Find and Catch Bass Year-Round with Top Bass Anglers
Day 4: Biologist Ken Cook Explains How Bass Feed and Mark Davis Fishes Deep and Fast
Editor’s Note: Professional bass fishermen must catch bass year-round. Here’s what they say about their best bass-catching tips.
Ken Cook: Feeding Time!
When you can’t locate bass, remember that bass relate to different types of cover, depending upon their attitudes. When bass want to actively feed, they’ll hold just outside cover. But when bass are under stress, they’ll go under structure like a log or a rock. Bass may even bury-up deep in cover. When bass don’t bite, look for objects to fish under or around, or fish deep. Too, downsize by using smaller-diameter line and more natural-looking bait. If bass don’t want to eat, they’ll often take a small meal instead of a big meal. Try this tactic to help you catch more bass.
Mark Davis: Deep and Fast
Most anglers consider learning to read the water one of the most-difficult aspects of bass fishing. During the summertime, search for bass close to deep water. If you’re fishing in a creek, look for the bass close to the creek channel. Most anglers believe a bass’s body metabolism slows-down during hot-weather conditions. They’ll recommend you fish slowly to catch bass. I’ve learned, however, that in the hot summer months, you’ll generally catch more bass by fishing a fast-moving lure like a crankbait or a spinner bait than you will when you fish a slow-moving bait like a jig-and-pig or a plastic worm. Fish the crankbait and spinner bait in deep water. Use a stop-and-go retrieve: reel the lure quickly, stop it for a few seconds, and then crank it again. This retrieve will excite bass and make them react instinctively to the lure.
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