Bass Fishing for Beginners: When it comes to recreational sports, there are very few activities as relaxing or exciting as Fishing. This is especially the case when it comes to Bass fishing. Let’s take a moment to discuss basic equipment, where and how to fish for bass, common lures, techniques, and tips for beginners. We hope this Bass Fishing for Beginners guide, helps you learn how to fish for bass.

This guide is part of our Learn to Fish series. So far in this series, we have published: Fishing Basics for Beginners, Fishing Tips for Beginners, and Trout Fishing Tips For Beginners.

So without further ado, let us get started. In this Bass Fishing for Beginners guide, we will cover:

• Bass Fishing Gear for Beginners
• Bass Fishing Tips for Beginners: Where & How to Fish for Bass
• 5 Lures That Will Get You More Bass Everyday
• Learn How to Fish for Bass Using 6 Proven Techniques
• 4 Key Bass Fishing for Beginners Tips & Tricks

About Bass

Black bass has become one of the most sought-after game fish in the U.S. They can be found in ponds, lakes, streams, reservoirs, creeks, rivers, and even a few roadside ditches. These creatures have gained a reputation for being strong fighters.

The largemouth bass is large in size and can easily snap a line, while smallmouth bass tends to aggressively jump around when hooked. Bass are often filleted when prepared for the table and the flesh is flaky and white.

The ease with which these fish can be found is one of the reasons bass fishing has managed to evolve into a multibillion-dollar industry.

Bass Fishing Gear for Beginners

There are a lot of options on the market when it comes to fishing gear. However, most bass fishermen understand the importance of having the basic equipment. Let’s take a look at a few pieces that you can’t go without.

Bass Fishing Rod

Fishing rods are simple sticks or poles. They attach to fishing line and their lengths typically vary between 2 to 20 feet. They were traditionally made from bamboo, while most modern rods are made from carbon fiber or fiberglass.

If you wish to learn more about fishing rods, then you may check out our articles Different Types of Fishing Rods Explained,  What is a Spinning Rod, and Best Fishing Pole For Beginners. These articles can give you a detailed understanding of different fishing rods and how to pick the right fishing rod.

Matching Reel

Fishing reels are cylindrical devices that are attached to fishing rods. They’re used for storing and winding line. Most modern reels have fittings that help with casting for distance and accuracy. It is important that you buy a reel matching your fishing rod.

Fishing Line

Fishing lines are cords used for angling and most are made of silk or nylon. They come in several different lengths and weights and are chosen based on whether the fisherman wants the line to break, bend or stretch.

Fishing lines also come in different strengths. In most cases, we recommend beginners to go for a fluorocarbon fishing line as it’s nearly invisible to bass, Also it does not absorb as much water as some other lines making it less susceptible to corrosion.

Fishing Hooks

Perhaps the most commonly used terminal tackle is the hook because it delivers the final blow. It is the most effective at penetrating the bass’ tough mouths. From single hook to bait holder, there is a large variety of styles which are available. And they also come in a variety of different points – from spear to surgical.

Bass Fishing Tips for Beginners: Where & How to Fish for Bass

Bass Fishing from Shore

When bass fishing from shore, the key is to blend into your surroundings. This means that when approaching the bank, walk softly and approach the water’s edge very slowly. Wear camouflaged clothing or at least something that features muted colors such as green, brown, or gray.

Keep in mind that bass have great eyesight, so stay low and never walk right up to edge. In some cases, it’s a good idea to crawl. Also work in a fan casting style, leaving no spot untouched.

Bass Fishing from a Dock

When bass fishing from a dock, you need to take the weather and season into account. A dock with at least 20 feet of water can hold bass during colder months. So if the water is 48 degrees or below with less than 2 feet of visibility, then consider suspending jerkbait. This can be done by mimicking a dying shad.

During the summer, use the more aggressive hopping action and go up to the depths of 30 feet.

Bass Fishing from a Kayak

When bass fishing from a kayak, you need to take your location into consideration. You need to think about how you will be propelling. Are you fishing in a freshwater pond for largemouth? Are you fishing in a small river for smallmouth?

When bass fishing from a kayak you should also make sure that your equipment is low-profile such as bait caster and medium graphite rod. You should also think about where the fish will be spending most of their time.

For instance, the bigger fish will usually hang around at the end of timbers which extend from the bank.

The kayak will give you the ability to arrange yourself so that positioning your bait won’t be a challenge. Smaller fish tend to be closer to the bank, so don’t be afraid to cast your line into the shallow waters.

5 Lures That Will Get You More Bass Everyday

It is next to impossible to catch bass without having the proper lure. This is because bass fishes have keen senses of both hearing and sight. And in most cases, they often require that you get their attention using a lure.

Luckily, there is no shortage of choices when it comes to choosing the right lure for bass fishing. It all comes down to a matter of personal choice as well as your environment. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular bass fishing lures on the market today.

Plastic Worms

Plastic worms are the most popular types of lures for catching bass. They are inexpensive and can be used for bass fishing in the deep or shallow water. They are great for all seasons. The one you choose will depend on the water and conditions. The kind of presentation you’re trying to put on matters as well.

Spinnerbait

Spinnerbait is one or more metal blades that have been shaped so that they are able to spin like propellers. This motion mimics that of a small fish and can work to attract bass fish.

In-line spinners and safety pins are the most popular spinnerbaits. The most important element of spinnerbait, besides the hook, is the blade. The blade comes in several different shapes, sizes, and colors and some designs produce more vibration or flash than others.

Topwater Lures

Topwater lures float on the surface of the water and can be moved about to attract and provoke the bass to strike. These lures are designed to look like smaller creatures that would usually be considered as food for the bass.

In fact, they are often painted so that they look like insects, smaller fish, and frogs. What makes this type of lure so efficient is its action. It helps the lure give a more life-like appearance to the bass.

Popper Lures

Popper lures come in many different sizes and colors. The body of this particular lure is hollow and this helps to ensure that it remains on the surface of the water.

What makes this lure so effective is the jerking motions that can be made with it. As the fishermen jerks their rod along the surface of the water, it splashes and creates a lot of bubbles. Bass will often mistake the popper lure as a small fish that is in distress, which means that it will be easy prey.

Prop Baits

Prop baits also float on top of the water. When they are retrieved, the props will spin and create rhythmic sound waves as well as vibrations inside the water. These types of lures are very effective because bass sometimes requires a little teasing, specifically during those summer months.

The prop baits give off bright flashes from the blades which can sometimes irritate them and elicit a reaction from the inactive bass. Many fishermen like to take advantage of bass’ keen senses of both seeing and hearing.

It’s unclear exactly why bass is drawn to prop baits, whether because of irritation or a pursuit of possible prey, but it is hard to deny the effect of these lures.

Learn How to Fish for Bass Using 6 Proven Techniques

While many assume that bass fishing only requires casting a line and waiting for the next bite, there is actually much more to it. In fact, there are several techniques that can improve your chances. Let’s discuss a few.

These 6 proven techniques can help you learn how to fish for bass much more effectively and efficiently.

Pitching and Flipping

Flipping requires that you peel off about 75 percent or more fishing line than the length of your rod and then feed the fishing line back through your guides as you proceed to drop and then lift your rod.

Pitching requires that your release your lure with an underhand pitch as you let your fishing line feed through your guides while you proceed to thumb your spool.

It’s important to keep in mind that you will be limited in the types of baits you can use with these techniques. You should especially avoid pitching crankbaits.

Topwater

The biggest topwater fishing technique centers around your keeping your eye on your lure and monitoring the amount of tension the line has. When you are maneuvering your line or just simply waiting for a bite, remember to keep the line just tight enough that it does not become too tangled or pulled away from you.

But, it should not be so tight that you don’t have any slack on your line. When setting your hook, you can use your wrist to make a snapping motion.

When you feel the bass on your fishing line, take a quick deep breath and then wait until you feel the pull of the bass’ weight. Set the hook by snapping your wrist and then reel it in.

Remember, don’t get too excited too quickly when you first spot the bass. When topwater fishing, you should always stay attuned to what’s happening in the water because mistakes can happen within a split second. Topwater fishing requires a great deal of patience.

Crankbaits

The most effective technique for crankbait is pulling, not snatching. For example, if your rod tip is dropped at a 45-degree angle, pull your crankbait hookset. During your hookset, when your snatch your crankbait you’re actually pulling your bait away from the fish before they can ever eat it. So keep this in mind.

Spinnerbaits

An important spinnerbait technique requires adapting your retrieve to the conditions. For instance, if you are bass fishing in deep water, you need to make sure that your retrieve is painstakingly slow. You should barely move the reel handle. This ensures that your blades look a lot like a shad that is dying.

If you happen to lose contact with the bottom while you are making your retrieve, then stop reeling and allow it to fall back to the very bottom.

Jerkbait

One of the more popular bass fishing techniques. Jerkbait technique requires you to feed slack between each of your jerks. This means that you will only use the reel for slacking. Before the next jerk, put your fishing rod tip 6 inches toward your bait so that you create additional slack. This erratic action makes fish want to attack.

Drop-shotting

A key bass fishing technique. Dop-shotting technique requires you to cast your drop-shot rig to almost every place you would cast all of the other sub-surface plastic bait. This is especially useful in aquatic vegetation or near fallen trees. However, you may need a stronger line for this technique.

4 Key Bass Fishing for Beginners Tips & Tricks

How to Fish for Bass in Cold Climate

If you live in a cold climate or are getting started with bass fishing in the winter, then there are a few key tips you should keep in mind. For example, you need to take advantage of feeding time windows.

In most places, this will mean that you should fish for the bass first thing in the morning when the day is at its warmest. Even if it is only a few degrees warmer in the morning, bass will take advantage of this time. So should you.

Protect Yourself from Hypothermia

Another key beginner tip is to be mindful of the possibility of hypothermia. While this has very little to do with bass fishing techniques, it has everything to do with your safety while bass fishing.

Water in winters can be dangerously cold, so you need to dress in layers. You should also consider bringing extra clothes in case you happen to fall in. The more warmly you dress, the longer you can comfortably fish.

How to Fish for Bass in Warm Climate

If you live in a warm climate or are getting your start at bass finishing in the summer, then you should consider casting near the weeds and grass.

During the summer, bass like to move into areas where they can rest and regain a little energy. The depth of such areas tends to vary depending on how clear the water is.

Dark water usually holds the bass while the clear water tends to push the fish deeper. Fishing in these areas is most effective during early morning as well as late afternoon because bass fishes are more active then.

Make a Little Noise

Another bass fishing tip for beginners to keep in mind is to make a little noise when fishing for bass.

When it comes to summertime bass fishing, its key to make a little noise and vibrations. And this is because the fish tend to get comfortable in the summer. So you need to entice them to come out of their resting places. Using spinnerbait is even more important in such conditions.

Bass Fishing for Beginners – Conclusion

Bass fishing can be a very rewarding experience. Not only do you get the opportunity to possibly catch a meal, but you can also learn more about this particular species. The equipment you purchase, techniques you use and locations you select are ultimately a matter of preference and depend on your end goal.

We hope you find our Bass Fishing for Beginners guide useful. If you have any bass fishing tips which you would like to share, then you can let us know through the comments section. We will try to include your tips in the next update of this guide.

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