All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Recognizing The Bite

Most anglers expect a bass to tap, tug or pull every time they take your bait. The truth of the matter is that the majority of bites are what we call “soft bites”. The bass simply takes the lure into its mouth and does not make movements which get your attention. Learning to detect these soft bites is critical to successful bass fishing.

3 Most Important Factors About Recognizing Bass Bites

Bass don’t bite the same way all the time.
Most bites are very soft and difficult to detect.
The right rod and line make it easier to detect bites.

Detecting bites can make all the difference.

Before anyone can expect to “feel” soft bites or pressure bites, they must have the proper equipment. Sensitive rods are important and fresh line without excess curl is critical. You must be able to tell when your lure has hit bottom, or come to a stop in the event of a bite. Learn to watch your line as the lure makes its way to the bottom. The line will have a tightness as the lure pulls line from the reel. Once the lure hits bottom, slack will appear in the line. An angler must me able to identify this stopping action before they can detect soft bites. Boat control can be critical in order for you to determine whether your lure is in contact with the bottom.

When fishing a falling type lure, keep slack in the line. Control the fall so you can see a small amount of slack in the line. Lowering your rod tip slightly faster than the lure is falling allows you to accomplish this for short falls.

Once an angler is proficient at this technique, they will have the opportunity to detect soft, pressure bites. The key is watching your line. A soft bite will appear in one of two ways. First, the line may “twitch” or “jump” when it comes to a stop. This is a good sign to set the hook. Other soft bites are nothing more than seeing your line come to a stop, and when you attempt to move the lure you feel weight. Again set the hook. If it is not a fish, no big deal – swings are free.

Aggressive and Reaction Bites

When bass are aggressive, there is generally no question when you get bit – they hit it hard and you know they are there. All you have to do is stay in contact with your lure. Reaction bites happen when a moving lure comes into the area where bass are holding and the strike is usually quite easily felt as the bass grabs the lure and turns with it. Again you must set the hook to allow the barb to penetrate.

Techniques to Help You Detect Pressure Bites

The technique you use is critical to detecting pressure bites. Open-hook lures like jigs and worms work best. Cast the lure allowing it to fall until it stops. As soon as the lure stops, move it with your rod tip or by reeling. If a bass has picked up the lure you will feel the weight and naturally set the hook. If it has not been picked up by a bass, the action will simply move the bait a short distance in the strike zone. Experiment with the distance and speed for moving the lure.