| Before heading out to catch some bass, take a look at | | | | fishing crankbaits around rocks, gravel, stumps, and |
| these 20 important bass fishing tips. | | | | other hard obstructions. They can quickly fray your line. |
| 1. Fish slowly, providing better action and enabling the | | | | 12. Bass normally respond best to an erratic retrieve |
| fish to have ample eye contact. 2. When the bite | | | | and a lot of motion. Keep that lure in front of the fish |
| seems to slow down, you should slow also down. | | | | as long as you can. |
| Work methodically until you find the fish. | | | | 13. Hold your rod tip down and to the side for better |
| 3. Always be aware of your weather forecast. Wind, | | | | feel, keeping the angle between rod and line at around |
| storms, and lightening kill. Safety comes first. 4. If wet | | | | 90 degrees. |
| feet bother you on rainy days, try a pair of | | | | 14. Black buzz baits seem to produce more strikes |
| GORE-TEX sox. They are waterproof and can be | | | | than bright colors. |
| worn in any shoe or boot. | | | | 15. Since the bass's metabolism is high, use large |
| 5. Be alert and watchful. Fish give away their presence | | | | crankbaits in warm and hot weather. Switch to smaller |
| 90% of the time through baitfish fleeing; surface action; | | | | baits when the water is cooler. |
| or vegetation movement. | | | | 16. Use a wire cross-locking snap when fishing crank |
| 6.Always look in a bass' mouth before releasing it. | | | | plugs. It allows you to change lures quickly and enables |
| Most of the time, when fighting a lure in his jaw, a bass | | | | the bait to vibrate more freely. |
| will try to throw up whatever is in his stomach. You | | | | 17. If you notice feeding fish and baitfish movement, the |
| may be able to determine what prey the fish are | | | | predators are actively after the prey. Switch to a fast |
| actively feeding on and choose a lure/presentation to | | | | moving crankbait and burn it through the area of |
| duplicate it. | | | | activity. |
| 7.Set the hook on a fish by feel rather than by sight. 8. | | | | 18. Protect your eyes with a good pair of plastic |
| Regularly check your knot for weakness and hook for | | | | polarized sunglasses. They will protect you from the |
| sharpness. | | | | sun's rays and also provide a shield against a snagged |
| 9. Bass are not that smart. A swivel does not affect | | | | slip sinker or lure flying back when pulled loose. |
| the action of a lure in a negative way and fish don't | | | | 19. Keep baits fresh and airtight with a food vacuum |
| really care about it. Use one anytime there is the | | | | sealer. You can also store hooks and other terminal |
| potential for line twist. | | | | tackle this way. |
| 10. If you are using small hooks, don't jerk hard on the | | | | 20. Store small quantities of hooks with a few grains |
| hookset; just tighten up the slack with the rod and reel | | | | of rice and they will never rust. |
| faster. | | | | Using these tips will help you increase your bass catch! |
| 11. Check your line just above the lure frequently when | | | | |