Are you tired of going home empty-handed after a day of largemouth bass fishing? Are you looking for tips and tricks to increase your chances of reeling in the biggest catch of the day? Look no further, my friend. With years of experience, I’m here to share with you some valuable insights on how to catch largemouth bass like a pro.
If you’ve watched any amount of fishing shows, you have probably learned that largemouth bass is among the most popular game fish.
It doesn’t matter your skill level. Catching largemouth bass on freshwater lakes, rivers, and farm ponds can be incredibly fun. And making it even more fun is the fact that the largemouth is accessible in many places year-round, spring, summer, fall, and winter.
To learn more about them, check out Largemouth Bass on Wikipedia. I just found out they are the largest of the black bass family and can grow to more than 20 lbs.
In early spring, when water temperatures hit the 45-degree mark, the male largemouth starts moving from the deeper water to shallow water to prepare a nest for that special female who only arrives once the water temperature is greater than 50 degrees.
You will find them preparing nests in shallow water that gets lots of direct sunlight and which is somewhat protected from rough water that might destroy their nest, likely on the northwest ends of a lake or pond.
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Note: If you fish pre-spawn largemouth bass, be sure to release them quickly and close to the spot you caught them so they can return to their nest.
How to Catch Largemouth Bass
First, let me say that as cool as it might be to own a hi-tech bass boat, it isn’t actually a requirement for one to catch big largemouth. You don’t need fancy and expensive fishing gear either, although a heavier action rod might just come in handy.
It’s essential to understand the behavior and habitat of largemouth bass. These fish are typically found in shallow waters near weed beds, logs, and other forms of structure. They prefer calm waters and tend to hide in shady areas during the hottest parts of the day. Therefore, it’s crucial to fish during the early morning or late afternoon hours when the water is calm, and the fish are most active.
In fact, you could use an old-fashioned cane pole and pretty much any largemouth bass lures and do fine.
I should point out that there are fewer places that allow using live bait, so be sure you know the rules where you plan to fish. This has been put in place in many locations to avoid having invasive species in their waters. So use artificial baits that represent what they like to eat.
- bee moth
- crayfish
- leaf worms
- leeches
- minnows
- worms
- frogs
- snakes
- birds
Another key factor in catching largemouth bass is using the right gear. Invest in a quality fishing rod, reel, and line that can handle the weight and fight off a large fish. Choose lures and bait that mimic the prey found in the area you are fishing. Spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and topwater lures are all excellent options for largemouth bass.
When casting your line, aim for areas with cover or structure. Pay attention to the movement of the water and look for signs of fish activity, such as splashing or ripples. Once you feel a bite, don’t yank the line immediately. Instead, wait a moment and let the fish take the bait. Then, give a firm tug to set the hook and reel in your catch.
I live for top water action and really enjoy using poppers, stick baits, and even worms, well, anything that will stay on the surface. It’s those explosive strikes where the largemouth flies from the water to annihilate the bait and get out for this every chance I get.
I’m really looking forward to our trip across Canada for some largemouth bass fishing, and because we are retiring this year, I’m also looking forward to doing some largemouth bass fishing south of the border. You can be sure I’ll be stocking up on my favorite largemouth bass lures.
Remember to practice catch-and-release to preserve the population of largemouth bass. Handle the fish gently and release them back into the water as quickly as possible. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful largemouth bass fisherman.
But why settle for just “successful”? With our website’s extensive selection of high-quality fishing gear and expert tips, you can take your fishing game to the next level. From rods and reels to lures and bait, we’ve got everything you need to catch the biggest bass in the lake.
