The Best Bass Fishing Tips and Techniques
- by Brett Freese
- February 16, 2022
Table of Contents
Fishing is an experience that few can deny. It doesn’t matter where you are, what you’re fishing for, or how skilled you are – the beauty of fishing is that anyone can do it. With that said, there are many ways to fish and techniques to learn!
The best way to be successful at fishing is by putting in time and effort. If you follow these best bass fishing tips and techniques you’ll have a better chance of getting more fish.
Here are some tips on how to get started with bass fishing and some techniques for getting more fish. Get your tackle box ready, it’s time to go fishing!
How to Catch Big Bass?
The answer is simple: Use bigger baits. Most people don’t have the guts to do this, but that’s their loss. Bigger fish prefers bigger baits, so if you want to get a big one your bait should be at least an inch larger than the ones they usually eat.
How Can I Catch Largemouth Bass?
There are different ways to fish for bass, but all of them involve lures. Largemouth prefers topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs. The way you fish depends on the time of year – keep that in mind when you’re about to go bass fishing.
How Do I Catch Smallmouth Bass?
What’s interesting about smallmouth is that they can be fished with the same baits as largemouths. However, knowing what kind of behaviors differentiate them will ensure you’ll have a successful trip.
For instance, smallies don’t like topwater lures during the day because predators can see them from afar! This means that during daylight hours spinnerbaits or soft plastics
How Can I Improve my Fishing?
Gone are the days when men stood upon large rocks and cast for hours upon end with nothing more than a bent pin and a line of hemp twine tied to a cane pole. The modern world calls us to use better equipment to seize fish efficiently.
Modern techniques require modern tools! Don’t think you’re going to seize any fish without buying some new tackle or fishing equipment, though- even in this age of high technology, the tried and true methods are still pretty effective.
There are several types of bass fishing equipment you can use to catch more fish. For instance, there is the ‘self-casting’ rod for short-range casts; an ‘open-casting’ one for longer casts; a good old baitcasting reel; etc.
Vary Your Lures
To get more bites on your line, try varying what type of lure or bait that you’re using. This will keep them interested in biting down onto your line, thus increasing the odds of getting a bite! However, you shouldn’t change up what type of lure or bait too often because changing too often is just as ineffective.
You should adjust your lure or bait when the season changes, water levels change, etc., but no more than once a week so you don’t confuse them too much.
Popular Bass Fishing Techniques
- Fishing in Shallow Water: First off, bass love shallow waters because it keeps them warm! They’ll likely be basking near the surface of the water during this time. This technique involves putting a worm on a jighead and putting it underwater to catch fish from 1-4 ft deep. Read below for tips about what kinds of lures/bait to use!
- Fishing In Deep Waters: This technique involves using a ‘deep diving’ crankbait or a crankbait with a heavy lip to go deep into the water. A ‘spinner bait’ is also used for this technique.
- Fishing in Weeds: This one is easy! Just find an area that has weeds growing and cast your line there. Bass love living in these areas because it’s easier to hide from predators there, so they’ll be attracted to doing this too. If you can’t find any weeds, using a weedless jig will help attract them so you can catch them more easily too.
- Deep-Water Techniques: This is most likely going to involve using plastic worms or jigs so try both of those baits if you want bigger bass (which means more bites). You can also use crankbaits that go deep into the water or try using a spinner bait (the best fish-catching lure).
- Fishing in Docks: This one is pretty easy since bass like to hang out around docks looking for food. The best technique for this is to cast your line right at the dock and you’ll get bites within minutes! You can also try fishing around docks (i.e. not directly on them) for even more bites.
- Fishing in Lakes: Just like with ponds, shallow waters are where they’re most likely to be… So if you want better odds, look along the shorelines versus deeper parts of the lake’s surface. Try jigs with soft plastic worms/grubs because they’re very commonly used for bass fishing in lakes!
- Fishing in Rivers: Try using a medium-sized crankbait to fish in rivers because they often go deep. You can also use jerk baits or spinnerbaits, depending on how deep the river is. Just read the tips about which lures/bait you should use and adjust accordingly!
- Night Fishing: This technique calls for nighttime fishing with clear skies with temperatures less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. As mentioned before, bass love shallow waters so that’s where you should be looking around these conditions!
What is Trophy Bass?
This is a type of bass angler that looks for the biggest-sized fish they can find. They are also fished for in freshwater areas by fishermen looking to catch larger than average bass.
Different Types of Baits and Lures
Jig and Worm: Very easy to use and very common to get bites with.
Crankbait/Deep Diving Crankbait: Easy but can be difficult because bass will just eat the bait instead of hooking onto it. Also, too deep so you’ll need a strong line.
Lure Rods: Rods that can cast lures really far so you don’t have to get too close to the shoreline if you’re fishing in shallower waters.
When is the Best Time of Day or Year to Go Bass Fishing?
Any time of year is fine, but bass fishing techniques are different depending on what season it is.
During the Spring
Look for areas with weeds growing because they’ll likely be near there! Also, try to find shallower waters so you can use a lighter-weight jig/weightless worm.
During this time, using a crankbait or spinnerbait will also work well for deep water fishing.
In the Summer
This is when bass prefers warmer waters and often go near shorelines, especially at night where you can’t even see them.
Try casting right at the shoreline and going deeper if the fish aren’t biting your line by doing that! In this season, bass tends to eat frogs too so use a frog-imitating lure for a better chance of catching them.
During the Fall
Find areas with deeper waters and use crankbaits or jigs to go deep so you have a better chance of catching bass that is hanging out at this depth during this season.
Winter
Use a spinnerbait or frog-imitating lipless crankbait to catch these fish because they’re often near the surface during winter!
Just read any tips on which lures/hooks to use and adjust accordingly (and remember, if you’re trying for bigger bass, look for shallower waters).
Tips on How to Land your Catch Properly and Quickly
Make sure you feel the strike. If you don’t feel it, it means the fish is not hooked properly and will probably try to escape! Also, make sure your hook is completely in its mouth or you won’t be catching anything! You can also just wait for them to swallow it before setting the hook.
This depends on what type of area you’re looking around, but most often jig/weightless worm works best along with crankbaits that go deep into water (to catch bigger bass). Try different lures/hooks out until you have a higher chance of landing your catch quickly!
Bass Fishing Technique from Bass Fisherman Magazine
There are several techniques that bass fishermen developed for different weather conditions, these are:
Go to A Muddy Water
The best bass techniques when it’s very muddy is to use topwater lures when the wind picks up and dumps too much dirt into the water! This works well in Spring.
Go to A Weedy Area
To fish in a weedy area, try using jigs/weightless worms or spinnerbaits with gold blades because bass can easily snatch these lures!
Go After The Largest Bass
If you’re an avid trophy fisherman and go for large bass, try using crankbaits/deeper crankbaits or performing nighttime bass fishing to catch these big fish.
The Best Tips for Bass Fishing Success
Get a Fishing License
You should get a fishing license annually if you are looking to fish often! This ensures that you can fish without having issues with local authorities because fishing licenses are legally required.
Find the Perfect Spot to Fish
If you’re just starting to fish, it’s important to find the right fishing spot with the most bass. Some spots are good for catching catfish while others might be perfect for perch!
Get the Best Quality Lures
When you use cheaper lures, there is a much higher chance that they’ll end up breaking or not working correctly which wastes money and time.
Save yourself this hassle by investing in high-quality ones that can last longer and perform better!
Know Your Limits – Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself
Don’t stress out about catching a fish if you’ve been trying for hours. Sometimes, fishing is just a waiting game and it’s better to be relaxed so the fish doesn’t notice any pressure from your side!
Use the Proper Equipment
Proper equipment can help ensure not only safety but also a success when it comes to catching bass. Make sure you have things like polarized sunglasses or sunscreen in case you’re fishing under direct sunlight for too long.
Be Patient and Keep at it – You Will Eventually Catch Something!
It’s important to remember that there are many variables in the fish ecosystem. You will eventually catch bass with enough patience and persistence!
Bring a Cooler with Drinks, Snacks, and Sunscreen to Stay Hydrated and Energized Throughout the Day
Keep in mind that it’s best to be prepared for everything when you go out to fish. That means bringing your gear, checking the weather forecast (to make sure there isn’t any lightning), and staying hydrated throughout the day.
Take a cooler with you that has some water and healthy snacks. Be sure to apply sunscreen as well!
You Need to Smell Fresh for Fishing
Make sure you don’t smell bad before going fishing because this could scare the fish away from your hook! Always make sure you bathe, wear clean clothes, and put on deodorant before heading out there.
Also, remember to carry breath mints or gum as well as toothpaste/brush in case you want an after-fishing snack.
It’s Best to go Bass Fishing During Dawn or Dusk
During these times, bass can be most active and easier to catch than the middle of the day when they’re hiding under bushes and trees.
Bring Along a Camera so you Can Capture the Memories!
A camera can be a great way to remember your fishing trip. It’s always better to capture the memories than only have them in your head!
That is why it’s important to bring along a camera of some sort whether you use your phone, DSLR, or GoPro. Make sure that anything that goes into the water has water resistance on it though.
Carve Out Time for Yourself and Go Bass Fishing!
Remember that life is about balance so don’t forget to set aside some “you” time every once in a while. This is especially important if you’ve been working long hours for months so take advantage of this free day by going bass fishing at dawn/dusk!
Final Thoughts on Best Bass Fishing Tips
Before you get out there to fish for bass, make sure you remember these tips and techniques so that you can catch the most bass! Good luck and happy fishing!
Brett Freese
I've always had a passion for fishing ever since I was young. I started fishing with my grandpa at 6, and he taught me everything I needed to know! I love sharing my knowledge with the community, as well as learning from other anglers. We only get better if we help each other!
