Master and Optimize YOUR personal tangle with one of natures most worthy champions and opponents Play the anglers game of condition, circumstance, nowledge, opportunity and sill !ynergize and !trategize" !hape YOUR OWN PERSONA APPROACH to catching Bass, #$% &'($ more, )igger, more often, consistently and regardless of conditions, considerations, and or interplay of other random factors Plan to succeed* and YOU will+ &his how to guide, will help, gi,e you )acground information, handy tips and pointers to ponder, consider, try, master an! ($-OY"Ta"#e O$ Contents 1. .oreword / 0hat are we fishing for again1 &he &arget2 3Bass defined 2. 4ntroduction 5 6nowing and 7oing where the fish are 8 Locating, Luring and #c9uiring the target 3. &he )asics of Bass .ishing 8 #n o,er,iew :; &ools of the trade2 &acle, Boats, #ccessories, Lures and Baits <all a)out plastics, spinners, cran and others= top=water and specialty lures> :? 0ater, 0eather, &iming and Other (n,ironmental #spect, .acets and @onsiderations for Bass .ishing AA &echni9ues for Bass .ishing lie a Pro <worms, sipping, Ripping, %rift trolling, .ly=rodding> /: 4. Mistaes and !ecrets to Bass .ishing /? 5. !tyles and !pecialty Bass .ishing &echni9ues /5 6. .inal &houghts2 !ummary and @onclusions B: 7. References #nd Other 'andy Boos On Bass .ishing B; #PP($%4C :2 Bass .ishing 7lossary B/ 2 1. Fo%ewo%! & What A%e We Fishing Fo% Again' The Ta%get: ()Bass*+ ,e$ine! 0hate,er the reason you had for picing up these pages, to learn more a)out fishing, and game fishing, specifically with an all=time angling fa,orite em)edded in the aptly titled2 Bass Fishing, 101: How To Catch The Next Big One, you are sure to find a 9uenching reprie,e+ !till your thirst for nowledge and any )ass fishing pursuit, challenge or )attle, you will or might face in your lifetime, right here+ &here is something for e,eryone in this )oo" 4f your main interest, is impro,ing your a)ility to catch Bass, increasing, <and may)e> e,en stacing the odds in your fa,or of succeeding time and again, e,ery time, in this angling e9uation and any future eDpeditions you plan to undertae, then this )oo has something of ,alue to offer you+ 0hen you are on the hunt for Bass, nowing the )asics is lie the life)lood of your strategy, )ringing your chances ali,e with e,ery cast" #L!O, disco,er and de,elop YOUR O0$ sportsman=lie, angling style and character, while gradually )uilding your appreciation and understanding of the great outdoors, as part of your fishing eDperience+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 3 0e present a practical approach to the intricacies and compleDities in,ol,ed in this popular sport+ 0e hope that this is captured well )y the short title2 Bass Fishing 101: How to Catch the Next Big One+ Our focus, approach, aims and goals are simple 8 the )asis and premise e,en simpler2 #ea%n the "asics- get the. %ight- consistent#/- with s0i## an! .aste%/- an! the/ wi## e1ent2a##/ #ea! /o2 to catching a## the Bass /o2 can 3ossi"#/ want o% han!#e4 0e prefer to get right to the topic and elements of our discussion 8 how to find and catch Bass" Basic yet detailed, the teDt is written in such a manner, that it can )e put to use and wor for you right away, without spending hours reading and wading through pages of information, you do not need+ Most pu)lished wors and accomplished authors <many anglers themsel,es>, depict Bass fishing as the ultimate angling eDperience and 3&he Bass <predator=hunter itself>, as tough= minded, unpredicta)le, with a strong sur,i,al instinct, great awareness, sensingEsensors, that mae them the een and effecti,e hunters they are+ &hese fish )enefit from natures gifts of powerful sight, hearing, ,ast speed, maneu,era)ility and e,en Fumping action mo,es, that will ha,e you catch <pardon the pun>, your )reath* with awe, eDcitement and eDpectation that is" #ll of this maes it possi)le 4 for the Bass to li,e up to its name and reputation, as one of the GeDtremesH of the gaming fish populations and e,ery anglers dream catch" Part of the Percichthyidae family <also su)=classified into the genus Morone 8 considered a separate unit or )ranch <white, yellow, striped>, they are widely distri)uted in temperate and tropical waters, su)=species to )e found in fresh and saltwater+ &here are also the #ustralian )ass <c!"aria no#e$ac"%eate>, (uropean sea )ass <&icentrarch"s %a'rax>+ &heir food of choiceEfeed and natural diet includes small fish, crustaceans, worms and insects 8 some anglers ha,e also had great success with li,e=)ait, lie eels and e,en frogs+ &hen there are the )lac )ass, collecti,ely referred to and including our prized target 8 called )y some to )e the most sporting species in $orth #merica 8 the Centrarchidae family+ <Largemouth and smallmouth )ass, redeye, spotted, striped, )lac )ass, !uwannee, Iuadalupee>+ #rtificial )aits ha,e pro,en useful to most anglers+ Li,e )aits are )est, )ut these fish can )e tempted, teased and lured to strie with artificial ones such as spinners, spoons, cran=)aits, surface plugs and plastic worms 8 more on this a little later+ 6nowing which to choose <and 0'Y>, use, switch to in certain conditions, and how to optimize this art of allure, is a ey )asic element for e,ery aspiring or great angler alie+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 5 &hese fishes are all acti,e predators, warming to natural )aits an! artificial lures+ Most anglers would suggest spinning or trolling for freshwater fishing for Bass <larger species> and spinning or fly=fishing for the smaller species+ !altwater enthusiasts might also consider surfcasting, trolling or up=tide fishing+ .ishing for and catching Bass, in ,arious waters across the glo)e, has a proud history and tradition+ Most of us are too glad to get da))ling in and form part of it, whether from )oat, shore, rocs or rocs, ri,ers, streams, laes or oceans+ 0e lie to tell our mighty tales and contemplate how to change and modify, adapt and or create new techni9ues, approaches to hoo smallmouth, large=mouth, specled, spotted, striped and )lac )ass+ &o each his own+ You pic your fa,orite+ 6nowing how to tell a smallmouth from a large=mouth )ass, striped from spotted and so on, is a ,ery )asic sill most anglers master 9uicly+ Looing specifically at size and physical features are good places to start+ &rain your eye to 3spot the differences, so to spea+ &hey differ in size, marings and dorsal fins for eDample+ &heir upper Faws are different in length and their dorsal fins are not the same+ &he large=mouth has a spiny dorsal fin, highest in the middle portion, with almost a distinct 3)rea, right )efore the second set of dorsal fins start+ .or our friends the small mouth 6 )ass, these fins are flatter, first and second are connected, with distinct scales at the )ase of the second set of dorsal fins+ #part from nowing and telling your fish species apart, )y sights and or physical characteristics, there are some general ad,ice we can propose right upfront+ (Dperiencing, treading lightly and honoring nature, the great outdoors, a)iding )y the anglers code <catch and release, licensing>, en,ironmental protection for generations of anglers <and women> to come, and the lie are all ,astly important in your angling endea,ors+ !econd, maintaining an o,erall alertness, what some call Greading the watersH <understanding the )ody of water, ha)itat to the fish, contour, depth, temperature, stratified le,els etc+>, )eing generally, as well as specifically 3o)ser,ant, arming yourself with nowledge, sill and understanding of the fish, the species, the en,ironment, and all other rele,ant factors to your fishing acti,ity and undertaings 8 paramount for successful process and outcome+ &hird, <and almost most importantly>, remain adapta)le, for change is a B47 part of this enFoya)le outdoor acti,ity+ 4t is definitely not for the faint of heart or the impatient among us" Fly Fishing From Scratch. 7 2. 5nt%o!2ction & 6nowing An! 7oing Whe%e The Bass A%e Bass defined2 # fighter, e,er=elusi,e, choice game=fish, predator )y nature and reputation, the one sought=after, prized hoo, catch, reel=in and land, of many an aspiring angler+ 'ow to catch Bass #$% then catch more, larger )ass, more often, in more places, with more consistency, ha,ing a pro=acti,e plan and approach, stacing the odds in your fa,or to succeed, catching more fish an! enFoying the process, is what this )asic guide is all a)out+ &he hunter )ecomes the hunted 8 learn how a small change in your paradigm, thining and approach can lead to )ass=angling success" !tart thining lie the watery hunter, )ecome and understand the )ass as a hunter+ O)ser,e, learn, follow, study and use its natural ha)it, preferences, patterns, ha)its, prey and choice of food, in your angling=strategy, and you will ha,e some interesting fish=tales to tell+ <$one of them tall tales of course, we hope">* and yes, we may e,en learn something from the ones that getEgot away" !o, without further ado, let us get our rods and reels going* 4f you were told that, there is one particular species of fish that most would descri)e as tough=minded, smart, outwitting and 8 elusi,ely hard to catch, then it the Bass 8 in all its shapes, sizes, iterations and su)=classes+ 4t rings true, no matter what the conteDt, )ody of water, special and or an/ situation or condition, regardless of secrets, tips, pro,en science, techni9ue and intent in the world" Bass fishing is challenging and rewarding at the same time+ &o ensure hours of countless pleasure, follow the pointers <and add some of your own here too"> pro,ided here, for Bass fishing :J: and )e ready to hoo the neDt )ig one* repeatedly, and actually )e a)le to ($-OY it too" &here are ,arious aspects, woring in com)ination in the art and science, sport and pursuit that is Bass .ishing" !trategy an! synergy, contri)ute to e,entual, and <we will argue>, consistent and repeata)le success+ (9uipment, site, lure and sill, dawn and or dus, shallow or deep waters, freshEsalt water, from )oat or shore 8 it does not matter" &here are secrets and techni9ues for each of them+ $o,ices, )eginners, seasonal and seasoned anglers alie, are all welcome to flip through these pages to disco,er some magical, sought=after truths a)out )ass fishing" 4n the end, it is as much a)out the process, enFoyment, understanding and appreciation, as it is a)out the fish" Become an o)ser,ant, student of nature itself, the Bass ha)its and patterns, whether using trolling, artificial and or li,e )ait, Fly Fishing From Scratch. 9 fly=fishing, on ice, fresh and salt, deep and shallow waters, do so, using all to your ad,antage, as you undertae your own Fourney of the Bass" Bass is )y far the most widely distri)uted fish in $orth #merica 8 sometimes due to the con,enience of our mo)ility and fast=paced society, geared for tra,el and transportation, Bass is within easy reach <for most within : days tra,el at most>, Large=mouths, !mall=mouths, striped, spotted, )lac )ass etc+ all await+ (,er heard of a smart fish that maes calculated, in=the=moment decisions1 One whose sur,i,al instinct is so strong, that it snatches and at other times totally ignores and hangs around seemingly uninterested, only to strieE)ite when least eDpected" 0ell, that would )e typical of our finned, scaly <pardon the pun>, fish=friend, the 3Bass+ .or the purposes of this )oo, this species is and taes centre=stage 8this is deli)erate and intentional+ Bass fishing is a)out eDactly that the fish, &he Bass+ &enacious, unpredicta)le and a challenge to most of us+ Karious scientists ha,e pro,en that Bass almost 3calculate the amount of energy it will tae them to go after the prey ,s+ the return+ 4f this )e true and ,erified, what are the implications for us anglers of promise1 OU&!M#R&4$7 &'(M of course" 4t is all in the )asics, the strategies, )attle plan, allure, tease and techni9ues we choose to use in this process+ &his will dictate and determine our success+ 10 3. The Basics O$ Bass Fishing 8 An O1e%1iew Most, if not all of the so=called 3insider secrets, tips and stories to tell of )ig hauls of Bass, all re,ol,e, around a ,ery simple )asic rule 8 understanding the fish, <their life=cycles, feeding preferences, ha)its and patterns, ha)it and menu of choice, their nature, their relationship with the )roader eco=system and position on the food=chain, timing it right+ #lso heeding your surroundings, your e9uipment <tools>, ha,ing the now how and )asics under your )elt and finally optimizing <e,ery"> opportunity* 4n effect, you are going a)out, creating the most fa,ora)le angling process and outcome you can muster" Bass fishing is a passion, a science and an art form upon itself+ 4t appeals to young and old, attracts anglers from all wals of life and )oth sides of the professional and amateur spectrum+ One ey to )ass fishing is, what we can easily refer to as, 3predicta)le )eha,ior+ 'a)its, patterns, life cycles, the natural rhythm that is life and nature 8 also applies to fish+ &his means that Bass eDist within this natural reality+ 4f you can capitalize on understanding it )etter, you will increase your chances of successful hoosE)ites+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 11 !eeing protecti,e co,er, foraging amongst rocs, stumps, weeds, at times on the prowl hunting for prey, other times Fust 3lunching around casually, all seem to )e part of &he Bass feeding rituals and repertoire+ &aing ad,antage and considering this when starting out and e,ery time casting, will )enefit you greatly+ #nother is Gcompetiti,e ad,antageH, &he Bass has an Gairtight sacH <)reathing )ladder>, that is inflata)le, which ena)les it to swim and thri,e at different le,els+ # powerful tail helps with speed, agility and maneu,era)ility+ 4t can reach great depths+ Other factors lie water clarity, time of day, su)dued sunlight, water displacement and ,i)ration sensing, noise sensiti,ity, all add to this fish cunning and ensuring that you scrutinize these clues, will increase your odds of hooing your neDt )ig one+ Unlocing for eDample how &he Bass senses and prefers color and shade in the moment, can always also help anglers increase their effecti,eness+ &he choice and type of lure, colors and mo,ement, )ait etc+ can all contri)ute meaningfully to your attempts+ 0here the fish are* e,eryone will ha,e an answer, or at least their opinionEeDperience on whatEwhereEwhen, e,en science+ $e,ertheless, sometimes it is as simple as understanding the ha)itat and those that li,e and thri,e in it, to )etter interact 12 with and enFoy fishing in it 8 a type of eDploring the depths, so to spea+ .or eDample2 the temperature of the water and a,aila)le oDygen, dictate mo,ing patterns and dis)ursement of fish species+ .eeding ha)its and preferences are distinct, falling more on the Glooing ali,eH or li,e )ait+ !ome 9uote smallmouth )ass, as showing preference for crawfish and using that as a 3sign of where these critters will )e found, on the hunt for their fa,orite snac" Looing at stomach content of fish you ha,e caught and ept <not part of the catch and release protocolEre9uirements>, hold hidden clues a)out food of preference 8whitefish, crawfish and others+ 'a,ing self=confidence, aptitude AN, the right attitude when fishing for Bass is crucial+ 4n this )attle to outwit your opponent, you will need e,ery tool and tric at your disposal to mae a successful catch+ $e,er get discouraged, feel )eaten or worse 9uit for the yield has )een slim to none at all 8 those days happen to e,ery angler+ $ature )eats to its own drum, you ha,e to disco,er and enFoy the rhythm you are so intricately part of+ Practice maes perfect 8 there is no sil,er )ullet, 9uic=fish method for L5+55, that can guarantee you )ites and more )ass all the time, anytime+ 4t %O(! tae hard wor and commitment, persistence and rigor from the angler+ &here is more than routine at stae and play here+ !ome days will )e predicta)ly )etter than others+ $o matter what the conditions, process and outcome, on the day, put it all down to eDperience Fly Fishing From Scratch. 13 and lessons learned+ Log and learn, share and grow, in your own understanding, confidence and toolit, as an a,id )ass angler+ #nother ey tric, is actually $O &R4@6 #& #LL 8 we call it an Gac9uired sillH+ 4t taes more of that hard wor we mentioned )efore" (Dact, fiDed casting, re9uires target=precision practice, impro,ing your a)ility to place the lure eDactly where you would want it to )e 8 let us call it 3hitting the mar+ &his is another crucial tactic and techni9ue you can practice in the par or your li,ing room 8 try using plugs and get )etter e,ery time at consistently hitting your 3target <and nothing else we hope">+ Becoming and )eing a proacti,e participant in the conteDt and en,ironment <and process>, you are in, nowing when to mo,e on, change something and or 9uit for the time=)eing <postponing the hunt or resting when re9uired, planning your strategy for the neDt trip out>, is what it is all a)out as well" 'a)itual creatures of comfort, &he Bass <as a species>, are not so much different than modern man+ Bearing this in mind will help you too as an angler+ 0e lie what we lie, when and how we lie it and normally want it on time, when it is there and ready, )e safe, enFoy life and we cra,e comfort 8 food, shelter and well=)eing" %oes this sound a lot different from our own needs and re9uirements1 $ot really" 0ell, that is one way of le,eling the playing field+ Understanding the )asic necessities 14 and niceties for these watery GcreaturesH, holds clues and ad,antage, for any and e,ery angler+ !timulus, pattern, routine, ha)it 8 predictors and hints 8 the ace up your slee,e when nothing else wors" Learn and de,elop sills, to 3read <9uicly at a glance, o)ser,e and mae a Fudgment>, now instincti,ely what will come happen, neDt and why 8 figure out the pattern, stic with it and eDploit it to your ad,antage and angling success+ Meet the Bass where they are, in what they do, cater to their needs and you will )e surprised at what meets you in the waters )elow" Fly Fishing From Scratch. 15 .amiliarity with the Bass fa,orite places to hang around is critical to success2 Bottoms, stumps, trees , logs, weeds and plants, contours, structures, tra,el=routes, crees, shallowsEdeeper passages, co,es, channels, )luffs, )ans and shorelines 8 all can )e repetiti,e clues on ha)itual, predicta)le )eha,ior of the )ass+ Most of the 3eDperts came a)out their nowledge through reading, studying ha)its of their catch, in ,ery similar fashion than what you are undertaing+ (,ery time you get to now your fishy friends a little )etter, until you now instincti,ely where they will )e and where their fa,orite spots are+ 6nowing and going where the fish are )ecomes demystified, )ut e,en more eDciting, for it is now more than a hunch or random chance 8 it is a planned encounter where the watery predator, hunter (ar exce%%ence, )ecomes the hunted" Too#s O$ The T%a!e: Tac0#e- Boats- Accesso%ies- 2%es An! Baits (A## A"o2t P#astics- S3inne%s- C%an0 An! Othe%s& To3&Wate% An! S3ecia#t/ 2%es+ 'a,ing the right e9uipment, nowing how to )est use it, when and how, <also how not to use it and what it is not suita)le for>, can all help you in your )ass fishing ad,enture+ &he )asics regarding rods, reels, line, hoos, weights, )o))ers, siners, lures, sensors and other e9uipment <hats, ,ests, nets, scents, scissors etc+>, gi,es you an appreciation for ha,ing the right tools for the tas<s> at hand+ 16 #s a highly participatory and engaging sport, Bass fishing is simply almost unparalleled in the ,ast amount of styles and tools to use+ .rom 9uiet streams, tran9uil laes to open sea and rushing ri,ers 8 there is something for e,eryone+ 4f you are looing for 9uic tips on the right e9uipment, most suited to your purpose and the techni9ues to master to catch )ass in any conditions, might this neDt section enlighten and inspire you, as you del,e right into the 3utilities of the fishing trade+ !ome tools of the )ass fishing trade, we will )e focusing on are2 Rods, Reels, Lines and 'oos &acle2 Lures and Bait 8 li,e 8 artificial and, or, BU& Y(&* Limited space does not permit large comparati,e eDplanations or ram)lings on the merit of some tools a)o,e certain others+ &hese de)ates are well nown and well pu)lished in eDisting literature+ 0e tae a more practical approach and loo at what you will actually need to hoo your neDt )ig one, )esides random chance and luc" 0e lie to point out that picing the right e9uipment means a lot of different thing to different people+ (ach angler has hisEher own interpretation of what that means, ,arying sill le,el, physical characteristics and strengthsEweanesses, so we will not profess nowing what is right for you+ 0hat we do offer are mere suggestions on which tools will stac the odds in your fa,or and help you enFoy preparing, rigging, )aitingEhooing, retrie,ing and landing YOUR neDt B47 O$(" (nsuring that is does not Foin the dro,es of 3the ones that got away" Fly Fishing From Scratch. 17 (,en as you eDplore your surroundings and the wonder of fish species and their life cycles, patterns and )eha,ior, eDperimenting, hands=on with your e9uipment and what is a,aila)le to anglers today, is part of the eDciting world of Bass fishing+ .rom fish=finders, temperature gauges, sensors and more ad,anced technologies, to the art of preparing your lines and hoos, choosing the luresE)ait most suited to your circumstance and purpose and more, adds to the eDcitement and enFoyment of the acti,ity+ Preparing yourself with nowledge on these, will )oost your confidence and practicing often, will pay off in the long run as your eDpertise, eDposure and angling mastery grows+ 0hen it comes to e9uipment, the opinions are many and far )etween+ Your condition, circumstance, purpose and goal will all figure into the final choice <oh, yes and do not forget the e,er=present )udget and afforda)ility>" !pinning or )ait casting with artificial lures, fly=fishing, trolling with li,e=)aits, are all options a,aila)le to you, with specialist tools on hand to assist you mae the most of it+ &ypically a B+B to ? feet rod <spinning or )ait casting>, with a matching reel with siD to ten pound line, fast taper, single action reel would ser,e you well+ 0eed=less hoos are a lifesa,er in ,ery dense co,er or weeds+ 18 #ngling techni9ues and tacle eep refining, de,eloping and almost taes on a life of its own for e,ery angler+ &here is not really a one=size=fits=all approach+ &his personalized relationship with your e9uipment, might mean a )asic rod to start with and then adding a couple for your different eDcursions and eDpeditions 8 your Bass Fourney has Fust started+ Modern tacle and methods, traditional or inno,ati,e, technology=dri,en and ena)led 8 whate,er your fancy or preference 8 there is something for e,ery taste and )udget+ 4t is an ancient sport, pursued )y many, with echoes of early hunters and anglers li,ing off the land+ 7etting in touch with that timeline through hands=on acti,ity, lie )ass fishing is ,ery rewarding+ Most )eginners might )e o,erwhelmed )y the selection of e9uipment a,aila)le on the maret today+ 6nowing what to picE)uy, how and when to <)est>apply, use it correctly, to maDimize your chances of catching your neDt )ig one is ey+ 7ood 9uality tacle is important 8 it needs to )e ade9uate for whate,er nature throws your way+ You will need to )uild your arsenal of nowledge and e9uipment o,er time, to respond )est to some of the challenges at hand+ 7ood appropriate )aits and lures and how to use them effecti,ely, in com)ination, in 9uic succession to ensure )ites, are other ey components, as is importance of preparing, presenting well, accurate casting, hooing <sharpening the hoos and turning them up slightly for Fly Fishing From Scratch. 19 eDample to ensure that the fish stay on your hoo as you reel them in>, as well as retrie,ing and landing of the fish+ #n eDcellent source for )eginners on all things tacle=related, e9uipment, fish species, tools and techni9ues, is to )e found in The &or%ing )inders%ey *ncyc%o(edia o+ Fishing: The co$(%ete g"ide to the +ish, tac,%e and techni!"es o+ +resh and sa%twater ang%ing- Our intent and purpose here is not to restate the listed facts found here+ #,id and serious anglers are readers and thirst nowledge that will increase their odds of success+ &his source we recommend for young and old" <&here are also some other references listed at the end of this teDt, if you choose to pursue more facts and or cra,e deeper insights into the art and science of Bass fishing>+ #ll we will say, is that ha,ing eDpensi,e or the right e9uipment, is not a guarantee that you will land the neDt )ig one" 4n fishing, there are no real guarantees+ &his is a 3contract and acti,ity )etween you and nature+ (Dploring and getting you to the point where you now the feel, function and em)edded strengths and weanesses of your e9uipment, is the real way to wisdom+ .or most trail and error, practice and persistence are the roads to follow to )ecoming well=,ersed and eDperienced anglers+ Realizing the e9uipments full potential, will tae time and practice+ Bear in mind, that sophistication in e9uipment will de,elop in parallel to your own mastery and sill=refinement+ 20 Your intended style of fishing <from )oat or shore, shallow or deep <or )oth> will dictate the most appropriate choice for tacle <reel and rod, line 8 thicness and weight>, line, hoos, )aits and lures, weights, siners, leaders and more+ 0hether you are a salt=water fanatic that enFoys shore, )each, )oat or )ig=game fishing or a freshwater guru, preferring lure, )ait, pole and or fly fishing, there are rod, reels, line, hoos, leaders, lins, )ait, and landing tacle Fust right for you+ Basic angling techni9ues are relati,ely easy to master, yet con9uering and refining all the su)tleties and intricate mo,es and maneu,ers, eDploring the secrets <disco,ered or yet to )e unearthed>, of in this case )ass fishing <which has so many iterations and settings>, will tae a lifetime of pleasure and defeat" Practice and enFoy )ass fishing, according to your own niche and style, preference and location of choice 8 in a word = YOUR 3specialty+ 4t is a ,ery personalized and indi,idualized pursuit and passion+ #lways remem)er, that there is a wide array of ,ariety and enFoyment on offer, )y different inds of fishing, locations, )aits and lures etc+, to eep angling interesting and a growing sport 8 it is contagious and per,asi,e 8 once let in, it is hard to let go" You are hooed and )eing reeled in )y this sport and ho))y )efore you now it+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 21 .or most anglers, techni9ue <and choice of e9uipment> is dictated )y the species sought, esta)lished practice, conditions and more+ Mostly artificial lures are suggested and accepted for freshwater predatory fishing+ !ome prefer li,e )ait, others ha,e success with hard )aits lie artificial rats and plastic worms are another fa,orite+ 0hether you are fishing from the )ans, )oat or float tu)e, most would suggest you use a siD to siD and a half foot <:+M =;m> medium, hea,y=push=)utton, spinning or )ait=casting rod and reel com)ination, with strong line <:J=pound>+ 4f you are fishing in weeds, hea,y co,er, thic, slop, grassy wetlands, swamps, etc+ a hea,ier line <)raided>, will ser,e you )etterE)est+ 'oo sizes typically recommended around a N / li,e=)ait hoo, sharpened and turned up slightly <say around :JO>, this is done to ensure that the fish stayed GhooedH and gi,es you a 3fighting chance to reel it in and land it successfully+ # weed=less, N B hoo can also ser,e you well in these conditions+ Large=mouth )ass can )e caught at any depth, using li,e )aits, throughout most the year <e,en ice fishing>" !harp hoos are ey+ 0eights and siners are another element you must consider, especially in dar, cloudy waters and or when fishing deep water specifically+ &here are also specialty siners, with rattles these days to entice the fish e,en more+ &hey are ,ery sensiti,e to sounds, noise and ,i)rations in the water 8 so anything you can do to create that allure, tease and temptation 22 is great to )ear in mind+ %o e,erything you can to trigger their feeding response and ensure a strieE)ite" #lso, remem)er, fish are a lot lie us 8 on hot, humid days, they loo for shelter, food and comfort+ &hese are their handout and feeding ground <no different than us, wanting to sit under an um)rella, or in front on the &K, in an air= conditioned en,ironment, trying to stay cool and enFoy our snac=foods">+ 6nowing and considering these ha)its, will help you catch more fish+ Loo for the lily pads, thin co,er, gi,ing them shade from the sun+ .ind the right depth, structure and hide=away<they normally loo for co,er, lie any other predator> and their lighting=fast speed ena)led them to co,er waterEground 9uicly and really strieEattacEhit their GpreyH+ 0eedy, shallow )ays, hard=)ottom flats, rocs, trees and or other structures, crees, channels, deeper waters, drops, )luffs and more can all )e part of their mo,ing patterns and ha)itat, where they loo for food+ &hey also lie )eing close to access point to deeper water+ More later on their preferred spots and how to optimize these patterns+ (Damples of luring techni9ues and how the right e9uipment can help you2 !urface, &op=water and or Buzz )aits2 #cting almost lie a spinner )ait, )ut with a flat )lade that ena)les it to surface with speed, this is a popular choice for many a )ass enthusiast++ 4t attracts the attention of the )ass, )y creating a Fly Fishing From Scratch. 23 distur)ance along the surface lie a minnow, triggering their )asic feeding instincts and hunter impulse to strie+ Rewarding you with a handsome catch" @arolina Rig2 this can easily )e descri)ed as simply a ,ariation of the standard, so=called 3&eDas Rig <see )elow>, great for use with plastic worms or other soft )ait+ Most eDpert )ass anglers suggest using a hea,ier weight lie :E; =:oz or more+ !lide the weight onto the line, follow with three plastic )eads, a )arrel swi,el, and a leader line <somewhat smaller than the main line>+0hat this allows the )ass angler to do is to get the )ait to 3drop down to the floor with speed and is especially recommended for fishing deep waters+ &he mo,ement of the leader allows the )ait to swim and rise a)o,e the )ottom, and fall slowly down+ .or most )eginners this is easy to do and practice and is ,ery ,ersatile to get your routine rigging and tacle sills to impro,e+ @ran )ait2 mostly refers to lures, which is usually made from a ,ariety of materials, including hard plastic or wood+ 0ith an added feature of a di,ing lip on the front <simulating effecti,ely the mo,ements of natural prey, wo))ling, di,ing and swimming actions>, entices the )ass to strie+ &he rule of thum), normally is that the larger the lip, the deeper it can di,e+ (nhancements lie rattles are also good for certain conditions+ -er )aits2 # seasoned fa,orite amongst )ass anglers, for top= water, as well as suspended )ass fishing+ longer minnow= 24 shaped plugs, a,aila)le in lots of different sizes and colors+ #s a surface, top=water )ait with a slight twitch=and=stop type of retrie,e, or e,en as a more slow=and=steady retrie,es underwater+ #nother option is to use suspending Fer )aits that typically di,e deeper, Fering it, almost teasing and tempting the )ass to come up and )ite right at it+ -igs2 !ome ha,e descri)ed these trusted tacle as 3lead head and hoo with dressing+ &heir 3added features could tae the shape of ru))er or plastic sirts, soft plastic )aits for )odies, instead of sirts+ Most )ass eDperts com)ine them with a frog, or a plastic )ait as a Gfollower<plastic worm, crawfish>+ Lipless @ran )ait2 mostly referring to sining=type lures, made from plastic, sometimes with many rattles inside for noise, , ,i)rations and causing distur)ances underwater+ Poppers2 &op water lures that carry long=range punch+ Retrie,e with these inds of lures are fast, Fery or mo,e in one spot for a duration of time+ @an )e 9uite effecti,e if you trying to figure out 3where the fish are+ !oft -er )ait2 these can )e used to great effect in the same manner as a regular Fer )ait, )ut can )e dropped to the )ottom 9uite successfully as well to tease out our deep=water predator, swimming around for food and feast+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 25 !pinner )aits2 another simulator of mo,ement and prey on the go+ 4t is ,ery similar to a Fig, )ut with a )lade that runs a)o,e the hoo, and spins to imitate a )ass fa,orite as well2 fish+ &eDas Rig2 this is considered and named specifically for standard rigging with a plastic worm+ Use a sliding weight, usually )ullet shaped, and a hoo sufficient for the size worm you ha,e chosen+ !harpen the hoo and stic the point of the hoo directly into the worm head, )ring it out the side a)out :EM = AE:PQ )elow the entry, thread it again+ Rotate the hoo around so the point is facing the wormRs )ody+ Lay it o,er the side to see where it should enter in order to hang straight+ Position the wor straight onto the hoo if it is hanging+ $O&(2 if the worm is twisted, your line and action will pay the price and it will )e less effecti,e+ 0aling= the=dog2 this is an angling techni9ue that usually re9uires some time to master, )ut )eginners should not shy away from trying it, for it is 9uite effecti,e with )ass+ @asting o,er a relati,ely long distance, allow the )ait to sit for a )rief period of time, tae up the slac, and with your rod tip pointed at the water, gi,e it a Fer to the side, then immediately mo,e it )acward and reel in any slac, then Fer again, and repeat all the way )ac+ More or less a darting from side=to=side+ You are in effect simulating the preys elusi,e mo,ements, enticing the hunter to follow, stal and hit" &his might )e your ace up your slee,e for hooing YOUR $(C& B47 O$(+ 26 !lip=)o))ers, rigged with a S ounce plastic Fig, li,e )ait lie minnow, night=crawler or leech at its tip and of course, all on a sharpened hoo -iggling, lightly shaing, presenting this close to any emerging weeds or )rush, underwater logs, trees, stumps or co,er, may pro,e successful+ Remem)er that fish are constantly on the mo,e while feeding+ &he timing of day, amount of sunlight, temperature of the water and more all feature into the angling e9uation+ Bo))er=rigs or Figs are popular and 9uite successful too+ !lip= siners, @arolina <drop=shot rig> wors well too+ .ree=line fishing in shallow waters may yield many a )ass angler 9uite the haul+ @asting a plain hoo with li,e )ait and feed the line to the )ait, allowing it to 3swim naturally will attract some certain attention+ Other eDperts would recommend if you are in the so=called watery salad, weeds or hea,y slop, co,er and Fungles underwater, to go hea,ier is the ey+ ;J l) line the minimum and hea,y=action, sturdy )ait= casting rod and reel com)os with long, straight handles to pro,ide you with le,erage to reel your B47 O$(! in" .loating Fig=heads, with slip=siner rig, with ;=A foot leader ha,e pro,en to )e useful too, especially when ept close to the )ottom, watching not to get snagged in the process+ 0eed=less Fly Fishing From Scratch. 27 hoos can help you retrie,e li,e=)ait and or that hooed fish, through ,ery thin under)rush+ #gain, understanding what )ass actually eat, where and when, will help you with choosing and presenting the most effecti,e, appropriate and tempting )ait <whether li,e or artificial>+ %rawing on the natural diet of the fish, can assist you in impro,ing your )aits and lures appearance, strategy, tactics and e,entual success+ Bass, as a predator will )e looing for certain shapes, colors and familiar mo,ement+ Plastic worms and crawfish are popular choices+ Part of the reason )ass is such a popular species to )e fishing for, is they are notorious for hitting hard, )iting solid and strong pulling or fighting 8 a strong game fish to )e sure+ &hey are nown to put up a good fight+ !pinners or spoons are artificial )aits that are specifically designed for the purpose of tantalizing the fish+ 4t is meant to pro,oe, mae a strie irresisti)le, calling on the fish natural instinct to feed and or defend+ 4t optimizes your chances of securing stries+ Rotation, color, sirts, fluttering action <Lil hustler spoiler is a fa,orite of many )ass anglers> all wor together to simulate mo,ement and prey on the mo,e+ !poons actEmo,e in a fishlie manner in the water, trolled )ehind )oats they are typically ,ery effecti,e and can also )e cast and retrie,ed+ Plugs are made of ,arious materials, designed specifically to float, di,e )elow the surface or sin 28 when reeling them )ac or in+ &hey simulate surface distur)ance and entice fish with propellers or plastic sirts that mo,e and flutter in the water+ #rtificial lures can )e utilized alone or in com)ination with li,e or natural )aits+ &he size and type of lure will depend on the species, location and style of fishing you prefer, choose to pursue+ <for eDample trolling, spinning, fly=fishing>+ .or )ass fishing particularly, a couple of suggestions are to )ear in mind that enticing the predators from )elow, taes sill, practice and patience+ .or matted weed=)eds and sloppy pitches, you might ha,e to ticle the surface a )it+ 0hen fishing in shallow waters, lures cast out fast and retrie,ed slowly shaing it along, might trigger a response+ 4t is all in the tease and promise to the fish that loo for signs of mo,ement in the water+ 'a,ing a handy pair of Polaroid sunglasses are a MU!&" 6eep on mo,ing the )ait around and play with the presentation 8 it is an art, ac9uired sill that gets )etter o,er time+ 0hen casting the )ait out, try not to spoo the fish, remem)ering that they are sensiti,e to soundEnoise, mo,ement and ,i)rations+ Plastic worms wor well <around :JH>+ Being adapta)le, switching )aits, different color etc+, using a strong &eDas rig for eDample, hooing up a worm near the )ottom of the hoo, sliding it onto the shan, popping it through, with a T ounce weight might )e all you need" Fly Fishing From Scratch. 29 'a,ing a second rod set up and ready to go or fishing with a )uddy that can help you to respond 9uicly <as the fish are always on the mo,e> and when they are ready to hit, you are prepared for them" Others suggest using )raided line that is stronger than mono <for when fishing in weedy areas>, with no stretch that can minimize entanglement and optimize your chances of retrie,al through thin weeds and co,er+ !tiff rods that can withstand the GfightH )ass can typically put up are another )ase=re9uirement for )ass fishing enthusiasts+ Protecting your rods with rod wraps, to a,oid dings and scrapes can also maDimize not only its efficiency, )ut eep your angling in,estment in good condition" !haing and popping along )aitElures, create a situation that lets the fish thin the GpreyH is getting away+ 'owe,er, the right e9uipment, )ait, hoos and location is not enough" !ome )asic angling techni9ues are re9uired, setting up your rod and reel, nowing the )asics a)out tying nots for Foining line to tacle, forming loops and more+ &ying a secure not is the main thing here, as e,ery one could pose a 3weaness, which you do not need, when you ha,e the B47 O$( hooed" !ome suggest )efore tightening a not, to wet it with some water and trim all edges and loose ends, to a,oid snagEdrag+ 30 7ulp=sining minnows cast out fast and far, allowing to let it fall and dangle, 9ui,er down, with lots of slac, might pro,e Fust what the fish ordered" &u)e=Figs, gulp=tu)es that are scented, are other options+ &he soft, natural=chewy su)stance, trics the fish, into not wanting to let go and ha,e another chew, thus increasing your odds of landing it safely+ &op=water )aits with rattles are another all=time fa,orite, with slac in the line, waling=the=dog <flipping> maes for an enticing presentation for the fish+ 'a,ing a spinner=)ait with some red in it, simulates )lood or wounded prey to our underwater predator, triggering yet again their natural instincts and feeding response, increasing your odds of getting a )ite, hit or strie+ 0hether you find yourself in a Fet=)oat or flat=)ottom )ass )oat, shore, rocs, )each, cliff, stream, ri,er, stream, lae, reser,oir, or other )ody of water, strong rods, hot hands, good tacle, appropriate preparation, the right )ait and presentation, accurate casting, where you now the fish might )eEmo,eEfeed naturally, fishing for structure and pattern, eeping an eye on surroundings and conditions, can all mae those fleeting moments of anticipation and elation at first strie momentous" &he fights, flights, flips, turns and Fumps, attacs and hard Fly Fishing From Scratch. 31 hits, struggles, retrie,al and landing of )ass, is what eeps us coming )ac" Let us now turn to tae a loo at what other considerations, plan of attac, angling techni9ues, secrets, mistaes and specialty circumstances, can teach us a)out the enFoya)le art and acti,ity, that is "ass $ishing" 32 Wate%- Weathe%- Ti.ing An! Othe% En1i%on.enta# As3ect- Facets An! Consi!e%ations Fo% Bass Fishing #s mentioned throughout this teDt so far, there are numerous factors that we often do not consider, and or dismiss, when we first start out, angling for )ass+ &hese would include, consideration of2 0ater stratification and depths <)ass are found at ,arying le,els and nowing whe%e <at which le,el>, to fish for them is paramount>U shallow or deep, sometimes )oth #s far as water temperatures goes, during a yearlyEseasonal cycle, waters mo,e, turn and gets re=oDygenized+ #s temperatures fall, from deep )elow and throughout ice forms, floats to the surface, melts and mo,es down again+ !cience has pro,ided us with enough e,idence that &'R(( distinct layers from in a )ody of water 8 say a lae for eDample+ %eeperEcolder, Middle=groundEmilder 8 transitional layer and the topEsurfaceEwarmer waters+ 'eeding these le,els and ,arying temperatures, and looing oDygen=rich spots are all factors to consider e,en )efore heading out+ &hin the process through+ &hin lie the fish would 8 as yourself, where would you go in all lielihood, if you were faced with the same situation 8 the answer will mostly lead you to where the fish most liely #R(" # temperature gauge and depth meter can all prepare you )etter, as an angler, nowledgea)le and prepared, to assess Fly Fishing From Scratch. 33 the en,ironment, )etter understand it, learn from it, and use the information you gather and ha,e on hand, due to these readings and instruments, to 6$O0 or )est Fudge, where the fish will )e at" %epth is a great indicator of what the )ass are up to and where they will )e most liely found+ &his will dictate your approach, tacle and how you eDecute your angling sills to land &'( $(C& B47 O$(" 4f you fish at the right le,el, understanding why the fish are there, on the mo,e, feeding etc+, you will increase your odds drastically of getting stries and hooing your neDt )ig catch+ 4t might e,en )e a trophy" &he depth is related to water temperature and the optimal comfort zone of the )ass 8 always as yourself, what they would prefer on a day lie today and then go fish there+ Measure with temperature, depth sensors, 7P! etc+ to esta)lish the 3pattern and depth of the day+ &emperature 8 optimal and changing Most )ass species prefer a temperate climate 8their meta)olism is influenced, if not go,erned pretty much )y the surrounding waters they find themsel,es in+ &hey can also tolerate 9uite a wide range of temperatures, therefore we can fish pretty much throughout the year+ <PJ=?B degrees .ahrenheit>E 4t is also less widely nown that ice=fishermen hoo )ass at around A;=A5+; degree water temperatures, in deeper waters" 0hen it does get colder, they get somewhat more sluggish, as their en,ironment cools down significantly and )earing this in mind will yield and impro,e your catch+ 34 ODygen is also ,ery important to fish+ &he hotter it gets, the closer they will stay to shore, and to plant=life, which produces oDygen and or where they might catch the occasional )reeze+ Reading these signals nature pro,ides right, will prepare any angler )etter to go where the fish are and hoo your neDt B47 O$(+ #lso loo for spots that are not too stagnant and filled with decaying plants, as this might )e an oDygen=depri,ed area with not a large concentration of fish 8 they need to 3)reathe to stay ali,e too" 0ater conditions2 @larity @lear and or mury 8 you will find )ass in )oth" &heir )eha,ior and mode of attac will change as they plan how to )est eDpend their energies in the hunt for food, sur,i,al etc+ Predators )y design, they prefer co,er and structure and deeper waters+ 0hen spawning, > or on ,ery hot days, you will most liely, find them more in the shallows+ Bass always ha,e a 3)ac=door access to deeper waters+ &hese facts should )e a)le to point you in the general ,icinity of where the fish are 9uite aptly+ &he male )ass is also ,ery protecti,e of the nestEspawn site and will defend it, strie at any percei,ed threat or intruder+ .ishing is no more left up to random, contemplati,e, reflecti,e trail and error casting+ $ow, today, replaced with more a more dri,en, focused, thought= through, rationalized and analytical competiti,e approach, that tries to understand ha)its, patterns, en,ironment, conditions, time of year etc+ at times relying on the aid of technology and Fly Fishing From Scratch. 35 de,ices to assist and )etter your changes of spotting, finding, hooing, retrie,ing and landing the fish successfully <mostly in deeper waters">+ &herefore, it the waters are clear, head for deeper waters as a general rule of thum)+ $oiseE%istur)ancesEKi)rations %O $O& %4!&URB signs are hard to post in the water" #lways remem)er that there is some truth to not chasing the fish away and )eing somewhat careful and 9uiet around them+ &he )ass particularly uses its whole )ody as a sounding )oard+ #ny surface distur)ance, water mo,ement and or displacement will attract their attention 8 this can in fact )oth help and or hurt your angling hopes and dream+ Rusty, s9ueay oars, noisy motors and e,en the sound of a fast, far cast may interfere and or get their attention+ Being aware of any, mo,ement, spotting fish so to spea in their en,ironment, things <water, plants> mo,ing around, can )e good indicators+ 0earing a good pair of Polaroid sunglasses may also help you 3see )etter in the )right sunlight and glare, reflections off the surface of the water<s>+ @olor, !unlight, &ime of day Most )ass anglers propose dawn and duc to )e the )est feeding time for the )ass 8 not the height of day or when the sun is at it )rightest and the water may)e a degree or two too warm for our fishy friends and when they head for the deep 36 and or co,er+ 4t is a matter of appealing to their natural instincts+ &hey are een o)ser,ers and mo,ement and color ha,e )een researched in the )ass species+ Picing presentation of )ait, lure that is closest to li,e or ali,e )ait, resem)les their prey, in other words, will maDimize your chances of catching more )ass+ &his does not mean that they will not strie at night for eDample or at other times during the day 8 you might Fust ha,e to adapt and use some specialist techni9ues to lure them out of hiding a )it" &ime of year2 !easons and things are a changing" !urroundings, weather and angling rules change and eep changing+ &he stage and players do not remain the same and e,en on the same day, day to day, things will ,ary+ &his ,ariety <the spice of life most say> is what eeps most of us guessing, adapting, changing strategy, )ait, depth etc+ all in the continued hope and pursuit of catching the $(C& B47 O$(+ #s to the )est time to catch )ass 8 opinions ,ary greatly on this topic+ 4n some areas, fishing is only allowed after spawning+ !pring, summer and fall <with fall )eing the )est for most )igger fish> and e,en winter some form of )ass fishing is a,aila)le to you, depending on where you are, what the weather conditions are lie and what type of year the )ass are ha,ing <spawning success, health of the )ody of water they li,e and thri,e in, the eco=system, stocing, pollution etc+> (,en ice Fly Fishing From Scratch. 37 fishing is possi)le <more a)out this under specialty fishing closer to the end of the teDt>+ #s pointed out earlier, weather affects )eha,ior and the season and type of water, might all re9uire different approach, e9uipment and )ait and luresEpreparation #$% presentation+ #s an angler, a,id )ass angler, this will not faze you in any way" On the contrary, it pro,ides you with the opportunity to shift gears, change strategy, tools, refine sills, learn more a)out your opponent and its ha)its+ By )eing alert, aware and o)ser,ant, you will learn a lot a)out the fish 8 it is no longer a passi,e sport" 0indy, low and or high air pressure, water temperature, choppy wa,es and or surface mo,ement of the water, cloudy sies, with lots of cloud co,er, masing the sun, could dictate whether fish will )e )iting or not, color of plastic worms might )e adFusted from )lue <on )right days>, to )lac <on cloudy days with not a lot of sun around>+ Modifying your fishing techni9ues and adapting to weather patterns, e,en adFusting your )aitElures, strategy, all )ear witness of an alert )ass master" Bass are also sensiti,e to ,ery )right sunlight, so then you might find them looing for some shady co,er and or cooler waters+ &hat nowledge will prepare you well for where to go and loo for them+ 4ncreasing your odds of finding them too" Predatory $ature and creatures of ha)it 8 what the fish themsel,es tell us <or not"> 38 &here predators of the deep are rich in their life cycles, ha)its and patters+ 4t is their nature after=all+ &hey are somewhat predicta)le+ #s hunters, they do certain things, instincti,ely and as anglers, we capitalize on it+ &here are lots of facts a)out the species, worth nowing and ey to understanding 8 the secret to unlocing the success of )ass fishing+ &hining lie a hunter oursel,es and at times lie the fish, can increase your odds and success significantly+ Being one with nature and its intricate patterns, )eha,ior, )alance and 9uiriness, allow fisherman to )e silled, precise, well prepared and more successful, rather than lea,ing it up to e,entuality and random chance to secure a )ite" Preferred ha)itat and fishing structures One author liens contour and topographic maps to )ass fishermen, lie treasure maps to pirates once were+ Lines show ele,ation, depth etc+ 7et an idea of what the 3floor or )ottom of the )ody of water <lie a lae for instance> would loo lie 8 it is rarely flat, often characterized )y rises and humps, slopes and drop=offs+ !lopes and access=points into deeper water should also yield more fre9uent, larger hauls and more stries, as )ass prefer to ha,e access to deeper waters and are constantly on the mo,e, hunting and feeding and or defending territory+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 39 $atural %iet and Menu 8 the art of enticing fish2 creating the right atmosphereEconditionsEallure for a strie Lots ha,e already )een said a)out this topic+ !elf=confidence &he )elief in your a)ility to locate and catch the ,arious )ass species, is )y far the )est tool of the trade to foster and de,elop o,er time+ &his cannot )e purchased and is the personal call to e,ery fisherman, to include in hisEher tacle= )oD" 0hether you choose to use spinners, or swear )y plastic worms, crawfish and other li,e )ait, chum or ha,e a fa,orite lure for reasons and or secrets that are your ,ery own, you use what wors the )est and what you )elie,e will produce the )ass you want, desire and must ha,e" Positi,e attitude goes a long way when learning how to fish for )ass+ Profiting from on= going eDperience, success and failure, your angling and odds will eep impro,ing+ Practice in this case, will go a long way to ena)le success in this unpredicta)le, ,arying situation 8 when you are one=on=one with the most popular game and sporting fish of them all2 &he Bass itself" 40 Techni92es Fo% Bass Fishing i0e A P%o (Wo%.s- S0i33ing- Ri33ing- ,%i$t T%o##ing- F#/%o!!ing+ &he art of accurate casting Mastering )asic casting is ey+ Most spinning and )ait=casting reel and rod com)inations today, are made for hassle=free, ease=of= use fleDi)ility )y a ,ariety of anglers <multi=le,el at that too"> &ry to eliminate errors from your )asic style and techni9ue+ !ill and accuracy should matter more than strength and it is not always a)out getting it as far out, as fast as you possi)ly can <although this might )e important in certain situations and circumstances too"> @asting, getting your lineEhooE)ait, siners, weights and leaders in and into the water, at the eDact right depth, imitating 3prey, and doing so with eDtreme, pin=point accuracy, is what this is all a)out+ 'itting your target with confidence is a ,ery )asic sill to master and refine+ 7etting the hoo out to eDactly where you wanted it to )e, what you should practice and wor for+ @asting is one part of this process, getting the lure to the right depth 9uite another+ #d,anced )ass anglers suggest using a countdown OR counting method+ Iuite simple really+ .orm the moment the )ait hits the water, start counting, :JJJ, :JJJ and :, :JJJ and ;, :JJJ and A* estimating the seconds it will tae for it to 3drop into the water+ &his will help you now )etter what you are doing, when it hits the )ottom for eDample, whether or not it Fly Fishing From Scratch. 41 got caught on something in the process etc+ YOU esta)lish reference points for yourself on and in the water+ 'ands=on and rod in=hand is the )est way+ Practice=plugs in the par, or your own )acyard <)e it on 3dry land, so to spea>, will mae you that more effecti,e and accurate, in and on the water, no matter what the )ody of water, or style of fishing you choose to pursue+ 0hether spinning, )ait casing or fly=rodding, there is something for e,ery taste+ (,en missed targets, attempts and failure, are also good teachers, as this techni9ue is somewhat of a routine you can master and learn+ @asting a lure with a spinning reel for eDample, casting float and or leger rig, )ait casting are ,ery similar+ Lure fishing, spinning, floating, spoons, plugs, surface or top=water lures, cran )ait, trolling etc+ are all )asic techni9ues that re9uire eDposure, 9uic demos and hands=on practice+ 0e suggest a ,ideo or %K%, or online in=depth eDplanation, watching a fishing show or two and getting pointers from other anglers and professionals, as well as finding and defining your own style that you are comforta)le and successful with+ &he )eauty of )ass fishing, is that it offers something for e,eryone, no matter what your prior eDperience with fishing might )e" .ocusing on your grip, spinning reels, )ait=casters and or closed= face spin casters techni9ues and mastery, picing a target, aiming to land your lure <terminal tacle> in the middle of that target, is a good approach+ 42 #s a general rule of thum), a good arch in the air as a tra,el path en route to the water, is a good reference and goals to ha,e, as you set out to impro,e your casting techni9ue and accuracy+ Line=control is crucial to a,oid o,ershooting, get a gentler landing, slow flight <)y touching the lip of the spool with the tip of your indeD finger <also nown to anglers as 3feathering> is useful+ Playing and landing fish 7etting to now the feel of a fish on your hoo, line and rod is ,ery important+ Retrie,al is a)out more than simply getting the fish into the eager handsEnetE)oat+ Mastery, maneu,ering, responsi,eness, nowledge of your tacle, well=)alanced control, reel=clutching, fighting cur,es and archingE)ending rods and the ,arious controls and settings, techni9ues <including casting, hooing, playing, reeling in, retrie,ing and landing is important+ &hey are so much more than mere steps in a process and or sum= total of parts+ &o translate into a true )lue=)lood )ass=fishing eDperience and success, appreciation of the symphony of the interplay of process and outcome, tactic, techni9ue, angler, e9uipment, the catch and haul is what is at play here+ 0hen using a spinning reelE)ait=casting, there are three ey techni9ues to master that would include reel control2 with anti=re,erse on, )ac winding <anti=re,erse off> and thum)=pressure control &here is nothing more eDciting than a fish on the run, apply pressure, eep the rod up slightly and increase the 3drag if Fly Fishing From Scratch. 43 re9uired, using one of the techni9ues a)o,e+ 0atch tension and a,oid line=)reas and allow the fish to tire+ 4t is one thing to prepare, cast, tease and tempt, hoo and e,entually reel in+ &he process howe,er does not stop there+ More of the )asic techni9ue mastery includes methods of landing fish, lie )eaching <not suita)le for catch and release>, tailing <not suited for all species>, lipping <watch the teethed species here">, netting or e,en gaffing <)anned in most areas, due to the ris of the stroe inFuring the fish>+ &he most useful tip we can pro,ide or suggest, is remaining in control, alert and not upset or startle the fish e,en more+ #llow the tired fish to turn, su)merge the net and a,oid lunging at it+ 0hen lipping, grip the lower lip gently )etween your thum) and forefingers, unhoo carefully or hold in the water while freeing it gently, )ut efficiently, without hurting the fish, adhering as far as possi)le, to current and accepted, catch=and=release practices+ Lure=fishing and spinning !pinning tacle and artificial )aits and lures are increasing in popularity and the most popular form of fishing worldwide+ #s far as )ass fishing is concerned, one of the easiest way to attract the species 8 e,en for no,ices and )eginner anglers of all ages and fishing style and sill=le,els+ Rotation, color and mo,ement, staying as true as you can to the natural diet and target prey of the )ass will optimize your chances+ &he shape and thicness of 44 the spinning 3)lade on the lure affects the action and mo)ility of the lure 8 how it responds and acts in and under water+ .loating lures are also common and effecti,e especially for deep= water )ass fishing+ 0atch for snagging on the )ottom and ensure to weigh it done appropriately using suita)le weights+ &his method ensures getting the )ait at eye=le,el of the fish+ .or spoons, there are two )road categories, namely trolling and casting spoons+ 0eed=less lures mostly ha,e hoos with nylon or metal weed=guards that pre,ent snagging and or non=weedless spoons are also commonly used+ 'ow to tell which one to use, most )ass anglers loo for shape, weight and speed+ &he )est way to find your way around in any tacle shop or )oD, is to practice and get to now the )eha,ior and or success in different conditions+ &rying to get to now the optimum retrie,al and success rates, may)e e,en logging it in a personal Fournal as you undertae your )ass FourneyEhunt for the $(C& B47 O$(" Plugs, surface lures, useful at all fishing le,els, at all speeds mae these lures ,ersatile, agile and an all=time fa,orite of many a )ass angler+ Matching the lure to the conditions you face and the circumstance, )ody of water and specific species you are fishing for <small=mouth, large=mouth, striped, spotted, roc, yellow, )lac, white etc+>+ !hallow=di,ing cran=)ait and or surface or top=water lures ha,e pro,en themsel,es most effecti,e for )ass fishing 8 great for fishing shallows+ !tic=)aits and Fering, minnow plugs <or the real thing">, prop=)aits, surface Fly Fishing From Scratch. 45 distur)ers, crawler=type top=water )aits and e,en a floating, dri,ing cran=)ait can pro,e useful+ &he true secret lies in what some call the 3one=two punch 8 teasing and enticing with a top=water or teaser <surface distur)er> and then following it up with a plastic worm for eDample on a second rod, for optimizing stries and yet again tipping the scales in your fa,or+ Plastic worms &here are a ,ast array of worms a,aila)le on the maret <)oth li,e )ait and artificial>+ .or a,id )ass anglers they are a necessity+ &he techni9ue to master is hooing them properly+ 0hen hooing a worm for )ass fishing, it is of utmost importance to ensure that you thread it properly+ 7et a lot of the )ody onto the hoo, hooing it twice, at top and )ottom+ &his is to ensure that it does not fly loose when you are casting it out into the water+ 4t also protects it somewhat in the su)merged paradise that the )ass shares with other fish, who might want to come and tae a )ite or sample" Using worms in com)ination with other )aitsElures and enticing techni9ues lie top=water and or hard=)ait surface distur)ers or frogs, eels or whate,er species and )ody of water would deem appropriate Gfeeding preyH for the )ass of your choice and preference is the ey+ #gain adapting your strategy when necessary and gi,ing the )ass a ,ariety of foods to choose from, will all hopefully increase you odds of hooing your neDt )ass" * e,en if it is not yet the B47 O$(" 46 4. :ista0es An! Sec%ets Re#ate! to Bass Fishing #s we ha,e disco,ered throughout these pages, there is a lot more the )ass fishing than meets the eye+ Once you are familiar with the species, different )odies of water, different and sophisticated fishing and angling e9uipment and accessories, as well as familiarizing yourself with ha)its, patterns and nature, )eha,ior, natural diet and preferred foods, mastering some )asic sills lie preparation, presentation, tacle, )ait and lures, casting accuracy, nots, hoos and the intricacies and compleDities in retrie,al and landing, the Fourney has )ut started+ &here is so much more to eDplore and learn a)out an through the acti,ity, sport, art and competiti,e science that is )ass fishing, that we can almost say no more than the water await and lets go" #lthough, there are some last thoughts we can offer on some of the more common casting mistaes+ &hese 3errors are well= documented in eDisting literature and easily o,ercome, to optimize your )ass fishing eDperience and haul+ 'ere are )ut a few issues most )eginners struggle with2 <i>o,ershot lure with too much power in the initial cast and the line release not slowed, or <ii> the lure falling short or )eing too light, with the line )eing release too early during the cast and or the rod held too high after the line was released+ <iii> lure landing too hard, due to the release at too low of an angle and not arching enough in the air , and <i,> inaccurate casting <the most common> 8 missing the mar, where the lure goes off=course Fly Fishing From Scratch. 47 with too much side=to=side actionEmotioning of the rod while casting+ Practicing reel and line control, as well as the o,erhead cast might help+ Lots of teDts <lie the %orling (ncyclopedia mentioned earlier, pg+ ;:;=;:A>, suggests thining of 3casting, compared to the mo,ement of the arms on a cloc=face, )eginning in the two ocloc position, pushing )ac to around the noon=position and )ac to the ; again, with the rod slightly lowered as the lure drops deeper into the water+ .or most )eginners this 3,isualization often helps refine techni9ue+ 48 5. St/#es An! S3ecia#t/ Bass Fishing !ipping &his techni9ue might remind you a lot of throwing rocs onto the surface of the water to see it 3sip+ #s a waterEtop=water distur)ance and mo,ement simulator, it triggers and teases our predator to come up and see what is there to eatEattac+ !pinning rods and reel com)o is )est used for this techni9ue 8 perfect for fishing and reaching )ass where they swim and hide under piers, docs and pontoons+ #lso useful for getting under and into under)rush and growth+ Remem)er their 3comfort zone+ On sunny days, )ass loo for shade, food and shelter and often rest here in shady areas, under co,er of structure+ Ripping !ome call this the throw it out, twitch, Fer and go method+ # medium=action rod with para)olic )end and action to it+ 4f might actually tric our )ass=friend into thining there is a 3wounded prey around+ Lie a pro, let the worm drop and settle to the )ottom, remaining there for a period of time+ Reel some slac out of the line, picing up the worm with a long, sharp upsweep of the rod tip+ Let 3er rip" Let it drop down again to the )ottom, under tension while slowly lowering the rod tip 8 eep on imitating li,e prey lie this, mo,ing, swimming and )o))ing a)out and your predator will strie it with a ,engeance+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 49 %rift &rolling &railing )ehind the )oat, co,ering the )ottom worms crawl and mo,e, simulating prey in its purest form+ Raise and lower it occasionally, looing natural and alluring to any )ass in the ,icinity hunting for a tasty morsel+ .ly=rodding 4n ponds, ,ri,ers, streams and laes this approach is 9uite effecti,e+ .ly=fishing lie techni9ues are ,ery effecti,e with )ass+ Begin )y preparing and rigging a plastic worm, weed=less adding a small split=shot Fust )efore the hoo+ &his will ena)le it to sin slowly+ .lip or cast and allow it to drop and )o) to the )ottom+ Iuite the tease and hard for the )ass with een sight, sound and smell to miss+ 6eep the tip of the rod ,ery low, to mae it possi)le for you to mae a well timed, strie when you feel a )ass hit+ $ight and 4ce=fishing !chooling, effecti,e tacle and dropping the lureE)ait right in front of the fish, not ha,ing them eDpend a lot of energy is the ey for these timings and conditions+ 0ater tends to )e cooler and all your approaches, strategies and techni9ues need to slow down a notch+ Bass also tend to school, during these times+ 6nowing this fact can help you in ac9uiring your target )etter and increasing your odds of getting a hit under these unusual or specialty conditions+ 50 4t is almost an impossi)ility to pro,ide here for e,ery uni9ue condition and we )arely scratched the surface on most of the conteDts )ass anglers might find themsel,es+ 0e loo forward to sharing more secrets with you and learning from your Fourney" 6. Fina# Tho2ghts: S2..a%/ an! Conc#2sions @atch=and=release fishing %oing your part to protect nature and conser,e it for future generations, is mandatory and regulated+ Using )ar)=less hoos and or remo,ing them easily+ 'olding the fish in the water, gently while unhooing, minimizing the trauma and damage to the fish is crucial+ !upport the fish and let it go with the current, swimming away and left to li,e another day, for many )attles more to come" %o all you can to understand and adhere to licensing, permits, closed season stipulations, minimum size and catch limits+ &hese and other measures are there to protect and ser,e, to minimize the ris of o,er=fishing and species )ecoming eDtinct+ &his might not )e the utter finest )oo on )ass fishing e,er written, )ut may the passion and contents inspire you to greatness as an a,id and successful angler+ 4f we can )ut ignite confidence and hints of eDcitement for fisher=fol, young and old, then these pages ha,e succeeded" Fly Fishing From Scratch. 51 May the road <and the waters, &he Bass>, come up to meet you* May your Fourney and Fournal grow, each entry teaching more, increasing confidence and aptitude" May the pleasures of Bass fishing and the many ways we can choose acti,ely to partae of it, )ring you continued and continual enFoyment, reward, haul and immense pleasure" Re$e%ences An! Othe% Han!/ Boo0s On Bass Fishing Miesen, 7, 'auge, !+, ;JJB2 &he .reshwater #ngler = Li,e Bait .ishing+ @reati,e Pu)lishing 4nternational 4nc+, Minnesota+ 4!B$2 :BM5;A:/PB Roland, M+ :55M2 Roland MartinRs :J: Bass=@atching !ecrets <'ardco,er>0inchester PressU ;nd edition+ 4!B$2 JMA;5J/B?J !osin, M+, %ance, B+, :5552 &he .ield and !tream Bass .ishing 'and)oo+ 0here to find and catch large=mouths and small= mouths 8 match )aits and lures to e,ery situation+ &he Lyons Press, $ew Yor+ 4!B$2 :BBM;:M5BB &he %orling 6indersley encyclopedia of fishing 8 : st #merican (dition+ :55/ %orling 6indersley Pu)lishing, London+ 4!B$2 :BP/BM/5;B Kaughan, #+ Ladle, M+, :5MM2 'ooed on BassE &he @rowood Press, 7reat Britain+ 4!B$2 :MP:;PP;5/ 52 7ra) my @ollection of .R(( e)oos here APPEN,5; 5 Bass Fishing 7#ossa%/ #ction = Measure of rod performance that descri)es the elapsed time )etween fleDion and return to straight configurationU ranges from slow to fast, with slow )eing the most amount of fleDionU also refers to the strength of the rod <light, medium and hea,y> with light )eing a lim)er rod and hea,y a stout rodU also refers to gear of reels+ #cti,e .ish = Bass that are feeding hea,ily and striing aggressi,ely+ #daptation = Biological adFustment that increases fitness+ #lgae = !imple plant organisms+ #lalinity = Measure of the amount of acid neutralizing )ases+ #lley = #n opening )etween patches of emergent weedsU also the parallel space separating emergent weeds and the shoreline+ #mp = Measure of electrical current+ #mp 'our = !torage capacity measurement of a deep=cycle )atter o)tained )y multiplying the current flow in amps )y the hours that it is produced+ #ngler = Person using pole or rod and reel to catch fish+ #nti=re,erse = !ystem that pre,ents reels from spinning in re,erse+ Baclash = &angle of line on a )ait=casting reel due to spool o,errun+ Bacwater = !hallow area off a ri,er+ Bag Limit = Restriction on the num)er of fish that an angler may har,est in a day+ Bail = Metal, semicircular arm on an open=face spinning reel that engages the line after a cast+ Bait = #n artificial lure is usually what is meant e,en though )ait can also mean li,e )ait+ Bait casting = .ishing with a re,ol,ing=spool reel and )ait casting rodU reel mounted on topside of rod+ Baitfish = !mall fish often eaten )y predators+ Bar = Long ridge in a )ody of water+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 53 Basic $eeds = Refers to the three sur,i,al re9uirements of )ass2 reproduction, security, and food+ Bay = MaFor indentation in the shoreline of a lae or reser,oir+ Bite = 0hen a fish taes or touches <or hammers> a )ait so that the fisherman feels it+ #lso nown as a hit, )ump, or a strie+ Blac Bass = @ommon term used to descri)e se,eral types of )ass, including the largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted )ass+ Blan = .ishing rod without grip, guides or finish+ Bracish = 0ater of intermediate salinity )etween seawater and freshwater+ Brea = %istinct ,ariation in otherwise constant stretches of co,er, structure, or )ottom type+ Basically anything, that Q)reas upQ the underwater terrain+ Brea line = # line of a)rupt change in depth, )ottom type, or water clarity in the feature of otherwise uniform structure+ # place where there is a sudden or drastic change in the depth of the water, or weed type+ &his may )e the edge of a cree, a su)merged cliff, or e,en a stand of su)merged weeds+ Brush line = &he inside or the outside edge of a stretch of )rush+ Brush pile = Usually refers to a mass of small= to medium=sized tree lim)s lying in the water+ Brush piles may )e only one or two feet across, or they may )e eDtremely large and they may )e ,isi)le or su)merged+ &hey can )e created )y Mother $ature or manmade+ &hey usually hold fish+ #nd fishermen+ Bumping = Refers to the act of maing a lure hit an o)Fect such as a log, tree, or pier piling in a controlled manner+ &his is often done unintentionally, )ut can get the same reaction from the fish+ #lso, a lure maing contact with the )ottom+ Buzz)ait = &opwater )ait with large, propeller=type )lades that churn the water during retrie,e+ @omprised of a leadhead, rigid hoo, and wire that supports one or more )lades+ Buzzing = Retrie,ing a lure, such as a spinner)ait or )uzz)ait, at a rate fast enough to cause it to remain partially out of the water, causing a noisy distur)ance+ !ometimes called ripping or )urning+ @a))age = #ny of se,eral species of weeds, located a)o,e the surface or underwater, of the genus Potamogeton+ @arolina Rig = # style of terminal tacle normally used to eep a lure a foot or two <or more> off the )ottom+ &his is most commonly used with a plastic worm, )ut is also used with floating cran)aits and other lures as well+ # )arrel slip siner of :E;= to :=ounce is first slipped on the line and then a swi,el is tied to the end of the line+ # piece of line :M to AJ inches long is then tied to the other end of the swi,el and a hoo or lure is tied to the end of this piece line+ Rigged &eDas style <weedless with the hoo )uried in the )ody of the )ait>, the com)ination is eDcellent for fishing ledges, points, sand)ars, and humps+ %iagram @hannel = &he )ed of a stream or ri,er+ 54 @hugger = &opwater plug with a dished=out <conca,e or QcuppedQ> head designed to mae a splash when pulled sharply+ @larity = Refers to the depth you are a)le to see an o)Fect <such as your lure> under the water+ @old .ront = # weather condition accompanied )y high, clear sies, and a sudden drop in temperature+ @ontact Point = &he deepest position on structure where a )ass angler can first effecti,ely present his lure to )ass as they migrate from deep water+ @ontrolled %rift = &he act of using an electric motor, drift soc, or oars to allow a drift to )e accomplished at a certain speed andEor direction+ &his term is often called Qdrift fishingQ )y most anglers+ @oontail = !u)merged a9uatic plant of the hornwort family typically found in hard waterU charactreized )y stiff, fored lea,es+ @osmic @loc = &he sunRs seasonal effect on water and weather conditions relating to )arometric pressure, wind, and cloud co,er+ @ount 4t %own = &iming a sining lure to determine when it will reach a specified depth+ &his is accomplished )y finding the rate of sining of a lure in feet=per=second+ Often used when fishing for suspended fish+ @o,e = #n indentation along a shoreline+ @o,er = $atural or manmade o)Fects on the )ottom of laes, ri,ers, or impoundments, especially those that influence fish )eha,ior+ #nything a fish can use to conceal itself+ (Damples include stic=ups, tree lines, stumps, rocs, logs, pilings, docs, weeds, )oathouses, duc )linds, )ushes, etc+ <not to )e confused with structure>+ @ran)ait = &ypically, a lipped lure that di,es under the surface during the retrie,e+ !o= called lipless cran)aits are thin, minnow=lie lures that sin at a rate of a)out :=foot per second+ %a))ling = 0oring a lure up and down in the same spot a dozen or more times in a )ush or )eside a tree+ %epthfinder = # sonar de,ice, either a flasher unit or L@R recorder, used to read the )ottom structure, determine depth, and in some cases actually spot the fishU also called a fishfinder+ %isgorger = %e,ice for remo,ing hoos deeply em)edded in the throat of fish+ %rag = %e,ice on fishing reels that allows line to pay out under pressure, e,en though the reel is engagedU set correctly, it ensures against line )reaage+ %rop=Off = # sudden increase in depth, created )y gulley washes, small cree channels, land points, and the general lay of the land+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 55 %rop !hot = # hoo tied directly to the line from four=inches to four=feet a)o,e the siner+ &he hoo is attached from the )ac side or opposite the point, with a simple Palomar not with a tag end a)out four or fi,e feet long+ &he weight hangs and the hoo is at a 5J=degree angle to the line with the hoo point up+ &he hoo can )e :M to ;/ inches a)o,e a )ell siner tied on with a slip=not+ (cology = &he )ranch of )iology dealing with the relationship )etween organisms and their en,ironment+ (dge = Refers to the )orders created )y a change in the structure or ,egetation in a lae+ !ome eDamples of edges are tree lines, weed lines, and the edge of a drop=off+ (uthrophic = 'ighly fertile waters characterized )y warm, shallow )asins+ .an @ast = Maing a series of casts only a few degrees apart to co,er a half circle <more or less>+ .arm Pond = !mall manmade )ody of water+ .eeder @ree = &ri)utary to a stream+ .eeding &imes = @ertain times of the day when fish are most acti,e+ &hese are associated with the position of the sun and moon and are referred to as solunar ta)les <also called moon charts> and are predicta)le for any time and place+ !ee Moon &imes+ .ilamentous #lgae = &ype of algae characterized )y long chains of attached cells that gi,e it a stringy feel and appearance+ .eeding @ycle = @ertain regular inter,als during which )ass satisfy their appetites+ (Damples2 MaFor or Minor !olunar periodsU sunrise, sunset+ .inesse .ishing = #n angling techni9ue characterized )y the use of light tacle = line, rods, reel and artificial )aits <often tu)e worms, gru)s, or other small=sized soft=plastic lures>U often producti,e in clear, fairly uncluttered water+ .lat = #n area in a )ody of water with little if any change in depth+ !mall and large, flats are generally surrounded on at least one side )y deeper water, the )ottom comes up to form a flat area where fish will often mo,e up for feeding+ .lipping = <generally shortened to flippinR> &he techni9ue of placing a lure in a gi,en spot precisely, and 9uietly, with as little distur)ance of the water as possi)le using an underhand cast while controlling the line with your hand+ .lipping !tic = 'ea,y action fishing rod, ? to M feet long, designed for )ass fishing+ .lorida Rig = Kery similar to the &eDas Rig, the only difference is the weight is secured )y QscrewingQ it into the )ait+ .ly R$ Rind = !ame thing as Fig=and=pig = a com)ination of a leadhead Fig and por rind trailer+ .orage = !mall )aitfish, crayfish and other creatures that )ass eat+ May also )e used in the sense of the )ass looing for food <foraging>+ 56 .ront = 0eather system that causes changes in temperature, cloud co,er, precipitation, wind and )arometric pressure+ 7ear Ratio = Measure of a reelsR retrie,e speedU the num)er of times the spool re,ol,es for each complete turn of the handle+ 7rayline = 7rayline lets you distinguish )etween strong and wea echoes+ 4t QpaintsQ gray on targets that are stronger than a preset ,alue+ &his allows you to tell the difference )etween a hard and soft )ottom+ .or eDample, a soft, muddy or weedy )ottom returns a weaer sym)ol which is shown with a narrow or no gray line+ # hard )ottom returns a strong signal which causes a wide gray line+ 7ru) = # short plastic worm used with a weighted Fig hoo+ 'a)itat = &he place in nature where a plant or animal species li,es+ &he water, ,egetation, and all that maes up the lae, which is where )ass li,e+ 'a)itat, for other creatures, is also in the woods and cities, itRs )asically a term used to indicate a Qli,ing areaQ or home en,ironment+ 'ard Bottom = #rea in a )ody of water with a solid )ase = clay, gra,el, roc, sand+ &he type of )ottom that you would not sin far, if at all, were you to wal on it+ 'awg = Usually refers to a luner=size or hea,yweight )ass weighing / pounds or more+ 'olding #rea = !tructure that ha)itually holds three to fi,e catcha)le )ass+ 'olding !tation = Place on lae where inacti,e fish spend most of their time+ 'oney 'ole = # super fishing spot containing a num)er of )ig )assU also any place with a large concentration of eeper )ass+ 'orizontal Mo,ement = &he distance a fish mo,es while remaining at the same depth+ 'ump = #n area higher than the surrounding area+ # su)merged dam or island might )e considered a hump+ 4chthyology = &he )ranch of zoology that deals with fishes = their classification, structure, ha)its, and li,e history+ 4nacti,e .ish = Bass that are in a non=feeding mood+ (Damples of typically inacti,e times2 following a cold frontU during a maFor weather change that causes a sudden rise or fall in water temperature, or when a rising lae le,er is a)ruptly lowered+ 4nside Bend = &he inside line of a grass )ed or a cree channel+ 4solated !tructure = # possi)le holding spot for )assU eDamples include a single )ush on a pointU a midlae hump, or a large tree that has fallen into the water+ -ig = # leadhead poured around a hoo and featuring a sirt of ru))er, plastic, or hair+ -ig=$=Pig = @om)ination of a leadhead Fig and por rind trailerU among the most effecti,e )aits for attracting trophy=size )ass+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 57 6eeper = # )ass that conforms to a specific minimum length limit esta)lished )y tournament organizations andEor state fisheries department+ Lae Modification !ources = (lements that change )odies of water, such as ice action, wa,e action, and erosion+ Lae Vones = %esignation that includes four categories2 shallow water, open water, deep water, and )asin+ Laydown <or .alldown> = # tree that has fallen into the water+ Light 4ntensity = &he amount of light that can )e measured at certain depths of waterU the greater the intensity, the farther down the light will proFect+ &his measurement can )e significantly affected )y wind conditions and water clarity+ 4n waters where light intensity is low, )rightly colored lures are smart choices+ Line 7uides = Rod rings through which fishing line is passed+ Lipless @ran)aits = #rtificial )aits designed to resem)le a swimming )aitfish+ !uch plugs ,i)rate andEor wo))le during retrie,eU some ha,e )uilt=in rattles+ #lso called swimming )aits+ Li,ewell = #n aerated tan in )oats used to hold fish in water until weigh=in time so that they ha,e a )etter chance of sur,i,al when released+ !imilar to an a9uarium+ LogFam = # group of horizontal logs pushed together )y wind or water flow to form an o)struction+ 4n laes, logFams are usually found close to shore and in the )acs of co,es+ Loose=#ction Plug = # lure with wide and slow mo,ements from side to side+ Luner = $ormally, a )ass weighing / pounds or more+ Micropterus !almoides = !cientific term for largemouth )ass+ Migration Route = &he path followed )y )ass when mo,ing from one area to another+ Milfoil = !urface=growing a9uatic plants+ Mono = !hort for monofilament fishing line+ Moon &imes = .our phases of the moon are usually what the fisherman is concerned with+ 7enerally the Q)est timesQ in a month occur three days prior and three days after, and include the day of the new or full moon+ .irst 9uarter and second 9uarter periods are considered as only Qgood times+Q Off @olor = Refers to the color and or clarity of the water+ Brown is muddy lie from rain runoff, greenish from algae and )lac from tannic acid are the normal off=color conditions+ Our 'ole = Proprietary term used )y anglers to descri)e the area they intend to fish+ <My hole, their hole, etc+> &hough actually all holes are all anglerRs holes since the laes )eing fished are mostly pu)lic water+ 4tRs only your hole if you get there first+ Otherwise itRs their hole+ 58 Outside Bend = &he outside line of a cree channel or grass )ed can )e considered on outside )end+ OD)ow = # U=shaped )end in a ri,er+ Pattern = # defined set of location and presentation factors that consistently produce fish+ (Dample2 4f you catch more than one fish off a pier or stic=up, then your chances of catching more )ass in such places are eDcellent+ &his is commonly called Qesta)lishing a patternQ+ Pegging = Putting a toothpic in the hole of a slip siner to pre,ent the siner from sliding along the line+ Other items such as ru))er )ands slipped through the siner ha,e also )ecome popular and donRt snag line+ P.% = 4nitials that stand for Personal .loatation %e,iceU also called a life ,est+ p' = &his is a measurement for li9uids to determine whether they are acidic or alaline+ On a scale of one to ten, se,en is considered neutral+ Below se,en the li9uid is acidic and a)o,e se,en it is alaline+ &his is a factor that plays a role in the health of the lae and the fish as well as where the fish may )e found in a lae+ p' Meter = -ust as a thermometer measures heat and cold, a p' meter can )e used to measure the acidity and alalinity of water+ &he p' scale ranges from J to :/+ Bass generally prefer water that is slightly alaline in the ?+B to ?+5 range+ 0ater with a p' less than ? is acidic+ Once popular among serious )ass fishermen, the de,ice is no longer widely used+ Pic=Up = &he act of a )ass taing a slowly fished lure, such as a plastic worm, crawfish or lizard+ Pit = #rea eDca,ated for mining operations that fills with water+ Pitching = Presentation techni9ue in which worms or Figs are dropped into co,er at close range with an underhand pendulum motion, using a P 1 to ?:E; foot )aitcasting rod+ &he act of pitching a )ait into a pocet or under tree lim)s+ !imilar to flipping, )ut re9uires less stealth and usually done from further distances <nown as pitchinR>+ Pocet = # small indentation of the shoreline+ Point = # finger of land Futting into the waterU deeper water is usually found Fust )eyond the eDposed tip and along the length of )oth sides+ .ishing on and around points is often eDceptionally rewarding+ &hey almost always hold fish+ Post .ront = &he period following a cold frontU atmosphere clears and )ecomes )rightU usually characterized )y strong winds and a significant drop in temperature+ Presentation = # collecti,e term referring to choice of type of lure, color, and sizeU structure targetedU amount of distur)ance a )ait maes when entering the waterU and retrie,al techni9ue, speed, and depth used to catch fish+ &his refers to the circumstances and manner <speed and direction, etc+> in which a lure is presented to a fish+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 59 Pro = # ,ery few of the nationRs top )ass fishermen can truly claim the word professional+ $ot only must the pro )e a consistent money winner on the maFor tournament circuits, )ut he or she must also )e articulate, a good salesperson, present a clean=cut image, and ha,e the a)ility to teach others to catch fish+ Professional O,errun = # polite term for )aclash+ Re,ol,ing=!pool Reel = #nother term for )aitcasting reel+ &he spool turns during casting, unlie the spool of a spinning or spincasting reel+ Reser,oir = #rtificially created place where water is collected and storedU also called an impoundment+ Riprap = # man=made stretch of rocs or material of a hard composition that usually eDtend a)o,e and )elow the shorelineU often found near dams of )ig impoundments+ !addle = !ite where structure narrows )efore widening again+ !anctuary = %eep=water )ass ha)itat+ !catter Point = Position along structure where )ass start to separate or scatterU often found in shallow water, at or ,ery close to a )realine+ !hort !trie = 0hen a fish hits at a lure and misses it+ !lac Line = &he loose line from the tip of the rod to the lure+ &his can )e a slight )ow in the line to an eDcess of line lying on the water+ !lics = Bass not long enough to meet tournament standardsU typically less than :/ inches+ !uch fish also are called Qnu))ins Q, Qthrough )acsQ, Qpop cornsQ, Q)a)iesQ and QdinsQ+ !lip !iner = # lead weight with a hole through the center+ &hreaded on line, a slip siner slides freely up and down+ !lough = # long, narrow stretch of water such as a small stream or feeder tri)utary off a lae or ri,er+ !low Roll = !pinner)ait presentation in which the lure is retrie,ed slowly through and o,er co,er o)Fects+ !lush Bait = &opwater plug with flat or pointed head+ !pincaster = # manner of fishing employing a push=)utton, closed=face spinning reel and )aitcasting rodU reel is mounted on topside of rod+ !pinner)ait = # leadhead lure similar in shape to an open safety=pin with a hooU other features include a ru))er, plastics, or hair sirt, and one or two )lades of ,arious shapes and sizes+ !pinning = # manner of fishing employing an open=face or closed=face spinning reel an spinning rodU reel is mounted on the underside of the rodU rod guides are on the underside of the rod+ 60 !plit !hotting = Often called stitch fishing )ecause you mo,e the )ait in increments no larger than a sewing stitch and made Fust as slowly and patience is the ey+ Use a small NB split= shot and crimp it a)out :M inches a)o,e a light wire :EJ or lighter small hoo+ !pinning tacle is a must+ !mall worms, A=inch salt craws and others are perfect for the gentle application re9uired+ !poo = &he act of alarming a fish in a negati,e way+ (Damples2 eDcessi,e noise, casting a human shadow+ !tic=Up = !tationary structure = stump, lim), section of pipe, fence post = that eDtends a)out B feet or less a)o,e the surfaceU a fa,orite casting target of )ass fishermen+ !tragglers = Bass that remain near shore following a general migration+ !tringer = #nti9uated term for a limit of fish, used )y tournament anglers to indicate their catch <:J=pound stringer W :J pounds of fish+ $ot actually used any longer to retain )ass, Fust a term people canRt seem to stop using+ <see li,ewell>+ !tructure = @hanges in the shape of the )ottom of laes, ri,ers, or impoundments, especially those that influence fish )eha,ior+ &his is pro)a)ly the most misunderstood word in )ass fishing+ !tructure is a feature on the )ottom of the lae+ !ome eDamples of structure are crees, humps, depressions, sand)ars, road)eds, ledges, and drop=offs+ !ome eDamples that are not structure2 a stump, tree, or )rush pile <these are co,er>+ !uspended .ish = Bass at midle,el depths, neither near the surface nor on the )ottom+ !wimming Lures = !ining=type artificial )aits designed to resem)le a swimming )aitfish+ !uch plugs ,i)rate andEor wo))le during retrie,eU some ha,e )uilt=in rattles+ #lso called lipless cran)aits+ &ail=!pinners = @ompact, lead=)odied lures with one or two spinner )lades attached to the tail, and a tre)le hoo suspended from the )odyU designed to resem)le a wounded shadU effecti,e on schooling )ass+ &aper = #n area in a )ody of water that slopes toward deeper depths+ &erminal &acle = #ngling e9uipment, eDcluding artificial )aits, attached to the end of a fishing lineU eDamples include hoos, snaps, swi,els, snap=swi,els, siners, floats, and plastic )eads+ &eDas Rig = &he method of securing a hoo to a soft=plastic )ait = worm, lizard, crawfish, so that the hoo is weedless+ # slip siner is threaded onto the line and then a hoo is tied to the end of the line+ &he hoo is then inserted into the head of a worm for a)out one=9uarter of an inch and )rought through until only the eye is still em)edded in the worm+ &he hoo is then rotated and the point is em)edded slightly into the worm without coming out the opposite side+ %iagram &hermocline = &he layer of water where the temperature changes at least one=half a degree per foot of depth+ Basically, a layer of water where rising warm and sining cold water meet+ &ight=#ction Plug = # lure with short, rapid side=to=side mo,ement+ &iptop = Line guide at top of fishing rod+ Fly Fishing From Scratch. 61 &opwaters = .loating hard )aits that create some degree of surface distur)ance during retrie,e+ &railer 'oo = &he eDtra hoo, or cheater hoo added to a single=hoo lure, such as a spinner)ait or weedless spoon+ &ransition = &he imaginary line where one type of )ottom material changes to another+ &re)le 'oo = 'oo with single or )undled shaft and three points+ &riggering = (mployment of any lure=retrie,al techni9ue or other fishing strategy that causes a )ass to strie+ &rolling Motor = # small electric fishing motor, typically mounted on the )ow, that is used as secondary )oat propulsion, for )oat positioning, and to maneu,er 9uietly in fishing areas+ &urno,er = &he period when the cold water on the surface of a )ody of water descends and is replaced )y warmer water from )elow+ Kertical Mo,ement = Up and down mo,ement of fish+ @an also )e mo,ement of a lure such as a spoon <,erticalFigging>+ 0eedless = # description of a lure designed to )e fished in hea,y co,er with a minimum amount of snagging+ 0eedline = #)rupt edge of a weed)ed caused )y a change in depth, )ottom type, or other factor+ 0orminR = &he act of fishing with a plastic worm, lizard, crawfish, or similar )ait+ 62