Among other freshwater game fish out there, largemouth bass is highly popular across all ages. Almost all anglers will recommend this feisty fish to beginners who just started to learn fishing. If you consider yourself a beginner, you’re in luck. Here are some tips to help you catch some largemouth bass, even though it’s your first time casting a line.
Why and What Is A Largemouth Bass?
Largemouth bass is a freshwater fish common in America, Canada, and Mexico, but you can find it worldwide. You can tell it’s a largemouth bass from the mouth structure. The jaw stretched out until at the back of their eyes, hence the name. They also have a greenish hue at the back and separate dorsal fins.
When it comes to size, largemouth bass can reach up to 30 inches long and weigh 25 pounds. However, most of the bass in the river may not be that big. Since they can live up to 16 years in the wild, you are likely to encounter one of all sizes.
This fish is notorious for being feisty. Therefore, it’s perfect for beginners of all ages. Younger kids will enjoy the rolling and pulling experience, while older anglers will enjoy the game of recognizing the signs. At any rate, largemouth bass is a perfect gamefish to have.
What You Need to Get Started
Of course, you need to prepare before starting to fish largemouth bass. Remember, it’s a feisty, intelligent, and often crafty fish. So you can’t catch them from sheer luck. When you come ready and well-prepared, you are already improving your chance to catch them.
Know Where To Find The Bass
Even though you know their native habitat, it doesn’t mean you should go there to catch bass. Most rivers and lakes in the world are likely to house largemouth bass, even more so when the temperature has lower temperature.
If you don’t know where to start, you can use a mobile app specifically to help you catch some bass. But the best information comes from the local or a colleague who is already an avid angler and willing to teach you. They will tell you where you can find the largemouth bass. Or even better, they may take you on their fishing trip.
Basic Equipment for Bass Fishing
You can approach this in two ways, whether you go by the budget or by the quality. If budget is not your problem, you can opt for the best rod and reel your money can buy. The key is to start small and light.
As this is your first time, you may want a 5’6″ to 6’0″ light rod. Ensure that you choose the right reel size. Too big or too small may cause some balancing issues, and being above the water, you wouldn’t want that.
After you find the rod and reel that suits you, move on to get the best line. The best line is the one that is strong, but light enough, and has high durability. You may be divided between getting a thin line or a braided one. If you don’t have any budget to spend or are still unsure if you want to pursue the hobby, you can borrow or rent the equipment.
Lures for Largemouth Bass
Here comes the fun but also confusing part. If you’re a beginner, you may feel a bit overwhelmed with the lures and bait options. There is just so many that claim to be the best ones for catching largemouth bass.
Generally, jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics are the best bait to catch largemouth bass. They are highly versatile and come in various colors. You can rig them to improve your success in catching the fish.
If you’re still confused about which lure to get, soft plastics shaped like crawfish and worms are your best bet. They look like the fish’s meal in the habitat. So it’s up to how you work the lure to attract them.
Fishing Techniques
Yes, there are several techniques to catch largemouth bass. The first is to know where you fish. Some anglers choose to be on a boat or kayak when fishing. This allows them to explore more spaces and seek the best area with the most bass.
The other technique is to fish from the dock or on the shoreline. This technique also will give you some largemouth bass since they’re hiding between the grass or following the baitfish. Most areas have a dock where it covers a shallow area next to a deep one. Which means it’s a perfect place to fish largemouth bass.
Etiquette
Yes, fishing also has some basic etiquette all anglers should follow. Your friend will remind you of some of these etiquettes. But you shouldn’t worry much as these are primarily common sense. Do not litter or throw trash in the water. If you fish with many people, don’t get too noisy or make a ruckus that may annoy everyone else.
One primary etiquette when catching largemouth bass is how to hold it with respect. Largemouth bass fishing can be only for fun or to have it back home to cook. When you only fish for excitement, it’s normal to take pictures of fish above 2 pounds. But you need to remember to make it quick and hold the fish in the mouth with the largest grip you can do. This will lessen the fish’s pain.
Do not take too long to pose with the fish, unless you want to cook it. If you plan to return the fish to the water, make sure that the fish is breathing fine and feeling less stressed. Largemouth bass can stay out of the water for a while, but they still feel the stress.
Largemouth bass are one of the most popular introductory fish for any beginner who wants to try freshwater game fishing. It comes in various sizes and can put up a fight. You will remember the first time you catch the bass and will come back for more!