Thursday, August 31, 2006

bass fishing : Janousek and Johnson Win International Falls Bass Fishing Tournament

John Janousek of Nisswa, Minnesota and Chad Johnson of Rogers, Minnesota clinched the top spot at the 2nd Annual International Falls Bass Fishing Championship today. Janousek and Johnson delivered two consistent days of fishing. The duo brought in a record breaking combined weight of 30.75 pounds for the tournament. The two anglers have been fishing together for the past ten years.
"I think it was a combination of perseverance and experience," said Janousek. "We knew coming into the competition this morning we had a good shot at it, but everybody here could win." Janousek and Johnson have won a number of tournaments on Rainy Lake. Johnson commented he fished a total of 20 days on Rainy Lake so far this year.
Canadians Dale Labelle of Devlin, Ontario and Karl Howells of Fort Francis broke the bag record with a combined weight today of 17.01 pounds today. The two anglers sat in the leader position for most of the afternoon until Janousek and Johnson weighed in. "Today was Karl's day to shine," said Labelle, who added Howells brought in the majority of the fish today. Labelle and Howells ended up in second place with a combined weight for the tournament of 28.57 pounds.
The event weigh-in was completed before a packed house in Smokey Bear Park in International Falls. Announcer Chip Leer was enthusiastic about the turnout. "People are finding out about the quality of fish we've got up here, both on the lake and on the river," Leer said. "It was a day of records, from the biggest bag today to the biggest bass yesterday." Leer was referring to the 4.91 pound bass caught yesterday.
"We are ecstatic," said Tournament President Gary Potter when asked for his opinion of the event. "The level of community involvement has been second to none." Potter mentioned plans were already underway for next year's event.
Fishing for the first time on Rainy Lake, Ross Taylor of Burnsville and Brent Carlson of Brainerd ended with a combined weight of 23.29 after a disappointing first day. "We just had no experience on the lake and on the river," said Taylor, considered by many in bass fishing circles to be a rising star in the sport. "We had much better luck on the river today."

By Bonnie Harris

bass fishing : Becker Wins Bass Fishing League

TRENTON, Mich. (Aug. 28, 2006) - Boater Gary Becker of Saint Marys, Ohio, earned $3,879 Saturday as winner of the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League Michigan Division event on the Detroit River. The tournament was the fourth of five regular-season Michigan Division events and earned Becker 200 points in the Boater Division.
Becker's winning catch of five bass weighed 24 pounds, 13 ounces. He was throwing a tube and other soft-plastics to catch his bass.
Becker also took home an additional $1,000 for being the highest placing Ranger Cup participant.
Rounding out the top five boaters are Gary Ginter of Maplewood, Ohio (five bass, 24 pounds, 12 ounces, $1,940); Steve Clapper of Lima, Ohio (five bass, 23 pounds, 3 ounces, $1,293); David Hayward of Sylvania, Ohio (five bass, 22 pounds, 5 ounces, $905) and Joe Balog of Harrison Township, Mich. (five bass, 21 pounds, 13 ounces, $776).
Barrett Moss of Somerset, Ky. won the Boater Division Snickers Big Bass award with a 6-pound, 4-ounce bass earning him $515.
Scott Leo of Grand Rapids, Mich., won the Co-angler Division and earned $1,940 thanks to five bass weighing 23 pounds, 3 ounces. Leo also earned an additional $257 as the co-angler Snickers Big Bass winner with a 6-pound, 2-ounce bass.
Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Damon Herndon of Reading, Mich. (five bass, 21 pounds, 7 ounces, $970); Steve Furr of Lima, Ohio (five bass, 21 pounds, 4 ounces, $646); Charles Hasty of Toledo, Ohio (five bass, 21 pounds, 3 ounces, $453); and Philip Borsa of Redford, Mich. (five bass, 21 pounds, $388).
The Michigan Division's next event will take place on the Detroit River again near Trenton, Mich., Sept. 9-10 for two-day Super Tournament, the division's fifth and final event.

bass fishing : FLW Bass Fishing Tour

BENTON, Ky. (Aug. 29, 2006) - FLW Outdoors announced Tuesday that it will replace its championship bracket format with the traditional Wal-Mart FLW Tour cut format beginning with the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup in Hot Springs, Ark., Aug. 2-5, 2007. The change was necessitated by the fact that anglers from multiple FLW Outdoors tournament trails and the TBF (The Bass Federation) National Championship will qualify for the event for a shot at the sport's first $1 million payday.
"The NCAA-style bracket format has served us well for many years on the FLW Tour," said FLW Outdoors President and CEO Charlie Evans. "It created thrilling head-to-head matches and unique story lines that allowed fans to experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat with every pair of anglers to cross the stage. There is, however, no equitable way to pair anglers in head-to-head competition when they qualify through different circuits. But the bracket will not disappear. We will use the format in our East-West fish-off for the FLW Series."
The 2007 Forrest Wood Cup will feature the top 40 pros and 35 co-anglers from the 2007 FLW Tour, the top 30 pros and 25 co-anglers from the 2006 Wal-Mart FLW Series, the top pro and co-angler from each of the five Stren Series divisions at the 2006 Stren Series Championship, the 2007 Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League All-American boater and co-angler winners, the 2007 TBF National Championship boater and co-angler winners, the winning teams from each of the five 2006 Stratos owners' tournaments held in the United States (both team members fishing the Forrest Wood Cup as co-anglers), and the first- and second-place teams from each of the two Ranger owners' tournaments slated for 2007 (the boaters of each team fishing the Forrest Wood Cup as pros and their partners fishing as co-anglers).
Overall, 81 pros and 81 co-anglers will compete in the 2007 Forrest Wood Cup. The full field will compete for two days and then be cut to the top 10 pros and 10 co-anglers based on accumulated weight from days one and two. These 10 pros and 10 co-anglers will start from zero on day three, with the winning co-angler determined by the day's heaviest catch. The pros will carry their weights over to day four, and the winner will be determined based on accumulated weight from days three and four. Weigh-ins all four days will be held at Summit Arena in conjunction with the Forrest Wood Cup Outdoor Show at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

"The 2007 Forrest Wood Cup represents a defining moment in our sport's history," Evans said. "Never before have so many anglers had the opportunity to compete for a share of $2 million in a no-entry-fee championship. In fact, anglers fishing the Stren Series and BFL will actually qualify for two no-entry-fee championships offering total payouts of $3 million. This is an unprecedented accomplishment in bass-fishing history."

"One thing we take great pride in at FLW Outdoors is the fact that we listen to our anglers, and we are flexible enough to adjust when needed," Evans said. "We make a lot of decisions every day, and our track record is pretty good, but we are not perfect, nor do we claim to be. Occasionally, we miss. We realize that we will never be able to please everyone all of the time, but we feel strongly that this change will contribute to the professionalism of our sport and its continued growth."

Copyright ©1997-2006 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide

Monday, August 28, 2006

bass fishing : Hooking-up with Bass Fishes

Collect all possible information on Hooking-up with Bass Fishes from this page. It is always better to look before leaping. So read this article on Hooking-up with Bass Fishes before you claim that you know all about Hooking-up with Bass Fishes.
Since three-forth of the world is composed of bodies of water, it's not odd to realize why a great number of people rely most of their lives in fishing, may it be to suffice their economical needs or just for their love of fish catching. There are numerous of fish species swimming under the lakes, seas, ponds, and rivers among others. Some of which are the most sought after among anglers who consider fishing as the delight in their purpose-driven life, a sport, as they say.

Bass fishing, at present, is considered as America's number one freshwater sport, its industry is in fact, seventy percent higher in growth compared to other types of fishing activities. Bass is a fish that belongs to the Serranidae family or sea basses and the Centrarchidae or the black basses. This family of perchlike fishes are of large and oblong sizes with compressed bodies that dwell in warm and temperate seas throughout the world.

Along the Atlantic coast, black or common sea basses with a sluggish bottom fish are found. Its size averages 6 pounds or 2.7 kilograms in weight and 18 inches or 45 centimetres in length. The Pacific Sea basses, on the other hand, are giant fishes with bulky characteristics that reach a weight of 600 pounds or 270 kilograms and a length of 7 feet or 2.1 metres.

There are two things that should be considered in bass fishing, which are, the bass location on the lake or river and bass catching using different techniques, presentations and baits.

In locating bass dwellings, there are lots of different factors that has to be determined like the map-reading, how to locate active bass just after cold fronts and during early spring and late fall periods, understanding water depth, water clarity, temperatures, seasonal patterns, locating structure areas and finding its vegetation areas.

In map reading, there are two general types of lake maps that most anglers use. These are the Hot Spot maps that shows more fishing spots and the Topographical map which shows more details. This should be experimented first by taking it on shore and looking for areas where fish would most likely be. The next step would be familiarization.

In locating for bass, one element that should be considered is the vegetation or the area where they eat, breath and cover themselves. In other words, its where they could be found in congregation. But if there is no vegetation, other elements like irregular contours, shallow water close to deep-water areas, points and point drops and other types of structure can be an alternative technique.

The rest of the necessities are the selection of a few crankbaits. One needs a shallow diver and a deep diver but two colors of each are fine. A natural looking crankbait, one that resembles baitfish and a shocker bright one should be selected. These represent the two extremes, nonetheless are very effective.

The most successful method of catching bass is the crankbait. The throwing and retrieving method can be done with varying speed and its depth can be determined by the speed of the reeling and by the pole.

Bass love colorful lures and they seem to hit them more often. When fishing with these lures, one should always try to make them look good in the water and make the bass come after them. This can be done by making them swim as real as possible.

Bumping these lures against objects in the water attracts fish, but the chance of getting the lure stuck might be a high risk.

A worm, on the other hand, is a good lure and represents the most edible and tasty meal. Even plastic worms will do.

Before competitions became a part of it, bass fishing was reserved for the seasoned anglers and not much media covered it. It was a recreation mostly practiced in the springtime and mostly early in the mornings and late in the afternoons all over the globe. Now, it has grown tremendously in every way, from effort to gain knowledge to technology to equipment to results.

© 2006 - Copyright BassFishing

bass fishing : Peacock Bass Fishing

A very useful resource on Peacock Bass Fishing. Never judge a book by its cover. Similarly never think that there is nothing much about Peacock Bass Fishing. Reading this article will tell you what Peacock Bass Fishing actually are.
Peacock bass is known as the peacock cichlid, it is a freshwater fish native to South America and introduced by anglers to Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia as a popular game fish. Peacock bass is an aggressive fish, which preys on smaller native fish. The peacock bass has been identified as a potential cause for ecological imbalance in its adopted habitats.

The peacock bass is not really a bass at all. Although it resembles a largemouth bass in general size and shape but it is actually the largest American member o the cichlid family of fishes. The peacock bass is more commonly known as the pavon in Latin American countries and tucunare in Brazil. The Peacock bass originated and thrives in the South American waters.

The best lures to choose for catching peacock bass usually depends on establishing effective patterns for the size of the fish you are aiming for. Schooling peacock bass are so aggressive that fishing a lure with more than one hook can lead to multiple hookup excitement.

The challenge in some schooling situations is not actually the hooking of a peacock bass but in landing it. If a fish misses the bait, another will hit it. There is little need to use a light tackle since peacock bass are so aggressive.

Top water prop baits with one or two spinners on the rear are effective on peacock bass most of the time, and the most popular surface lure for giants in South America is the Big Game Woodchopper. More 20 plus pound have been taken on this lure than on all other types of lures combined.

The Amazon Ripper and Big Game Jerk n Sam have avid followers and both are also extremely productive on peacock bass. All three huge lures catches large peacock bass when get.They are in their prime when these lures are cast towards the shore, but they are also highly productive when cast toward shore in open water and when trolled.

The smaller peacock bass lure is the Amazon Rippers and Jerk Sams are all very effective rear-spinner surface baits that attracts all sizes of peacocks. The action of these plugs is what attracts the attention of the fish. While, sharp jerk-pause jerk technique, each time moving the bait approximately two feet, is usually effective. Sometimes, a long, hard pull and brief pause can also be effective. At other times, a soft twitch can draw an explosive strike, particularly near cover.

Fish the baits quickly toward wood cover, as you get close to the peacock bass habitat, slow down the plug and work it with a short rip, then pause, and rip it once again. Fish them around the treetops, over points and along channels or beds.

Mid-depth plugs are suitable for submerged operation including spoons and vibrating plugs. The Pet Spoon and the Sugar Shad, both go into the depths to attract the fish. For large peacock bass, a #18 Tony Accetta Pet Spoon is often productive. When the large peacock bass are not on the surface, you can try trolling and when you do this, it will draw strikes.

The best times to catch peacock bass fishing vary with the area where you conduct the fishing. In general, the low water times are the very best. On majority of trips, these occur between September and April.

Most anglers call the peacock bass the world's Greatest Game fish because it is attracted to cover, strikes top water lures regularly, jumps when hooked, never gives up a battle, powerful enough to challenge an angler's skills and tackle, has a physical appearance that looks exciting and obtains an average size of 15 to 25 pounds.

© 2006 - Copyright BassFishing

bass fishing : A Guide for Catching Bass

When you spend more and more time bass fishing you will obtain more knowledge for the right techniques, and choosing the right lures at the right location. Asking for tips from anglers familiar with the location is the best way to examine the fishing conditions. Take your time to experiment with many different lures and bass-fishing techniques until you discover what is the most effective on catching bass.

There are two different kinds of baits in bass fishing. The soft plastic baits and the hardbaits. Examples for the soft plastic baits are: grubs, tube baits, and soft jerkbaits. For the hardbaits there are: jigs, topwaters, and crankbaits. These different kinds of lures have different uses, different techniques to use, catches different kinds of bass and also depends on the location where you plan to fish.

Soft plastic baits:

Grubs
Grubs are tiny lures that usually attract big smallmouth bass and works just as fine on largemouths. This kind of lure works more effectively on highland reservoirs that lack wide cover. These lures are best used on clear water situations and often used on deep water but are as effective on shallow water. In deep water it is ideal and more effective if an angler uses the lightest grub that tend to fall slowly thus exposed to the fish longer, this is because fishes tend to hit them while they are falling, not when they are already in the water.

Tube Baits
Tube jigs are used preferably on inactive fish and on clear water. When targeting bass this lure is used on structure. This kind of lure is designed to use as drop bait and not designed to work the bottom or swim back. This type of lure is not a feel lure which means that you can give it a slack. The fish won't let go of the lure so you won't have to worry about a quick hookset. This is commonly used in water no deeper than 10 feet.

Soft jerkbaits or Soft Plastic Stickbaits
This bait can be used almost anywhere. You can use it on, over, around, and even through most forms of cover and even on open water. These types of lures are often used on spring and fall when bass move on shallow water and feed on baitfish. Soft jerkbaits are an eye contact lures meaning the bass has to see it to hit it thus this works best in clear water.

Hardbaits:

Jigs
A jig is heavy, lead headed bait with a single hook. These are one of the most productive baits in use today, often used in waters that are slightly murky to clear with water temperatures below the sixty degree mark and when the bass are in an inactive mood and in deep cover. The key to fishing with jigs is to make it look alive as much as possible.

Topwaters
These kinds of bait are one of the most productive and exciting baits for bass fishing. Topwaters can sometimes out-fish other techniques. Effective from warm to cool water, topwaters are often used in the early morning, late evening and during the calm before an approaching storm. In general this works best in the late spring, summer and fall.

Crankbaits
Commonly used by professional tournament fishermen, these baits act as "bird dogs" in their search for bass. They have protruding lips that causes them to dive beneath the surface when retrieved. Lures of this type cover large amount of water and very effective when bass are in a depth of 10 to 20 feet.

Crankbaits tend to work more effectively in places where wood or rocks occur, although they are not well suited on vegetation. This type of bait works best as a contact lure such as knocking them of stumps or bumping them against the bottom. This causes the bait to stop and then dart erratically, causing the bass to strike.

These are some of the hardbaits used when going bass fishing.

© 2006 - Copyright BassFishing

Friday, August 18, 2006

bass fishing How to Catch Bass Fish

Bass fishing is an enthralling sport. Every one will aspire to come out successfully in any sport or game. To be a good angler one should know the information that is discussed below.

Depth of the water

Any water body will have three layers. They are deep layer, middle layer and surface layer. The surface layer will be warmer than the middle layer and the middle layer will be warmer than the deep layer.

Before heading for the bass fishing you need to know the existence of the three layers and should be able to find out the temperature of the three layers. Thermometers can be used effectively to measure the temperature of the different layers of water.

Bass fish prefers comfortable temperature. Hence in hot weather condition the bass fish will remain in the deep layer as it will be cold. During cold weather condition the bass fish will try to remain in the middle or top layer.

Temperature of the water

The metabolism of the bass fish is influenced by temperature of the water. There is no second opinion that bass fish can withstand temperature fluctuations better.

Bass fishing can be done thorough out the year when the temperature of the water is around 70 -75 degree Celsius. The bass fishing is possible even when the temperature is around 32-39 degree Celsius.

When the temperature of the water becomes cold the movement of the bass fish is getting slower. This piece of information will help the anglers immensely to get big booty of bass fish.

Clarity of the water

Bass can survive well in both clear and murky water. Bass fish tries to remain in the deeper water for most of the time. They tend to come to the top layer only for feeding and reproduction.

Male fish remain near the nest and does the protection job. The male bass fish will enter in to the fight with any intruder who comes near the nest with the aim of destroying or eating.

If the water is clear and calm, good deep water bass fishing is possible. If the water is cloudy which means a lot activity in all three layers, the bass fishing will be difficult.

Noise or vibration or other disturbances

Bass fishes are highly sensitive to vibration and noises. Hence you need to keep the place as quite as possible. Any kind of noise will scare away the bass fish. It is better to reach the selected place without much of disturbance to the water and stay put and goes for deep water bass fishing.

Time of the day, effect of sunlight and color or the prey

Experienced anglers feel that dawn and the dusk are the best time for successful bass fishing. The best feeding time for the bass fish is dawn and dusk. The bass can be lured with the live or artificial bait at this time.

The noon time is not at all suited for bass fishing because the bass stop feeding and go deep in the water in search of cooler place.

The bass fish are more attracted by the light colored fast moving prey. you can use light colored bait that moves fast or create vibrations, your chances of making the bass fish to strike and get hooked is bright.

However bass fishing can go on in other times also. The success depends on your strategy in attracting the bass fish to strike and get caught.

Change of season, time and other things

There are various opinions as far as best season for successful bass fishing is concerned. Some feel that fall of season is the best time for bass fishing.

The season is not going to be the same all through the year. There are so many other things like sun light, water movement, speed of water, direction of the flow etc. also change.

There is no fixed time and season for bass fishing. Bass fishing can be done successfully even during severe cold season [ice fishing] provided you also change your strategy and technique in line with the changes in the season climate and other things

The nature and the habitat of the bass fish

Try and know as much as possible about the nature and habitat of the bass fish. This can be achieved by reading the related articles and discussing with the seasoned anglers.

Once you are thorough with the nature and habitat of the fish you can successfully select the place for bass fishing. Once the place is selected thinking in the lines of bass fish will increase you chance of enjoying a successful bass fishing

By Balajee Bashyaam

bass fishing : Are You Taking Bass Fishing Too Seriously?

With all the tension and stress in life the last thing you need is more stress when bass fishing. If you’re fishing tournaments, going after that big hawg or just bass fishing with friends and have competition between the few of you that fish together, then maybe it’s time for a break.

What kind of break you ask? A break from bass fishing stress! A laughter break! Yes, they say laughter is the best medicine and if you’re uptight every day you just might find out a truer statement has never been spoken.

If you’re bass fishing is no longer relaxing and no fun anymore then back away for a little while and get a cup of coffee and start reading. What are you going to read, why fishing stories, bass fishing jokes and how about a free bass fishing e-book that is hilarious?

Here is just an outtake of the e-book I’m talking about:

Have you ever tried to catch those little minnows that dart all over the place? It’s not easy is it? I mean even with a casting net in a whole herd of them you still don’t get very many for the effort. Well, you’re in luck I have made a plan that makes it a lot easier.

Here is what you do….First, take your wife along for moral support. That is a main step in this technique. Second, go to your local bait store and get a 10 foot casting net.

Ok, now for the technique itself. Go out in your boat and find some minnows on top swimming. You will know there are millions of them below the surface. Then take your boat and start to go around in circles, this will gather them into a smaller size gathering. Keep going around in circles for maybe a half hour letting the group get into a smaller circle each revolution.

Now, once they are in a circle, give your wife the cast net. You take a quarter stick of dynamite and light it but be sure to have your wife with the catch net and ready beforehand. The next step in crucial in timing. The second the dynamite is lit and thrown in the water have your wife spread out the cast net and jump in the water with it and gather all the minnows she can immediately. This is very important because if the minnows are shocked too much and go all the way to the bottom, then you wife might not be able to hold her breath that long to go all the way to the bottom where the minnows are located.

Believe me, I am talking from experience just last week we had to call the emergency squad for her because she came floating back to the top and can you believe it, she didn’t have one damn minnow in that cast net when she finally surfaced. I guess the EMT’s couldn’t believe it either because I heard them say “you’re not going back and do that again, I guess?” I have to agree with them, I mean they couldn’t believe it either she came back up without one minnow in that net.

You do have to show some sympathy for her though so this is what I do. She comes up usually crying and holding her ears. So, I put my hands over my ears too and throw water on my face so when she surfaces she thinks I am in pain and crying too. Then she will start yelling and I will just point to my ears and say “I can’t hear you sweetheart”. Make sure you have some kind of painful look on your face as I assure you she will when she comes up. I got her some ear………..

By Uncle Ike

bass fishing : Effective Bass Fishing Tips

If you want to be better at bass fishing, then there are some critical factors that you should be aware of. Bass fishing is one of the most popular sports in America, Canada, and many other countries. As a result, the competition is very intense, and to gain a true advantage, you have to know your fish, their habitat, and your equipment inside out.

Bass is treated as a "sports" fish rather than a meal, although its quite healthy and edible. During tournaments, bass are caught and weighed before being thrown back in the water. There's even a holding tank that is used for providing medical treatment to the bass, if needed.

To become successful at bass fishing, there are a variety of things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, the biology and behavior of the fish are extremely critical factors. Different environments and water temperatures have varying affects on the way that bass behave, influencing your methodology and techniques in different ways.

If you are fishing in very cold or very warm temperatures, then the bass won't be as healthy or plentiful, but at the same time, catching them will be much easier due to their physical weakness. On the other hand, moderate temperatures are prime environments in which bass flourish, giving them the physical strength to fight being caught.

Typically, bass like to hang out in covered, sheltered areas where they can prey on smaller fish. Knowing this piece of information can help you identify areas where bass are present, as well as the types of lures you should be using.

The second critical factor for successful bass fishing, besides the biology and habitat, is your equipments. Your rods, reels, lines and lures will vary depending on the environment, the nature of the particular bass fish, and your skill level.

Expertise in fishing maps and electronic fish finders can give you a distinct advantage over the competition. More often than not, the first couple of spots you decide to fish in might not produce good results. It is very usual for anglers to move around during fishing tournaments, and if you're handy with the map, then you can quickly locate a better fishing spot before the competition can.

A backdoor trick you can use to quickly learn about a particular fishing area is to visit the local angler stores. As fishing enthusiasts, the owners can give you valuable tips and advice that can give you a head-start.

Outside of tournaments, there are many recreational anglers that would love to share their knowledge with you, especially if you make them feel like the "teacher" and portray yourself as the "student". Hobbyists love nothing more than to be proclaimed as experts in their field.

Online, there are a variety of forums, chat-groups, discussion lists, and e-mail newsletters where you can meet anglers world-wide and share ideas. Consider becoming a moderator at a forum so you can always be the first to receive valuable fishing info.

Although this is a basic article, the tips covered can be explored in further depth. Remember, the number one rule of success is to humble yourself and become a student and observer of fishing.

By Areeb Khatib

Sunday, August 13, 2006

bass fishing : Fishing Topwater Baits

Bass fishing with topwater baits is without a doubt the most fun you can have fishing for large or smallmouth bass. People watch these bass tournaments on the tube and see all these pros using plastic and spinner baits jigs and crankbaits, forget about the fun and excitement you get with topwater baits. Topwater baits create great action and stories to pass on to family and fishing friends.

Bass fishing with topwater baits is without a doubt the most fun you can have fishing for large or smallmouth bass. People watch these bass tournaments on the tube and see all these pros using plastic and spinner baits jigs and crankbaits, forget about the fun and excitement you get with topwater baits. Topwater baits create great action and stories to pass on to family and fishing friends.

The best time I find for topwater bass fishing is in summer, the colder the water the slower the response, and the more you have to work that bait. Early morning and evening are best for topwater bass fishing.

Of course weather effects your choice of lures also, on a bright sunny day it is better to have a light wind to go with it, a bit of a chop makes the bass less spooky. On a calm sunny day use a heavier lure and lighter line for longer casts. Bass tend to become real spooky in calm and clear water, so the further the cast from you the better off you'll be.

Wind can also change the type of topwater bait you can use I believe that when the wind comes up you should use a smaller bait that makes a lot of noise. The larger baits just plow through the chop, while the smaller baits ride the chop and still make that enticing noise to get the strike you want. Also try to fish through the troughs created by the wind.

Bass fishing topwater baits has some of it's own quirks you want to be able to make pinpoint casts to cover areas and make a clear retrieve. Most of your topwater bass fishing will be done in shallow water over weed beds, flats and around objects and shoreline cover. The majority of bass population remains in shallow water all summer.

To fish bass with topwater baits cast about a foot or two past your target and bring it as close to the cover as possible. If you do not get a strike after the first few feet reel in and try again and make another cast. Fishing cover like this there is no need to reel the bait all the way to the boat. Work the bait slowly to get that strike from the bass that is hiding in the shadows and under cover. Have patience when fishing topwater baits, let the ripples disapear, and let the bait sit a few seconds before you make you retrieve.

When the bass strikes a topwater bait, wait till you feel the fish before you set the hook. If you try to set that hook when you first see the strike you'll miss more than you will catch. I can't count the times that lure has been nocked back towards me by the bass striking that topwater bait.

Now for some of the most popular baits, Poppers are among the oldest of topwater bass fishing lures. They have the dished out face with the line tie in the middle. When retrieved they make a slash noise or "bloop" when popped. Poppers work best in warm, calm, shallow, clear water. You get your action from the rod tip not reeling. The harder you snap the bait the more noise and commotion created.

Stickbaits are rounded, hot-dog shaped lures usually plastic or wood. weighted to float nose up. The only action they have is what the angler ads to make them work. These baits have appeal for big bass, just using the jerk, then real up slack and jerking again produces a good eratic side to side motion that gets lots of attention from bass.

Propbaits are cigar shaped and fitted with propellers on one or both ends. Propbaits can be worked fast or slow, quiet or loud, but stop and go retrieves are best. The bass will let you know what is best so vary your retrieve. Be sure to experiment, propbaits are dynamite around sunken logs, lily pads, and shallow cover. Be sure the blades on the lure run freely,

Wobblers and Crawlers, these baits are particularly best at night or early morning, Examples of these are the Jitterbug or the Crazy Crawler. They make a loud plopping sound when retrieved steadily. Use a steady slow retrieve for the best results with this bass bait.

Buzzbaits are a little like spinnerbaits desingned to be fished on the surface. There are two types, the opposite wire types, with the blade above the hook, and the inline type with everything on one shaft. Excellent for clear water, and pick up less weeds. Again experiment with your working of this bait, twitching and vary speeds to create different noises.

Weedless Spoons are also in this category, designed to be fished in dense cover, either through the thickest weeds, lily pads, or grass. They go through the toughest cover you can find. Fishing with weedless spoons for bass you will want to be using heavy fishing tackle, rods and reels. I like to point my rod tip at the lure on my retrieve, and again here be patient and allow the bass to take the lure.

Now just remember, get out there enjoy nature, fresh air and let's go fishing. When using these tips you will improve your results and of course have more fun.

by Jack Phillips

bass fishing : The Right Technique

When I was a lot younger about 25 years ago, I was fishing a lake and not having a whole lot of luck. Even so, I was one of those "kids" who knew almost everything about bass fishing since I had already done it for 25 years.

I seen this older gentleman walk up to the shore about 20 feet away and seen he had the exact same lure on that I was using. I kind of chuckled to myself just knowing he wasn't going to catch anything since I didn't and I had been using this lure most of my life. Well, after watching him for about 5 minutes I seen he had caught one. I said to myself "the lucky bum" and didn't think any more about it, just went my way fishing as nothing happened.

Of course, I kept watch on him out of the corner of my eye. Pretty soon he had caught another one to my amazement. Again, I said to myself "what a lucky bum" and kept on fishing knowing he wouldn't catch anymore but keeping an eye on him just the same. Again he caught another bass and then another and then another and I said to myself, "Let’s see how this lucky bum is doing this".

So, I was on my way walking towards him to talk to him. This man was one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I said, "I have fished that lure most of the day and never caught one thing and you have caught all these bass just within a short time, how did you do that?" He said, "Technique!" I said "technique?" He said, "yep, technique". I went on to tell him I had my own technique and that I fished this lure for over 25 years and usually with pretty good results. Well, what he said next about floored me. "He said "you're using it wrong". I thought, "What the hell is he talking about, me using it wrong?". After all I was young and still had 25 years of bass fishing experience. Who was this guy anyway to tell me I was using one of my favorite lure's wrong?

I got looking at this pretty jacket he was wearing, I was in California at the time and I noticed a couple of things about the jacket. The main thing I noticed was this one patch that said "World's Topwater Bass Fishing Champion" among lot of other sponsor patches. I said to myself "Um...maybe, I better listen to this man". I can just say I am glad I did. He taught me what he was doing different, what I had been doing wrong and a technique that I incorporated from his and my technique that I use on almost on all my topwater bass fishing retrieves even to this day.

I was fishing with my son several years ago at a little lake we fish in Ohio. We were using the exact same rod, reel, line and lure and even the same lure color. I had caught about 15 fish and he hadn't even had a strike and we were only standing about 10 feet apart. He said "Why are you catching all the bass and I haven't caught any?" I said, John, you're not holding you mouth right. He said "How are you supposed to hold it?" I said like this and made the worst face I could think of to make.

Several months later he went to California to visit his grandparents and he was fishing in a river for trout there. His grandfather came along and said "John, are you not feeling well?" John said, "No, I'm fine Grandpa". His grandpa said, "We'll John, what is the matter with your face?" John said, "Well, Grandpa, Dad said I had to hold my face like this to catch fish". John's grandpa couldn't wait to go back to the house to tell his grandma who told my wife who told me. The funny part was I had forgot all about the other incident and me telling him to hold his face like that.

So, what do both of these stories have in common? Even though the older gentleman and I was using the same lure, fishing the same water, he was catching bass and I wasn't because he knew the "technique" to use. On the same hand when John and I was fishing, we were both using the same kind of rod, reel, line, and lure and I was catching fish and he wasn't because I knew the "technique" to use in that situation and John didn't.

It's not only important to know what lure to use when you're fishing but you have to know the technique to use with the lure you choose to fish. It can make all the difference in the world between a great bass fishing day and a not so good bad fishing day, to say the least.

By Charles White

bass fishing : Getting Hooked

For years businesses have rode on the vast interest Bass fishing has generated. Many people are hooked, pardon the pun, on this hobby and have elevated it to a sport and a passion. Resorts, sports gears and lines have been built and many more aspects have benefited from these interest.

Today, there are more and more people trying to learn and find out what the buzz is all about. Bass fishing is more than just catching a fish. Its now about getting those prized big bass and having the opportunity to show it off. For beginners there are lots more to bass fishing that meets the eye.

First, try to know the lures that you must have to enjoy bass fishing.

And do you know what the top 3 lures for catching Bass are? Although there was no particular gauge that was presented by the researchers, a survey was performed among the pro bass fishermen and it was found that plastic worms was the most patronized and ranking on the second and third place were the spinner bait and then the crank bait.

However, picking one of these 3 is not enough. Some factors are still needed to be considered. Primarily, you must consider if it is better to cover a smaller segment of water thoroughly or skim across a larger area as quickly as possible to find fish. Using a worm is slower, but absolutely effective and is very seductive to Bass. They do best when the fish are schooled over a particular structure.

The problem that usually arise with fishing with a worm is the inability to sense strikes. Usually the inability to sense them is due to a sinker that is too heavy and a line that is too thick.

To help you to overcome this predicament you are advised to use a variable buoyancy worm using lead strip sinkers. Here are some of its advantages:

• No moving lead on the line to dampen the feel of a gentle pickup

• You can apply the precise amount of lead to deliver the worm action needed

• It makes it easier for a bass to inhale the worm

• It aids in hook setting

• It's easier to shake loose from snags

• You can cause the worm to hang virtually suspended over the bottom when fishing shallow water.

To tell how much lead strip is needed, wrap one strip around the hook and bury the barb in the worm. Ease it into the water and watch it sink, it should barely settle toward the bottom. If it sinks to fast, take some off, etc. Make sure to use no heavier than 8-pound mono line - preferably 6 pound.

On the other hand, a Spinner bait can be moved more quickly across the surface and can be bounced on the bottom, sent against a tree limb and moved in many different ways in order to stimulate strikes. It is a great probing lure for the shoreline because of its tangle-free construction.

Lastly, Crank baits cover a lot of water in a hurry. Using them, you can check out a spot without wasting too much time. You can use them for locating fish that may be scattered.

The most important thing is, no matter what lure you select for the particular lake that you are fishing on, you need to make it as easy for the Bass to get at it as possible. Drop that lure right in front of them. Scientists have proven that Bass calculate the amount of energy it will take them to go after the prey.

Discover and learn to use one of those lures that you preferred to use for you to really find enjoyment in bass fishing!

Aside from considering the lures, it is also important to determine the accurate time in going for bass fishing.

Dawn and dusk are definitely when the biggest bass can be brought in. First, remember that bass love ambush spots offering lots of cover from the baitfish. They like to hid, and pounce on their prey.

These bait fish are most active in the early morning or evening. When they feed, bass follow because the baitfish is less aware of threats when they feed. Go out fishing during these times for the best success.

When retrieving an underwater lure in poor light, keep it coming at a steady pace once it is set in motion. This will make it easier for bass to locate and grab it.

The last thing is, don't bother going out in the dawn/dusk when water is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature wipes out certain aquatics and terrestrials, which nullifies the food chain feeding.

Lures and proper time of going on bass fishing are ample factors only that must be taken into account because other aspects such as water quality considerations and weather conditions are also necessary for you to win the game on bass fishing!

by Mike Long

Monday, August 07, 2006

bass fishing : Fishing Games

A tranquil lake. The sound of rippling water. Waves lulling you to sleep as they slap against the sides of your small boat. The sound of leaves rustling in some far off distance. The smell of damp earth. A moment later, a sharp tug at the end of the pole is felt. Man then pits his strength and cunning against one of nature's most slippery creatures. Ah, the joys of fishing.

But then, not all people have the time nor the inclination to travel a long way to experience said joys. Fear not. I present to you, computer fishing games!

With the vast technological advancements we are enjoying right now, the world of the computer fishing game has become more fun, more exciting and more challenging.

Change is brought about by the advent of such features such as a wide variety of fishes to choose from, realistic actions and events, cool underwater scenes and beautiful color displays. The player is introduced to lifelike sound effects and an interesting assortment of game equipment.

The appearance of the life like fishing rod used as the game controller revolutionized the scene. With sensors mounted on the ends, the player can actually feel the vibrations and forces acting upon his line as the virtual fishes struggle to break loose from his hook's trap.

Indeed, virtual fishing has come from a long way. From the old DOS discs to the dynamic game consoles we have today, the industry of computer fishing games may have faltered a few times but for now, it's still going strong.

Let's take a look back at the path virtual fishing has taken.

1. Gone Fishing by William Engel
Made by Radio shack in 1977 for the TRS 80 Model I, Gone fishing is the first of its kind.

2. Fishing Derby by David Crane
This game was next as Atari launched the first fishing game with any hint of realism. Using a color display and blocks, the Fishing Derby was played using an Atari Joystick.

3. Fishing by Gakken
LCD/LED was introduced to the scene by Japan. In 1981, Gakken released it's small, electronic, hand held fishing game.

4. Virtual Fishing (1997)
In the middle of the 1990's, computer monitors leveled up. They became bigger, clearer and more colorful. Graphics became more and more realistic and appealing. Fishing games, of course, upped their standards by producing better quality games for the DOS interface.

5. TNN Tournament of Champions
Made for the consoles Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis, the TNN Tournament of Champions was made using help from various professional fishermen and manufacturers of tackles.

6. Sega Bass Fishing Duel
With the release of Playstation 2, Sega launched the Sega Bass Fishing Duel last 2002. The use of joysticks heightened the fun as vibrations and shakes were included in the features.

7. Wireless Fishing Games
Using their cell phone, the player can choose of lure and a location anywhere in Japan and try to catch the fishes. A ring or a vibration of his phone would signal a catch.

The arrival of newer and more sophisticated game consoles would probably never end. Thus, the market for games such as fishing games will always be open for developers as the market demands more from them. The evolution of computer games therefore, from the ancient Gone Fishing to high end virtual simulators, will continue and will still be enjoyed by adult and youngsters alike for a long time to come.

By Landreau Donovan

bass fishing : A New World Record Bass

Many people go to Florida to fish for that trophy bass but did you know that 4 other states have a bigger state record than Florida? Not only that but one of the states is said to have produced a new world record. Florida's record bass is 17.27 pounds, but others often cite an uncertified fish of 20.125 pounds (a fisheries biologist did not physically see the fish to certify it). Leaha Trew supposely caught a new world record largemouth in California. It weighed 22 pounds, 8 ounces, beating George Perry's 1932 record catch by 4 ounces. The problem is there was only one picture taken of it and it wasn't certified by a biologist or a California state fish and game offical.

Where is the next world record coming from? Florida, Georgia, Mississippi or Texas? More than likely it will be from California. Gregg Silks has already caught 2 bass over twenty pounds and says he has lost a world record fish of 24 pounds. Who is to argue with him since he knows what 20 pound plus bass look like? 22 of 25 of the largest bass ever recorded has come from California. The next world record bass in my opinion, is going to be from the lakes of San Diego water system. Just look at the stats:

Dixon: 21 pounds 11 ounce bass

Jennings: 18 pounds plus

Murray: 18 pounds plus

Poway: 18 pound 2 ounce

These are just a few of the lakes, all the lakes holds monster bass. Not only that, there are big bass all over California, Leaha Trew caught her bass in Sonoma County. While I am not taking anything away from Florida, as I have lived there and seen many 10 pound plus bass taken from there, California is growing bigger bass and people are catching them. Just check with the water district before you plan a trip as some have restrictions and are closed at certain times.

Charles E. White has fished for almost 50 years for bass from California to Florida. In his lifetime, it is estimated that he has caught over 6,000 bass. His biggest bass is a 12 pound 14 ounce that hangs on his wall in his office.

Charles has fished with people who have never fished for bass before and taught them how to become successful anglers and also has fished with the Pros in Florida. His website about fishing for bass is at: http://www.bassfishingweekly.com

By Charles White

bass fishing : What Not To Do When Bass Fishing

Here is a list of the 7 things you should NOT do when out fishing for bass:

1. Don’t have loud music playing. This vibrates through the boat and rather than attracting the fish, it

scares them away. Leave the tunes at home.

2. Don’t go to the middle of the lake and drop your line and expect to catch something… That is a hit and

miss approach.

3. Don’t spend lots of money on expensive baits and lures. The cheaper ones work just fine, you just

have to now how to use them.

4. Don’t give up! Use the techniques in this e-book to help you improve yourself.

5. Don’t forget your life jacket!

6. Don’t cast your rod until you have practiced on dry land a few times.

7. And lastly, don’t forget to have a good time!

So, now that you know what not to do, how about getting out on the water and doing some fishing!!

Have fun, that is the main thing... also, make sure that you take others with you that enjoy fishing... there is nothing worse than having someone with you on the boat, that after 2 hours of fishing, decides they have had enough and want to go in, just when you are on a roll... this happened to me recently and I was not impressed, I felt like chucking them overboard! So, double check with friends and let them know what they are getting in for when you invite them out for a days fishing...

By Kat Beechum

Friday, August 04, 2006

bass fishing : The Big Bass Fishing Secret

The biggest Bass fishing secret is that there isn't a real Bass fishing secret at all, there is no secret to catching Bass, no more than there is a secret to catching fish of any type.

Having said that there are certain things which you can do to help himself catch more Bass. Perhaps the most important thing is to set out to catch just one kind of Bass, as I'm sure you know there are several different varieties for instance the Small Mouth Bass, the White Bass, the Large Mouth Bass, and many more. Having decided which particular type of Bass you are trying to catch you can then decide on the appropriate bait and tackle.

In this short article I will deal with catching Large Mouth Bass but the principles discussed apply to any type of Bass,the important thing in trying to catch Large Mouth Bass or any other type of Bass for that matter is to know what their natural prey is. The nice thing about the Large Mouth Bass is it will take almost anything that is floating on the water from flies right up to small birds and chicks.

The thing you have to decide is whether you're going to use live bait or artificial, if you decide to use artificial I have found a correctly used jig and pig combination produces very good results but you do have to give it a far try out. With Bass fishing bait local knowledge is very important and even though some fishermen like to keep these things secret it is surprising what you can learn by listening carefully when other fishermen are talking.

The next important thing to decide is where to go fishing for your Bass, in the case of Large Mouth Bass there is a very wide choice, as you will find this fish in both rivers or lakes, they are usually found quite close to shore, hiding under low foliage perhaps or near rocks waiting for suitable prey. If you decide to try the jig and pig bait, it will work well in both these situations.

The Large Mouth Bass can be fished for at most times of the year, but fall does seem to be the best time because the fish are busy building up reserves for winter and so will take any bait they can.

I suppose the true Bass fishing secret is to acquire experience of fishing in your area and to enjoy yourself while you are acquiring that experience.

By Roger Overanout

bass fishing : Learn How to Be a Professional Bass Angler

If you enjoy fishing, you’ve probably seen at least one fishing show on television. Have you ever thought, “I would love to have that person’s job, fishing all day”? Well, put some more thought into that idea and you could become a professional bass fisherman/woman!

First things first: if you think that all you need is lots of cash to spend on fancy boats and tackle, you’re headed in the wrong direction. Bass fishing is like any sport – it takes dedication, patience, practice, and skill. If you know someone who seems to know what it takes to catch that beautiful bass, go and visit them! Get as much information out of them that you can, and write it down. During your spare time, get out on the water in a boat, a canoe, or a rubber raft, whatever you have, and try out some of the methods or suggestions they gave you.

You can also research bass fishing information on the Internet or at a library. There are many books on the subject, and there are also magazines you can subscribe to. The most important thing is to practice what you read. If you’ve tried ten different lures and none of them work, keep asking around – eventually you will hit on something that really works to lure those fish in!

Are there any fishing competitions in your area of the country? Make sure to take part in them; nothing helps you hone your skill like a little competition. Plus, you never know who might be at a competition – there could be someone from a local television network or outdoors company looking for a person with your skill at reeling in the bass.

Whether you land a job as a professional bass angler or not, you should always like what you’re doing. If you’re trying so hard to be the best angler in the world that you don’t even enjoy fishing, you should take a step back and take the time to enjoy fishing again. With patience, practice and some tips and secrets from other anglers, you’ll be reeling beautiful bass into your boat and feeling glad that you took the time to learn this excellent sport.

By Lorraine Weston

bass fishing : Six Strategies for a Good Day's Fishing: Largemouth Bass

The beginner fisherman [or woman] will often ply the more experienced with questions on how to land a fish and why everyone else is on fire, and they are not. Some of us prefer to keep our ignorance of the basics hidden. So, with that in mind, I set about learning a few strategies on how to get a Largemouth Bass out of the water and into my catch bucket.

1. Largemouth Bass like plastic worms. Purchase a variety of colours from clear to bright and in varying shades. If they don't seem to be biting on one colour then switch for something lighter, and if they're still not biting, go for a worm darker than your original. Generally, it will depend on the color of the water, time of day and temperature. Look around you too, if other people's lines have also gone cold, or you're alone, it's a good bet that you need to pack up your fishing gear and plan another trip.

2. Look for man-made or natural structures such as jetty pylons, treefall and rock formations. Largemouth Bass also like lots of weed so keep your eye out for a variety of spots and remember where they are.

3. Largemouth Bass like baitfish. Herons like baitfish too. Look out for flocks of birds diving. Quite often where you find one you'll find the other, but try to catch fish, not birds.

4. Shhhhhhh… Largemouth Bass like it quiet. Find an area away from frenzied activity [road or boat traffic, people talking/playing, etc] or fish at dawn before activities begin. Be aware though that some activity can be a bonus as the wake from passing boats can wash out baitfish from their hiding places in the rocks and, therefore, attract the bass right to you.

5. You've found quiet waters with some structure, you've got the best collection of lures in the country, you've varied your times and suited your lures to the water colour and they're still not biting? Take a look at the depth of the water, and another one at your tackle box. Largemouth Bass fishing like deep water and shallow. Keep a variety of deep-diving lures and surface lures handy as well as all the pretty colors.

6. Largemouth Bass are cool and that's the way they like their water too. Fish early in the day if possible. If the sun is high, aim for shaded areas.

To catch a Largemouth Bass Light tackle with fast-retrieving lures is usually the best, and remember, once the fish is landed, the best method of preparation for cooking is to ice immediately. Now all you need to do is hunt down some great recipes and remember all your "the one that got away" stories to share with family and friends.

Happy fishing, and don't forget to take pictures of your soon-to-be prize-winning catches.

By Trish Anderson

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

bass fishing : Ontario Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are found from Ontario’s Great Lakes shoals to scenic, glacial lakes of the Canadian Shield and in thousands of rivers, creeks, and lakes in between. Largemouth are mainly in warmer waterbodies with shallow cover, whether it be weeds and wood or rocky outcrops. In lakes with varied habitat, largemouth territory overlaps with that of smallmouth, making for diverse angling action.
Smallmouth are usually in more open water, where you can use light to medium-action 6- to 7-foot spinning rods and 6- to 10-pound-test lines. Fly-rodders also find these smallmouth eager to take top-water poppers or minnow-shaped streamers when the fish are in relatively shallow water. In summer, deep underwater points, rocky shoals, submerged islands, and weed edges are the places to catch these hard-fighting, tail-walking fish. Soft-plastic twister-tail, tube, and shad jig bodies on 1/8- to 3/8-ounce heads are the most common smallmouth lures. Good jig colours are black, smoke, purple, amber, yellow, and white. Bounce jigs along bottom, while retrieving or drifting with the wind over potential hotspots. One trick is to allow a tube jig to settle on bottom, then release 20 to 40 yards (18 to 36 m) of line. As the boat drifts, nudge the bait along, as you feel for a strike. This technique is particularly useful in clear, deep water for spooky smallmouth. Smallmouth are particularly fond of crayfish, especially soft-shells that have just moulted.

Largemouth bass fishing tactics that work elsewhere are also effective in Ontario. Fishing varies from flip-and-pitch techniques around shallow, matted weeds, docks, and stumps, to exciting top-water action on jerkbaits, poppers, and floating plastic worms. Crawling spinnerbaits or retriev-ing shallow-running crankbaits along sub-merged weed patches also pay off. Bass of both species in deeper water can be taken with diving crankbaits, Carolina-rigged soft-plastic baits, and jigs. Although some southern lakes or rivers are turbid, clear water is normal in Ontario. Baitcasting tackle spooled with 12- to 20-pound line is ideal around heavy cover for largemouth in stained waters. Light spinning tackle, though, is often necessary to fool largemouths in clear water on sunny days. In these conditions, thin, yet strong, braided or fused line and small plastic worms, grubs, or jigs can jump-start the action, while allowing you to handle fish around cover. Live bait is effective for both species. Leeches, minnows, and juicy nightcrawlers rigged beneath a float or with split-shot on the bottom will draw strikes.

http://www.ontariobassfishing.net/

bass fishing : Good sport for juniors and veterans

ANGLING: The Bathampton junior carp match. Sponsored by Veals Tackle, was a huge success, with 101 carp being caught by the 22 youngsters taking part at Withy Pool.

The ten-hour match, fished in searing heat, was won by 15-year-old Luke Fotherwill, of Bath, with a 15 fish catch weighing 102lb 5oz. He took his fish on legered sweetcorn fished over pellets to take mirrors to 16lb 5oz, which also won the big fish prize.

Fourteen-year old Ben Zanuddin, from Bristol, took second prize with a catch of 12 carp, topped by a 16lb 4oz mirror, totalling 90lb 12oz, taken alternating with legered plastic sweetcorn and shrimp boilies.

continued...
Joe Jones, aged 12 and from Keynsham, was third with nine carp weighing 81lb 7oz, taken alternating with legered boilies and plastic sweetcorn.

Other placings: 4 Dab Jones, Keynsham, 76lb 8oz; 5 Nick Jerome, Keynsham, 72lb 6oz; 6 Olly Andrews, Keynsham, 66lb 15oz.

The Bathampton over 55s-disabled match fished at Withy Pool again produced excellent sport.

Saltford veteran Tom Coulson carried off top prize with a carp catch weighing 89lb 3oz, taken on waggler-fished pellets. Bob Price, from Bristol, was second with a carp catch weighing 72lb 11oz, taken alternating with pole-fished sweetcorn and pellets.

Brian Sheppard, from Bristol, took third prize with a mixed catch of carp and bream weighing 52lb 4oz, taken on pole-fished sweetcorn. He also took the prize for the top silver fish catch weighing 30lb 6oz.
bass fishing
Other placings: 4 Chris Snow, Bristol, 40lb; 5 Pete Powe, Bristol, 39lb; 6 Bob Warren, Oldland, 35lb 4oz.

© Copyright 2001-2006

bass fishing : Fishing Rivers Under Lakes

Actually, many lakes we fish are not lakes. They're impoundments. Originally, river drainage systems that have been dammed by humanity.

A golden concept that applies to impoundments year-round but especially each spring is this: Fish impoundments as if they still are the original rivers. This means targeting the locations that were active flowing parts of the original river system before being dammed by man.

Even though their banks may have been overflowed and flooded over decades ago, the age-old creek channels and feeders can still be important to the bass. The creeks and gulches and washes and trickles were the oases of life before being flooded by the dam - and may still be the meccas of motherlodes of fish.

Although buried under water now, the riverine environment is still intact under the impoundment, and the bass still use the impoundment as if it still is a river system.

A river system (and hence an impoundment) is a mesh of countless connecting feeder veins and water flows of the following exemplary types which you should learn to recognize and target. Some of the larger constructs can be recognized from far away, and may extend down into the impoundment from far back on the adjacent land. Some of the smaller constructs often have an additional traipse of garnishy greenery on the way down to the shoreline, which is a surefire cue to a few water veins that fish like gold veins.

However, many original river features may be far offshore underwater now, and spottable only on a map (more on maps later).

Here are some of the key river constructs underneath an impoundment:

MAJOR CONFLUENCES. Where two rivers or streams that rarely dry meet (or would have met if they were not flooded under water by man). Confluences can be great summer and fall staging spots for bass.

PERENNIALS. These are more or less steady creeks that never completely dry up or only stop flowing during the very driest spells. These usually have silty flood plain deltas in the back, and may be marshland or flooded brush basins in the back.

NON-PERENNIALS. These are where an intermittent creek or wash, which may have been dry for most of the season, is now underwater. The confluences where non-perennial or lesser side creek would have met a stream or bigger creek - some of these MINOR CONFLUENCES can be great winter or summer deepwater holding areas for bass.

SEASONAL INFLOWS. Places that don't flow year-round but bring water in predominantly during the snow-melt season and/or only during the rainy or monsoon season. Snow-melt is more "systemic" and runs off from deeply-saturated grounds whereas rainy season inflows can often be but are not necessarily shallower surface ground run-offs. In other words, snow versus rain water may not necessarily journey across the same terrain nor enter the impoundment at the same places.

INCIDENTAL INFLOWS. Places that usually do not flow but only convey excess water as a result of heavy downpour or flash flood incidents. These can come from high ground, and may result in temporary waterfalls or spills. The area may be highly dangerous to approach on rainstorm forecast days or during the wet or flood season, but during dry and stable conditions, you may find a sand or sediment delta and washed-in debris deposits at the base. Sure spots for bass fishing.

SEEPS AND SPRINGS. Water squeezed out of rocks or coming out of the ground. Actually, I don't think such water gets wrung right out of the rocks, but squeezed between the thin space between two layers of rocks. Nevertheless, even such innocuous "drip rocks" seem to have enhanced food chains on and about the drips - more terrestrials, insects, moss, algae - and right on up the food chain that ultimately attracts bass.

SHINING SAND OR WET SPOTS. I'd hardly call these any sort of serious water inflow, but still bass have an uncanny affinity for such areas, especially in the spring. Usually, they're a dimple or depression in the back of a bowl or a teacup-type sand flat. They may be the last spot of shoreline to dry after a rain, or the last spot to stay wet as lake water levels decline. A good way to notice them is simply sun reflection shining off wet sand rimming the shoreline - or a darker, damp tongue of dirt impressed on an otherwise drying shore. Upon closer inspection, the spot may reveal an old channel cut either coming out of or bending in close to the shoreline.
I may have lost many readers here with the drip rocks, shining sand and wet spots - but hopefully at least a few of you are nodding wisely about these heretofore undocumented bass hotspots in every impoundment.

Some of these spots, the smaller ones, are only recognizable from a certain angle, and you really do get better at spotting them with experience. Often times, on a steep shoreline, such spots can be more easily seen far up the land mass, and then traced down to where their journey descends into the impoundment

By Russ Bassdozer