O'Brien Outdoors: Catching Bigger Bass

Bass fishing officially opened June 12 and many anglers headed to their favorite fishery dreaming of catching the "big one," however, as every angler knows, there are no guarantees in fishing. Most anglers’ results probably fell short of anticipations. The following will hopefully help you land more (and larger) bass on future outings.

Most waters contain much bigger bass than anglers realize. The first step to success comes by following a well-planned approach, which includes techniques specific to bass, and in particular larger bass. By doing so, one can increase the odds of catching the biggest bass from a fishery.

By nature, largemouth bass are shallow-water predators. Until summer conditions warm the water considerably, largemouth will move to shallow water to seek more suitable conditions. Warmer afternoons in areas with direct sunlight often produce the best fishing early in the season. Coves or shorelines found on the north or northeast end of any impoundment will receive the lion’s share of the warmth on sunny days. Dark-bottomed areas will hold the heat better, keeping the water here warmer for a longer period of time.

The shallows are also where much of the prey largemouth feed on can be found in concentrations. In addition to thinking ‘shallow’, consider cover- brush, wood, weeds, lily pads, ledges, and drop-offs. Look for any irregularities within a given piece of cover. An example would be a small cove or indentation in an otherwise straight-edged weed bed. These areas not only offer the bass sheltering cover, but also offer ideal ambush positions. Whenever possible, it is almost always better to fish parallel to cover, be it a weed bed, log, or rocky shoreline.

Especially important is the transition from one cover type to another, or isolated cover such as a lone stump or boulder, small brush pile, or small patch of weeds or pads. Any of these are considered prime areas and should be thoroughly fished. I recall a barely noticeable branch end protruding above the water line in a nearby lake. It was obviously attached to the bigger branch that was submerged. It produced not one 3-lb. largemouth, but two. Make a mental note of particularly good-looking spots, or better yet, use a GPS unit to lock in exact locations. Key spots should be fished several times throughout the day. It is important to make accurate casts to these prime areas. By continually putting a bait or lure in the bass’s face, it is often possible to encourage an impulse or reactionary strike.

A rise in water level or an increase in turbidity will generally get the bass in an active feeding mood. Bass are basically sight feeders, and under such conditions with reduced visibility they will pull into shallow water. The better light penetration found here allows the fish to better see, hear, and feel prey, which makes for more efficient feeding.

Another option is to fish after dark. Much of a bass’s prey -- crayfish, sculpins, baitfish, frogs, etc. -- is active at night, and a bass can feed freely in the security of darkness. It is generally believed that a brighter moon offers the best night fishing.

When faced with ultra-clear water conditions look for areas that provide shade. A shoreline with overhanging trees or branches is a good starting point. Using lighter pound test line and casting light-landing lures or flies usually produce best. Check the line for nicks or unwanted knots, and make sure you are tying strong knots. If there is any doubt in your mind when a lure is attached, re-tie it.

Using a quiet approach goes a long way to catching more, and bigger, bass. I am still amazed at the speed some anglers pull their boats into a cove to be fished. Many only make a few casts, then leave just as hastily. It is best to power down well away from the intended fishing spot. This is also the right approach when other boats are in the area. Be courteous. Don’t stomp around in the boat or slam compartment lids. Raise and lower the trolling motor as quietly as possible.

If fishing on foot a similar approach is best, especially when concentrating on fishing the edges of lakes and ponds. Even small ponds have great potential for producing big bass. Carefully walk the banks and plan each cast. Don’t just wing it out there expecting results. Making fewer, more accurate casts will produce the best results.

Demonstrating patience and persistence goes a long way to finding fishing success. Keep an open mind and be willing to experiment. At times, the old saying, “Bigger baits catch bigger bass” holds true. I recently witnessed an angler catch two 4-lb. plus largemouth from Rose Valley Lake on 8” golden shiners.

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