Bass Fishing Techniques

These bass fishing techniques will help you to to snag your catch of the day.

Where the Fish Are
Bass like warm water, so more often than not, fishermen will find largemouth bass in ten feet or less of water. Bass also hide from predators. Look for bass near drop-offs, the edge of weed lines, or downed trees. Sometimes, the fish will take cover near lily pads, especially if it is near deep water.

Fan casting is one of the bass fishing techniques that will help you to determine if the area has potential. Select a spot and cast from left to right until all water in that spot has been fished. If you don't yield many fish, it's time to move to another area.

Another bass fishing technique to consider: Look for schools of bait fish. Because they are predators, the bass will keep near the school of bait fish. This works especially well when fishing on a large body of water.

Test Line
Selecting the right kind of fishing line makes a difference. Monofilament remains the most popular, although fluorocarbon and super lines are other choices. Mono line stretches, which makes pulling in a heavy bass that much easier. Plus, the mono line can handle most lures and crank baits.

The Right Lure
Determining which type of lure to use might be the most complicated but most useful of the bass fishing techniques listed here. Plastic worms may work best, but as an angler spends more time on the water, he may determine that spinners or crank bait work best. The true test of selecting bait depends on the actual fishing area. Worms work best when fishing near obstacles, like trees or reeds. Sinkers are appropriate when covering a large area. Sinkers cover more area at a faster rate and can skim the surface or be bounced off the bottom. Crank bait works well when fishing a vast area of water where fishing areas are scattered.

Use a dark colored spoon, spinner or crank bait when bass fishing in clear water. Fish have a more difficult time finding.

Fishing isn't an exact science but there are some bass fishing techniques that can increase your chances of cathcing a fish. It takes practice and the best fishermen learn from trial and error.