Selecting Wintertime Bass Baits

Confused about what lures to use when the water is cold and the bass’ metabolism is sluggish?

Do you tie on a crankbait, spinnerbait, jig or what??

Here are a few tips from bass pro Brandon Cobb on what he uses to catch wintertime bass and how to work them!

Do You Ever Fish Shallow In Winter?

When it comes to bass fishing during the winter, most anglers think deep water!

Though this is true most of the time, there are situations where fishing shallow not only makes sense but can also be extremely productive…

Take a moment and watch this short video as Bass Pro, Dave Walok explains why fishing rock strewn banks is one of those situations…

Time to get your brrrrrr fishing going?

Selecting Lures When Fishing a New Pond

Heading to a new body of water and unsure of what baits to tie on?

This is an issue most anglers struggle with several times each season as we work to expand the selection of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams visited throughout the year…

Take a moment and hear Tim Little of Tactical Bassin’ has to say on the subject…

I share the same philosophy anytime I head out on the water…

Rig a number of different baits that let you effectively fish the water column from top to bottom…

An approach that rarely lets me down!

Fishing the Z-Man Chatterbait

Though introduced nearly 10 years ago, many bass anglers are just starting to take the Z-Man Chatterbait seriously!

It’s not hard to see why, since it has not only gained a reputation as a great lure but also one for catching quality bass as well…

Not familiar with the bait?

Take a moment to watch this video and see how fishing the Z-Man Chatterbait can help you put more and bigger bass in the boat!

Tuning a Crankbait

Crankbaits can be awesome bass catching machines or at least they are until they are thrown out of tune…

Most crankbaits (Scatter Raps excluded) are designed to run along a straight path during the retrieve but will start running to the right or left if the line tie eyelet gets bent…

Here is a short video featuring Walker from W2F describing how to adjust the eyelet when your favorite crankbait starts running off-kilter!

Now there’s a tip to help put more bass in the boat and save a few $$

Early Fall Bass Fishing

The summer is winding down and doldrums coming to an end…

When summer gives way to early fall, the bass become more active and start to move shallow…

Here are a few tips to help with the adjustment…

Moving Shallow for Mid-Fall Bass

The waters have cooled and bait moving to the shallower coves and points as the fall season continues…

With the bass hot on the heels of bait wallowing in the shallows, now is a great time to break out the spinnerbaits and square bill crankbaits to load the boat as Elite Pro Jared Lintner tells us in this video…

Tips for Fishing Crankbaits During Fall

As the fall period progresses, bass and other gamefish go through many transitions as they prepare for the upcoming winter…

For the most part there is one main thing driving the actions of bass through the fall; feeding in preparation for a long, lethargic cold water conditions that lie ahead!

As most bass anglers realize, the two most common menu items available to bass across the country… either baitfish such as shad, perch & shiners or the bottom dwelling crayfish!

One type of lure designed to mimic both of these forage types … the crankbait!

Take a moment and listen to crankbait fishing expert, David Fritts explain his thoughts on fishing crankbaits during this highly transitional period…

Great tips from a crankbait fishing guru!

Throwing Buzzbaits and Flipping for Fall Bass

In this short video, Bass Pro Chad Morgenthaler discusses how to fish two of his favorite fall techniques, chunkin’ buzzbaits and flipping the brush…

In this short video, Bass Pro Chad Morgenthaler discusses how to fish two of his favorite fall techniques, chunkin’ buzzbaits and flipping the brush…

Cranking Shallow Pockets in the Fall

As bass follow baitfish like shad around throughout the fall, there are many days bass will chase and corral baitfish at the backs of small pockets and coves…

Crankbaits, especially shallow-running squarebill crankbaits are a great tool for rooting out these bait-chasing bass cruising the pockets and coves in search of their prey…

Take a moment and listen to what Bass Pro Stephen Browning has to say about his approach to cranking shallow pockets in the fall…

As the bass chase baitfish into the backs of coves and pockets, is there really any better bait to throw other than a crankbait?

I think not

Thoughts on Fishing the Wiggle Wart

There are numerous crankbaits on the market today; some meant to fish shallow, others deep; some meant to be fished in cold water, others when temps are soaring…

One “old time” crankbait model was created to fish under a variety of conditions but really shines during the cool-water period when bass are keying on crayfish… It’s definitely a favorite bait of mine during that time of year!

The crankbait I’m talking about…

Original Storm Wiggle Wart

Listen to Bassmaster Elite Pro Brandon Palaniuk as he provides the ins and outs of working this outstanding crankbait :D

So anytime you hit a lake where the bass are chomping on crawfish, break out the old Wiggle Wart and grind the bottom cover for more and bigger bass!

Finding Bass in Submerged Grass

What is the one type of cover most anglers fish?

Vegetation…

Although all forms of vegetation are not created equal, there are some basic principles you can apply when trying to unravel the main fish holding areas…

And in this video, the folks from Angling Edge TV show you how to locate the weedy hotspots in this case relative to milfoil.

Personally I catch more bass "out of the grass" each season than from any other type of cover or structure!

How about you?

Tips On Summertime Topwater Smallmouths

Do you know what you get when you combine, warm summer days, shallow mid-lake rock piles and reefs plus smallmouth bass?

One of the best topwater smallmouth opportunities of the year!

See how it all comes together in this video from the folks at Lindy Fishing Tackle!

Time to break out the poppers and prop baits and hit the water all!

Tight lines and full live-wells

Time to Fish Deep Crankbaits?

There are lots of times when shallow running, square-billed crankbaits will knock the socks off bass holding around shoreline cover but…

What happens when the bass migrate out and start holding on deep cover and structures?

Time to break out and start fishing deep crankbaits...

Take a moment to watch this informative video for several great deep crankin' tips!

Fishing the Buzzing Frog

Did you realize, all frogs are not created equally? ;)

When many bass anglers think frog fishing, the image of a soft, hollow-belly frog pops into their minds.

Yet there is another type of frog out on the market, actually designed for a totally different type of presentation… the buzzing frog…

In this video, FLW Pro Scott Martin tells us how and when he fishes a buzzing frog opposed to his favorite hollow-body frog!

Ribbit, ribbit .... swooshhhhhhhhhh :D

Froggin’ Weedless Banks

When most anglers think frog fishing, visions of weed-laden banks and coves pop into mind…

But did you realize froggin’ weedless banks can be just as effective?

It absolutely can and bass pro, Dean Rojas lets you in on a few of his secrets for fishing the frog almost anywhere…

Pretty cool how it can almost work that bait with no obvious cover around isn’t it 👍

Junk Fishing 101

Ever have a day on the water when you feel you don’t have a clue?

You know, those days when you haven’t patterned the bass or can't seem to get dialed in...

I know I have…

Time to let the guys from Angler's Edge address the situation and do a little junk fishing perhaps :)

After listening to what Jim Lindner has to say on the matter, looks like I am a classic junk fisherman!

How about you?

Are These the Best Bass Baits?

Question... Are These the Best Bass Baits?

These baits can be:

• Fished in cold and warm water with success;
• Enhanced with a variety of plastic and pork trailers;
• Used around rocks, trees, weeds, docks & pilings; &
• Cast, pitched, flipped, skipped, swam and buzzed…

Does this make skirted bass jigs the best bass baits on the market?

Evidently the guys from Angling Edge think so…

Looks like they might be considered one of the best bass baits...

Of course the question remains...

What's a good trailer for your jig?

Hmmmmm

Tips for Fishing Lipless Crankbaits

Lipless crankbaits are versatile hard baits that can be fished throughout the year by varying the color pattern, size and retrieves used…

Though good just about anytime, lipless crankbaits really shine during those times of year when bass are actively chasing schooled baitfish, especially in the fall!

Here are some great tips from FLW Touring Pro, Scott Suggs on the equipment and approaches to fishing lipless crankbaits on sloping structures…

Enjoy!

Effective Strategies For River Bass Fishing

River Bass Fishing Tips – Effective Strategies For River Bass Fishing

By Lonnie Sallas

River Bass fishing is very popular due to the easy accessibility that fishing in the river provides. Oftentimes to reach the best fishing spots in a lake, you need a boat. But this is not the case with bass fishing in the river. But there are some differences to bass fishing in the river. The following quick tips for river bass fishing should remind you of these differences and help you land more fish.

Ask the local bait store what the bass have been biting on.  Common natural river baits include minnows, shad, crayfish, and worms among others.  Follow the recommendation of the local bait store, and fish with either that live bait, or throw lures that resemble what the fish have been feeding on.

Downsize your offering.  While river bass fishing remember that generally speaking, the bass will be smaller than in the lake.  This is due to a variety of factors including them having to swim against current, size of water body, and availability of food.  You will find that jigs that you use to catch Crappie on the lake, will be very effective for Bass on the river.

Cast upstream and reel your bait back slowly letting the current carry it downstream.  Bass position themselves with their head upstream waiting for their prey to come floating down the river.  Remember if you cast downstream, and reel back upstream, the fish is going to have to fight the current to catch up with your bait.

River Bass fishing can be outstanding in the early spring.  During the early spring bass will run up the river and into the feeder creeks to spawn where the water is warmer.  Go fishing from late February to late April for your best opportunity for a good catch.

Fish around deeper holes in the river and around structure.  The bass love to stage around these areas because the current is not as strong.

Fish the shallower water in the morning and just before dark or on cloudy days.  Fish the deeper holes later in the day or on bright sunny days.  A good technique is to cast your lure on shore, and bring back into the water slowly.  Many times you will find a bass waiting to swallow it.

Remember these differences in river bass fishing and lake bass fishing so that you can be effective on your next river Bass fishing trip.

River Bass fishing can be a blast. The bass are strong and the bite can be fast and furious. I hope that these river Bass fishing tips help you land more fish.

But if you would like to learn more about river bass fishing and lake bass fishing, then who better to learn from than a 3 time angler of the year and member of the Professional Bass Hall of Fame. Bill Dance has come out with a Bass fishing DVD series called the Complete Bass Fishing Course. Bill teaches you how to catch bass from A-Z in a very simple and understandable manner. I encourage you to check it out.

Don’t overlook river bass fishing. Go fish today and take someone you love with you!

Article Source: River Bass Fishing Tips – Effective Strategies For River Bass Fishing

Determining Drop Shot Leader Length

Does the length of your dropshot leader (distance between hook and weight) really matter?

Interesting question isn’t it but how do you answer it?

Many folks say that it can but here is a little underwater video proof from the folks at Hook n’ Look Splash…

Looks like adjusting the length of the distance from the hook to the weight can make a difference when fishing the drop shot!

Fishing Weeds with Lipless Crankbaits

It’s summertime and for many bass anglers, the fishing might not be so easy; especially if they’re not good at fishing weeds.

This is the time of year where weed beds dominate a majority of our rivers and lakes so knowing every weed fishing trick definitely helps save many trips during the dog days of summer.

One bait often overlooked for fishing weed beds are lipless crankbaits since many anglers think the exposed hooks hang to often. Truth be told, they can be great assets when fishing weed beds if used properly.

Take a moment and watch the following video produced by the folks at Wired2Fish as they explain the best equipment, approach and retrieves to use when using lipless crankbaits in the weeds…

Are the weedbeds flushed out on your favorite pond?

Time to get those lipless cranks out if so!

Save Soft Stickbaits With O-Rings

Wacky rigged soft stickbaits like the Senko can be killers on bass and your bank account at the same time…

There is one simple and quick fix to extend the life of each soft stickbait you use…

Just add an o-ring as shown in this short “how-to” video!

A great quick fix for those times you misplace your favorite o-ring tool (or drop it overboard by accident) 😅

Why Fish Grass?

Louisiana bass pro, Greg Hackney knows a little something about fishing aquatic vegetation for bass and has made a living doing so for years...

  

When you think about where Hackney is from, it's no big surprise really given the prevalence of grass beds present in the waters he has fished all his life.

Learning how to be better grass anglers benefits all of use since grass is the most common form of cover available to all gamefish including bass!

Following is the first in a series of videos by the "Hack Attack" where he answers the question...

Why fish grass for bass?

Tips for Fishing the Bank in Spring

Winter is gone & spring is here…

The first major sunny warming trends is underway on your favorite bassin’ honey hole…

Where do you start?

Major/secondary points offering the transition from deeper wintering holes or…

Take a moment, watch the video and listen to what FLW Pro Terry Bolton has to say about fishing the bank in the early spring!

One thing is certain about fishing in the spring, the bass are heading to the shallows to prep for the spawn...

Looks like it might be time to keep those baits close to shore during your first springtime trip this year!

Agreed? :)

Use the Ned Rig to Catch More Bass

A relatively new finesse bait called the Ned rig has been a staple of mid-western bass anglers for several years.

Though some believe it to be a modern adaptation of Charlie Brewer’s “Do Nothing” slider system, this little bait has a number of its own attributes setting it apart from early subtle bait presentations…

In its simplest form the bait utilizes a small (< 3″) soft stick bait with minimal salt content on a “mushroom” style jig head allowing the bait to stand almost vertically off the bottom when dead-sticked…

Want to know more? Check out the following video from the folks at Z-Man Products explaining the system in  detail!

One thing for sure ...

When the fishing gets tough, so does the NED rig ... on bass that is ;)

Select Jerkbait Colors to Match Water Conditions

When KVD speaks about anything to do with bass fishing, anglers stop and listen!

Especially so when the subject VanDam is talking about one of his favorite techniques like fishing jerkbaits!

In this video tutorial, KVD provides some keen insight on his process for selecting the right jerkbait color to match water conditions…

Do Bass Become Conditioned To Lures?

There has been a lot of discussion about highly pressured lakes and bass becoming wary of certain baits…

Watch the video and think about the following questions…

Is it true?

What do you think?

Crankin’ Tips for Smallmouth Bass

Much of the time smallmouth bass love being on the move and chasing bait...

So it only makes sense that crankbaits in patterns resembling their favorite food like crawdads and baitfish can be highly effective when fishing for feeding smallies!

Take a moment and watch this short video to see what we mean…

Several things to remember…

• Select the right crankbait pattern to mimic the bait the smallies are feeding on
• Pick the type of diving bill to effectively fish the depths the fish are working
• Keep the bait in contact with cover to trigger more strikes
• Use the proper rod, reel and line combo for the crankbait being fished

Follow these tips and catch more smallmouths the next time you’re on the water chasing them!

Tips On Fishing Subtle Swimbaits

When swimbaits are mentioned to most bass anglers, visions of huge, expensive artificials often spring to mind…

But there is a “subtle” side of fishing swimbaits as Elite Pro Kevin VanDam discusses in this video…

Take a moment to watch and see what I mean

Even though I had fished subtle swimbaits like Mister Twister's Sassy Grubs in the past, I recently started fishing them last season with great success...

As a matter of fact, not only do subtle swimbaits catch bass plus many other species, even the small sizes catch big gals too!

See what I mean...

Not bad huh :D

Selecting Spring Jig Colors

Most bass anglers have a a few jig color patterns they use in different situations including different jig patterns based on changing seasons…

My personal selections tend to be influenced by three major factors:

Type of forage present and active in the area being fished
Water clarity (to some extent)
Season

To me springtime is green time and most baits I throw have some green color in them throughout the spring season…

In this video, touring bass pro Casey Ashley details his preference for spring jig colors, where to fish them and how it differs from other times of the year!

Personally, I like black n blue (anytime color) and a greenish craw pattern are be gotos for spring jigs...

Just saying 😁

Slow Rolling Spinnerbaits for Early Spring Bass

The winter is fading and your favorite river bass are shaking off the cold and start to think spawn.

One lure I always have tied on through the cold water to spring transition is a single blade spinnerbait and I fish it using a slow rolling retrieve…

In the following video, river smallmouth expert Jeff Little describes his approach to using this technique to lure thawing river-bound smallies…

Did spring just arrive?

Maybe it's time to break out the spinnerbaits for those early season, lethargic bass? ;)

Spring Jerkbait Fishing Tips

As winter wanes and the warming rays of the spring Sun shine upon your favorite honey holes, one of the best presentations for bass anglers to use is the suspending jerkbait…

After a long winter and chilled metabolism, spring bass are eager to get their proverbial feed bag on and bulk up before it’s time to hit the spawning beds…

Jerkbaits have a number of different features making them one of the primary bass-catching tools of the spring since they mimic most common baitfish and can be fished at a variety of speeds and depths…

Take a few moments and let Bassmaster Elite Series Pro, Mark Menendez explain the ins and outs of using jerkbaits throughout the spring season…

Changing the cadence of your jerkbait retrieve is often the key that determines to your springtime jerkbait fishing success!

Jerk, jerk, jerk ... pause

Jerk, jerk ... pause

What's your favorite springtime jerkbait retrieve cadence?

Increasing Jerkbait Hook-ups Using by Fish Scents

Fishing jerkbaits for smallmouth bass in the cool to cold water periods can be productive one trip and frustrating the next. I know from personal experience my jerkbait hook-up ratio on smallmouths is usually significantly lower through the winter months.

To be honest, I was never really sure why this was happening but after hearing an explanation from river smallie expert Jeff Little, I not only began to realize why but also how to put the odds back in my favor…

Watch the video below where I’ll explain what I mean and how the solution works…

By adding a little scent, not just as a possible olfactory trigger but more importantly as a lubricant! :D

Keeping Crankbait Colors Simple

So you’ve decided to up your bassin’ game and increase your crankbait collection as well as the amount of time you spend fishing them…

Off you go to your local bass tackle shop turning to the crankbait portion of their lure section and poof … your eyes instantly widen and you stop dead in your tracks with the classic “deer in the headlight look”

The color pattern possibilities seem endless!

Even though you’ve already decided on the type of crankbaits that will work best in the waters you fish, the color pattern selection is enough to knock you off your feet…

But does it really have to be that complicated?

Not according to the folks at Wired2Fish!

Just take a moment and watch the following video to see what I mean :D

Although I generally agree with Walker’s color selections, I will add that a slight alternation to color patterns matching predominate bait fish in your area (golden shiner as opposed to shad for example) might be in order…

But always remember … simple is usually better than making things like color selection complicated!

Slow Rolling During Pre-Spawn

Cool water and pre-spawn conditions call for one retrieve when fishing a spinnerbait… slow rolling!

In this video, FLW Pro Terry Bolton details his thoughts on the gear and approach to making this presentation work when water temperatures are < 50 degrees F!

Did the ice just go out?

Perhaps it's time to break out those spinnerbaits for a little pre-spawn bassin' fun? :D