How to Catch Bigger Bass – Tips for Largemouth Bass
If you are looking to catch more largemouth bass and to catch bigger bass then I would strongly suggest that you start using the technique that I have been using for years. Generally tips for largemouth bass will cover a wide variety of methods and techniques. Because largemouth bass are an aggressive and voracious freshwater fish there are indeed many ways to fish for and catch them. However there are times when they are not easy to catch so using a proven method can only help improve your chances.
Largemouth Bass Technique
My favorite way to fish for bass is actually rather simple and nothing new. I use a Texas rig with a plastic (rubber) worm. The rig may actually be called a modified rig as there is no sinker involved, just a hook and the plastic worm. The line should not be too stiff, 6 to 10 pound test works well. Stiffer line can inhibit the motion of the lure. The hook of choice is a Gamakatsu size 3 off set worm hook. Other similar hooks will also work well. Place the hook point into the head of the worm, penetrate about a quarter of an inch and then come out the side. Pull the worm up snug so the hook’s tie hole is at the top of the worm and then take the point and embed it into the side of the worm. Go almost all the way through but stop just before it comes out the other side. This way you will be fishing WEEDLESS, which is absolutely necessary for good bass fishing, and yet the hook will go easily through the worm and hook the fish when you set it.
While there are many, many types of plastic worms to use and every fisherman will develop a preference. The traditional worm style will work well of course as will other types that resemble bait fish, salamanders and other aquatic creature. At times just about all of these will work if fished properly. My usual worm color is purple or blue, often two tone with a bright orange tail section. Light colored speckled worms are also a favorite. Seven inch worms work well as the longer ones will have more length not covered by the hook and you tend to miss lots of hits. Smaller baits have their place as well. You may want to use a smaller hook with these so they will keep their life like motion. As with most fishing, each local area seems to have baits that work well in that area. Learn your local favorites and that should really help.
The technique that you use to fish your plastic worm makes all the difference in attracting a largemouth bass. Since fish tend to love cover you want to be casting to likely spots. Because you are fishing weedless do NOT be afraid to cast into thick vegetation. Lily pads offer a nice shady area for bass so you can land right on top of the leaves and slowly move it of into the open water. This frequently triggers a hit. Logs and stumps are other prime targets. Do not be in a hurry to retrieve the worm. Sometimes a bass will hit the instance your worm hits the water so be ready for that. Other times they will pick it up as it first drifts downward. Occasionally they will follow if for some distance before making up their mind. Start your retrieve slowly, with short tugs and jerks, then pause and et it settle. Reel in slowly. Always pay attention to the feel of your line.
This is the key to success! Sometimes a big bass will engulf the bait and start swimming away. It this happens quickly take up any slack and then set the hook by striking in the opposite direction of his movement. This should hook a nice one! At other times you may feel multiple and repeated tugs. This can be tricky as it may require lots of patience before you set the hook. You do not want to strike too soon and just pull the hook away from the fish. Try to make sure it feels like he has taken the worm into his mouth before you set the hook. If you miss a hit from a nice fish you should immediately get the worm back into his feeding zone as he may go for it again if he is still in the mood. Sometimes small fish will just tug on the end of worm and this can drive an angler crazy. This may happen if there is a school of small fish, such as sunfish or perch in the area. It may be time to move on in search of big bass.
Chances are that once you master this method of bass fishing you will start to hook more fish and also bigger fish. You may miss some in the process. That is just part of the fun of fishing!. Tight lines!
