Every time I go out on the water, I naturally think about the best way to get bass to bite, and generally it boils down to two options. I can try power fishing with big noisy crankbaits and spinnerbaits, using fast retrieves to get reaction strikes, or I can try finesse presentations with smaller, more natural-appearing lures to get feeding and reaction strikes.
Yes, you can certainly "fire up" a school of suddenly-stopped-biting bass with finesse lures. I have done it far too many times to count, and besides, when you really analyze it, power fishing like this usually works only about half the time. Fishing pressure, changing weather, water clarity, wind and other factors can turn bass off, and you simply can't get them really active again, or at least active for very long, by power fishing.
Believe me, you just can't ignore how effective finesse techniques can be in these types of situations. Remember, finesse fishing is basically about using lighter line, smaller baits and creating a more natural presentation that appeals more to a fish's sense of hunger. Firing up a school of bass with a big crankbait may turn those fish on only long enough to catch two or three fish. You can keep them active longer with finesse tactics.
Jigs are one of the most productive baits today, especially in water clarities from slightly murky to clear, in water temperatures below the sixty degree mark and when bass are in an inactive mood and buried in deep cover. Jigs are presentation lures and the key to fishing them is to make them look as much alive as possible. This is accomplished through a slow presentation.
A jig is a heavy, lead-headed bait with a single hook. An attracting skirt or trailer is added to the hook. With a good weedguard, they can be fished effectively in dense cover where big bass live. They are subtle and discrete and move into big-bass territory without making a lot of commotion, as would a live crawfish or baitfish. And once hooked, the bass has a harder time throwing the single-hook jig than it would a treble-hook lure. A pork or plastic trailer is often added to these baits.
I would assume a “Cat Daddy” rod is marketed for catching catfish and might be too heavy/stiff for a lot of bass presentations. What’s the line and lure rating on the rod?
Also the line id doing that because 1) it’s old as hell and likey not good quality if it came on the reel and/or 2) you are using a lure that is too light for the rod/line.
A great thing about fishing is it can be as cheap/expensive or as easy/complicated as you want to make it. If you want to get specialized rods and reels for certain techniques or fish that's fine. My PB bass was on a $20 walmart combo.
Grab some bobbers a tub of worms or some spikes(maggots) and catch panfish. Try different places and setting the bobber at different depths.
A simple texas rig does wonders as well with just a cheap ribbon tail plastic worm. You will be amazed the variety of species you can catch with just simple techniques.
Also im not sure what you mean by "all swirly when it hits the water" most of the time youre going to want to close the bail (what you lift to cast) with your hand and reel up the slack to better see/feel bites or set the hook
I'm completely new to fishing and wanted to try this sport. Not knowing what rod to get, I bought this fishing pole from Wal-Mart called "Lews Cat Daddy Spinning Combo Rod". The lake I go to mainly has bass, and I was wondering if I could catch bass and any other fish with this rod or is there certain rods for certain fish? I have attempted 3 times to catch a fish with this rod, spending 2-3 hours each time, and had no luck.
Also, when you cast is it normal for the line to be all swirly when it hits the water? Or is it supposed to be straight?
Hey all! Was hoping for some advice on must have tackle for offshore trolling in South Florida. New boat means new (and deeper) water to explore!
Still relatively new to the offshore scene and only have a TLD25 and a Torium 30 reel with appropriate rods for each. Would love to get advice on targeting Kings, Dolphin, etc both trolling artificials (specific lure brand & name would be much appreciated) and live bait (recommended rigging would be awesome).
Snapper was easy enough to pick up. But need some help with the above! Thanks in advance.
Jigs are one of the most productive baits today, especially in water clarities from slightly murky to clear, in water temperatures below the sixty degree mark and when bass are in an inactive mood and buried in deep cover. Jigs are presentation lures and the key to fishing them is to make them look as much alive as possible. This is accomplished through a slow presentation.
A jig is a heavy, lead-headed bait with a single hook. An attracting skirt or trailer is added to the hook. With a good weedguard, they can be fished effectively in dense cover where big bass live. They are subtle and discrete and move into big-bass territory without making a lot of commotion, as would a live crawfish or baitfish. And once hooked, the bass has a harder time throwing the single-hook jig than it would a treble-hook lure. A pork or plastic trailer is often added to these baits.