Bass Fishing with an Oldtimer

Over many years of fishing for Large mouth Bass, I have learned a few tips that may help the beginning fisherman to land more fish. I have spent a lot of time fishing ponds & lakes. On these bodies of water, the best results have always come from fishing along structures that attract fish. I usually position my boat about 30 ft. from the shoreline, and cast as close to the waters edge as possible. I usually have no weight added to the artificial worm or frog style baits that I use for this type of presentation. This allows the bait to sink very slowly into the water column, avoiding snagging on bottom. It also allows for a very slow retrieve. This type of presentation also mimics natural baits that have fallen into the water. A real worm that has gotten into a lake or pond does not sink quickly. It does move about very slowly. This action can be imparted onto the artificial bait by gently raising the rod tip a slight amount, lowering the tip , and slowly taking up the slack in the line that was created. The same type of retrieve works on the artificial frog, as it floats on top of the water. The key to this type of presentation is slight movement of the bait followed by a 3 to 5 second pause. I have found that a worm fished this way will slowly sink in the water column as you retrieve it from shore, thus going deeper as the water itself increases in depth. Bass holding near shore will stage at different depths depending on conditions such as water temperature, approaching weather fronts , time of day, etc. This retrieve will allow the fisherman to cover all depths as the bait drops slowly through the entire water column. When fishing the shore line, look for structure such as rocks, boulders, weeds, or sunken trees. These areas offer the fish cover from which to attack your bait and cover to protect them from larger predators.

When fishing ponds or lakes from shore, a similar tatic can be used. Don't cast away from shore. Instead cast along the shoreline. You will need to allow time for the bait to sink to your desired depth before starting the same slow retreive. For shore fishing you will need to experiment fishing at different depths to find at what level the fish are holding.

I have also found through the years that bait size effects the catch as much as bait color. For me, worms in the 4" range seem to produce the most fish. Frogs & stickbaits in the medium size appear to be the trick also. While many believe big baits are for big fish, it is well known that in the food chain BIG FISH EAT SMALL FISH. Starting with small baits will allow you to catch both small and large fish. As I am committed to catch & release, I enjoy catching quanity as well as catching the big guys. This method allows for both.