Landing a monster bass is the goal of the dedicated person who hunts for these prized fish whether to release the fish after an exhilarating battle or to fillet out a slab of the delicious white meat and deep-fry it along with hush puppies and cold slaw. Catching the monster bass is both an art and science and there are many hidden secrets for catching them.

Hot Tips:

1. The hunter becomes the hunted – learn how a small change in your paradigm, thinking and approach can lead to bass-angling success! Try to picture yourself as a bass in order to become and understand the bass as a hunter. Observe, learn, follow, study and use its natural habit, preferences, patterns, habits, prey and choice of food, in your bass fishing strategy, and you will have some interesting fish-tales to tell.

2. Equipment, site, lure and skill, dawn and or dusk, shallow or deep waters, fresh/salt water, from boat or shore – it does not matter! There are secrets and techniques for each of them.

3. Experts have proven that Bass almost figure the amount of energy it will take them to chase the prey vs. the return. If this be true , what are the implications for us anglers ? It is all in the fundamentals, the ideas, battle plan, allure, tease and methods we choose to use. This will decide and determine our success.

4. Most, if not all of the so-called ‘insider’ secrets, tips and stories to tell of big hauls of Bass, all revolve, around a very simple basic rule – understanding the fish, (their life-cycles, feeding preferences, habits and patterns, habit and menu of choice, their nature, their relationship with the broader eco-system and position on the food-chain, timing it right. Know your environment, your gear (tools), Learning the basics your and finally optimizing (each!) opportunity… For lots more in-depth bass information, go to the website listed at the bottom of this article.

Secrets of Bass Fishing

One secret to bass fishing is, what we can easily refer to as, ‘predictable behavior’. Habits, patterns, life cycles, the natural rhythm that is life and nature – also applies to fish. This means that Bass exist within this natural reality. If you can capitalize on understanding it better, you will increase your chances of successful hooks/bites. Learn more, visit the website listed at the bottom of this article.

Familiarity with the Bass’ favorite places to hang around is critical to success: Bottoms, stumps, trees , logs, weeds and plants, contours, structures, travel-routes, creeks, shallows/deeper passages, coves, channels, bluffs, banks and shorelines – all can be repetitive clues on habitual, predictable behavior of the bass. Most of the ‘experts’ came about their knowledge through reading, studying habits of their catch, in very similar fashion than what you are undertaking. Every time you get to know your fishy friends a little better, until you know instinctively where they will be and where their favorite spots are. Knowing and going where the fish are becomes demystified, but even more exciting, for it is now more than a hunch or random chance – it is a planned encounter where the watery predator, hunter par excellence, becomes the hunted! 

Check out this site now.

• dry flies
• wet flies
• nymphs
• streamers
• buck tails and terrestrials

The main purpose of the fly is to imitate an insect that the fish wants to eat.

A dry fly imitates a natural insect that is floating on the top of the water. Fish are very sensitive to any motion of their water and how currents move the insects they want for food. In fly fishing, if a dry fly is moving even slightly against the current, the fish will have nothing to do with it. The fly  may look like something the fish recognizes but it is not acting the same an insect would. The fish recognizes it as something foreign in the water and leaves it alone.

In fly fishing, a wet fly is imitating a drowned, or drowning,  natural insect and is fished below the water surface.  No one is sure if the wet fly is seen as a drowning adult insect or a nymph from the perspective of the fish. Most fly fishermen today seem to believe that it is seen as a nymph. Because of this less and less wet flies are being sold. Wet fly fishing is the oldest form of fly fishing. It dates  back to descriptions of the early Macedonian people.

A nymph is the stage between an egg and the adult in the life cycle of an insect. In fly fishing, flies that resemble nymphs are growing popularity. The nymph fly is just below the surface of the water. When a fish bulges the water without breaking the surface, he is nymphing. This means that the fish is eating the natural nymphs just as they are emerging from their shell. This is what a nymph fly imitates.

Streamers and buck tail flies do not imitate any part of the insect’s life cycle. These types of fly fishing flies are much larger and represent small bait  fish such as sculpin minnows. The main difference between theses two types of flies is that streamers are tied with feathers, and bucktails are tied completely with hair. Fly fishing that uses these two types of flies generally requires more rod and line manipulation. The movements are supposed to duplicate the motions of the little fish.

Although most flies represent water insects, a terrestrial fly is made to imitate a land insect that has fallen into the water. The two most common terrestrials that are imitated for fly fishing are the ant and the grasshopper.

Besides these basic five categories of flies, there are many other kinds of flies that are used for fly fishing. Some of them are a combination of one or more of the basic categories and some do not fit into any group. The most important thing to remember is that it doesn’t matter how the fly looks to you, the fisherman. It matters how the fly looks to the fish.

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One of the most popular fish targeted when deep sea fishing is Yellowtail. The California Yellowtail along  with the Southern Yellowtail, which is its cousin, are  Jack family members. Both are very tough customers for reel and rod.

Where To Find Them

The Yellowtail is to be found in central California and down south into the tropical waters. In fact, this fish have been a staple in the Pacific fishery for a lot of years already. 

How To Fish

Just like with most other kinds of fish, you have a variety of ways to choose from in able to fish for yellowtail. A number of lures and baits would be needed such as squids, sardines, mackerels and the most preferred one, anchovy. 

Jig Fishing Technique For Yellowtail

Jig fishing for this fish could be very fun and is considered to be very productive by most people. The Yo-Yo jig can be done by using a four to twelve ounce candy-bar type of jig. Once you have the jig, drop it to the bottom, which is usually not any deeper than 200 feet.

When you feel that you already hit the bottom, try to lift your jig off of it for four to five feet. Repeat this several times, then being followed by a very fast retrieve all the way up to the surface. It is important to remember that it doesn’t matter how fast you are cranking, since the yellowtail would always be much faster than you. Once you feel that you’re bit, then there’s no mistaking it. Once this happens, don’t set the hook and just continue reeling. Once you feel that your catch is already swimming away from you, then that’s the time that you should set the hook. Jig fishing enables you to fish using a much heavier line than your bait. A 30 to 50 lb. test usually works pretty well. When yellowtails are feeding on the surface or near it, they would sometimes take surface iron. Surface irons are jigs weighing 4 ounces or less. They are retrieved with a much slower speed than the other kinds of jigs. Using a live squid is the much preferred bait with this kind of jig. In fact, when yellowtails feed on squid, they have the tendency to ignore all the other baits. 

Using A Fishing Squid

Using a fishing squid is quite simple. All you have to do is either tie the hook directly to the line or make use of a sliding sinker which is right on the bait. However, the size of the weight you’ll be using is usually dictated by factors and conditions like currents and depth. Find the pointed end of the squid and place the hook once through it. However, take note that when fishing with squid, even small yellowtails are able to swallow it quickly. That is why you should not let them swim far before you decide to set the hook. 

Using Anchovies

If you’ll be using anchovy, then you should either hook through its nose or behind its gill, specifically on its bony collar. They are weak swimmers, which is why you would want to make use of smaller line and hooks. 

Using Sardines

When you’ll be using sardines, you can make use of the same rig. However, this time around, you should put your hook through the sardine’s nose or on its bottom, just behind its vent. Your bait would tend to swim deeper, if you hook it on its bottom. 

Using these tips you should have good luck with catching yellowtail.

Till next time!

The Unknown Secret

However, sad to say, that a lot of informal deep sea anglers actually pay very little attention to such important details. In fact, some anglers don’t pay attention at all! And then they would wonder how come the other guy catches all the fish and they don’t. Nevertheless, there are still those who realize that somehow tides can affect their fishing. However, they do not know exactly how and why this happens. These anglers usually waste their precious hours trolling, casting and sinker bouncing even when the tide is not right. However, the deep sea angler who knows his tides could pick in advanced the most favourable fishing periods and concentrate on his efforts during those times. This simply means you can have less of those wasted days and get more fish on your deep sea fishing trips. 

Getting Started

You don’t have to delve into tide’s science here, except to point out that tides are due to the gravitational forces that are brought about the sun and moon. Since the moon is nearer earth, it has greater influence with tides than the sun. 

Types Of Tides

Every time the tide is up, water would move towards land, which is also known as “flood tide”. On occasions that tides drop, moving its way back to sea, is called “ebb tide”. The period in which it doesn’t move either way is termed as the “slack tide”. It usually takes a period of 6 hours for it to rise, and 6 to get low. For every 24 hours these tides occur 50 minutes later than the last, approximately.

Variations

They also vary in regards to the degrees that they drop or rise. The highest tides occur when the sun and moon are situated on Earth’s same side, creating a direct line. Such kind of tide is called “spring tide”, which occur during new-moon and full-moon periods. During these times, both low and high tides are higher than their usual state. However, during the last and first quarter phases of the moon, tides don’t fall or rise or fall that much. This is called as “neap tides”. 

Which Is Which

So which of theses tides are helpful and which are not? To start off, most experts believe that moving tides or currents are most of the time more productive than having no currents or tides. Thus, a “slack” tide would rarely produce good catch. 

Using The Tides At The Right Time

You can take advantage of tides even more by knowing when to go. The period in which an incoming tide starts is considered to be one of the productive periods for fishing, especially if you are targeting for gamesters like bluefish, striped bass, channel bass, and weakfish. During the periods of slack water, the small bait fishes tend to scatter, and having a lack of strong currents they are able to swim faster and escape their predators. However, when tides start moving, such small bait fishes are at the strong rips and current’s mercy. Thus, they are easier to catch and find by stripers and other kinds of game fish. When an outgoing tide starts is yet another good time do fish, simply for the same logic. In general, the popular change of tide, whether it be low or high, is actually the best time to do your fishing.

Good luck!

If your goal is to actually catch a shark, the best time to do it is in June. The temperature is not too hot and it will attract more of the predators you seek. If you decide to fish for sharks in the middle of the summer, you should be aware of water temperatures and try to find the coolest spot possible. 

When you plan a shark-fishing trip, you need to be prepared. Many people would advise keeping a checklist beforehand in order to help you with preparation. Some things that you should include when packing for your trip are chum and proper gear. Your rods and reels should be able to handle a three hundred fish or greater. Typically, you should plan to fish with three to five baits in the water at a time. Therefore, you will need many rod and reel setups to accompany the ratio of bait. 

The best rod to use is a fifty to eighty pound class rod. You should not forget your harness and safety straps (you do not want to fall overboard and become live bait). In addition, you want to remember your bait and chum. Running chum is the most effective way to trap a shark so be prepared for a mess onboard. 

It is important to know what species of shark you are wanting to fish. Different sharks swim at different levels and temperatures. In order to set a shark trap, you will have to tie your farthest bait off the bow rail with a flat line clip. Make sure that the line is out of the way and stay in the highest rocket holder on the particular side of the boat from which you are fishing. You should attach your bait, attach a weight or balloon on the line, and plunge it approximately eighty feet. The second rod’s bait is set down sixty feet while resting in the trolling holder; this line is also attached to the midship with a rubber band. The third line is set down thirty feet with no balloon but rather free bait. You should make sure that your drags are loose so that you will be alerted early by the clicking sound of the reel. If you color code your balloons, it will be easier to tell which rod is being pulled. 

Once you have waited and finally caught your shark, be prepared. Sharks will have different temperaments and act according to their agitation. Some sharks have been known to slightly drag the bait before they swallow, while other sharks will run at the boat, run in the opposing direction from the boat, or come right up to the boat. If you need a harness, make sure that the harness is safely attached to the boat and the reel. 

Once you have the shark close to the boat, your experienced sidekick will be able to help. You will want to hand wire the shark into the boat. Hand wires are meant to be sturdy and they will not break if you are attached to them. Do not wrap the wire around your hand because you want to be able to let go of the wire easily if you have to. If you are keeping a shark, you will need to gaff and rope it by its tail. 

Remember that you should only keep a shark if you have plans to eat it, use it in a tournament or if you believe it is a contender for the world record. You can take a picture with the shark without killing it.

What makes ice fishing so appealing to families is that the sport isn’t just about catching fish. Getting outdoors and breathing crisp, good air while having fun sums up ice fishing well. Smiles, laughs, and playing in the snow are all pretty common occurrences while out on the ice. Those reasons are just some of the few that even people who hate fishing get hooked on this winter activity. If you’d like to try a day of ice fishing with your family, here are some things to keep in mind.

Ice fishing is usually a whole-day activity. Get out on the ice early after breakfast to enjoy the best hours. If you plan on bringing home a bunch of perch for a meal, then being ready with your lines in the water by the time the sun starts to rise is best. Fish tend to bite in the early morning or later in the afternoon, depending on the species. The period in between usually ends up being playtime for families rather than hours spent reeling up the fish.

Pack a good lunch and some snacks, because the fresh air and activity will stir appetites. Lots of finger foods and plenty of water to drink serve the purpose nicely. It’s a good idea to avoid bringing beer with you, though, as alcohol and cold don’t mix well. Alcohol can lower your body temperature and the chill in the air makes it harder to feel the effects You may end up going overboard without realizing you’ve had one to many to make the safe drive home.

Staying warm while ice fishing is a must. The open-air location will often carry a good breeze, so windproof clothing should be your first consideration. Plenty of layers underneath warm sweaters will trap the heat and keep you feeling toasty. Good boots and mitts of solid construction are best, and even better are those that are waterproof. Ice fishing involves playing in cold water, after all!

Some other accessories you’ll need are a warm hat and sunglasses. Bright sunlight reflects on the white snow and ice, which can be brutal on your eyesight and vision. Many ice anglers who don’t wear sunglasses come home and realize they can’t see well for over half an hour! Since the sun is so strong and the reflection off the snow amplifies its effects, it’s also easy to get sunburned, so apply plenty of sun block to avoid red cheeks.

If you’re new to ice fishing, choose an outfitter that will provide you with a cabin, a stove, lines, minnows and a hole-drilling service. These outfitters want to make sure you enjoy your day as much as possible and will set you up with everything you need for hours of fun. The employees will also be more than happy to answer your questions and give you tips on how to fish.

Once you’re set up, respect other people around you. Have a good time, but don’t blast a radio to upset the peace and quiet of other anglers. Don’t throw waste on the ice either and have a care for the environment. Some fishermen pour antifreeze in their holes to prevent ice from forming but antifreeze is toxic and this practice is an irresponsible one. Use the metal spoon provided to keep your holes from freezing over.

In addition, if you aren’t going to eat the fish you catch, handle them gently and practice catch and release. The growth rate and reproduction of fish is quite slow, which means negligent or abusive behaviour can put a dent in fish populations.

Lastly, pack up and head home before you get tired. Being outside for a few hours in cold temperatures will hit you hard once you get into a warm car. By the time you get home, you’ll probably feel exhausted. After a day of ice fishing, ordering a pizza for supper can be a godsend!

Many variables change the location of bass, such as water conditions, water levels, weather, and light and food availability. There are three main elements that must be present in a body of water in order for bass to survive: Food, oxygen, and cover.

A bass’ favorite meal is crawfish, which they prefer over shad. Basically, crawfish are usually more plentiful and they are easy for the Bass to catch. However, a bass will typically eat anything from rats, mice, ducklings, frogs, snakes, salamanders, worms, lizards, grubs, baitfish, insects, and leeches. Their ability to feast on one thing above another is why many people find such enjoyment from fishing bass.

Oxygen is another key component in finding bass fish. The basic rule of thumb is that the cooler the water, the more oxygen content. Therefore, if you are fishing in the spring, summer or early fall, you will find that the larger bass will drop down lower to find the cooler and more oxygen-filled water. They will also swim to find areas that are more concentrated in vegetation in order to find a better oxygen source. Trees, stumps, wind-blown banks, and power plants are all good sources of oxygen that will attract bass fish.

A bass relies on cover for a means of protection and way of ambush. Cover is part of a bass’ survival. The bass is known as a lazy fish, so they will hide and wait for their prey to come to them. The other reason for cover is that bass fish do not have eyelids and the cover is a way to prevent blindness. Some common cover areas to find bass in are around fabricated wood structures such as fencerows, docks, and pilings. They have been known to hide under floating pieces of wood or decaying wood. Weeds are the second best place to hunt for bass. Finally, rocks are the third place that bass will find cover. Rocks are not as reliable as weeds or wood, but sometimes a bass will find decaying pieces of food to feast on within some rocks. Remember that rocks do not produce oxygen, so the source is not as consistent.

When it comes to fishing, everyone has a different opinion. You will often find that these opinions range in location and source. However, there are some lures and baits that are recommended for bass fishing that may be useful if you haven’t tried them. Tequila colored 7-inch worms with added scent are recommended, as well as Rebel Wee-Rs. Hellgrammites are thought to be the best live bait, and many will say that you don’t need big lures to attract big bass. Everyone will tell you to tie up to an embankment, or find a dock to get close to, but it is really an art that could take years to perfect.

Bass are notorious for slow moving and lack of distance in their movements. Logically, you could sit 30 feet from the biggest bass of your life, and he is not going to swim to your bait out of pure laziness. Finding the exact spot is difficult and a lot of fishing has to do with luck. The only part that you can control is finding the most likely places that a bass may be and exercise some patience. Weather is important to bass as well. If it is a cloudy day, you might have more luck than on a hot summer day. However, overcast is probably ideal for water temperatures, but then you have to decide what you are willing to sit through in order to catch a fish. The bottom line with bass fishing is you can only do your best with the knowledge you have.