Saturday, December 26, 2009

Interesting Signs On Bass Fishing

I go to different places around the world and look for some very interesting signs and fishing elements
to add to my collection either of lures or just photos. This last week I was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and came across a local fishing store complete with lures, tackle, and all the trimmings, so I am going to post what I consider one of the most amusing store signs I have seen in a while.. and while we sometimes think of things,

this person happened to actually make it a reality. By the way, the store was perfect for all your fishing needs. Hope you all enjoy this.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Night Fishing Preparation And Safety Tips

Fishing for largemouth bass at night can be an exhilarating experience, however with night fishing there are more risks that an angler takes for something ending in disaster. If you are new to night fishing, then you really need to become educated on the safety issues and essential preparations that need to be accounted for before unknowingly exposing yourself to any dangers. It is crucial to understand that night fishing is some of the best largemouth bass fishing an individual can partake in; however it is full of added hazards.

Things that a fisherman is familiar with during daytime fishing excursions are completely foreign in the dark. When you are planning to embark in the night, you need to make certain that you have taken the necessary measures to safeguard against the hostile of the dark. You can accomplish this by simply following this list of safety tips and night-fishing preparations:

1. Always carry extra lights- Whether you are going to wade in the water or going out on a boat to land that extreme largemouth bass. Make sure that if you are going to wade that you have a lighted helmet, carry extra flashlights with you. If you are out on a boat, make sure your boat is equipped with sufficient lights and up to the codes that are required by the Coast Guard. Also, carry batteries for lights and flashlights just in case your boat lights malfunction.

2. Floatation devices- It is imperative that you have adequate floatation devices on your boat in case of an emergency. Remember being prepared and covering all bases can save a life or improve the circumstances.

3. Extra clothes- The night air can be chilly, so it is important to bring extra clothing. You can always disrobe if you get warm, however in the situation where you can be lost or trapped extra clothing can come in handy, and spare you from freezing to death.

4. Communication devices- Thank goodness for technology! Bring a cell phone and utilize your navigational tools when you are night fishing for that largemouth bass. It could spare you from being lost, and assist in being able to contact help in an emergency.

5. Flares and first aid kit- No matter what the scenario, it is always important to have a first aid kit and a flare gun. The flare gun is essential, because it can notify for assistance in the dark and help can track you down in the darkest of territories. A first aid kit can be just what is needed in an ultimate emergency or even to bandage that nick you got from removing the hook from that largemouth bass you landed.

6. Sit down in a boat and carry a wade staff: Sitting down can spare you a wet night fishing venture or prevent a more serious situation from arising. Always try to sit down as much as you can in order to not be thrown overboard or have an accidental fall. When on land or wading, a wade staff can help you define the water depth and prevent that plunge or trampling in a vague environment. It can also assist you in keeping balance in uneven terrain and prevent a miscued step.

7. Communication and partnering- It is always best to night fish with company. Safety is in numbers in most cases. It can be great when you have someone to share that experience with, especially when you have landed that largemouth bass prize-winner. Also, always let others know where you are fishing and when you are planning to return. This way in an emergency someone can pinpoint where you are or detect when you do not return as expected that something is wrong.

Fishing in the quiet of night, and listening to the sounds of crickets and frogs can be very enjoyable. Night-fishing is a great opportunity to get acquainted with one of the best times to angle that largemouth bass, however it is significantly different than fishing in the day. As with anything there are dangers in fishing at night, so it is wise to practice good night fishing safety and always be prepared for the worst case scenario.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

The Basics of Extreme Largemouth Bass Fishing

The thrill of the catch is what bass fishing is revolved around. Every aspiring angler new and experienced jumps at the challenge of landing that extreme largemouth bass or at any of the fish that are a species in the black bass family. Bass fishing is intriguing, exciting, and sometimes very rewarding, especially for new bass anglers who are venturing into this immense field of notoriety. Are you a fisherman who is considering crossing-over to the big guns fishing that largemouth bass fishing offers?


It may be overwhelming to enter this abyss of possibilities, because there is such as vast array of information, advice, tips, articles, videos, and media that surround this highly-popular sport within the fishing genre. The basics are the first step to understanding how to land largemouth bass, and as you get accustomed with the general, then you can expand your horizons and peruse the details that will improve your techniques, skills, and odds at landing that (hawg) hog. The basics are enough to have your head spinning, as well as your rod and reel with that bass you want to land.


The basics of largemouth bass fishing:


Tackle - It is best to start your bass fishing tackle with the bare minimum necessities, because it can be a waste to spend the thousands of dollars on the fancy tackle that you may not be able to utilize until you get some largemouth bass catches under your belt. A single casting rod and one spinning rod should suffice you for a while. Try to purchase a good quality, medium stiff, 6ft casting or spinning rod that is in a fairly affordable price range, and allow the salesperson to direct you to the reel that will compliment your new pole. It is imperative to be certain that the reel and rod are of equal weight and balance one another out. This will spare your wrist the discomfort from having an unbalanced set-up.


Casting- You can get acquainted with the basics of casting by simply going out in your yard and practicing the feel of the rod and reel as you cast. You can gage your accuracy with each cast by composing a target point. Just by practicing your casting technique you can expand your fishing skills tremendously However, keep in mind that a spinning reel is less accurate, and the casting reel is the most difficult to master.


Line- It is best to purchase the high-end brand monofilament line in 10lb test. This line will come in very handy, especially when fishing for that extreme largemouth bass in mucky water that has brush and debris that the line can get hung on. This line is thin, however but has the strength necessary where the line will not be affected when tugged, nicked, or stuck in brush or rocks.


Lures- Well, this accessory to your largemouth bass fishing endeavors, is one of infinite possibilities. There are thousands upon thousands of different lures that can be used to catch a largemouth bass, however until you have the proper experience do not blow your wallet out on buying everything you see. Instead, concentrate on the three main categories of lures that are essential for now. These would be plastic worms, deep divers, and spinners. The shades that you should choose should simulate that of minnows, sunfish, or perch. Start with the knowledge of using noisy baits in the late eve and early morn. These may include lures with white or yellow fringed skirts, spinners, and buzz baits. Another thing you may attempt is the floating lure that twitches and may be retrieved or ceased at will.


In the next series of bass basic articles I will explain in which circumstances to use the assorted lures. I will explain in further detail how conditions, location, weather, time of day, and water temperature all affect your chances of landing that extreme largemouth bass, and teach you how to observe those conditions and incorporate the lures you use individually to suit the best outcome.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Winter Bass Fishing Tips

Winter Bass Fishing Tips
You’re an accomplished angler; you have caught several fish in the spring and summer months, and now you want to try to fish in the winter. You pick the spot that you know the fish like to hang out in. You cast your line, and you wait. And wait. And eventually, cold and upset, you leave and go home, no Bass for you tonight. Why is this? Big mouth bass commonly have two serious changes in the winter – epilimniom and metabolism.

The epilimniom is the depth at which the bass hover at which is roughly five feet deep in the spring and summer months. The weather becomes cold and suddenly the bass sink to a depth of ten or more feet deep. The bass will typically hover at ten feet and near any structure they can find. The fish need a happy medium of oxygen and warmth and this is provided at the ten foot depth.

The metabolism of largemouth bass also changes. The water becomes cold and the fish become lethargic and slow. This means they will not travel far and wide for food, but actually just go for the small things floating around them. By staying in one space for a long period of time the fish becomes very accustomed to its surroundings. Therefore, a change in fishing methods is needed; you should make sure that your casting movements are slow and lethargic like the big mouth bass – anything quick will alarm the fish and it will not go for the bait. This also means an overall lure change from what you normally use in the spring; use soft plastic lures or jig style smoke – but no neon colors. Winter is dull and gray and the food source is as well. Here is a rundown of what you should do differently in winter:

Early winter bass fishing:
• They are located at a depth of ten feet in the water.
• Use a slow retrieve method.
• Use non-neon soft plastic lures.
• Use a split shot style of jig head style rig.
• Fishing on slightly warmer days can help the rate at which the fish will eat.

Mid to Late Winter:
• Largemouth bass are hovering at ten feet of water, usually near a structure.
• Use a slow retrieve method.
• Use small soft plastic lures in dull colors.
• Use split shot style or jig head style rig.
• Fishing on slightly warmer days will help the rate at which the fish will eat.

Now that you are armed with midwinter fish knowledge, it is important to remember the facts – they are very different from the spring and summer catch you enjoyed so thoroughly. These fish survive near freezing temperatures in a lake all winter. By hovering at that ten foot depth it is much easier to catch the sustenance that they need and it is also imperative to make your lure appear to be idly floating by. Quick reactions will not suffice, the largemouth bass will simply not pursue it – it takes far too much energy. It is important to mirror their slow reactions – if you move quickly they will not likely follow. Armed with these valuable winter bass fishing tips is likely to help you hook a big mouth bass in the elusive winter months.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Night Fishing For Largemouth Bass

In the still of the night lurks the hunted, when it is most unexpected and the prey is at their optimum vulnerability. This can be a great advantage for anglers to conquer their most sought after prey, the largemouth bass. Night fishing can be one of the most invigorating experiences in a bass fisherman’s career amateur or professional.

Why is bass fishing at night beneficial?
First of all only 10% of all fish species feed in the daytime, because their feeding preferences are so commonly night- oriented. In the dark, bass have a lesser ability to sense shadows, perceive noises, and see their surroundings. They can’t sense the things that deter them from biting that hook. These are some essential reasons that one should be acquaint themselves with the supple rewards of catching quantities of massive- sized largemouth bass. Fishermen can be more efficient, effective, and productive at fishing in the dark, if they choose the prominent feeding times to fish for that extreme largemouth trophy bass.

Planning your night fishing excursion
If you are eager to begin your night fishing ventures, you must be aware of your surroundings as you need to be knowledgeable of different terrains in the water. Preparing your night fishing is begun by checking out the terrain during the day. At night things are very different, even if these are waters that you have been familiar with for years. You must remember to move slowly as things are indistinguishable in the darkness. The first and foremost issue is safety all the time, so keep this in mind as you enter the dark water. It sometimes is a good idea to carry a wading staff, and check the depth of the terrain as you advance in the water.

What to wear night fishing
Night fishing outfitting can vary according to personal preference; however the things that usually come in most handy are commonplace. A standard outfit can make the trip more comfortable based on the weather conditions and the season. Summer is chiefly when night fishing is pursued, so that is what the focus will be on for now. Night fishing garb for summer:
Light khaki shirt and trousers
Hiking boots or tennis shoes
A light vest with many pockets
A head lamp
Plenty of insect repellent

You can use this outfit for wading or boat fishing. Even though night fishing in the summer is the most common, you will have to decide if you want to use waders or hip boots when you go into the water, or just use more comfortable "wet wear", it's up to you and your personal preference. In some cases it is just easier to go into the water with your tennis shoes and get a little wet, especially in the warm summer water. There seems to be consensus regarding wading into the water at night vs. using a boat. Wading is much quieter and there is a lesser chance of alarming the fish than in a boat, the choice is yours dependent upon your desire to be in the boat or enter the water.

How to catch largemouth bass night fishing
One of the most successful techniques to catching largemouth bass at night is one of the simplest as well. Use surface plugs that run very shallow when retrieved and move as slowly as you are capable. There is no need to rush this kind of fishing, as a matter of fact, in this case slower is better. Since large- mouth bass eat almost anything, frog imitations are very successful for night fishing. You can try any kind of lure, but make sure it is near the top and during the retrieving, stays near the top and doesn't sink too much.

To fish at night can certainly be an extremely motivating and inspiring experience. Getting out of the heat of the day, breathing in the calm night air, and relaxing in the dark abyss which embraces the best of the fishing life are a refreshing change. Night fishing also enables one to escape the masses during the day when everyone is out, (especially on weekends) and the noise is enough to drive even the deafest fish away.

The best results occur on the calmest and quietest of nights. The less wind the better, as it can present more difficulty in controlling the boat and the line. Once you get experienced at fishing at night, you can almost hear the fish in the quiet of the night. When you become the night-fishing expert you will be capable of practically casting the line and hooking straight into the mouth of that Extreme Largemouth Bass you have been waiting for.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Antique Fishing Lures for Bass Fishing Enthusiasts

As you become an avid fisherman and even in the early stages, there is one type of fishing that is sometimes even more rewarding than catching the large mouth bass itself. By this I mean "fishing " for the ever elusive antique bass lure. This is an art among itself.

If you ever wanted to be a treasure hunter and a fisherman, looking and searching for antique lures can be a most rewarding experience. Lures have been used for many, many years and the availability of antique lures is becoming scarcer and harder to find. Fishing as a hobby is one that is enjoyed by various people, searching and collecting antique fishing lures can be enjoyed by both the fisherman and his family, son or daughter.

New fishing lures are developed to be the state of the art and "new" technology, one must keep in mind that in days of old, there were only the lures of the day, and believe it or not, Large mouth Bass were caught even then without all of the new gadgetry.

The new era fishing lures are designed and developed to be sleek and take on a live bait appearance, the antique lures have a different look and feel all together. Even the materials that they are made out of are different in many aspects. While the new lures have a polymer design, many of the antique lures were made in a time before all of these new composite materials were even developed, therefore many are made of wood.

Over time, the wood will wear and the bright colors will fade and the enthusiast collector of antique lures will surely have a great find to come across a lure in perfect condition having never been deployed and still with the original wrappings.

Finding and buying on antique lure is challenging at best, nonetheless, that is the excitement of the hunt when you can locate an antique lure in places unexpected. There are many places to search for these antique lures, and once you become good at searching you will be the great fisherman in both bass fishing and catching the elusive antique lure.

Some of the best places to search in an easy way, is on line in auctions. Besides the standard auctions that we are most aware of on the Internet, there are local auction houses in your neighborhood that may have the occasional fishing tackle up for grabs.

Don't be surprised if there are others in the water looking for the same treasure as you, so be prepared to go up against the best of fisherman who have been at this for years.

Antique fishing lures tell a story and many collectors have had their lures passed down in the family for generations and were there to see and tell the story of their grandfather using a particular lure to catch the "big one" when they were just a child.

There is a personal attachment to these lures and if you have someone you know that may be a little older and was at one time an avid fisherman, you may just want to ask them if they still have their old equipment, you just might be surprised if you listen to the old fishing stories, that you may be rewarded for your attentive listening ear and valuable time by giving an "old timer" a chance to reminisce about the "good ol' days, and find yourself walking away with a relic to call your own.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Largemouth Bass Fishing - Lake Fishing For You and Your Loved Ones

Fish caught on a lake fall into three general headings: Game fish, Food fish, and Forage or Bait fish. Largemouth Bass, fall under the general heading of Game fish. Anglers, both amateurs and pros, enjoy tournaments every year and compete for large sums of money all over the United States. Whether you are an old hand at fishing on a lake or a beginner it can prove to be extremely fun. For the novice, it will be important to master the correct rigging, casting, type of bait or lure etc., in order to get the best enjoyment possible from their experience.

Therefore, we will be discussing some tips that could help the new angler, master the art of lake fishing and catch that extreme long sought after Largemouth Bass like the pros. First, knowing where the fish live, and making sure Largemouth Bass inhabit the lake you are fishing on will give you the edge to find your prey. Ask at the bait shop for Lake Maps and any information that will assist you in your quest. The local fisherman are keenly aware of the "special" places they catch their best bass and may be willing to share that information with you. At times, it may be prudent to hire a guide to assist you if you are new to the area and unfamiliar with the lake. Second, If you are fly-fishing remember that you are working the line not the fly. Fly-fishing is an art and takes many years of practice. Keep in mind that the fly is but a passenger, which is attached to the leader. Be gentle and have finess, don't snap the line like a whip or you'll loose your fly.

Instead use a smooth, snappy kind of stroke with the same type of movement as you would a whip but not as hard. The art of Fly-fishing requires one to have the "proper timing" and timing is one of the most important factors in the backcast and forward cast. Third, The most popular lake fishing is done mostly with larger, sturdy rods. Largemouth Bass can and do get quite large, easily weighing over 12 pounds. If there is a large abundance of food combined with a safe habitat, largemouth bass can get so large that your wildest dream of catching the extreme largemouth bass will come true just as if you were a pro. Landing a large fish such as this will provide you with a lifetime of memories. Keep in mind that catch and release is commonly practiced today and ensures that the population of fish is intact for the next generation. Be prepared to take lots of photos to capture the moment and have those memories forever.

When going out to catch largemouth bass, the ideal length and weight of the rod is about 8 ½ feet in length and from 4 to four and three quarters of an ounce in weight. Casting with a rod and reel is just as much an art as Fly-fishing and can take lots of time and practice in order to become confident in placing your cast right where you want it. Take your time and learn to cast with your rod and reel using a practice plug. Before long you will be able to land any cast exactly where you want it.

One day you may just cast your lure right into the mouth of the extreme largemouth bass of your dreams and land it just like the pros. Lake fishing really is not difficult to master and with a little patience you will be coming home with your share of Largemouth Bass and a camera full of photos of your day out by yourself, with friends, or with your family and loved ones. With a little patience and practice, the novice can become a successful angler in the lake. I wish you a lifetime of happy fishing and memories.

The Taxonomic Hierarchy of the Largemouth Bass

Scientifically Known as Micropterus salmoides a species of fish in the sunfish family.

Micropterus is Greek, meaning "small fin". Salmoides is from the Greek salmo, meaning "trout", and refers to the fact that largemouth bass have been called "trout" in some southern states.

Largemouth bass are native to North America. They can be found at St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, Hudson Bay (Red River), and Mississippi River Basins, the Atlantic drainages from North Carolina to Florida and to northern Mexico. The species has been widely introduced as a game fish.

In Case You Were Really Interested In The Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom Animalia -- animals
Phylum Chordata -- chordates
Subphylum Vertebrata -- vertebrates
Class Actinopterygii -- ray-finned and spiny rayed fishes
Subclass -- Neopterygii
Order -- Perciformes, perch-like fishes
Suborder -- Percoidei
Family -- Centrarchidae
Genus -- Micropterus
Species -- Micropterus salmoides