How to Catch Bass: The Best Fishing Tips No One Told You

Isn’t it about time you start catching bass?

Whether you are a bass aficionado, an experienced angler, or a novice, the question of how to catch bass can be a thrilling yet daunting one.

Fear not, and trust these top 14 tips that no one has told you (but are sure to lure bass your way). Keep reading to learn more!  

1. Hold Your Rod (the Correct Way) 

Just like yogis believe posture and alignment are key to perfecting the practice, holding your rod (the correct way) is the foundation of any successful fishing adventure.

Check out our post on “7 Tips on How to Hold a Fishing Rod” to improve your bass fishing potential.  

2. Bass 101 

What do you actually know about bass? 

Bass covers a range of 400+ fish species and styles such as sea bass and grouper. If you want to know how to catch bass, it’s important to have a basic understanding of this species anatomy, habits, and other quick facts.

Check out this link to explore detailed photos of various bass species. That way, on your next fishing adventure, you are more prepared.  

3. What’s Your Technique? 

Pitching? Flipping? Spinning combo?

You may have the skillset to perform all three, or maybe you are still perfecting these skills. Whatever the choice, take the time to practice your winning technique.  

4. Improve Your Knot Tying Skills 

Bass can be a beastly catch, but poorly tied knots are almost guaranteed to let them slip away.

Don’t overcomplicate things. Begin with the simple Reel Knot (or Arbor Knot). This easy-to-master knot technique will help you catch more bass and feel confident to further improve your tying skillset and abilities.  

5. Spin Your Reels 

Like knots, spooling a spinning reel is a crucial and basic step for catching bass. Check out our 3-step guide to learn how to spool a spinning reel. 

6. Stay Sharp and Hook ‘Em 

Related to Bass 101, anatomy shows us these creatures are challenging to hook because of tough mouth-area cartilage. A dull or weak hook could be one of the main factors (and perhaps easiest fix) to catching bass.

Before your next fishing adventure, sharpen those hooks! 

7. Where You Cast Matters 

Now that you know some facts about bass, including their habits, you can more effectively choose your casting spot.

Bass are notorious for “hiding out.” Seek shallow casting spots that may include rocks and vegetation where you are more likely to catch bass.  

8. Aim for Logs 

Related to your well-chosen casting spot, bass love to rest under logs, and tree branches that are sunken underwater. Do you see the theme of “hiding out” here?

Near logs, bass find shelter, a safer-feeling space, cooler water temperature, and more insects to eat. This is because the location is typically closer to the shore.

Just remember to choose your favorite reel wisely when casting near logs. Spinning or baitcasting works best! 

9. Lake or Pond? 

You may be wondering how to catch bass on a lake or how to catch bass in a pond.

Ponds are the bass’s ultimate “hideout.” Remember to seek out those secret areas like sunken branches or lush vegetation, but be prepared for a more skittish fish since there is overall less movement in ponds.

Contrarily, lakes are wider and open spaces with increased movements. The same rule applies for seeking out those hidden areas, but don’t neglect lake man-made structures such as underneath docks or railings.  

10. Timing & Seasonal Considerations  

Dependent on your time-zone, bass are known as early morning risers and late evening dwellers. However, if you can only swing a fishing trip midday, avoid mud-filled water and cloudy weather. 

While each season allows for a potentially successful bass fishing trip, the period between spring and summer is ideal. In the spring, bass undergo spawning season as the water temperatures increase. When spawning ends by summer, bass feed at increased levels to maintain high energy. 

11. Monitor Water Temperature 

Related to seasonal considerations, water temperature is an important factor when planning a bass fishing outing. Bass prefer warmer waters, typically above 50-55 degrees.

Therefore, consider checking temperatures before casting. Monitor them throughout your fishing trip to ensure water-related issues are not a deterrent to catching bass. 

12. Go Where the Wind Takes You 

When it comes to bass fishing, casting with the wind and leaning into this weather pattern may prove for a successful fishing trip. Wind helps reveal bass in two unique ways.

First, choppy waters help conceal anglers so the bass can’t always spot you. Second, wind causes existing food particles in the water to move and rise. This encourages bass (and other fish species) to come closer to surface level, making the catch easier to manage.

If you’re game for a windy fishing adventure, it can be helpful to monitor weather predictions on an application or website like this one. 

13. Fish Food

You may have questioned (or doubted) in the past: What do bass actually eat? Bass diet depends on numerous factors including age, time of year, and seasonal habits.

Young bass have smaller mouths and are unable to bite certain foods or larger lures. Older bass are more developed and are attracted to items like crawfish and shad, so pink and silver-colored baits would work well.

14. Feeding Time 

Pay attention to seasonal changes that affect bass feeding time.

As noted in our seasonal considerations tip, spring and summer mean spawning and high feeding time. Choose nutrient-heavy foods like shad and crayfish.

In fall and winter, bass try to gain nutrients for winter storage but it becomes a more laborious process to feed. Concentrating on shad during these months would prove effective, but remember they are typically less picky during this period. 

Be an Explorer and Be the Bass 

To catch bass, you must know how they operate.

While having the correct gear is important, your technique and overall bass knowledge are what will make your next fishing trip a success! 

Still on the lookout for additional fishing tips on how to catch bass? Check out our search a post feature for more fishing articles and honest gear reviews.