| Bass Fishing
Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass
Bass. The most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans
cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of
anglers everywhere.
Bass are very aggressive feeders and agile enough to chase down
and catch most of their favorite foods. They are most easily caught
during a feeding spree but can be enticed into striking an anglers
bait for reasons other than hunger. They are predatory by nature
and at times will strike at anything that enters their world. If
it moves and they can get it into their large mouth, bass will attempt
to eat it.
Find a bass lake in your area and try the techniques and tips
presented here. For more detailed information visit the bass
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Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Also known as bucketmouth, this fish has a mouth that opens wide
enough to swallow its own head. It will attempt to eat virtually
anything it can catch and swallow. Growing to well over 20 pounds,
it is much bigger than it's cousin the smallmouth bass.
Fishing For Largemouth Bass
SPRING
Top Baits: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms.
Fish shallow to moderate depths as the bass move into the shallows
for warmer water, spawning and food source activity. Try shallow-water
flippin on cloudy days or in murky water.
SUMMER
Top Baits: Crankbaits, Jigs and plastic worms.
Fish shallow in the mornings and evenings and move deeper as the
sun rises. "Deep" depends on the overall depth of the
lake you are fishing. In some lakes you may need to go as deep as
60 feet while others seldom hold fish below 35 feet. Largemouth's
often feed at night during the hot summer months.
FALL
Top Baits: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and spoons.
Fish shallow to moderate depths in the mornings and evenings. As
the bass move deeper during the day move to outside deep structure
and use spoons or jigs.
WINTER
Top Baits: Jigs, pork baits and plastic worms.
Try shallow in the mornings then move deeper as the sun rises. Bass
are not very active in cold water, so move your bait in a slow,
easy to catch manner and fish deep cover and structure. "Deep"
depends on the overall depth of the lake you are fishing. In some
lakes you may need to go as deep as 60 feet while others seldom
hold fish below 35 feet.
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
While the smallmouth only grows to about half the size of the largemouth,
it is much more agile, faster and powerful for its size. It eats
pretty much the same foods, just smaller specimens. It is without
argument one of the finest game fish an angler can pursue. The thrill
of the frantic runs and jumps are the source of many a fisherman's
dreams.
Fishing For Smallmouth Bass
SPRING
Top Baits: Small crankbaits, small jigs and plastic worms.
Fish shallow to moderate depths as the smallmouth move into the
shallows for warmer water, spawning and food source activity. Gravel
points and submerged humps are prime holding areas.
SUMMER
Top Baits: Small crankbaits, Jigs and plastic worms.
Fish shallow in the mornings and evenings and move deeper as the
sun rises. Use lures that mimic crawfish as this is a favorite food
for smallmouth bass. Follow points and rocky or gravel structure
deeper until you establish the proper depth. Smallmouth's are also
known to feed at night during the hot summer months.
FALL
Top Baits: Small jigs, small crankbaits and spoons.
Fish shallow to moderate depths in the mornings and evenings. As
the sun rises move deeper toward outside structure and use small
spoons or jigs.
WINTER
Top Baits: Jigs, spoons and plastic worms.
Try shallow in the mornings then move deeper as the sun rises. Smallmouth
are less active in cold water, so move your bait in a slow, easy
to catch manner and fish deep structure. "Deep" depends
on the overall depth of the lake you are fishing. In some lakes
you may need to go as deep as 60 feet while others seldom hold fish
below 45 feet.
Redeye Bass
Micropterus coosae
World Record: 8.8 lbs
The redeye bass looks very much like a largemouth with a red
eye and red coloration in the tail. Found in the southeast part
of the US it is often confused with the shoal bass, because of
the red eye. Prefers water temperatures from 65 to 70 degrees and
is often found in cool streams and rivers. Fish for the redeye
with conventional bass tackle favoring smaller baits and
lighter tackle. If you like to fly fish, try fly fishing
for the redeye bass.
Shoal Bass
Micropterus cataractae
World Record: 7.8 lbs.
Closely related to the spots, it is often mis-identified
as a redeye due to the red coloring in the eye. The coloring
is brownish similar to smallmouth. It is found primarily in
the warm waters of Florida, Georgia and Alabama. They populate
lakes, rivers and streams. Fish for shoal bass as you would most
bass and, as the name implies, look for them to congregate on shoals
and similar structure. Prefers water temperatures from 65 to 72
degrees.
Spotted Bass
Micropterus punctulatus
World Record: 9.5 lbs
Easily identified by the dominant, spots along the lateral lines, they are found primarily in the southeastern states. Spotted bass are often called Kentucky bass, Kentucky spotted bass, Alabama spotted bass and Kentucky spots. It prefers warmer water temperatures from 70 to 78 degrees. They have a smaller mouth than the largemouth so use lure sizes similar to smallmouth tackle. They feed on smaller fish as well as insects, crustaceans, frogs and worms.
Visit the Bass Fishing Guru's website for additional information on all types of bass fishing.
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Bass Fishing - All About Fishing for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.
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