All About Bass Fishing - Questions & Answers

Commonly asked questions about bass and bass fishing.

Q. Are bass found in all 50 states?

A. Bass are found in 48 states. Alaska has no species of bass. Hawaii does offer peacock bass fishing.

Q. What is the best lure for bass?

A. Conditions dictate which lures and techniques, but spinnerbaits, artificial worms, crankbaits and jigs are the most popular.

Q. Do bass feed at night?

A. Yes. During summer, in hot climates, the primary feeding times generally occur at night.

Q. What is the best color for bass lures?

A. Some say color is critical, others say unimportant. But a general rule is darker/brighter colors in dirty water, lighter, more natural colors in clear water.

Q. What is the best color at night for bass lures?

A. Black and very dark colors generally get the best results.

Q. What baits catch the most big bass?

A. Generally speaking, larger lures attract bigger fish. As a rule, bass can eat other fish that are up one-third their size. Big bass are also caught on more standard-size lures, even on ultra-light lures.

Q. What size hooks work best for bass?

A. Bass have big mouths, so use larger hooks. Circumstances dictate how big, but go for the largest, reasonable size.

Q. What depth of water do bass prefer?

A. Bass can be found in water depths from one foot to sixty feet or more. Conditions dictate depth, but bass are drawn to the depth with the most comfortable temperature and oxygen. See seasonal migrations of bass.

Q. What is the best time to catch bass?

A. Sometimes, it's early morning. Sometimes it is mid day, as the sun warms the shallower water. In summer, often the best time is at night

Q. What kind of fishing rods work best for bass?

A. The answer is complex, but the simple answer is generally mid to heavy duty rods. See details about specific-type fishing rods.

Q. What is the best kind of fishing reels for bass?

A. The vast majority of bass anglers use level-wind reels most of the time. However, for light-weight lures, spinning reels work well.

Q. What size line is best for bass fishing?

A. Six pound test seems to me the logical minimum weight, and some bass anglers us up to 65-pound braid in many circumstances.

Q. Is bass good to eat?

A. Yes. Fried, deep fried and grilled are all popular ways to prepare bass.