Bass Fishing: Top Tips All Anglers Should Know

There's a reason why bass fishing is popular – it's a unique challenge that pits an experienced angler against a worthy aquatic adversary. There is no simple solution on how to catch bass, but there are some tips and techniques that can put the odds in your favor. 

So if you're getting ready to go bass fishing, here are some tips that we think all anglers should know. 

Under the Covers

Whether it’s fishing for bass or any other target species, the first step is to always find the fish. And when it comes to bass, that means locating cover. 

Cover can appear in different forms such as rocks, fallen trees, boat docks, tall grass, or lily pads just to name a few. No matter what natural or man-made form the cover takes on, ambush predators like largemouth bass and smallmouth bass naturally gravitate toward it. 

Structures also help to keep fish safe from would-be predators and keep them cool when the sun is glaring overhead. Even though bass can also be found in open waters, knowing that these fish will instinctively move toward cover gives you an advantage in locating them. If you can find these patches of cover and know the preferences of the bass in your area, then you’ll have much better chances of reeling them in. 

“Match the Hatch”

Bass are aggressive predators no matter where they are located and have been known to scoop up almost anything to satisfy their hunger. This is one of the reasons why they’re such an attractive gamefish for anglers. Bass have a diverse palette that includes shad, bluegill, crayfish, frogs, and minnows.  So, if you want to catch bass, or any fish for that matter, you’ll need to match your lure to what your target species is feeding on in the local waters. 

Learn to Adapt

Bass know how to adapt to their environment and their preferences can change depending on their location. This instinct to adjust is what makes them one of the most successful fish species. So if you think you can keep on throwing the same lure out there expecting them to keep biting, you’ve got your work cut out for you. 

If you want to best the bass, you’ll need to learn to be flexible and adapt. The fish won’t always be at the same spot nor take the same lure you threw into the water last season or an hour ago. You need to adapt by learning new techniques and trying out different lures to keep your game evolving. 

However, you also need to keep a watchful eye out for patterns. Bass often behave a certain way during certain parts of the year, so keeping an eye on how they feed is paramount to your success.

Weather, Weather

The weather is an important part of fishing for bass because it can affect their behavior. Understanding how the fish react to changes in the weather is vital to your success. Bass love low light conditions and colder temperatures, which makes the golden hours of the early morning and late afternoons ideal to fish for them.

On overcast or cloudy days, bass tend to actively explore a bit more and will be more aggressively feeding. On sunny days, you can expect bass to seek out cover and ambush their prey. Understanding how the weather changes throughout the day, months, and seasons can help you prepare the proper type of lure and strategy to reel them in.

Water Temp

As mentioned earlier, bass are sensitive to the weather because it directly affects the temperatures of the water as well. The ideal temperature to fish for bass is between 55 and 70ºF because this is when they are most active and feeding. 

Knowing the water temperature allows you wisely choose your lure. Slow-moving baits such as jigs are ideal for cooler waters while topwater plugs are better for warmer temperatures. You should also remember that water temperatures change throughout the day, so keeping this in mind can help you make adjustments along the way. Don't forget that the depth of water and any shade brought by trees or structures can affect the water temperature of specific areas of a body of water as well. 

Gone With the Wind

While wind is usually seen as a crutch when casting, it can be used to your advantage when fishing for bass. The ripples and waves in the water actually help blur the bass’ sharp eyesight, which can help your presentation be had much easier. Wind likewise “wakes up” the bass to be more active and helps conceal your movement or shadows that might otherwise spook them on a clear, windless, and sunny day. 

Knots an Expert

Tying a knot might seem like a secondary thing, but don’t underestimate how many fish you can lose due to a bad knot. Mastering tying a knot is one of the most essential skills you’ll need as a bass angler. You’ll need to know basic knots such as the Palomar and Clinch until they are second nature, although expert anglers always recommend mastering a single knot first. Always remember that tying a knot in the comfort of your home is different from tying one while balancing on a boat or on the fly. Making sure your knot is tied properly and secure means it can bounce around rocks or other obstacles and still remain intact. A bad knot can mean the difference between a boat full of fish and an empty one.

Color Me Bad

When it comes to angling, colors are a hot-topic debate. Some will claim that colors don’t matter, while others swear by it. Regardless of which stance you take, it’s still an undeniable aspect of bass fishing. 

Choosing colors is mostly dependent on the water clarity and matching the hatch. Generally speaking, in murky waters where visibility is nil, brighter colors are often used. Sometimes when using jigs, darker colors are preferred so that a more dominant profile is created. A combination of both can be used as well. One thing is for sure though – natural-looking colors are reserved for when the waters are clear and the bass have full use of their sharp eyesight.

Be Invisible

Bass are sensitive fish and are excellent in detecting potential meals and threats in their environment. They have great eyesight and can detect even the slightest vibrations in the water. In fact, they can even be spooked by your shadow as well. 

When fishing for bass, silence and stealth are key, whether you’re on a boat or the shore. When the water is calm, bass become even more sensitive to stimuli from the environment so you’ll want to be extra careful. You might even have to resort to wearing camouflage to blend in with your surroundings because bright clothing can spook them. Remember, once bass are spooked, it will take a very long time for them to feel comfortable again. 

Go Fish!

And there you have it – our top tip that all bass anglers should know and abide by. If you stay patient and follow these suggestions, we're pretty sure you'll catch a lot of bass in no time at all!