Bait Musky
Bass Fishing Isn’t What It Used to Be…Tips From a Weekend Angler
Nothing gets the adrenalin pumping like the first strike of the day!
Nothing quite matches that inner sensation when you feel a slight tug on your line, you give it a jerk and a large mouth bass breaks the surface of the otherwise calm waters. He leaps into the air and shakes the lure violently in an effort to toss it loose.
Large mouth bass are one of the most exciting game fish found in the lakes and ponds and slow running rivers in North America. Granted there are pickerel, northern pike and muskies and other real fighters, but their range is limited.
They have adapted to varied environments throughout the Eastern U.S. and their penchants for aggressive behavior have made large mouth bass the most popular sportfishing target in North America. It is the king of game fish in Florida.
Bass fishing for many is an absolute obsession. They spend tons of money on tackle, lures and fishing boats equipped with every electronic device imaginable. But for me, fresh water fishing is just a way to spend a few peaceful hours along the banks of a quiet little pond.
Fishing as often as I do—not nearly as much as I’d like—has put me behind the curve in sportfishing technology. I was amazed to see so many new lures, even in Walmart that I figured I needed to get back up to speed.
While dozens of different lures are used to land the big ones, some of the most popular types are listed below:
Crank Baits: have the look of baitfish or crawfish, which are favorites of small and largemouth bass. These come in various sizes, colors and shapes. Crank baits work well in most kinds of water, and you can fish fast and cover a lot of water to find the hungry ones. Using a crank bait has a learning curve but it will add to your arsenal of go-and-gettum lures.
Jerk Baits: This term refers to the action that you use to make the lure act like bait in distress and will encourage a strike. There are two basic types: one is the hard lure resembling a crankbait, but it has a much slimmer profile and smaller lip than the deep diving lures. The other kind is the soft plastic type.
Spinner Baits catch lots of bass and they are a good bait for covering a lot of water fast to where they are feeding. They do tend to catch bigger bass and they come in a wide variety of sizes, colors and blade shapes. They resemble baitfish and are a real treat for bass.
Jig & Crawfish/Pig: A jig and pig is one of the top-rated big bass baits available for anglers. Many of the big bass tournaments are won with this lure because they do catch bigger bass. When worked along the bottom they resemble a crayfish and they look like an easy meal. The Jig and Pig has a pigskin trailer to complete the illusion.
Bucktail Jigs are a very basic lure that is very effective in catching fish, so effective it is included in many survival kits. Some models include plastic tails either straight or curly. All work well under a variety of conditions.
If you are wondering what the best color for a lure is, the best answer is, “There ain’t one.” Much depends on the time of day, sunny or cloudy sky, clear or murky water. So variety in color is your best way to go. But the pros say always have a few chartreuse lures in your kit too.
If you are feeling a little bit behind the curve—like I was—then you may want to get some professional tips. I was doing so many things wrong until I came across “Bass Fishing Exposed.” This is an e-book, meaning that once you order it, it is available for immediate download to your computer. The first couple of chapters will have you wanting to dash over to the lake and try out some really nifty ideas. Read my review of “Bass Fishing Exposed.”
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About the Author
Don Penven/Brandywine is a freelance writer based in Raleigh and Morehead City, NC He specializes in health care issues but this article covers a topic close to Don’s heart–bass fishing.
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