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All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Researching The Fishery

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By Rick Seaman and Dan Westfall

Bass Knowledge Center

It is important to gather information before heading to the lake. By reviewing fishing reports and asking questions at local bait and tackle stores, one can get a general idea of what is happening at the lake you plan to fish. Read everything you can get your hands on regarding the season and type of fishing currently happening at the lake. This information will help you decide how to rig your tackle for the actual day on the water.

3 Most Important Factors About Being Prepared
  • Being prepared with all the knowledge available will greatly increase success.
  • Arm yourself with the type of lures currently catching bass at the lake you plan to fish.
  • Check fishing line and replace if curled or frail, sharpen hooks and organize your gear.
Define the Seasonal Locations

Begin by defining what season your area is currently experiencing. Read the section of this book covering that season to get an overall understanding of what the bass are doing. If you are at the end of one season and entering the next, read both sections to get an idea of where the bass will be coming from and where they are going to.

Do your homework

Fishing Reports

Fishing reports define what was happening yesterday or even farther back. You can learn from this, but don’t get caught up in the details. Try to discern what areas of the lake and what depths seem to be producing. Secondly, try to define what type of cover the bass are coming from. When the reports mention specific lures, don’t get caught up in the specific lure or color. Use the information about the lures to help you determine “where” the bass are being caught. Then choose similar lures to help you find the bass.

Bait Shops & Tackle Stores

Develop a relationship with your local bait and tackle store. Many of the employees are ardent anglers themselves and can offer first-hand information. These folks talk to anglers all day long and have a pretty good idea of what’s happening at local lakes. Ask specific questions about areas of the lake, depth and cover. Let them make recommendations for tackle and techniques.

Online Articles

Once you have determined the season, area of the lake, and type of cover that will likely be holding bass, do searches for online articles discussing various techniques for fishing these conditions. Read several articles and try to employ the elements you hear that are common among the articles. This is a great way to get an understanding about lures or techniques you have never fished before.

Tournament Results From Recent and Prior Year Tournaments

If you are familiar with tournament organizations which hold events on the lake you plan to fish, you may be able to gather ideas from the results and articles written about the tournaments. Keep in mind that information about prior year tournaments, at the same time of year may also provide insight to what will be happening now.

Review Lake Maps

Once you determine the area of the lake and depth that is producing bass, review lake maps to familiarize yourself with these areas of the lake. Look for likely spots and mark them on the map so you will have specific places to fish.

Bass Fishing Book For Sale


AA Bass Fishing Knowledge Base

 

Bass information by state.

AL Bass Fishing AR Bass Fishing AZ Bass Fishing CA Bass Fishing CO Bass Fishing CT Bass Fishing DC Bass Fishing DE Bass Fishing FL Bass Fishing GA Bass Fishing HI Bass Fishing IA Bass Fishing ID Bass Fishing
IL Bass Fishing IN Bass Fishing KS Bass Fishing KY Bass Fishing LA Bass Fishing MA Bass Fishing MD Bass Fishing ME Bass Fishing MI Bass Fishing MN Bass Fishing MO Bass Fishing MS Bass Fishing MT Bass Fishing
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