Fly-Fishing for Largemouth Bass

By Daniel Eggertsen

When we speak of bass, we are talking about four main species in the U.S., all of which are taken regularly on fly rods. In my opinion, fly-fishing is the ultimate way to enjoy the sport. Nothing can equal the thrill of a Largemouth bass exploding from the water and smashing your fly, or a river Smallmouth making psychotic twists and turns in an attempt to throw your fly. Hooking a Stripped Bass on a fly rod is akin to battling a small submarine.

Equipment for Largemouth bass is basic. You will need a 6-8wt fly rod in the 8-9 foot lengths. I recommend a medium action graphite rod because you will need some backbone to exert pressure on a hooked bass near cover, and will need some bend in order to cast the larger bass flies. Your reel should have a disc drag. Largemouth bass do not make long runs, but they will put a lot of pressure on your equipment.
Largemouth bass tend to be lake and larger river fish. They do not particularly like current, and favor warm water. They are ambush predators, and will attack anything they think will fit in their mouth, from small nymphs to baby ducks, small mammals, frogs, and other fish. They are fearless and do not spook easily. They are not meticulous feeders.
Largemouth bass respond to noises in the water, and anything nearby that splashes, gurgles or pops will trigger an attack. In addition, movement can trigger attacks. Bass are not particularly color conscious so that is the last factor to consider in selecting a fly. Usually, anything with a good contrast to the background that they can see well is good enough. The main decision you have to make is to fish on top of the water, or sub-surface.

The classic bass fly for top water is the Deer-Hair Popper. They can be purchased at most stores carrying fly gear, or tied yourself. There are many different variations and color combinations, and they all work. My favorite is a white and red one, because I can see it well on the water. Next, there are many types of foam bugs, frogs and cork poppers available, and again, they all work. Some are the size of small birds and can be difficult to cast in a breeze, so keep that in mind.
For sub-surface action, the two best flies are the weighted Wooly Booger in black, brown, olive or any combination, and the Clouser Minnow in colors to match the local baitfish. If I could only have two flies to fish with, these would be it. They catch anything that swims in both fresh and salt water, anywhere in the world! No fly box should be without a good supply of these two flies. My next choice is the incredible Hard-Hackle Worm, invented by Richard Komar of Plano, Tx. This is the fly anglers version of a plastic worm, except it works better. Purple and black are my best colors. On this fly, you cast it near cover and just let it float for a bit, then softly twitch it, and it will begin to sink slowly.
Give it an extra twitch every so often, and Hang-On! Bass hit this fly very viciously! Another fly I like for Largemouth is another of Mr. Komars creations, the Texas Bullfrog. Both patterns are very successful. Other good patterns are the Dahlberg Diver, and various leech patterns.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Get more information on fly fishing for bass here: http://www.askbassfishing.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Eggertsen

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/874822

Spring Time Bass Tactics

By Jim Newcomb

Spring is spawning season for those Black Bass we love to catch. It's time to get aggressive and fish those shallow waters and fill that frying pan. This is the time of year that the male Bass will move into shallow waters to prepare the nests for the females. They are claiming their territory for nesting and spawning activities. Concentrate your fishing efforts around those willow trees, dead logs and weed beds. This is where the nests will be built. During this time of year one should concentrate on the northwest areas of ponds and lakes. The sun is shifting to the southern hemisphere and will warm these portions of a body of water first. This will always provide better fishing this time of year. Pay close attention to the warming temperatures during this time of year. The warming waters are the main ingredient that triggers the spawning activity.

Remember that the females are not far behind the males. The male Bass will not let the females up to the nesting area until they are completed. Those females are waiting five to ten yards away from the nesting areas, in deeper waters. They like to position themselves close to rocks or small drop offs. Maneuver your boats fifteen to twenty yards away from the bedding areas so you can fish for the males and the waiting females. If you are bank fishing, try not to make a lot of noise or movement. Fish feel the vibrations when you walk along the bank, thus retreating to deeper waters. Pick a good spot and fish that spot from one side, all the way around to the other, making good long casts every time. I personally keep my casts as parralell to the shore as I can. The more area you cover, the better your chances of success.

Use those bright colored lures in clear water, the darker the water, the less bright the lure. I've always had good production with frogs and buzz baits early in the morning and late in the evening. During the late morning and early afternoons I throw crawdad colored jigs or crank baits. You can never go wrong with spinners or plastic worms. Live bait always delivers. Take care of those minnows and they will perform much better for you.
Get those rods dusted off and grab your fishing gear, it's time to head for that favorite fishing hole. Load the family up and let them have that experience of a lifetime. Whatever you do enjoy the beautiful outdoors God has blessed us with.


Jim Newcomb
Shellshockedoutdoors.com

Jim "Duckie" Newcomb, president of ShellShocked Outdoors, http://www.shellshockedoutdoors.com, he is an outdoorsman with 45 years of personal experience in hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. He is an accomplished and respected waterfowl hunter along with guiding upland bird hunting adventures. He has trained thousands of gun dogs throughout his career. He is the host of an outdoor radio show and a respected outdoors writer and editor. His company does a lot of product testing for manufacturers of outdoor products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Newcomb

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4038328