Before you grab your fishing gear and head out the door, why not take a bit of time to answer some of the questions you may have about bass fishing. From beginners to professionals, BassFishingFAQ has the answers to some of the most common questions concerning the sport of bass fishing.
Q) Is bass fishing an expensive sport or hobby?
A) The great thing about bass fishing is that it is an activity that everyone can enjoy. Like any form of fishing, bass fishing can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want. All it takes to enjoy a day of fishing for bass is some open water; a fishing pole and some bait and tackle. Depending on how much you want to spend, bass fishing poles and gear can range from standard and inexpensive to higher quality and more expensive. Regardless of which side of the spectrum you fall on, you can feel confident knowing that as soon as you hit the water and the bass start to bite you’ll be in for a day of fun.
Q) I don’t live near any large oceans; will I still be able to fish for bass?
A) While many types of bass live in saltwater oceans, this isn’t the only place to find them. The majority of bass can be found in bodies of water close to your home. For example, Striped bass, Spotted bass, Smallmouth bass and Largemouth bass can all be found in rivers and lakes in nearly every state. Most bass prefer habitats such as sandy beaches, rocky shorelines and medium-sized streams. No matter where you may live, not having an ocean in your backyard won’t stop you from catching some quality bass.
Q) I heard bass are strong fighters. Will I still be able to catch them using a fly fishing pole?
A) It’s true that bass are extremely strong fighters once hooked, however, many bass fishers are still successful when using a fly fishing pole. Fly fishing poles come in various sizes and weights, depending on the size of fish you plan to catch. For larger bass, you’ll want a heavier weight fly fishing pole because larger bass will put up a bigger fight than smaller bass. Another thing to consider when choosing a fly fishing pole is the type of action. Fast action rods allow you to cast tighter loops and will help your cast to go further out whereas slow and medium action fly fishing rods will keep your cast closer to shore. Regardless of the action you choose, catching bass can still be done with a quality fly fishing pole.
Q) I don’t have access to a boat; does this mean I won’t be able to fish for bass?
A) Not having a boat will in no way limit your ability to go bass fishing. There are many methods of fishing for bass that can be used without the assistance of a boat. While most bass fishermen prefer to troll from the back of a boat, trolling for bass can be just as successful from a standing position in the water. When trolling for bass without a boat all you need to do is cast your line and let it skim across the water while slowly reeling it in and moving it from side to side. This mimics the movement the line would make if it was trailing from behind a boat and will help to attract the attention of any bass in the area.
Surfcasting, jigging and float fishing are also popular methods used when bass fishing and like trolling, they can all be done without a boat. When surfcasting you must first wade into the water to get closer to the bass. Once there, simply cast your bait or lure as far as you can and begin reeling it in. If after a few attempts you aren’t getting any bites try moving to a new location and casting again. Another widely used form of bass fishing is jigging. Jigging is normally done with a shorter rod than most other types of bass fishing and is done by lowering your rod tip to the water, raising it, letting it back down and then repeating the process. Perhaps the most relaxing form of bass fishing is float fishing. Float fishing can be done from a dock, beach or any shoreline. What differentiates float fishing from other forms of bass fishing is that it requires the use of a bobber. Once you have cast your line, the bobber will float on top of the water until your bait is nibbled by a bass. Once the bass has taken hold of your bait, the bobber will begin to bounce up and down, indicating that there is action on your line and it’s time to reel in your catch.
Q) I’m new to bass fishing. Which type of reel would you suggest I start with, a baitcasting reel or a spinning reel?
A) Most beginners prefer to use a spinning reel because they are easier to use and have less backlash than a baitcasting reel. A spinning reel is comprised of a stationary spool that is controlled by a metal arm. Before you cast your line the metal arm is disengaged to allow your line to be cast. Once cast, the metal arm catches the line and begins to help wind it back onto the spool. While a baitcasting reel is more difficult for beginners, it is preferred by many bass fishers over a spinning reel. Unlike a spinning reel which is controlled by a metal arm, a baitcasting reel is controlled with your thumb. Once you cast your line, your thumb is loosely set against the spool until you have reached your desired length of cast at which time you press your thumb against the spool in order to stop the movement of the line. Regardless of which type of reel you choose to use, once you have mastered the art of spinning and baitcasting, you’ll be reeling in bass in no time.
Now that your questions about bass fishing have been answered, feel free to browse around BassFishingFAQ in order to stock up on some essential bass fishing gear. From bass fishing reels and rods to lures, lines and tackle, BassFishingFAQ is your headquarters for related to the world of bass fishing.