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.