Breaking Down Grass Lines for More Bass

One productive technique for targeting bass from the late spring through the fall is fishing long grass lines since bass often seek shelter and use irregularities in the grass line as ambush points.

Following are several valuable tips and strategies to help you find the best spots when fishing long grass lines for bass.

Understanding the Habitat:

1. Before you venture out to fish along long grass lines, it's crucial to understand the bass's preferred habitat. Bass are notorious ambush predators that hide within the cover of submerged grasses, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by. Grass lines serve as natural fish highways, providing shelter, shade, and abundant forage. Familiarize yourself with the types of grass present in your fishing area, such as hydrilla, milfoil, or lily pads, since different grasses may require slightly different presentations.

Identifying Key Features:

2. It's important to identify key features along the long grass lines that attract bass to increase your catch rate from grass lines. Look for variations in the grass pattern, such as pockets, points, or bends in the line. These irregularities create natural ambush points where bass often congregate. Additionally, keep an eye out for any additional cover, such as fallen trees, stumps, or submerged rocks, as these provide additional hiding spots for bass.

Observe the Surroundings:

3. When fishing long grass lines, it's crucial to observe the surrounding environment. Pay attention to any signs of baitfish activity, such as jumping or splashing. Bass are often found near their preferred food sources, so if you notice baitfish around the grass lines, it's a good indication that bass are nearby. Also, look for any bird activity, as diving birds can point to the presence of baitfish and feeding bass in that area.

Experiment with Different Lures:

4. Given the dense cover of long grass lines, selecting the right lures is vital for enticing bass to strike. Consider using weedless lures, such as Texas-rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits or buzzbaits, as they can be worked through the grass with minimal snagging. Topwater lures, like frogs or weedless poppers, can be particularly effective in drawing strikes when the grass is matted on the surface. Alternatively, you can try using jigs or paddletail swimbaits to mimic prey darting through the grass, triggering a bass's predatory instincts.

Work the Grass Line Methodically:

5. When fishing along long grass lines, it's essential to work the area methodically to cover as much productive water as possible. Start by casting your lure parallel to the grass line and retrieve it slowly, allowing the bait to imitate a natural movement. If you encounter any irregularities or structure, such as a pocket or a point, focus your efforts on those areas, as they are likely to hold more bass. Gradually move along the grass line, varying your presentation and exploring different depths until you locate active fish.

Take a few minutes asn watch as bass pro Gerald Swindle provides a little insight into his approach to identifying high percentage spots when fishing long grass lines…

 

Three Great Fluorocarbon Leader to Braided Line Knots

Fluorocarbon leaders are a great way to improve your chances of landing fish especially when fishing with finesse presentations. They are far less visible to fish than braided lines, highly visible to anglers not to mention being very abrasion-resistant.

It is always important to use the right knot when connecting a fluorocarbon leader to a braided line but like most things in the fishing world there are numerous variations available to anglers.

Here are some of the best knots for connecting leaders to your braided main line:

The Alberto Knot 

This knot is more difficult to tie than some like the Double Uni Knot, but it is also stronger. It is a good choice for anglers who need a knot that can handle big fish and my personal favorite not to mention Bassmaster Classic champ Jason Christie’s.

Take a few moments and watch the following video where Jason shows how he ties his version of the Alberto knot:

The Double Uni Knot

The double uni knot is one of the most popular knots for connecting fluorocarbon leaders to braided lines. It is easy to tie, and it is very strong. To tie a double uni knot, follow these steps:

1. Form a loop at the end of your fluorocarbon leader.

2. Pass the end of your braided line through the loop twice, in opposite directions.

3. Tighten the knot by pulling on both ends of the line.

4. Trim the tag ends of the line.

Video Link ==> Double Uni Knot

The FG Knot

The FG knot is a newer knot that is becoming increasingly popular for connecting fluorocarbon leaders to braided lines. It is very strong, and it is also very small and streamlined, which can help you cast farther. To tie an FG knot, follow these steps:

1. Pass the end of your fluorocarbon leader through the loop on your fishing hook.

2. Pass the end of your braided line through the loop on your fishing hook twice, in opposite directions.

3. Tighten the knot by pulling on both ends of the line.

4. Trim the tag ends of the line.

Video Link ==> FG Knot

The best knot for you will depend on your personal preferences and fishing style. Experiment with different knots to find one that you are comfortable with and that you can tie quickly and easily.

Fishing Heavy Cover with Squarebills

When it comes to bass fishing, one of the most challening situations is triggering strikes from elusive bass hiding in heavy cover. Luckily, there's a bait that can help you tackle this challenge head-on: the squarebill crankbait. 

These versatile lures are specifically designed to navigate vegetation, rocks, docks submerged timber, and other types of heavy cover, making them an indispensable tool for catching big bass in hazard-filled environments.

Squarebill crankbaits are distinguished by their short, square-shaped lip in front. This design allows them to bounce off obstacles and deflect away from snags, minimizing the chances of getting snagged in heavy cover. Additionally, the buoyancy of squarebill crankbaits enables them to float back up when they hit obstacles, making them excellent at triggering reaction strikes from bass lurking in the shadows.

Strike King bass pro Greg Hackney is definitely one of the better anglers when it comes to fishing heavy cover shallow water and he loves using squarebills to draw bass from their hiding spots in cover like flooded trees. 

Take a few moments and watch as he explains his approach in selecting the right set-up, squarebill and presentation technique when fishing squarebills around heavy cover:

Fishing Boot Tail Swimbaits for Post Spawn Bass

The post-spawn period is a great time to target bass with boot tail swimbaits. Bass are typically in a recovery mode after the rigors of spawning, and they are looking for easy meals. 

Boot tails are also a great option because they offer a realistic presentation that bass can't resist.

Here are a few tips on how to fish boot tail swimbaits for post spawn bass:

• Use a medium-heavy or heavy action rod and matching reel. This will give you the power you need to set the hook on big bass. In addition, use 10-15 pound fluorocarbon line which will help you to keep your bait in the strike zone. Also, use a 3/0 or 4/0 swimbait hook providing the hook strength you need to land big bass.

• Focus on transition areas. Bass will often move to transition areas during the post-spawn period. These are areas where different types of cover meet, such as points, drop-offs, and weedlines. Boot tail swimbaits can be fished effectively in these areas by working them along the edges of the cover.

• Use a slow, steady retrieve. Bass are typically lethargic during the post-spawn period, so they won't be chasing baits. A slow, steady retrieve will help you keep your bait in the strike zone longer.

• Vary your retrieve speed. Bass can be finicky at times, so it's important to vary your retrieve speed and cadence. Try working your bait at different speeds to see what the bass are biting on.

• Use a variety of colors. Bass can be attracted to a variety of colors, so it's a good idea to have a few different colors in your arsenal. Try using natural colors, such as shad and baitfish patterns in clear water, as well as brighter colors, such as chartreuse and reds when fishing off-colored water.

Elite bass pro Jason Christie has a unique approach to rigging and fishing boot tail swimbaits around grass in the late spring. Take a few minutes and watch as Jason details his system to fishing boot tail swimbait for post spawn bass…

With a little practice, you'll be catching big post spawn bass with boot tail swimbaits in no time.

Early Summer Bass Tips

Fishing for early summer bass can be both challenging and rewarding. As the bass transition from their spawning beds to their summer patterns, understanding their behavior and adjusting your fishing techniques is key to catching more early summer bass.

Following are several tips that will help you increase your success rate when targeting early summer bass.

Identify the Early Summer Transition Areas:

1. During the early summer period, many bass tend to move from their shallow spawning areas towards deeper water structure. Look for transition areas such as points, drop-offs, ledges, and underwater structures near the spawning grounds. These transition zones often act as staging areas where bass hold and feed before moving to their summer locations.

Use Faster Lure Presentations at the Right Time:

2. After the bass recuperate following their spawn, bass sometimes become more aggressive and willing to chase down prey. Opt for faster lure presentations like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or swimbaits that mimic baitfish. Experiment with different retrieval speeds to find the right tempo that triggers a reaction bite.

Focus on Baitfish Patterns:

3. Bass feed heavily on baitfish during the early summer period. Pay attention to the presence of shad or other forage species in the water. Match your lure selection and color patterns to mimic the local baitfish. This increases your chances of enticing a strike.

Target Shallow Cover during Low-Light Periods:

4. During low-light periods such as early morning or late evening, early summer bass often move back to shallow water to feed. Look for areas with vegetation, docks, laydowns, or other types of cover. Topwater lures like buzzbaits, poppers, or wake baits can be highly effective during these times.

Downsize Your Baits:

5. While early summer bass can be aggressive, there are times when they become wary and selective. Downsizing your baits and slowing retrieval speeds can make a significant difference. Switch to smaller soft plastics, finesse jigs, or drop shots to imitate natural prey and increase your chances of getting bites when the bite gets tough.

Experiment with Different Depths:

6. Early summer bass may hold at different depths depending on water conditions, available cover, and forage. Vary your lure presentations and target different depth zones until you locate the active fish. This could mean using shallow-running crankbaits, deep-diving plugs, Carolina rigs, or slower jigging techniques.

Stay Mobile and Cover Water:

7. Early summer bass are known for being highly mobile. They can move quickly from one location to another in search of food. Cover water by moving from spot to spot and keep an eye out for signs of bass activity like schooling baitfish, surface disturbances, or birds diving into the water.

Slow Down Your Presentations in Cold Front Conditions:

8. Cold fronts can temporarily shut down the feeding activity of early summer bass. During these conditions, slow down your lure presentations and opt for more finesse techniques. Use slower moving baits like soft plastics, jigs, or Carolina rigs to entice bites from inactive fish.

Fishing for early summer bass requires an angler to be strategic and adaptable as conditions and bass movements change. By understanding the bass' potential behavior occurring during this period and employing the right techniques, you can greatly enhance your chances of connecting with some quality bass.

Best Bass Lures for Fishing Offshore Ledges

As the summer heat sets in, bass will often move out to deeper water to find cooler temperatures and more abundant food sources.

One of the best ways to target these fish is to fish offshore ledges. Ledges are areas where the bottom of a lake or reservoir drops off sharply; they can be great places to find bass during the summer.

There are a number of great lure options to entice and trigger offshore bass living along ledges during the summer including:

1. Deep Diving Crankbaits: Deep diving crankbaits are ideal for fishing offshore ledges, as they can reach depths of up to 25 feet. They are perfect for targeting bass that are holding in deep water and can be fished effectively on the breaklines atop steep drop-offs. Popular deep diving crankbaits for bass fishing include the Strike King 10XD, Berkley Dredger 20.5, and Rapala DT-20. Click on the following link for more examples of deep diving crankbaits <link. 

2. Football Jigs: Football jigs are another great option for fishing offshore ledges, as they can imitate crawfish and other bottom-dwelling prey. They are best used on rocky or gravelly bottoms and can be fished slowly along the bottom to entice a bite. Some popular football jigs for bass fishing include the Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig and the Keitech Model II Tungsten Football Jig. Click on the following link for more examples of football jigs <link.

3. Carolina Rigs: Carolina rigs are a classic offshore ledge fishing rig that consist of a weight, a swivel, a leader, and a soft plastic bait. They are incredibly versatile and can be fished at different depths depending on the conditions. Carolina rigs are best used on sandy or muddy bottoms and can be fished slowly along the bottom to imitate a feeding baitfish. Popular soft plastic baits for Carolina rigs (<link to C-rig gear) include the Zoom Brush Hog & Lizard plus the Berkley Powerbait Power Worm.

Cranking for Smallmouth Bass

Crankbaits are a great way to catch smallmouth bass, and they can be used in a variety of water conditions. 

To fish crankbaits for smallmouth bass, you will need a medium to medium-heavy power, moderate-action rod and matching reel; 10-12 pound test line; and a variety of crankbaits.

There are two main types of crankbaits: shallow-running and deep-diving. Shallow-running crankbaits will stay in the top 10 feet of water, while deep-diving crankbaits will go down to 20 or even 30 feet.

When choosing crankbaits for smallmouth bass, it is important to consider the water clarity. In clear water, you will need to use a crankbait with a muted, more natural color pattern. In stained or muddy water, you can use a brighter color pattern.

To fish crankbaits, cast them out and reel them in at a fairly high speed. You can also either pause the bait or impart a jerk periodically. Smallmouth bass will often strike crankbaits when the retrieve suddenly becomes erratic.

Here are some additional tips for fishing crankbaits for smallmouth bass:

• Use a variety of colors and sizes to find what the fish are biting on.

• Fish crankbaits in areas where smallmouth bass are likely to be found, such as around rocks, wood, weeds and offshore structure.

• Vary your retrieve speed and action to help trigger more strikes.

Bass pro Kevin VanDam is one of the world’s best crankbait anglers around, especially when it comes to fishing crankbaits for smallmouths. Take a few minutes and watch the following video where he explains his smallmouth cranking system…

Interesting point - keep the crankbait at a depth that has the smallies looking up. I’m going to have to give that a try myself!

Fishing Big Worms for Summer Bass

Big plastic worms are a great way to catch bass in the summer. They are a versatile bait that can be used in a variety of situations, and they can produce big fish.

Here are some tips on how to fish big plastic worms for bass in the summer:

• Use a heavy rod and reel. Big plastic worms can be bulky, so you need a rod and reel that can drive the hook home. A 7-foot+ medium-heavy rod and a matching high-speed baitcasting reel with 15-pound fluorocarbon line are a good place to start.

• Use a Texas rig. The Texas rig is a great way to fish big plastic worms. It allows you to fish the worm close to the bottom, where bass are most likely to be residing. To rig a Texas worm, simply thread the worm onto a 5/0 or 6/0 hook and then pair it with a worm weight sized to match conditions.

• Fish the worm slowly. Bass are more likely to bite a big plastic worm if it is moving slowly. Fish the worm with a steady retrieve, pausing occasionally to let it sink to the bottom.

• Target bass cover. Bass will often hold in cover during the summer, such as rocks, stumps, laydowns, docks, and vegetation. When fishing a big plastic worm, work the cover thoroughly and vary your casting angles.

• Use the right colors. When fishing big plastic worms, it is important to use the right colors. Dark colors, such as black, brown, and red, are good choices in stained or muddy water. Lighter colors, such as blue, cinnamon, and watermelon, are good choices in clear water.

• Fish in different depths. Bass can be found in a variety of depths during the summer. Try fishing starting around shallow cover then work deep-water structure until you find where the bass are holding.

• Experiment with different retrieves. Bass can be finicky, so it is important to experiment with different retrieves. Try a slow, steady retrieve, a stop-and-go retrieve, or a twitching retrieve.

Strike King pro Mark Menendez spends much of his non-tournament fishing time probing TVA impoundments with big worms for summer bass. Take a few minutes and watch as MM describes his approach when using big worms to entice summer bass into eating…

Do Red Hooks Matter When Bass Fishing?

Red hooks have been a hot topic of debate among bass anglers for years. Some swear by them, while others claim they make no difference. So, what's the truth?

In short, who knows... 

Some anglers do find that red hooks help them catch more fish, while others don't. It really depends on a number of factors, including the water clarity, the type of lure you're using, and the time of day.

Do Bass Even See Different Colors?

Bass have dichromatic vision, meaning they have two types of color receptors in their eyes. This allows them to see a range of colors, but not as many as humans do. Bass are most sensitive to red and green, and they can also see some yellow and blue. They have difficulty seeing purple and violet. Bass' color vision is also affected by water clarity. In clear water, they can see better than in murky water.

Bass use their sense of sight to find food, mates, and to navigate their environment. They are attracted to bright colors, especially red and green.

When to Consider Red Hooks

There are a few times when red hooks might be a good choice for bass fishing.

• Red is a highly visible color in water. In clear water, red stands out against the background, making it more likely to attract fish.
• Red is associated with forage like colors of fish and their gills, worms and even some crayfish. Fish are predators, and they are instinctively drawn to the color red, which they associate with food.
• Red hooks can still be effective in stained or murky water. When fishing off-colored water other colors of hooks can be difficult to see but red hooks will still stand out and may help trigger some additional strikes.

So, when should you use red hooks for bass fishing?

• Use red hooks in clear water. This is where red hooks will be the most effective.
• Use red hooks in stained or murky water. In these conditions, other colors of hooks can be difficult to see, but red hooks will still stand out especially in tea-colored water.
• Use red hooks when you're fishing for bass that are feeding on baitfish. Red is a natural color for many baitfish, so the flash of red on your bait will make your lure more realistic.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use red hooks is up to you. If you're looking for a way to increase your chances of catching bass, then red hooks may be worth a try. Several years ago I started using red hooks with many baits since my experience has been that sometimes they help but never seem to hurt my results. So why not?

Just remember to experiment and find what works best for you.

Fishing Texas-Rigged Worms for Post Spawn Bass

The post-spawn is a great time to fish Texas-rigged worms for bass. Bass are typically looking to feed up after the rigors of spawning, and a Texas-rigged worm is a great way to present a big, juicy meal.

There are a few things to keep in mind when fishing Texas-rigged worms for post-spawn bass. First, you'll want to use a worm that is the right size for the bass you're targeting. In general, a 6- to 8-inch mag finesse worm is always a good choice. Second, you'll want to use a weight that is heavy enough to keep the worm in place in the current, but not so heavy that it impedes the worm's action. A 1/8- to 1/4-ounce weight is a good starting point.

Once you've chosen your worm and weight, it's time to start fishing. The best places to fish Texas-rigged worms for post-spawn bass are in areas with some cover, such as grass, rocks, or wood. Cast your worm beyond the cover and let it sink to the bottom. Once it's on the bottom, slowly reel it back in, making sure to give it a few twitches every few feet. This will give the worm some action and make it more enticing to bass.

If you're not getting any bites, try changing up your retrieve speed or your worm color. Bass can be finicky creatures, so it's important to experiment until you find what they're biting on.

Bass pro Luke Palmer relies on a Texas-rigged Yum mag finesse worm to entice many of the post spawn bass he catches into striking. Take a few minutes and watch as Palmer explains his approach to worming his way through the post spawn...

Why Fish Shallow Streams for Bass?

There are several reasons why you might want to fish shallow streams for bass. 

First, shallow streams often provide excellent habitat for bass. The water is usually clear and clean, and there is plenty of cover to hide bass, such as rocks, logs, and vegetation. Next, shallow streams are often under-fished and less pressured than larger bodies of water, so you'll have more opportunities to catch un-educated bass. Last, shallow streams are often easier to fish than larger bodies of water by wading or walking along the bank; no boat required.

How to Fish Shallow Streams for Bass

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of catching bass in shallow streams. First, use light line and small lures. Bass in shallow, clear water are often wary, so using light line and smaller lures helps avoid spooking them. Second, fish low light conditions since bass are often active and feeding. Third, fish around cover and current breaks. Bass love to hide in cover, so focus your efforts on areas with rocks, logs, and vegetation.

Here are two specific tips for fishing shallow streams for bass:

• Use a variety of lures. Bass in shallow water will eat a variety of different baits, so it's important to have a variety of lures in your arsenal. Some good choices include crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastic worms.
• Fish in the current. Bass are often found in areas with current especially around current breaks, which helps bass ambush their prey. Look for areas where the current is flowing over rocks, logs, vegetation as well as point bars and under cut banks.

Remember, shallow streams offer a variety of different cover and structure that bass love and they can be fished effectively with a variety of different lures and rigs.

With a little practice, you'll be catching bass in shallow streams in no time!

Buzzbait Modifications to Catch More Bass

Buzzbaits are a great topwater bait for catching bass, but there are a few simple modifications you can make to your buzzbait to increase your hook-up percentage.

1. Change the blade size and composition

The size and material of the blade on your buzzbait can have a big impact on the sound it makes and how it attracts bass. A smaller blade will make a higher-pitched sound, while a larger blade will make a lower-pitched sound. Some anglers prefer to use a metal blade, while others prefer to use a plastic blade. Experiment with different blade sizes and materials to see what works best in your area.

2. Change the color of the blade

The color of the blade on your buzzbait can also affect its effectiveness. In clear water, try using a white or silver blade. In stained or muddy water, try using a black or chartreuse blade.

3. Add a trailer

Adding a trailer to your buzzbait can help to increase its action and make it more appealing to bass. A soft plastic trailer, such as a grub, jerkbait or shad, can be a great option.

4. Change the retrieve speed

The retrieve speed you use with your buzzbait will also affect its effectiveness. A slower retrieve will produce a more subtle action, while a faster retrieve will produce a more aggressive action. Experiment with different retrieve speeds to find what works best in the conditions you're fishing in.

Bass pro and buzzbait ace Brandon Cobb has a few more tweaks to help trigger and hook bass when fishing your favorite buzzbait. 

Take a few minutes and watch to see what I mean...

Need additional components to modify or make your own buzzbaits? 

Check out the wide variety of bait making and modifying items available at Lure Parts Online by clicking on the following image!

Tips for Fishing Submerged Grass

Fishing submerged grass for bass can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Grass provides ample cover and a rich food source for bass, making it an ideal location to target them.

Fishing in submerged grass can be a bit tricky however, so here are several tips to help you catch more bass while fishing in submerged grass:

Use the right gear: 

When fishing submerged grass, you'll need to use gear that can handle the thick vegetation. A heavy action rod with a matching fast-action reel are good choices when fishing in grass beds. You'll also want to use braided line, as it will help you to get your lure through the grass with less snags. If fishing the edges of grass beds, a medium heavy action and fluorocarbon line is often a better choice, especially when fishing lakes with clear water.

Choose the right lure:

There are a variety of lures that you can use to fish submerged grass, but some of the most effective include:

• Plastic worms, creature baits, craws and swimbaits
• Crankbaits
• Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits
• Swim and grass jigs
• Topwater baits (frogs, toads, buzzbaits, etc.)

Locate the grass:

Locate submerged grass beds by scanning the surface of the water for any signs of vegetation, such as patches of green or brown water, or by using a fishfinder. Once you have identified the location of the grass, make sure to take note of its density, depth, and the type of vegetation present. This information will help you determine the best baits and techniques to use when fishing the edges and open areas in the beds.

Find the right type of grass:

Not all submerged grass is created equal. Bass prefer to hide in thick, weedy areas where they can ambush prey. Look for areas with different types of grass, including hydrilla, milfoil, cabbage, sand grass and coontail that may hold forage and bass on the lake you’re fishing.

Work the entire water column around the grass bed:

Bass can be found at all levels of the water column in and around submerged grass beds. Experiment with a variety of lures that cover the water column from top to bottom and let the bass tell you what baits they will react to at that moment.

Bass pro Bob Downey hails from an area where grass lakes abound. Take a moment and listen as Downey explains his approach anytime he is fishing grass for bass…

Details of Crankbait Tuning

Crankbaits are a popular type of fishing lure that can be used to catch a variety of fish, including bass, walleye, and pike.

One problem with crankbaits however is that they can be finicky and may not track straight out of the box. If your crankbait is not tracking straight, it can be difficult to fish effectively and you may not be getting as many bites as you could.

Fortunately, it is relatively easy to tune a crankbait to track straight.

All you need is a pair of needle-nose pliers and a few minutes of your time as Lurenet's Frank Scalish explains in the following video...

Wow, line tie position matters! I never realized that I might not have been tuning my crankbaits to maximize their performance for all these years.

How about you?

Fishing Shade

Bass are ambush predators, and they love to hide in shade. This is especially true during the hot summer months, when the water temperature can get too warm for them to be comfortable in open water. 

When you're fishing for bass, it's important to look for areas of shade, such as:

• Overhanging trees, laydowns and stumps
• Docks and boat houses
• Seawalls and rip-rap structures
• Weed lines
• Grass beds

Once you've found some areas of shade, you need to decide what type of bait to use. There are a number of different baits that can be effective for fishing shade, but some of the most popular include:

• Crankbaits
• Spinnerbaits
• Chatterbaits
• Jigs
• Frogs
• Texas rigs

The type of bait you choose will depend on the specific conditions, but it's important to use something that will create a lot of commotion in the water or matches the forage hanging around the shaded cover you're fishing.

Though many anglers target shady banks, bass pro Matt Stefan shares a different approach in this video detailing his approach to fishing shade and shade lined banks...