Our Answers to Top Questions About Bass Fishing

Many anglers are attracted to bass fishing for many reasons. It’s an exciting sport that’s both fun to learn and watch. What’s more, bass fish species are found all over the country in big sizes. These aggressive and easily excitable fish species are fun and challenging to catch, allowing the angler to practice a variety of fishing techniques. And what’s more, it’s a very accessible form of fishing. With enough practice and patience, it can be mastered by just about anyone.

But if you’re a beginner to bass fishing, surely you have tons of questions pertaining to this popular sport that you’re just too shy to ask your fellow angler. Well, fear not. 
 

Answers to Your Top 5 Bass Fishing Questions

1.Do I Absolutely Have to Use a Baitcaster When Bass Fishing?

No, you don’t. Baitcasters are most often used by professional bass anglers so it’s easy to see why you would assume that it’s a requirement of the sport. If you’re using a heavier line (10-pound test and up) and heavier baits such as crankbaits, heavy jigs, and spinnerbaits, go for a baitcaster. But if you’re employing finesse-style presentations or fishing in clear water, perhaps going for a lighter line with your spinning tackle might work better for you.

2.What is a Crankbait, and Why Should I Use It?

A crankbait is a cast-and-retrieve type of lure that’s known as one of the best and most powerful lure types among bass anglers. It is best used when you’re in new territory as it can help you cover a big amount of water fast. 

A tip from the pros: when using a crankbait, don’t just cast and reel it back in. Vary your retrieve. This means just to make sure your crankbait moves erratically to lure the bass. If you’re fishing in clear water, use crankbaits in natural colors and if you’re in murkier waters, try the darker colored ones.

3.Why Does the Spawning Period of Bass Matter?

The spawning period, in a nutshell, is when bass reproduce. It matters because the behavior of your target fish largely depends on this, therefore your technique will also need to adapt. There are three defined periods: pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn.

Pre-spawn, from late winter to early spring, is usually regarded as the best time to target bass. That’s because as bass prepare for spawning, they tend to feed aggressively. They will usually hunt for crayfish at this time of the year, so you will benefit from using lures that look and behave like their choice of food.

The spawning period is when the bass start acting more defensively against threats to their nest. To take advantage of this condition, use lures and baits similar to bluegill, bream, or crayfish to get them to bite and fight.

Post spawn period is late into the spring cycle. Your fishing technique and choice of bait will depend on whether you’re targeting male or female bass. Female bass are generally easier to catch, as by this point, they are resting and hungry and will take any form of slow bait, as long as you target them in the deeper parts of the water. The male bass, on the other hand, can be targeted along the shorelines. As they are in charge of protecting the fry, they will attack threats to their young.

5.Why are Water Color and Temperature Important to Consider When Bass Fishing?

Fishing for bass in clear water allows the bass to see you and your tackle more clearly, which means you can easily frighten them away. That shouldn’t stop you from fishing in clear water, though. All you have to do is wear something that makes you blend in with the sky — something in blue or grey will do. Use a lighter line and make long casts as well, and if possible, fish in low-light condition.

Water temperature can alter the behavior of the fish. During summer and winter, bass tend to be less active, so it’s best to use a slower presentation. When the water temperature is high, but not too high, bass tend to be more aggressive and are actively chasing baitfish, so it’s best to use a fast-moving bait and retrieve fast.

6.Why Am I Not Catching Bass?

There are many reasons. Here are just some:

You might be making too much noise.

Bass are easily spooked, as they are very sensitive to movement and vibration. You might be walking too loudly on the bank or making too much of a splash with your lure. Just be mindful of the noise you make. Every sound and movement counts.

You’re using the wrong bait .

To determine the right type of bait to use, look at the forage in the area you’re fishing. The best way to lure bass is to mimic what it’s currently feeding on. 

You’re fishing at the wrong water depth.

When targeting bass, you need to be familiarized with the basics of its water depth preferences, which change depending on the time of day, season, and weather. For example, you will find bass in shallower parts of the water during spring and fall. When the temperatures go extreme — either too hot or too cold — they will swim to the deeper parts of the water.

You’re fishing in unproductive parts of the water.

Perhaps you’ve got it all down pat, but the problem is, it’s not you, it’s the spots you’re fishing in. If you’re not familiar with the waters you’re fishing, try moving around. Give a particular spot at least 30 minutes, and if you’re still not catching anything, time to move on.

Bass fishing can indeed be one of the most fun and challenging ways you can develop as an angler. As long as you maintain your passion for it and are willing to try and learn a variety of techniques, you should be able to catch your first trophy bass.