Bass fishing is one of the most common types of fishing. Many bass fish are found in bayou water and saltwater. They also move through lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and streams. If you know the basics regarding conditions and places where bass are likely to be, you will have more success when you fish for them.
Many variables change the location of basses, such as water conditions, water levels, weather, and light and food availability. Three main elements must be present in a body of water for bass to survive: Food, oxygen, and cover.
A bass’ favorite meal is crawfish, which they prefer over shad. Crawfish are usually more plentiful and are easy for the Bass to catch. However, a bass will typically eat anything from rats, mice, ducklings, frogs, snakes, salamanders, worms, lizards, grubs, baitfish, insects, and leeches. Their ability to feast on one thing above another is why many people find such enjoyment from fishing bass.
Oxygen is another key component in finding bass fish. The basic rule of thumb is that the cooler the water, the more oxygen content. Therefore, if you are fishing in the spring, summer, or early fall, you will find that the larger bass will drop down lower to find the cooler and more oxygen-filled water. They will also swim to find areas that are more concentrated in vegetation to find a better oxygen source. Trees, stumps, wind-blown banks, and power plants are all good sources of oxygen that will attract bass fish.
A bass relies on cover for a means of protection and way of ambush. The cover is part of a bass’ survival. The bass is known as a lazy fish, so they will hide and wait for their prey to come to them. The other reason for cover is that bass fish do not have eyelids, and the cover is a way to prevent blindness. Some common cover areas to find bass in are fabricated wood structures such as fencerows, docks, and pilings. They have been known to hide under floating pieces of wood or decaying wood. Weeds are the second-best place to hunt for bass. Finally, rocks are the third place that bass will find cover. Rocks are not as reliable as weeds or wood, but sometimes a bass will find decaying pieces of food to feast on within some rocks. Remember that rocks do not produce oxygen, so the source is not as consistent.
In fishing, everyone has a different opinion. You will often find that these opinions range in location and source. However, there are some lures and baits that are recommended for bass fishing that may be useful, if you haven’t tried them. Tequila-colored 7-inch worms with added scent are recommended, as well as Rebel Wee-Rs. Hellgrammites are thought to be the best live bait, and many will say that you don’t need big lures to attract big bass. Everyone will tell you to tie up to an embankment or find a dock to get close to, but it is an art that could take years to perfect.
Bass are notorious for being slow-moving and lack distance in their movements. Logically, you could sit 30 feet from the biggest bass of your life, and he is not going to swim to your bait out of pure laziness.
