Heavily pressured waters can be intimidating for bass anglers. Every dock, obvious point, and weedbed seems picked over, somedays leaving you wondering if there are any fish left in the lake at all.
Always observe what's going on in the area you're fishing! Watch where other anglers are fishing and try to find structure and cover away from those areas. Look for subtle changes in things like water clarity, cover density (think isolated and less obvious), or current breaks that might hold hidden bass.
Utilize technology when available! Download lake maps and depth charts to identify potential hotspotsthen consider using a sonar unit to locate less obvious structure, cover and baitfish.
Take some time and watch as Jonny from the "Fish the Moment" YouTube channel describes his approach to using electronics to find non-standard fishing locations on todays pressured waters...
Even though his approach is centered on the use of elctronics to find offshore areas, sometimes the same principles apply when fishing shallower areas and looking for visual clues as well!
As any experienced bass angler knows, fish are most active and willing to bite during certain periods of time throughout the day.
Being aware of when these prime "bite windows" occur can greatly increase your chances of catching more and often bigger bass.
What Are Bite Windows?
A bite window refers to a period of time when fish are especially active and feeding. During these windows, bass are more likely to feed therefore striking baits aggressively. The length of bite windows can vary from an hour to several hours depending on factors like weather, time of year, and fishing location.
Bite windows are driven by the bass' natural feeding patterns and cycles. As cold-blooded animals, their metabolism and activity levels surge during certain times of day when conditions are optimal. Prime bite windows usually occur when the water temperature is rising, at low light periods, and during certain lunar phases.
When Do Bite Windows Occur?
Although bite windows can happen any time fish get into a feeding frenzy, there are some general patterns to be aware of:
- Early Morning - At dawn, baitfish and other prey are active, while low light makes them vulnerable. A flurry of feeding happens at first light.
- Dusk - Like early morning, twilight periods around dusk see a peak in bass activity as they hunt in decreasing light conditions.
- Night - During hot summer months, bass may become more active at night when water temps are cooler and bait is more active.
- Tidal Movement - Strong incoming or outgoing tides that move baitfish are another prime time for a bite window.
- Moon Phases - Around the full moon and new moon, bite windows may intensify.
- Weather Changes - The period immediately around cold fronts, storms, and pressure changes often trigger periodic bite windows.
Capitalizing on Bite Windows
The key is to identify when bite windows may happen on a given body of water, then be on the water and ready during those productive times. Here are some tips to make the most of bite windows:
- Track patterns - Keep detailed fishing logs to determine peak times on each lake, river, or reservoir you commonly fish.
- Be ready early - Arrive and get lines wet before the start of known bite windows.
- Use moving/reation baits - Focus your lure selection on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwaters that mimic fleeing prey can trigger reaction strikes.
- Watch the weather - Check forecasts a few days ahead and plan to be on the water during weather changes.
Stay alert to increases in fish activity during prospective bite windows anytime you're on the water. Pay close attention to locations where baitfish, structure, and shade meet since these are staging areas for feeding bass.
With experience, we anglers can learn to predict when the windows will open then be ready to take advantage of them when the opportunity presents itself.
Bass fishing is often praised for its methodical nature, its reliance on precision, patterns and strategic thinking. But there's another side to the sport, a side where instinct takes over and the only guide is the feeling in your gut. That's what it means to "fish the moment."
It's that fleeting window of opportunity when everything seems to align. The sun breaks through the clouds, a previously unseen piece of cover. A bass explodes from the depths, shattering the stillness with a splash. Or maybe it's a subtle twitch on your line, a hint of movement beneath the surface.
Whatever the trigger, you react. Thought gives way to instinct. Your cast is smooth, precise, and instinctive, the lure landing right where it needs to be. You work the bait with a rhythm that feels natural, not calculated. Your focus is laser-sharp, attuned to every ripple, every swirl, every telltale sign of a lurking bass.
In those moments, you're not just fishing; you're actually living as part of the moment. You're reading the water, the fish, the environment, and responding without hesitation. It's a beautiful blend of skill and intuition, a testament to the deep connection between angler and nature.
Fishing the moment isn't about guaranteed success. It's about embracing the unknown, the thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of a well-timed strike. It's about trusting your instincts, letting go of the plan, and simply being present in the moment.
Here are a few tips to help you capitalize and "fish the moment":
Pay attention to your surroundings: Be observant of the water, the weather, the time of day. Look for changes, subtle or dramatic, that might signal feeding activity.
Trust your instincts: Don't overthink it. If something feels right, go with it.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things, new lures, new techniques. Sometimes the best results come from breaking the mold.
Relax and have fun: The more you enjoy yourself, the more attuned you'll be to the moment.
Fishing the moment is about more than just catching fish. It's about connecting with the natural world, experiencing the thrill of the chase, and pushing your limits as an angler.
Standing timber offers excellent habitat for bass, providing shade, cover, and ambush points for these popular gamefish. Fishing in and around standing timber can be challenging however, if you don't know the tips and tricks to locate where bass are hiding.
Follow these tips to fish standing timber effectively and catch more bass:
Locating the Sweet Spots:
Before casting your line, take the time to identify key areas within the standing timber. Look for submerged points, pockets, creek channels or any irregularities that could serve as ambush points for bass. Use your eyes and electronics to locate underwater structures and potential hiding spots, as bass are known to lurk in the shadows to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Choose the Right Baits:
Given the intricate structure of standing timber, it's crucial to select baits that can navigate through the branches without constant snagging. Weedless soft plastics, such as creature baits, senkos, or crawfish imitations, are excellent choices. Additionally, jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits can be effective in enticing bass hiding within the timber.
Work the Perimeter:
Start by targeting the outer edges of the standing timber, casting parallel to the structure. Bass often patrol these areas, using them as travel routes and ambush points. Retrieve your bait slowly and deliberately, allowing it to mimic local forage and be prepared for a sudden strike as the lure deflects off the wood as it passes by.
Probe the Depths:
Experiment with different depths within the standing timber. When possible, use your depth finder to locate the fish and adjust your presentation accordingly. Bass may suspend at different depths depending on the water temperature and time of day, so varying your bait's depth can increase your chances of triggering more strikes from bass lurking in the depths.
Precision Casting:
Develop your casting accuracy to navigate through the tight spaces of the timber. Practice pitching and flipping techniques to place your bait precisely where it needs to be. A pinpoint cast into a small opening or next to a submerged branch can trigger a reaction strike from opportunistic bass.
Bump the Stump:
More often than not, bass in standing timber are in a neutral to negative mood and not actively feeding. When bass are not actively feeding, work your bait methodically, "bumpig the stump" as much as possible to help trigger more reaction strikes from passive fish.
Safety First:
Always prioritize safety when fishing in standing timber. Watch out for underwater obstructions, and navigate cautiously to avoid accidents. Wear polarized sunglasses to help you see submerged structures and potential hazards more clearly.
Bridgford Foods pro Matt Stefan has spent numerous hours breaking down acres of standing timber on water bodies across the U.S. Take a few minutes and watch as Matt describes the process he uses for identifying the best areas to target when fishing large flats chock full of standing timber...
Mastering the tricks of bass fishing in standing timber can be incredibly rewarding. By honing your skills, choosing the right baits, and understanding the habits of bass in this unique environment, you'll increase your chances of landing more and bigger fish each time you fish in timber stands.
Fishing for largemouth bass in tidal rivers presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The constant ebb and flow of tides create dynamic conditions that require anglers to adapt their techniques accordingly.
Understand the tidal patterns: Tidal rivers have distinct water height and current patterns that are influenced by the moon's gravitational pull. Research and familiarize yourself with the tidal charts for the water way you'll be fishing. Note the times of high and low tides, as well as the strength of the currents during the transition from one tide to the next. This information will assist you highlighting areas to fish at different times therefore helping you plan your fishing trips effectively.
Identify key fishing locations: Largemouth bass in tidal rivers seek out areas that provide cover and ambush points. Look for submerged cover such as fallen trees, stumps, rocks, and vegetation along the riverbanks. Additionally, focus on areas where current meets cover and other physical structures (docks, wing dams, pilings, etc.), creating eddies and current breaks. These spots serve as prime holding areas and feeding zones for bass.
Adapt to tidal movements: Largemouth bass movement and feeding activity in tidal rivers are highly influenced by the changing tides. During high tide, bass often move deeper into cover and become more difficult to locate unless pods of active baitfish or feeding birds indicate their presence. It's often easier to focus your efforts on targeting shallow areas and edges of structures and cover during low tide when bass are more concentrated, usually active and feeding. Adjust your fishing techniques accordingly to match the stage of the tide and how bass may be positioned around cover and structure.
Bass pro Shaw Grigsby has been fishing tidal water systems across the country for more years than many of us have been fishing.
Take a few minutes and watch as Shaw and aquatic videographer Kim Stricker give their insight on fishing tidal systems while catching a few nice bass on the Potomac River, MD/VA...
So remember, as the tide changes, bass behavior will change as well.
During the incoming tide, concentrate your efforts around shallow flats and submerged vegetationalways watching for bait and bird activity. As the tide recedes, focus on deeper holes, channels, and cover/structures adjacent to deeper water. Adapt your fishing techniques and lure selection according to the tidal conditions you're facing at that particular time of the tide cycle.
Fishing for bass during the shad spawn can be a productive time for anglers to catch lots of bass with a few trophies thrown in as well.
During this time, shad are spawning in the shallows, and bass are taking advantage of the opportunity to feed on these easy targets after just completing their own spawning rituals.
What is the shad spawn?
The shad spawn is a period when shad, a small forage fish, moves into shallow water to spawn. The spawn typically occurs in late spring and early summer when water temperatures reach around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The shad spawn usually occurs in the early morning hours, and it lasts for several weeks, making it an excellent opportunity for bass anglers.
Where to find shad spawn?
Shad spawn in shallow water near rocky banks, docks, riprap, sea walls, weed lines or bridge structures that provide cover. Bass will often position themselves near the same structure, waiting to ambush the shad. Look for shallow areas with a hard bottom and plenty of cover, such as brush piles or laydowns, where bass can hide.
What are signs of the shad spawn?
Look for signs of feeding activity such as breaking fish, birds diving, or ripples on the surface of the water. These can be indicators of bass feeding on the shad.
Whether you're an experienced or novice bass angler, one of the keys to becoming a better bass angler is making better decisions when heading out for a day on the water.
According to bass fishing legend Jimmy Houston, there are four main factors that go into making the best decisions for how to approach each trip including areas of the water to fish, bait selection, presentations, etc. Those factors include:
Type of water you'll be fishing (lake, pond, river, stream, reservoir (lowland, highland, canyon, etc.);
Water conditions (clarity, stage, water temps, structure/cover types);
Time of year (seasonal period); &
Current and recent weather patterns.
Take a few minutes and watch what Jimmy has to say on how to consider these factors to make the best decisions during your fishing day and ultimately become a better bass angler...
We definitely have to love it when you make great decisions and your plan comes together...
Setting up a fishing rig for a small child is a great way to introduce them to the joys of fishing.
Here are some simple steps to get them set up for lots of fishing fun:
Choose a suitable fishing rod and reel: Look for a rod and reel combo that is designed for children. The rod should be lightweight, light power and easy for the child to handle, and the reel should match the rod be simple to use.
Select the right fishing line: For a child's fishing rig, a monofilament line in the 4-6 lb test range should work well. A lighter line will be easier for the child to cast and will give them a better chance of catching fish.
Add a bobber: A bobber is a small float that sits on the surface of the water and indicates when a fish is biting. Choose a bobber that is small enough for the child to handle but large enough to be visible in the water.
Tie on a hook: Use a small hook, such as a size 8 to 4 depending on fish you're targeting, and tie it onto the end of the fishing line using a simple knot such as the Palomar or Berkley knot.
Add bait: Choose a bait that is easy for the child to handle, such as worms, grubs or small minnows. Thread the bait onto the hook, making sure it is securely attached.
Cast the line: Show the child how to cast the line by holding the rod and reel correctly, and then gently casting the line out into the water. Make sure they are not casting near other people or obstacles.
When it comes to fishing for bass, it's important to understand the different types of forage they eat.
Matching the hatch by using lures that imitate these natural food sources can greatly increase your chances of success. Following is a quick summary of the most common forage for bass and the common artificial lures that imitate them.
Golden Shiners - These small fish are a favorite of largemouth bass and can be found in many bodies of water across the country. When looking for artificial lures to imitate golden shiners, try using jerkbaits, soft swimbaits, squarebill or lipless crankbaits in a gold with black back color pattern.
Blueback Herring - Found in larger bodies of water, blueback herring are a favorite of both largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass. To imitate these baitfish, use swimbaits, lipless crankbaits, blade baits, or topwaters like poppers or walking baits.
Alewives - Similar to blueback herring, alewives are a popular food source for bass in larger bodies of water. Try using swimbaits or different types of crankbaits to imitate these baitfish.
Chubs - Found in streams and smaller bodies of water, chubs are a common food source for both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Use crankbaits or swim jigs in natural colors like brown or green to imitate these baitfish.
Crawfish - Crawfish are a staple food source for bass in many bodies of water. Use crankbaits, jigs, chatterbaits, or soft plastic craws in natural colors like brown or green to imitate these crustaceans.
Threadfin Shad - Another common baitfish in many bodies of water, threadfin shad are a favorite of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Try using small spinnerbaits, paddletail swimbaits, or lipless crankbaits in silver or white colors to imitate these baitfish.
Gizzard Shad - Gizzard shad are larger baitfish that are found in many larger bodies of water. Use larger swimbaits or larger lipless crankbaits in natural colors to imitate these baitfish.
I am one of those people who love open-water bass fishing and for those times when I can't be casting, I'm definitely thinking about it!
After a long winter's respite, I always like to consider my approach when exposed to new waters.
So here's an image and background info regarding a potential early spring opportunity for all like-minded bass folk to ponder and respond too in the social media feed or post comment section if desired :)
The Setting
Season/location: Early spring fishing cove/pocket in northern section of lake; water temps - upper 40s to mid 50s
Water depths & clarity: 0-ft at shore to 10-ft at entrance; water is tea colored with ~ 3-ft visibility
Bottom composition: Some "clean" sand and gravel but most areas are organic muck over sand & gravel
Structure/cover: Two main points at entrance plus a few secondary points around pocket; two ditches running from each arm of pocket into main lake; several laydowns around shoreline with a number of scattered stumps throughout pocket as well; pocket is fairly heavily vegetated during warmer months so there are many patches of pad,reed, cabbage stems throughout.
Riprap structures are common in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers; they can be a great place to target bass.
Riprap is essentially a collection of large, durable rocks or concrete debris placed along the shore or in the water to prevent soil and sediment erosion. These man-made structures are often found around dams, bridges, piers, jetties, and other areas where rocks have been placed for current or sediment control.
These structures provide an excellent habitat for bass, as they offer cover, shade, and food as well as current breaks when placed in areas with moving water.
Take a moment and watch the following video from the folks at Lurenet covering some more in depth info on how to effectively fish riprap structures for bass...
Setting up and casting a baitcasting combo can seem intimidating for beginners, but with a little practice, it can become a breeze.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Choose your baitcasting combo: Choose a rod and reel combo that is suitable for the type of fish you want to catch and the fishing technique you plan to use.
Spool your reel: Start by spooling your reel with appropriate fishing line for the baits and techniques you'll be using. Tie the line to the spool using a secure knot like an arbor knot making sure the line lies flat on the spool without kinks.
Set the brakes: Most baitcasting reels have an adjustable braking system that helps control the speed of the spool during casting. Set the brakes according to your experience level and the wind conditions. A higher brake setting will slow down the spool and make it easier to cast, but may reduce the distance of your cast. A lower brake setting will allow for longer casts, but may result in backlash. When first using the baitcaster, start with higher setting and reduce as you gain experience and confidence with the combo.
Ultra-light tackle is a popular choice for anglers who enjoy the challenge of light line bass fishing.
This type of tackle set-up consists of 5.5 ft to 7 ft ultra-light power spinning rods and matching reels spooled with a 2 lb to 5 lb line and small baits for the ultimate in finesse presentations.
Here are some of the reasons why using ultra-light tackle for bass fishing is a great option for bass anglers wanting to increase their versatility and skill level:
Increased sensitivity: Ultra-light tackle is designed to be lightweight and extremely sensitive, allowing anglers to feel even the lightest bite when fishing with timy baits. This increased sensitivity can be especially useful when fishing in highly pressured waters, where bass are very finicky and often extremely spooky.
Improved finesse: Ultra-light tackle provides anglers with more control and finesse when presenting very small baits. This allows for more precise tiny bait presentations, making it easier to imitate natural prey and trigger a strike from wary fish.
Natural presentation: By using ultra-light gear, anglers can present their bait or lure in a more natural manner. The small size and light weight of the tackle allows for a delicate presentations and subtle retrieves, which can imitate the movements of local forage, making it more attractive to bass.
More enjoyable fishing experience: Fishing with ultra-light tackle can be a more enjoyable experience for anglers. Because of the light weight and sensitivity of the gear, anglers are able to feel more connected to the fish and the water. This can result in a more relaxing and fulfilling fishing trip, especially on waters where smaller bass and panfish are plentiful.
Better opportunities for catch-and-release: By using ultra-light gear, anglers tend to handle the fish more carefully and minimize the stress on the fish during the catch-and-release process. This not only benefits the individual fish, but it can also help to preserve the overall health of the fishery for future generations of anglers.
Popular ultra light lures (1/32 oz to 3/16 oz weights) that are commonly used for bass fishing:
Rapala Ultra Light Minnow: This lure is a classic and is well-suited for bass fishing in clear or shallow water.
Panther Martin Spinner: This popular in-line spinner comes in a variety of sizes and is effective for catching a variety of fish, including bass.
Strike King Bitsy Minnow: The Bitsy Minnow is a small, but effective lure that is great for catching bass in shallow water.
Rebel Wee & Teeny Crawfish: These 1/5 to 1/10 oz lures mimic the appearance and movement of a crawfish, making it a great choice for bass fishing in streams and rivers.
Mepps Aglia Ultra Lite Spinner: This small spinner is perfect for ultra light fishing in streams and rivers. Its blade creates a flash that attracts fish, and its small size makes it perfect for catching bass and other panfish.
Heddon Teeny and Tiny Torpedo: Two great topwater lures that create a lot of surface commotion, which can attract bass that are feeding on the surface.
3" & 4" Yamamoto Senko: This soft plastic bait is a popular choice for bass fishing because it is incredibly versatile and can be rigged in a variety of ways.
Johnson Beetle Spin: This lure is great for catching bass and other fish in shallow water. It features a bright spinner blade that attracts fish and a soft plastic grub that mimics a natural bait.
2" Mister Twister Grub: This lure combines the action of a jig with the appeal of a soft plastic bait, making it a great choice for bass fishing in deeper water.
Ultra-light tackle is a great option for those looking to improve their bass fishing experience. Combining increased tiny bait sensitivity, improved subtle presentations, longer battles, and more fun, it's no wonder that more and more anglers are making the switch to ultra-light tackle.
Fishing bridges can be a productive and exciting way to target bass throughout the year. Bridges provide a variety of habitats and structures for bass to feed and hide, making them a prime location to catch these predatory fish.
Bass pro Andy Montogmery successfully makes his living fishing manmade cover like boat docks and bridge systems.
Take a few moments and watch as Andy describes the different types of bass holding cover found around bridges and how he approaches fishing each type of cover under different conditions:
There is a place on the sandy plains of Cape Cod that many local bass angler’s try and keep secret. It isn’t one of those nearly pristine kettle ponds with crystal clear water harboring nice mixed populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Actually, it is quite the opposite; an older constructed pond, dammed many years ago by local cranberry growers as a water supply for the numerous bogs surrounding its shores.
Add in the relatively shallow water depth (greatest depth is ~ 9 feet), very fertile water (both with respect to nutrient content and baitfish) and dense beds of pond lilies, pondweed and coontail, Mashpee’s Santuit Pond is definitely atypical compared to most other lakes and ponds on Cape Cod.
So what makes Santuit Pond so special?
An absolutely fantastic population of largemouth bass, not just in numbers (which are great) but more importantly in size. Santuit Pond is one of the many freshwater systems throughout the Cape connected by a stream (Santuit River) to the ocean (Vineyard Sound actually) a few miles to the south.
The significance of the ocean-pond connection relates to the fact that the river serves as a migration path for alewives (an anadromous fish) where they access their freshwater breeding grounds (the pond). This provides an abundant food source for Santuit’s bass through the Summer and into the early Fall when the herring/alewives abandon their summertime home for the ocean.
Like many bass anglers, I used to go out of my way to avoid fishing windy areas especially when floating in "human powered" crafts.
One of the best decisions I ever made was taking the time and learning how to fish in the wind plus use it to my advantage. Using the right baits and learning how bass position around wind-blown cover has yielded many fantastic days of catching ever since.
There are some key tips that will help maximize success when fishing in the wind as explained by bass guru Kevin VanDam (KVD) in the following video from King of Bass TV...
Just like KVD, spinnerbaits are definitely one of my go to baits when fishing in the wind as are chatterbaits, lipless crankbaits and even blade baits. Proper boat position and bait presentation to wind blown cover is key!
Forty-some years ago I had the pleasure to watch a documentary film created by legendary underwater videographer Glen Lau on the life cycle of the largemouth bass ... "Bigmouth".
Though there were many informative clips throughout the film, one of the most memorable was watching another legend in the outdoor sports world, Homer Circle work his double treble hook crankbait by some logs holding huge bass and entice a strike...
Enticing a strike from a huge bass was cool but what happened next became etched in my mind since I first witnessed it as shown in this short video excerpt...
Now that the bass fishing season is going hot and heavy, it maybe time to review a few rigging techniques and tips for your next fishing adventure!.
Many bass anglers rely on plastic baits (worms, grubs, lizards, craws, etc.) as a big part of their bass fishing arsenal, therefore it’s always good to remind ourselves of the different rigging methods for soft plastics.
Different types of soft plastic baits are designed to imitate the various types of forage bass and many of these rigs were created to combine a life-like presentation as well as creating a lure that is relatively snag-less.
I recently stumbled across a great web-page where the author prepared a wonderful series of posts and images describing the different rigging techniques.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned or newbie bass angler, selecting the right soft plastic lure colors is often a difficult task. When you consider the variety of colors lure manufacturer’s offer, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel perplexed. This is definitely the case for the new bass angler, especially one trying to build their tackle assortment for the first time …
After coming across this video from Yamamoto Custom Baits (YCB), it seemed a great way to introduce all of us to a fairly simple approach to soft plastic lure color selection.
For those of you unfamiliar with Yamamoto Custom Baits, they develop a fantastic array of baits for the bass fisherman (as well as other species) in a wide variety of color options (definitely a need for the system).
Spring and fall are times of transition, especially in the bass’ world.
During the change from winter to spring and summer to fall, many bass move up from their deep water haunts towards the shallows to feed and partake in their annual species renewal rituals, either the spawn or feeding for winter…
Even during transitions from spring to summer and fall to winter, many bass reverse the process, migrating away from shallow cover towards deeper water havens.
During these shallow to deep transition periods, bass and many other fish follow pre-determined pathways such as points or inundated roadbeds (in man-made reservoirs) as migration routes…
In the following video and images, we take a look at different ways to identify these underwater bass highways using imagery, maps not to mention your eyes when exploring the shoreline of your favorite, man-made fishing holes…
