad patterns, bluegills, crawfish, and contrasting patterns.<ref | + | #Limit the colors. Crankbaits come in the full spectrum of colours but stick to the basics of bass fishing. Choose bright shad patterns, dull shad patterns, bluegills, crawfish, and contrasting patterns.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Shad patterns work well in bright sunlight with the more muted patterns becoming more effective in cloudy but clear water.<ref | + | #*Shad patterns work well in bright sunlight with the more muted patterns becoming more effective in cloudy but clear water.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Crawfish works well in the spring as well as for bass in shallow water. | #*Crawfish works well in the spring as well as for bass in shallow water. | ||
#*Bluegill works well for bass that are feeding on bream during their post spawn period or if they are around docks. | #*Bluegill works well for bass that are feeding on bream during their post spawn period or if they are around docks. | ||
===Fishing with Spinnerbaits=== | ===Fishing with Spinnerbaits=== | ||
| − | #Utilize spinnerbaits when covering a lot of water quickly. Thanks to their unique blade shape, they can dive, retrieve quickly, and even weave through thick cover.<ref>http://bestbassfishinglures.com/</ref> | + | #Utilize spinnerbaits when covering a lot of water quickly. Thanks to their unique blade shape, they can dive, retrieve quickly, and even weave through thick cover.<ref name="rf3">http://bestbassfishinglures.com/</ref> |
#*Choose spinnerbaits in standard or weedless. A weedless spinnerbait is a good option if you are fishing in a lot of cover, but are also harder to set the hook on. Add a cheater hook to catch short striking fish. | #*Choose spinnerbaits in standard or weedless. A weedless spinnerbait is a good option if you are fishing in a lot of cover, but are also harder to set the hook on. Add a cheater hook to catch short striking fish. | ||
#Choose the right blades. There are 3 major blade types: leaf, Colorado, and Indiana. Each blade type is effective for different conditions. | #Choose the right blades. There are 3 major blade types: leaf, Colorado, and Indiana. Each blade type is effective for different conditions. | ||
| − | #*The leaf blade is most effective when fishing through grass and in clear water when you want a fast retrieval. It is a long slender blade with rounded points on either end to allow a faster spin and less water resistance.<ref>http://www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1468759-all-about-bass-fishing-spinnerbaits</ref> | + | #*The leaf blade is most effective when fishing through grass and in clear water when you want a fast retrieval. It is a long slender blade with rounded points on either end to allow a faster spin and less water resistance.<ref name="rf4">http://www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1468759-all-about-bass-fishing-spinnerbaits</ref> |
| − | #*Deploy the Colorado blade when fishing at night or in muddy and murky water. The rounded shape allows it to spin slower giving the bass more opportunity to bite.<ref | + | #*Deploy the Colorado blade when fishing at night or in muddy and murky water. The rounded shape allows it to spin slower giving the bass more opportunity to bite.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*Utilize the Indiana blade as a compromise to the slower Colorado blade and faster leaf blade. | #*Utilize the Indiana blade as a compromise to the slower Colorado blade and faster leaf blade. | ||
#Examine the water conditions. Check for debris or water clarity to ensure that you’re using the most effective blades. | #Examine the water conditions. Check for debris or water clarity to ensure that you’re using the most effective blades. | ||
| − | #*The larger the blade means that it is easier to maneuver around stumps, rocks, and other debris, while narrow blades move quickly through sparse grass.<ref | + | #*The larger the blade means that it is easier to maneuver around stumps, rocks, and other debris, while narrow blades move quickly through sparse grass.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Spinner baits work best when it’s windy and cloudy because they are meant to cause a reaction from the bass. Use faster spinner baits in clearer water and slower ones in muddier water.<ref | + | #*Spinner baits work best when it’s windy and cloudy because they are meant to cause a reaction from the bass. Use faster spinner baits in clearer water and slower ones in muddier water.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #Match your line with the diving depth. Choose lighter spinnerbaits for shallow water while heavier lures should be used for deeper depths. The weight will range from ⅛ ounce to 2 ounces.<ref | + | #Match your line with the diving depth. Choose lighter spinnerbaits for shallow water while heavier lures should be used for deeper depths. The weight will range from ⅛ ounce to 2 ounces.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Remember that the slower you reel, the deeper your lure will swim while reeling fast keeps your lure shallow.<ref | + | #*Remember that the slower you reel, the deeper your lure will swim while reeling fast keeps your lure shallow.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Blade size also affects how deep your lure will go but you can also add a trailer to your hook for buoyancy and movement.<ref | + | #*Blade size also affects how deep your lure will go but you can also add a trailer to your hook for buoyancy and movement.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #Limit the colors. While there are an abundance of colors to choose from, it’s best to keep it simple. Choose clear shad, bright chartreuse with white and black for night fishing or fishing in muddy water.<ref | + | #Limit the colors. While there are an abundance of colors to choose from, it’s best to keep it simple. Choose clear shad, bright chartreuse with white and black for night fishing or fishing in muddy water.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*Some anglers are successful with painted blades to give some extra flash. | #*Some anglers are successful with painted blades to give some extra flash. | ||
===Fishing with Topwaters=== | ===Fishing with Topwaters=== | ||
| − | #Employ topwaters when fishing in very shallow water, or in areas that are covered in surface vegetation such as lily pads. These lures are meant to ripple the water surface with popping and splashing as you retrieve it.<ref | + | #Employ topwaters when fishing in very shallow water, or in areas that are covered in surface vegetation such as lily pads. These lures are meant to ripple the water surface with popping and splashing as you retrieve it.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*In the spring, bright colors work best. In the fall and winter, black, white or gray work well. | #*In the spring, bright colors work best. In the fall and winter, black, white or gray work well. | ||
#*Choose topwaters that produce a lot of noise and splash to get the bass' attention. | #*Choose topwaters that produce a lot of noise and splash to get the bass' attention. | ||
| − | #Choose the right topwater lure for your water conditions. Topwater lures come in walkers, poppers, wakebaits, minnows/twitch baits, prop baits, buzzbaits, and frogs. Each different type of topwater lure is most effective in different conditions.<ref>http://www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1468912-a-quick-guide-to-topwater-lures</ref> | + | #Choose the right topwater lure for your water conditions. Topwater lures come in walkers, poppers, wakebaits, minnows/twitch baits, prop baits, buzzbaits, and frogs. Each different type of topwater lure is most effective in different conditions.<ref name="rf5">http://www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1468912-a-quick-guide-to-topwater-lures</ref> |
#*Walkers are most effective when covering a lot of top water quickly because it keeps the bait in striking distance for the bass. | #*Walkers are most effective when covering a lot of top water quickly because it keeps the bait in striking distance for the bass. | ||
#*Poppers should be deployed when fishing around stumps, docks, bushes, rocks, and small areas that are covered because these lures will aggravate bass into biting. | #*Poppers should be deployed when fishing around stumps, docks, bushes, rocks, and small areas that are covered because these lures will aggravate bass into biting. | ||
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#*Buzzbaits should be used in sparse grass and places where you feel your lure might get snagged but you still want a topwater presentation. These are most effective after spawning during the late summer. | #*Buzzbaits should be used in sparse grass and places where you feel your lure might get snagged but you still want a topwater presentation. These are most effective after spawning during the late summer. | ||
#*Frogs are meant to mimic real frogs so use them effectively around heavy grass. They can also be used around cover as they are one of the toughest lures to snag. | #*Frogs are meant to mimic real frogs so use them effectively around heavy grass. They can also be used around cover as they are one of the toughest lures to snag. | ||
| − | #Employ the right technique. Topwater lures are meant to simultaneously activate the feeding and agitation response from bass but require you to mimic fleeing or helpless prey with erratic movements.<ref | + | #Employ the right technique. Topwater lures are meant to simultaneously activate the feeding and agitation response from bass but require you to mimic fleeing or helpless prey with erratic movements.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*Create a back-and-forth or zig zag pattern on the surface of the water when you employ a walker lure. Snap your wrist and rod tip downward at a sharp angle and then point the rod tip back to the lure quickly so it glides. Give a series of fast snaps to make the bait move from left to right. | #*Create a back-and-forth or zig zag pattern on the surface of the water when you employ a walker lure. Snap your wrist and rod tip downward at a sharp angle and then point the rod tip back to the lure quickly so it glides. Give a series of fast snaps to make the bait move from left to right. | ||
#*Snap your rod tip downward to activate a poppers concave mouth and narrow tail. | #*Snap your rod tip downward to activate a poppers concave mouth and narrow tail. | ||
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#*Steadily retrieve your buzzbait to employ its blade to curl the water, spitting and spraying during quick jerks. | #*Steadily retrieve your buzzbait to employ its blade to curl the water, spitting and spraying during quick jerks. | ||
#*Twitch frogs along the top of grass and water to get bass to explode onto your lure. | #*Twitch frogs along the top of grass and water to get bass to explode onto your lure. | ||
| − | #Keep the colors simple. While there are a variety of colours for each of these baits, it's best to go with black, white, green and yellow.<ref | + | #Keep the colors simple. While there are a variety of colours for each of these baits, it's best to go with black, white, green and yellow.<ref name="rf5" /> |
===Fishing with Jigs=== | ===Fishing with Jigs=== | ||
| − | #Employ a short-range flipping and pitching techniques instead of casting out into the distance when using jigs. These lures give you a very accurate feel on the line, and are one of the most effective lures. The common plastic skirting attracts bass all year round.<ref | + | #Employ a short-range flipping and pitching techniques instead of casting out into the distance when using jigs. These lures give you a very accurate feel on the line, and are one of the most effective lures. The common plastic skirting attracts bass all year round.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*Bass will usually hit a bait while it is falling, so after it has sat on the bottom for a bit give the rod tip a small twitch to see if anything has picked up your bait. | #*Bass will usually hit a bait while it is falling, so after it has sat on the bottom for a bit give the rod tip a small twitch to see if anything has picked up your bait. | ||
#Employ proper technique. To fish a jig cast out and give the line plenty of time to hit the bottom. Jigs and plastics are fished differently than other types of lures. Instead of reeling in to produce the "action", the bait is retrieved by moving the rod tip. | #Employ proper technique. To fish a jig cast out and give the line plenty of time to hit the bottom. Jigs and plastics are fished differently than other types of lures. Instead of reeling in to produce the "action", the bait is retrieved by moving the rod tip. | ||
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#*You'll have to have a good feel for your line to tell when a fish is biting so most people hold their finger against the line while lifting the rod tip. | #*You'll have to have a good feel for your line to tell when a fish is biting so most people hold their finger against the line while lifting the rod tip. | ||
#*Look for sudden resistance or bumping on the line, a line that goes slack suddenly or veers sideways. To set the hook, drop the rod tip very quickly to the 3 o'clock position, and pull back hard to 12 o'clock. | #*Look for sudden resistance or bumping on the line, a line that goes slack suddenly or veers sideways. To set the hook, drop the rod tip very quickly to the 3 o'clock position, and pull back hard to 12 o'clock. | ||
| − | #Examine the water conditions. Jigs are most effective when employed in cover or closed to cover so be aware of the risk of getting snagged. Jigs are meant to imitate crawfish so try to make them scoot along the bottom.<ref>http://www.bassfishingandcatching.com/largemouth-bass-lure.html</ref> | + | #Examine the water conditions. Jigs are most effective when employed in cover or closed to cover so be aware of the risk of getting snagged. Jigs are meant to imitate crawfish so try to make them scoot along the bottom.<ref name="rf6">http://www.bassfishingandcatching.com/largemouth-bass-lure.html</ref> |
#*Both jigs and plastic worms are best used slowly. | #*Both jigs and plastic worms are best used slowly. | ||
#*Use jigs around fallen trees where bass are hiding. | #*Use jigs around fallen trees where bass are hiding. | ||
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#Keep the colors simple. Jigs are meant to imitate crawfish so they should be light in clear water and dark in murky water. | #Keep the colors simple. Jigs are meant to imitate crawfish so they should be light in clear water and dark in murky water. | ||
===Fishing Plastic and Rubber Lures=== | ===Fishing Plastic and Rubber Lures=== | ||
| − | #Imitate worms or lizards with Plastic/rubber lures. These lures are the most versatile and the most effective because they are so lifelike. They can also be fished weighted or weightless.<ref | + | #Imitate worms or lizards with Plastic/rubber lures. These lures are the most versatile and the most effective because they are so lifelike. They can also be fished weighted or weightless.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Floating plastics can be used just like a topwater, and any type of plastic can be fished weedless to allow fishing in extremely heavy vegetation. | #*Floating plastics can be used just like a topwater, and any type of plastic can be fished weedless to allow fishing in extremely heavy vegetation. | ||
#Employ proper technique. Don’t reel the lure in, but rather retrieve it with purpose by lifting and dropping the rod as you take up the slack of the line. To fish a plastic/rubber lure, use the same technique as you would when using a jig. Cast out and give the line plenty of time to hit the bottom. | #Employ proper technique. Don’t reel the lure in, but rather retrieve it with purpose by lifting and dropping the rod as you take up the slack of the line. To fish a plastic/rubber lure, use the same technique as you would when using a jig. Cast out and give the line plenty of time to hit the bottom. | ||
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#*Use a floating plastic/rubber lure, around 7 inches, with a light wire hook using a split-shot rig or a Carolina rig. | #*Use a floating plastic/rubber lure, around 7 inches, with a light wire hook using a split-shot rig or a Carolina rig. | ||
#Fish based on the patterns of bass during the 4 seasons. Fish with plastic/rubber lures in the Winter when bass are not very active. These lures can still be effective in warmer weather if you employ slightly more movement but the only time these lures are ineffective are when bass are very active. | #Fish based on the patterns of bass during the 4 seasons. Fish with plastic/rubber lures in the Winter when bass are not very active. These lures can still be effective in warmer weather if you employ slightly more movement but the only time these lures are ineffective are when bass are very active. | ||
| − | #Examine the water conditions. Plastic/rubber lures work best when water is over 55 degrees. Use large lures that are 7-10 inches when the water is murky but shorter lures that are 4-5 inches when the water is clear and the bass are lethargic.<ref | + | #Examine the water conditions. Plastic/rubber lures work best when water is over 55 degrees. Use large lures that are 7-10 inches when the water is murky but shorter lures that are 4-5 inches when the water is clear and the bass are lethargic.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#*Both rigs and plastic/rubber lures are best used slowly. | #*Both rigs and plastic/rubber lures are best used slowly. | ||
| − | #Keep the colors simple. Choose from black, blue or purple when using plastic/rubber worms when fishing in murky water. Red hues may also work well when using plastic worms.<ref | + | #Keep the colors simple. Choose from black, blue or purple when using plastic/rubber worms when fishing in murky water. Red hues may also work well when using plastic worms.<ref name="rf6" /> |
== Video == | == Video == | ||
