Q&A for How to Fish for Bass

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What are some of the most common mistakes people make when getting prepared to fish?

Kathy Sparrow, MA
Fishing Instructor
Kathy Sparrow is a fly-fishing instructor and adventurer at heart. Kathy is the co-founder and previous manager of the Kingfisher Inn, a fly-fishing lodge on the Lower Laguna Madre in Texas. She is the author of "On the Mother Lagoon: Flyfishing and the Spiritual Journey" and "The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout” a novel conveying the feminine perspective of fly fishing. Kathy is also a Certified Canfield Trainer in Canfield Methodologies. She guides individuals through the process of embracing change by expressing confidence, awareness, and courage through the tools of writing, fly fishing, and intentional conversation. She has a MA in English with an emphasis in Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American.

Kathy Sparrow, MA

Fishing Instructor

Expert Answer

Probably not preparing for the weather. It's going to rain sometimes. Always keep rain gear ready. Having backup equipment is also really important. Make sure you have two rods with you because things happen. Polarized glasses are an absolute must. Those allow you to see into the water. Mindset is the other thing to prepare. Go with a sense of adventure. Know that you're probably going to make mistakes, we all do. You might not catch fish and that's okay but you're going to learn something in the process and if you do catch fish, that's a bonus.

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Question

How can I find the fishing license requirements for my region?

Kathy Sparrow, MA
Fishing Instructor
Kathy Sparrow is a fly-fishing instructor and adventurer at heart. Kathy is the co-founder and previous manager of the Kingfisher Inn, a fly-fishing lodge on the Lower Laguna Madre in Texas. She is the author of "On the Mother Lagoon: Flyfishing and the Spiritual Journey" and "The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout” a novel conveying the feminine perspective of fly fishing. Kathy is also a Certified Canfield Trainer in Canfield Methodologies. She guides individuals through the process of embracing change by expressing confidence, awareness, and courage through the tools of writing, fly fishing, and intentional conversation. She has a MA in English with an emphasis in Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American.

Kathy Sparrow, MA

Fishing Instructor

Expert Answer

Search Google for fishing license plus the name of the state. In most places, you can get your license immediately. A lot of states also have a phone app, so your fishing license is digital, which makes it easy.

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Question

About how long does it take for bass to bite?

Community Answer

It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. It all depends on the time of year and the bait you are using -- there is not one right answer to this question. Fishing is all about developing patience and enjoying the journey, not just the results.

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Question

What does it mean to set a hook?

Community Answer

It means to get the hook to go through the fish's mouth when you feel a bite jerk.

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Question

What is the best soft plastic bait for bass?

Community Answer

Watermelon u-tail worm made by Zoom is a great all around soft plastic. Be sure to Texas rig it with a light bullet sinker.

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Question

How do you catch bass in the winter?

Community Answer

Use a tight wobble crankbait. The water clarity and depth will be determined by you, but a tight wobble, medium-deep diving crankbait is ideal.

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Question

What is the best area and time of year to fish for bass?

Community Answer

Fish areas that have fallen trees under the water. You can catch bass year round but, in my opinion the best time is in April right before the spawn.

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Question

How do I feel a bite to the extent of striking?

Community Answer

You will feel anything from a tap to a huge pull, depending on the size and laziness of the fish. Most of the time if the fish is committed, it has a high chance of hooking itself.

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Question

Will bass take live bait?

Community Answer

Yes, they should.

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Question

What do you consider a light bullet weight?

Community Answer

A light bullet weight ranges from 1/16 ounce, which is for slow sinking, to 3/4 ounce, which is for faster sinking.

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Question

How can I get the bass to be interested?

Community Answer

The biggest thing to get them interested is to get something in the water that creates some disturbance, like a boot tail swimbait or something like a craw from Strike-King like the Rage Craw. You could put the boot tail on a jig head and could put the craw on a Texas rig. If they are not into the disturbance, try something more subtle like a Zoom finesse worm.

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Question

What type of bait do I use when fishing for bass?

Community Answer

For bait, you should be able to use worms and other sorts of things like minnows at your local bait show. Or, you could use crawdads, largemouth and especially small mouth love them. But it mostly depends on your local fishery.

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Question

Can I do this without a fishing pole? I have some string and a stick, will this work?

auzzi du boi

Community Answer

No. To lure fish you must be able to cast and retrieve line. Also, bass fight hard so you need to have a drag system.

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Question

Can I just catch bait in a local pond?

auzzi du boi

Community Answer

If the pond has minnows, then yes, but check local regulations on catching bait.

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Question

How can you avoid catching sunfish?

Best Baitcasting Reels

Community Answer

Try using a different bait, fishing in deeper water, targeting other species, changing your location, or adjusting your fishing technique.

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