Explore Your Bass Fishing Opportunities

Understand Conditions When Bass Fishing

Sun, wind, and water temperature can all significantly affect an angler getting a bite. Therefore, getting to know how the bass may behave under different conditions is critical to being a consistent bass fisherman.

Sun

Largemouth bass tend to be more active and visible on cloudy days. Professional anglers suggest using moving baits such as chatter baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater plugs to hook an active bass on overcast days.

On sunny days, largemouth bass tend to hide undercover and wait for baitfish to come to them. The best fishing tips for these kinds of days involve using a bottom bouncing bait such as a Texas-rigged soft plastic or a jig. Then, flip and pitch your lure to the base of the cover to catch bass waiting there to strike the passing bait.

Wind

Windy days are known to cause largemouth bass to become extra active. Another reason some wind is good is it disturbs the water surface making it less likely for an angler to spook the nearby bass. Unless the wind is excessive and gets dangerous, try to cast a moving bait into the wind to possibly hook your next trophy.

Water Temperature

Water temps can vary drastically in different locations and affect the feeding patterns and activity levels of the local bass. There are many techniques and tricks to catch largemouth bass in different temperatures. Still, the general rule is that it’s best to use slower moving baits in the cooler water temps and faster lures in warmer water conditions.

Other Bass Fishing Tips

Practice One Knot

Any professional bass angler will tell you knots are essential, and one of the worst feelings is losing a fish because of a bad knot. The best advice, especially for beginners, is to learn one versatile knot and practice until its second nature. Become familiar with a simple knot such as the Clinch knot or Palomar knot that can be used for all bass fishing adventures. There are numerous videos and diagrams online to help get familiar with these and other types of knots.

Do Some Research 

Technology should be a modern angler’s best friend as it has revolutionized the way one would approach a new location. Technology dramatically makes it easier for anglers to fish anywhere in the world and learn a new fishing spot. Take advantage of google earth and other platforms to understand the features in the area you are looking to fish. Identify the areas that may be holding bass, such as points, ledges, creeks, and other covers. Researching ahead of time can help you plan your day of fishing. You may even be able to find what the local forage is looking like to know which lure to start with; however, it’s still best to bring different options with you and check it out on your fishing day, as conditions can always change.

Be Open-Minded

Many anglers will benefit from experiencing different fisheries and learning the different habits and factors that come to play. Become a well-rounded angler by practicing new techniques, becoming familiar with various conditions, and experimenting with other lures based on the local area.

Fish different ponds, creeks, and lakes than your home waters to become familiar with varying clarities of water and depths. For example, if you usually catch bass in dark waters, try getting a bite in clear water.

Be Persistent

The game of bass fishing is not always easy, and there will be days when the bite is tough. The best option on days like this is to thoroughly fish an area you’re confident in rather than hopping from spot to spot too fast. Be confident in the baits or artificial lures you are using and thoroughly fish an area you believe could be holding fish.

Bass Fishing With A Professional Bass Angler

Fishing with a professional guide is the best way to improve your bass fishing skills. Your local captain will know all the best bass fishing tips for each specific body of water as they all have different features creating different habits for the local fish. Other factors such as water temperatures will affect fishing conditions, but your guide is here to help you know how to handle any situation thrown at you to catch more fish.

Your guide will explain his decisions, for example, why he went to a particular spot or used a specific lure. Understanding the mindset of professional anglers will significantly enhance your fishing skills. While on a guided trip, anglers will learn about a particular area but also general tricks and rules that can be applied in any fishery.