Black Bass and Their Senses

As with any species of fish in the black bass family, the largemouth bass possesses similar senses such as hearing, sight, taste, smell, and lastly the lateral line. The largemouth bass utilizes these six senses alternately and in various degrees all dependent upon factors such as environment, seasons, water temperature and visibility, and initial necessity to response.

Taste and smell

Largemouth bass less commonly use their taste and smell senses. Their nasal passages have a very minute number of olfactory folds so their smell is one of their lesser efficient senses. Other fish species can have up to 120 of these folds, and largemouths only have 15-20 olfactory folds. It is only when the water clarity is poor that largemouth utilize this sense.

This could throw a loop in the avid anglers who embellish their lures with gels, scents, and sprays. It only masks the human scents on these apparatus. However, it is likely that the fish will hang on the bait longer when scents are apparent. It is more difficult to estimate and pinpoint the scale of a largemouth bass’s taste, however largemouth are human incinerators, and it doesn’t much matter what their food tastes like.

Hearing

Hearing is another overrated sense that the bass rarely uses. Bass consist of internal ears that have tiny bone structures that are capable of distinguishing very subtle sounds beneath the water. This is one of the main purposes of anglers utilizing rattle baits that attract the extreme largemouth bass that they are aiming to catch. Although, largemouth bass do not commonly utilize this sense when they do it can be to a fisherman’s great advantage for landing that extreme largemouth bass.

The Lateral line

Largemouth bass contain a lateral line. It is their camouflage used to hunt, find, and hide from prey and predators. It is a structure within their body composed of pours that flourish along both sides of the bass and extend from the gills all the way to the tail. These porous features on the bass are nerve receptors that detect vibrations and movement of their surroundings. The fish can distinguish and detect the size, distance, and threats of the objects and environment that are near them. They can hunt their prey and protect themselves from predators by way of their lateral line sense.

Sight

Largemouth bass utilize their sense of sight the most out of all their keen senses. They are capable of seeing nearly 30ft when the water clarity is optimum. When the water visibility is murky and poor the bass taps into its other senses. The structure of the eyes of this fish allows the bass to see peripheral and in any direction except for down and back. Their color perception is very accurate as well, because largemouth can spot color up to from 10ft of their location, especially the vivid red of blood.

A fisherman can utilize this knowledge to their advantage. Common sense can direct an aspiring angler to utilize bright lures in poor water clarity conditions. Try to use noisy baits when the water is dark and heavily vegetated, and vibrating lures can increase the odds of landing that largemouth bass of all bass. Even better, combine alternate techniques and your chances will be inevitably successful. The more an individual understand the senses of this mystic creature, the better they will be able to master the beast.

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.

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.

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.

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.