When it comes to bass fishing, beginners often find themselves overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available. To help you navigate the waters (pun intended), I've compiled a comprehensive guide of top "pro tips" specifically tailored for beginners. I've been guiding for 7+ years full time and take anglers of ALL skill levels fishing, I guarantee these tips will help you to hit the ground running. This article is more geared towards new anglers, if you are not new to fishing, I highly encourage you to drop a comment below with your best fishing tip that you wish you knew when you first started!
1. Understand the Behavior of Bass
To be successful in bass fishing, it's crucial to understand the behavior of these fish. Bass are known to be opportunistic feeders, often hiding in structures like fallen trees or underwater vegetation. By learning their behavior and habitat preferences, you can increase your chances of making a successful catch. When fishing a new body of water look for "targets" to cast to. Rather than casting out towards open water look for places you could imaging a fish would hide waiting to ambush prey. A fallen log, aquatic grass, a fountain in a pond, a point with wind hitting it, all of these are high percentage areas for a fish to be living around.
2. Choose the Right Equipment
Having the right fishing gear can make a world of difference in your bass fishing endeavors. Invest in a quality rod and reel suited for bass fishing, along with the appropriate line. I am by no means saying you need to go out and drop hundreds of dollars on fishing gear. However, spending a little more money to purchase a sensitive rod that will last more than one season is worth it. A great all around rod to get started with is a 7' long, medium power, fast action spinning rod with a 2500 size reel and 15 pound test. Learning to cast accurately will also greatly improve your chances of hooking that prized bass. I can't recommend it enough to practice your casting. The more consistently you can put a bait where you think a fish may be living, the more likely you are to get bit. Think about it... if a fish is living near a dock in the lake, who is going to get bit more often, the angler who can consistently cast within a couple feet of the dock, or the angler who can only cast within a few feet of the dock every once and in while... it makes a big difference!
3. Patience is Key
Patience is a virtue that all successful anglers possess. Bass fishing requires patience and persistence, as the perfect catch may not happen instantly. I always joke that fishing is not a good sport if you need instant gratification. If you are not getting bit possibly slow down with your retrieve, change lures more frequently, try a different color, but most of all, don't get discouraged and give up right away.
4. Master Different Techniques
There are various techniques you can employ in bass fishing, such as flipping, pitching, topwater fishing, finesse fishing, cranking... the list goes on and on! Each technique has its unique application and can be effective in different scenarios. Experiment with various techniques to find what works best for you and the conditions you're fishing in. For starters I would spend some time learning how to fish a dropshot, a Texas rig and a paddletail swimbait. Between these three rigs/ baits you can cover just about any lake or pond and catch fish.
5. Study the Water
Understanding the body of water you're fishing in is crucial for a successful bass fishing trip. Factors such as water temperature, clarity, and depth play a significant role in the behavior of bass. Research the waterbody beforehand and adjust your strategies accordingly. An example of this is fishing in a lake with very clear water. When faced with clear water conditions its important to use lure colors that are very natural and realistic looking as opposed to bring wild colors like firetiger or chartruse.
6. Practice Catch and Release
Conservation is essential in bass fishing. Adhering to catch and release practices helps maintain healthy bass populations and ensures the sustainability of the sport for future generations. Handle the fish with care and release them gently back into the water. There is definitely a time and place for keeping fish for the fryer, but if you are fishing a small local pond, consider letting the fish go to be cause again by someone else!
7. Join a Fishing Community
Engaging with fellow anglers can provide valuable insights and tips for bass fishing. If you are an extrovert joining a fishing club allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in bass fishing. Resources like local fishing Facebook groups or fishing forums are also great resources to learn more about fishing. Don't be afraid to ask questions! It's unlikely someone will divulge their secret honeyhole to you, however you'd be surprised how many people are willing to share their fishing knowledge and tips with a complete stranger!
Wrapping Up
As you embark on your bass fishing journey, remember that every fishing trip is an opportunity to learn and improve your skills. By applying these top tips for beginners, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of bass fishing and increase your chances of landing that elusive trophy bass. Stay patient, persistent, and passionate about the sport, and success will follow.
If you would like to lessen the learning curve, consider booking a guided fishing trip with me!