1) Start at the top: I always start at the top and work my way down. For this you are going to need a 4-6 inch floating minnow. I personally use Rapala’s floating minnow 6 inches long. Look at the water. Is it clear, or is it murky or dark? If it is clear use a silver minnow with a black back. If it is murky or dark, use a gold minnow with a black back. Cast your minnow along the edge of the available cover. Aim for tree tops, docks, lilly pads or any other vegetation. Once the minnow lands let it sit still for a few seconds to let the ripples settle. then, slowly retrieve the minnow by twitching your rod and reeling in the slack. this will make the lure look like an injured baitfish struggling to swim. If there is a bass at the surface, you will get a strike! If not, move on to the next steps.

2 Going down: If the topwater bait does not entice a strike it is time to start moving a little deeper. My next approach is a spinner bait. Use a black and chartreuse or black and yellow spinner bait for clear water. For dark of murky water use black and blue, or a junebug color. (These are the color combinations that have worked for me, you can switch up your color preferences in any way that you choose.) Now, cast your spinner bait in an area that when it is retrieved it will run along the edge of the available cover. I always cast out, count to 2 and then start to reel it back in. I always retrieve at a medium pace. If you have a fairly sensitive rod (and you should) you can fell the vibration of the blade as it turns through the rod. this is the pace that I like to use. You will definitely know it when you get a strike! You will feel a sudden jerk and that is your queue to set the hook! Cast multiple times before giving up. you want to make for sure that the Bass are not suspended below the surface before moving to the next step.

3 On the bottom: Now we are going to be fishing on the bottom. For this step you will need a soft plastic work “Texas Rigged” to find the bottom feeding Bass. Yet again, I use black and chartreuse or black and yellow soft plastics for clear water and black and blue or junebug colored soft plastics for dark or murky water. You will also want to cast along any available cover and let your soft plastic sink to the bottom. While it is sinking, keep an eye on the fishing line where it enters the water. Most strikes occur while the bait is free falling. If you see unusual jerking or movement in your line while it is sinking, quickly reel in the slack and set the hook. OK, the idea here is to have your soft plastic mimic a creature eating off of the bottom. It could be a small snake, crawfish, etc. It depends on the soft plastic you are using. Once the bait has sunk to the bottom, you want to, with a twitch of the rod, lift your bait from the bottom and then let it sink again while reeling in the slack. Continue to use this method of retrieval for 15 feet or so and then reel in the bait and recast.

Study these methods and use them. Every professional Bass fisherman out there has used these techniques. Read as much as you can and find other ways to learn these tricks.

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I started mine with a big box of Kroger Cost Cutter Oats, but Quaker Oaks will do. I now use hog brand meal. We buy one hundred pounds (several of us split it) for $6.00 from a farm supply place.

Now fill the bucket about 1/4 full of meal. Dump in the worms (the more you start with the better). I got about 1,000 from a friend. Now slice up a potato and throw it in (you can use apples, fresh corn cobs). What we’re looking for here is something to hold moisture. I use only potatoes.

Buy some nylon screening from the hardware store to cover the top. You do not have to tie it in place. The bugs do not fly. Now the worms will turn into grubs, then black bugs, then die. It will look like nothing’s in there (wait). Feed potatoes and meal when you think it’s necessary. I add 1 potato per week now, plus a cup or two of meal. Leave old stuff in bucket. The stuff that looks like powdered residue are eggs -that’s your next crop.

This process takes a couple of months, but you will have worms of all sizes, black bug and grubs eventually. I fish with the worms and grubs. I ice fish mostly with the grubs and smaller worms.

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2. Now once good stuff has been obtained, we’ll go to the second most important reason – it’s maintenance. Clean reels with smooth working drags, rods with good eyelets – they’re a must to land good fish.

3. Line!!! New!!! Repeat, !!!New!!! Put on new line every three trips. What is between you and the fish once you have it on? !!!Line!!! !!!New Line!!! What is that 30 lb. cat, 7 lb. bass or even a big crappie worth, $1.49 for a spoon of line??

4. Once you’ve got it on your reel and are using that new line, how about getting into the habit of checking the first three feet of it every 3 to 4 casts. Make it a habit. I’ve checked, found a nick and retied only to land a big one on the next cast.

5. You’re in pretty good shape, but we have two things left which still make a lot of difference. One of them, is to learn one knot, learn it until you can tie it without thinking, in the dark, in the wet, in the cold with fingers’ freezing. Now make another habit of checking your knot each time you check your line – knots get weak. Grab your bait or whatever you’re using and yank hard. I’m sure a fish will do it for you, but if you don’t, and you’ll lose him.

6. I left the greatest secret until last. Everyone knows it, but they don’t do it and it costs millions of people good fish every year. Buy a good, no several, good hook stones. Keep them where you can see them in your boat, in your pocket if walking. Now just as with checking your line, now start a habit of checking your hooks to see if they’re sharp each time you check your line and knot. I’ve lost a good fish, checked my hook and found it dull.

I didn’t hit anything or pull my bait through rocks, so how did it get that way? Your guess is as good as mine. During the winter’s long nights, go through and resharpen everything. If it won’t hang in your thumb nail surface when pulled across it at most angles, it won’t hang that big one’s mouth either.

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Let’s start with the species. If you want large fish, then only three species are worth consideration in the U.S. in freshwater. They are the Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus). the Channel Catfish (Ictalurus puntatus), and the Flathead Catfish (Pylodictus olivaris). All other species are either too small to bother with, or their range is too limited.

The Blue Catfish is a true giant, and throughout 2019s range it is the largest sport fish available. Blues are a fish of large reservoirs and rivers, and especially beneath tail races in swift current. These bruisers can top 100 pounds, and 50 pounders are not uncommon.

Blue Catfish are native to the Ohio, Missouri and Mississippi River Basins, but their range has been expanded through various stocking programs. Like the Channel Catfish, they are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet, but the large ones are always caught on whole live fish, such as large shad and bluegills (where legal).

The Channel Catfish is very similar to the Blue Cat, being slightly smaller and with a greater range and tolerance for more environments. Their ranges overlap, and they often interbreed, as their spawning habits are nearly identical. Channel Cats can in excess of 50 pounds, with 20+ pounders common.

They also are fond of tailraces, but can live in smaller lakes, rivers and even farm ponds. Channel Cats are native to the Eastern US from southern Canada south to northern Mexico, east of the Rockies and the Appalachians. Their range has been expanded to almost everywhere in the US through stocking. They are also raised commercially.

Both the Blue and Channel Catfish spawn in early late spring when water temperatures approach 75 degrees. Like the Blue Cat, the largest specimens are always caught on live fish.

The Flathead Catfish is another behemoth, growing to over 4 feet long and 100+ pounds. They prefer deep pools in creeks, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, with slow current and cloudy water. They will seldom be caught directly below tailraces. Their range is from the Great Lakes south along the Mississippi River Basin to the Gulf States.

Flatheads are strictly predators and only eat live food, mainly fish. They tend to be moody, and become inactive in cold water.

The largest catfish are almost always caught on either jug lines or trot lines. Suitable rods and reels for large catfish are heavy freshwater action rods from 7-12 feet long, with powerful baitcasting reels. Your line should be no less than 20 pound test, as you will be using baits weighing in excess of 1 ounce in fast waters.

Jug lines are simply plastic sealed jugs with lines attached. They can be allowed to drift free, or anchrored to the bottom. Usually, 6-12 jug lines will be baited with live bait, using 2/0 or larger hooks, dropped from a boat and allowed to drift.

The fisherman will follow them, and when one bobs, or takes off in an unexpected direction, the line is pulled in, usually with a large, protesting catfish on the end.

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One of the fishing activities is fresh water fishing. Fresh water fishing is a great outdoor sport as it involves catching fishes in streams, rivers and lakes, which requires a lot of patience, thus is very challenging. It requires you to acquire skills over a period of time. However, this fun and challenging activity can be done even with kids.

Before you begin fishing, it’s a good idea for you to check your state’s fishing requirements, just to make sure that you have the proper documentations to fish. For example, you might need a license to fish and this you can check from the sporting goods store. The people here can determine if you need a license, and if you do, they can even help you get one. Some stores will even provide the license for you. So remember to check what documentations you might need before you go on your fishing trip.

Since you are already in your neighbourhood sporting goods store, take some time to look around and see the latest fishing equipment available. Then you’d be able to decide on the right fishing equipment to purchase for your fishing trip. If you are a beginner at fishing, do check your budget. You should not overspend and buy expensive equipment. Just get the basic items that you really need for your trip.

Should you be in nay doubt as to what you should purchase and what you can do without, do not hesitate to get assistance from the store keeper. However, always keep in mind that you have a set budget and you have to stick to it. Take as long as you need to decide on each piece of equipment, and always ask questions on each equipment that is shown to you. Ask about how the equipment is used and whether or not a beginner would really need such equipment. For example, you could purchase artificial lures for bait, but you can also use worms that you dig out from your own backyard.

As a beginner, you would only require the basic items, such as an inexpensive rod and reel, a fishing line, some hooks, weights, fishing lures or bait, a net and perhaps a bobber which will help your line to keep afloat. Sunglasses are also essential. Choose polarized sunglasses as they can lessen the glare thus helping you to see clearly through the water.

Next, find out where the fishes are. If you do not know any good fishing locations, try asking for the local hot spots. Alternately, you could check with your state’s fishing regulations for further information on the various fishing locations around your state.

The time will come for you to be an expert fisherman. When you are one, you can easily upgrade your equipment to top-of-the-line fishing equipment. In the meantime, try to keep this basic and as simple as possible.

One thing important that you should always remember is never to fish alone. You should always go with a friend. That way should an emergency take place, there will always be another person to get help or assistance.

The smartest thing for you to do would be to start fishing is shallow waters. Aim you cast in any rocky or shady areas where the water is deep. This is where the fish can be found. Do remember that this is your practice exercise.

Once your skill level grows and you become better, you can then try out the deeper waters. However before attempting such things, make sure you take your time to practice casting. This will help you familiarize yourself with your rod and reel.

And you know where is the best place for you to practice? Your own backyard! First, mark off the area with a length of rope. This will be your guide to practice aiming your cast. Practice throwing your cast and look at your movements. Study how you move your arms. Find the best way for you to cast your line. This should be the way that suits your best and one that you’re comfortable with. Remember, when casting, it’s all in the wrist, not in the arms.

When using fishing hooks, practice extreme caution as they are very sharp and can cause injury. Before you cast your line, check to see that the area is clear and that there are no obstacles in your way. This will make sure that no one gets hurt with the sharp fishing hooks.

When it is finally time for you to go on a real fishing trip, remember to always cast your line a little way ahead of the fish. Also try to make your lure or bait land softly and without much of a splash. The fish will see the bait at a close point, but if the line is behind the fish, the fish will not be able to see it.

Should there be at any one time your cast gets a little disorganized, you should move closer towards the water. This will help you get better accuracy in casting your line.

Keep a close eye on the bobber. If you detect any movement, or if the bobber goes underwater, you will know that a fish has grabbed the bait. This means you’ve got a fish hooked on your line. Relax and don’t get too excited. Stay calm at all times.

Now that the fish is hooked, try to keep your line tight and very slowly reel in your fish. Hold your net close by and use it to get the fish out of the water. Once your fish is out, you can proceed to remove the hook from the fish. This you should very carefully do so you don’t end up hurting yourself.

Should you find that the fish you just caught is undersized (in accordance to the states regulation book) you should immediately return it to the water. Also, if you have no intention to cook your catch of the day, do not waste the fish. You should quickly throw it back into the water. When you throw your fish back into the water you are helping to supply the water with more fish. This way, fishermen in the future will be able to experience the same exhilarating feeling that you get when you get a catch.

And finally, do make sure you take your time to look around and enjoy your surrounding environment. You will find that this is the best time for you to experience the calm and peaceful view of the water.

And finally don’t forget to have fun!

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Ugly Stick

Ugly Stick rods are known for their durability and sensitivity, two things you really need to catch catfish. They have all sorts of special features, like blank-through-handle construction (a graphite core surrounded by a layer of glass), which make it easier for you to feel when a catfish hits your line. They also have certain models designed specifically for the mighty, fighting catfish. This is kind of a standard rod for catfish anglers, and you won’t hear too many bad reviews about them. The Ugly Stick Shakespeare Tiger has been one of the most popular models since it was introduced in the ’70′s.

Berkley Glowstick

This rod is great for nighttime fishing, and works a lot better than most of the other rods that have lights on them. This is because it has a spinner on the end that reflects light, which you don’t even need a battery to run. It also has an LED light that you can switch on and off. It’s always a good idea to shut it off when you’re not using it, because the LED light does run on battery power. These spinners work by spinning when they strike. Catfish can nip at your line so lightly, that it’s sometimes difficult to tell when you got a bite or not, and these spinners work a lot better than rods that have little bells or something on them. You can usually pick up a Berkley Glowstick for around $40 new, but if you hunt around you can often get a better deal.

Rhino Night Vision Rods

These are also great for fishing at night, but what’s really great about them, even better than the light features, is that they are quality-made. Rhino rods are made by Zebco, one of the most trusted brands of rod makers out there. These rods have a light on the tip and one on the butt. As a word of warning, don’t expect too much out of the lighted tip. I’ve heard of lots of anglers having a hard time getting this feature to work. If you are buying a Rhino, buy it for the patented Rhino grip that makes casting a piece of cake, or the durability of the rod. Rhino’s butts are nice and heavy, and most models are longer than regular rods. They have 6 inches more than a regular pole. This, combined with the light feature, smooth feel and overall quality, make the Rhino Night Vision Rod an excellent choice.

Cabela’s European Predator

Cabela makes some great rods. They are known especially for their durability, which is really important when you’re trying to catch those big suckers. Rods like the Cabela European Predator are made to catch heavy fish that don’t give up without a fight. Not only are these rods strong, they are also longer than most, some as much as 11 feet, so that you can do long-distance casting. They usually sell for about $60 new.

Mitchell Catfish Spinner Rod

This is another rod made just for catching cats, with a tough fiberglass rod guaranteed not to snap in half when a giant catfish is fighting on the end of it. This model uses EVA handles, which are both comfortable and durable.

Jim Moyer “The Boss” Rods

This rod is the specialty series of famous fisherman Jim Moyer, who designed the Berkley E-Glass rod. This is a great high end rod, and it comes in a couple of different sizes, depending on where you’re fishing. For good sized rivers, they offer the bigger rods, which have stainless steel guides, in addition to the E-Glass and cork used for the handle. The smaller models, which are mostly the same but use titanium instead of stainless steel, are ideal for catching smaller catfish. One of the reasons this is called “the Boss” is that it’s heavy duty. These rods go for around $70, which is quite a bit more than the usual stuff you find, but it is a well-made, designer fishing rod that is well worth the price.

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I love night fishing. Most of the times it’s because I don’t get to go out and fish during the day because of my work, but now there’s more to it than just the convenience. I’ve observed that night fishing offers you the same conditions as daytime, but with generally better results. Sometimes I can swear the fishing conditions are even better during the night, since there are fewer anglers to compete with for a good fishing spot, and less noise as well.

I’ve also come to realize that when you find a good fishing spot during the day, coming back to it at night will net you even more fish. Although I can’t explain why, but the fish just seem to bite more at night. One little drawback though is that it’s harder to see your line, but since you’re getting a lot of fish, it’s worth the effort. For this reason, perhaps, I’ve seen a lot of daytime fishermen turn to night fishing. When I asked one why, he just said it makes him look good because he catches more fish that way!

If you want to try night fishing, I say full speed ahead! But make sure that the weather forecast for that night is good. It’s going to be difficult enough moving about and finding things in the dark; when you go out night fishing during bad weather, it just makes it worse and more dangerous. I know this sounds elementary, but you’d be surprised at the number of anglers who forget this very simple rule.

Here’s one tip to make your night fishing even better: Watch the moon! You might be thinking it sounds a bit crazy, but try it and see for yourself. You’ll be surprised at the things you might learn. One thing you’re most likely to notice is that most fish hide in the shadows during a full moon. I can’t tell you why because I don’t know myself, but that’s what I and my night fishing friends have observed, anyway. So now when you find some shadows on the water, you’ll know where to cast your line.

If there are no shadows and the moon isn’t shining down on the water, it will make your task of finding the fish a bit harder, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck and have to return another evening. The fish seems more likely to bite anytime it’s not a full moon or if it’s partially hidden by clouds. So now you’ll know how to determine which fishing spot will be more likely to get you better results. If the moon is shining full and bright, go for the shadows in the water. If it’s hidden or even nowhere to be seen, just go to your favorite fishing spot and expect lots of hits on the line.

I’ve heard a lot of anglers say that they only fish during a full moon, while others say that no moon is the best time for night fishing. What I’d recommend to you is to go out into the night and try both. You will get good results, whether it’s a full moon or night. All you have to remember is to adjust your fishing technique and change your fishing spots, depending on how much the moon is shining during the night.

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Whatever takes you out of the house or office and onto the waters to go bass fishing, you need to get all of your gear ready before you go out. One of the most important items found in your fishing gear will be the fishing lures. When it comes to bass fishing you have the biggest selection available compared to any other type of fishing lures.

With so many different shapes, sizes and colors available how do you know which ones to choose? In the end it all comes down to your personal preference but the information listed below can help you get started searching for the bass fishing lures that work the best for you.

Below is a list of some of the best bass fishing lures in North America.

Spinner bait

Spinner bait is one of the most popular bass fishing lures used today. They come in many different colors such as red, yellow, white, brown, black and so forth with gold or silver blades. Many anglers prefer the metallic spinner baits but all designs are bright and shiny to attract the attention of the bass. Some spinner baits have rubber skirts that are designed specifically for getting the attention of the bass. You can change these skirts making this type of spinner bait more versatile.

When it comes to the shape of spinner bait you should use, you need to consider the types of fish found in the water where you are located. Spinner bait is designed to imitate the bait fish found in different waters to outsmart the bass so they will take the bait. These tend to trick the bass into taking the bait by impulse.

Crank bait

Another very popular bass fishing lure is the crank bait lure. It was given this name because the lure is connected to the end if the line and then you crank it back to the area where you are fishing. Some crank baits sink directly to the bottom of the water while others float on the top. There are even crank baits that stay suspended at the depth where you stopped reeling it in. Crank baits are designed for shallow, medium and deep waters.

Jigs

There are a wide variety of jigs available for you to choose from. The buck tail jig is very popular because they resemble smaller fish that the bass feed on.

Buck tails are made with both curly and straight tails to capture the attention of the bass easier. Many experienced anglers have great success with the Jig and Pig lure. These are the lures that are used in many tournaments.

Topwater Plugs

The top water plug is a great lure that floats along the top of the water. When you get a bite it will be pulled down into the water so you know it is time to set the hook. They work great around lily pads, trees, stumps and around docks. They help prevent you from getting hung up on obstacles while fishing for the bass. Some examples of top water plugs include spoons, jitterbugs and boppers.

However, there are a few strategies that can help you be successful and reel in any size bass you go after. One of the first things that you need to do is get familiar with the bass. There are several species of bass but the most well-known are the large mouth, small mouth, white bass and the stripped bass.

The bass truly is a remarkable fish with a mouth and stomach that will stretch wide enough for them to eat food that is half their own length. They feed the most aggressively during the spring spawning season and during the late afternoon all the way through till early morning.

They begin feeding on small crustaceans when they are young and when they start to mature they will eat insects and smaller fish. Adult bass will add worms, frogs and crayfish to their diets.

Knowing what they eat naturally will help you know which baits to use when fishing for the bass. Using baits that are similar to what the bass normally eat will get their attention faster. You don’t have to worry too much about the large mouth bass because they will eat just about anything but you will need to be pickier with some of the other species of bass.

However, when you are going after the big bass you should keep in mind that they will seldom waste their time on small bait.

Most anglers prefer live bait when fishing for bass because it does get the best results especially when you are fishing for the big bass.

When using live bait you do need to keep it fresh so make sure you have a place to store it where it will stay cool. If you prefer not to use live bait or it is not appropriate for some reason, then you can use artificial lures catch bass.

When using artificial lures most anglers prefer spinner baits because they are considered to be the best option when it comes to the bass species. One reason they are so popular is because they can be used in most any type of water or fishing condition.

You can use them to go after bass in the open waters or around structures and weedy areas, all the places where you can find this species. They are also easy enough for even the novice angler to use with great success. Crankbaits are the next popular artificial lures used for catching large bass.

Bass Fishing Equipment

To be a successful bass fisherman that hauls in the big boys, you must have the right equipment. Your rod and reel needs to be strong enough to handle the weight and struggle of a big bass. Otherwise, you will be watching them swim away from you instead of pulling them into your boat.

Every piece of gear you use to fish with is important right down to the hooks that you buy. They need to be in good condition and most of all, sharp. Dull hooks will cause you lots of problems and could make you lose your catch.

The line used also needs to be strong enough to handle the weight of the bass without snapping. All of your gear should be compatible with each other.