| |
| |
|
Fishing Information |
|
|
|
Fly Fishing for Largemouth Bass
Like all bass fishing, bass fly fishing has exploded in popularity. The largemouth bass is considered by many the greatest of all gamefish. Once limited to just the Eastern United States, the largemouth bass has been introduced all over the continent. When most people think of bass fishing they think of, stiff fiberglass rods, heavy lines and large lures. But more and more fisherman are finding the advantage of fly fishing for this game fish. Advantages of fly fishing: Fly fishing allows the angler a wider variety of food imitations. While large lures only imitate a small number of food sources, flies can imitate virtually all the sources of bass food, including small organisms like nymphs and even dry flies. Fly fisherman can also cast out mice, frog, and a variety of other food sources for these opportunistic feeders. Many times bass are found in shallow water, hiding under or near logs or snags or in weeds. Fly casters have the advantage of more accurate placement, and being able to place their offering quietly without spooking skittish fish. Bassy Water: Largemouths usually emerge in early spring albeit a bit sluggish, but nevertheless with a speeding up metabolism, they are seeking food. Most largemouth's will seek food in the shallows, being territorial the best hiding places will go to the biggest fish. Recognizing a good bass hiding spot is the first step in successful bass fishing. Fallen logs or weedy areas will provide cover for the wary lunker. Often times bass can be spotted by the careful observer, in clear water bass will appear green to pale olive across the back and white to pale yellow in the belly. In some areas a partner system will be beneficial with one angler standing above the water to provide a bird's eye view. Float tubes can also be helpful allowing an angler to cover a lot of water in shorter amount of time, although you give up some of the advantages of sight angling. When to Fish: Largemouth Bass emerge in the early spring from deeper water. The exact timing depends on the region and the severity of the winter. But when ice begins to thaw and the water warms up, the largemouths metabolism begins to quicken albeit slowly at first. The strikes won't be as hard, as the reticent fish, slurp in minnow patterns. Much like a trout slurps up an emerger pattern. But once the water begins to warm to 60 degrees. The largemouth's thoughts turn to spawning. In many areas this is around April. And the bass feed furiously, and seemingly without much thought to selection. It is during this time, that the bass fly fisher can found in their true natural environs. Bass cruising the shoreline in 1-3 feet of water, needing to bulk up for the upcoming spawn. It is then that the bass are the easiest to catch. Being fiercely territorial and in a feeding frenzy, they will attack anything in their path with a ferocity that makes this fish legendary. After the spawn the bass seeks out deeper water, however, early morning and evening in particular can give one great action all summer long. And with the cooler waters of fall, bass return to activity that makes a trip to your favorite bass whole a worthy endeavor. Techniques: Early in the morning, I usually fish the banks with steamers. Casting out Woolly Buggers, Woolly Worms, Muddler Minnows, and even a leech pattern or two. One to three feet of water is where I concentrate, while the bass cruise actively looking for fish to eat. In the spring time by afternoon I have switched to floating bass bugs. The very thing that makes bass fly fishing so fun. Casting one toward a nice looking bass hiding spot, I allow it to sit there for a few seconds. If you allowed the fly to 'pop' upon landing and have a nice bass picked out, often times this all that is needed for the bucketmouth to inhale your offering. Make sure your rod tip is at the proper angle to absorb the hit, or the game will be over before it begins. If after a few seconds the 'hit' doesn't occur, begin retrieving your fly at intermittent intervals like would occur in nature. This 'popping' action is what attracts the bass to your offering. Watch for the wake as the great hunter is not at all shy, and remember especially trout anglers, the bass's mouth is huge and these animals were built for eating. Flies: Well, The Big Y Fly Co. (http://www.bigyflyco.com) is about selling flies, so you didn't think we would forget that did you. If it is still unclear bass are opportunistic carnivores with huge mouths, that will eat anything. There are the usual bass bugs that float like the Frog, and the Mouse Rat. Then there are the divers, that float and then sink when you retrieve them, like the Dahlberg divers. And then there are the streamers, like the Woolly Buggers, Clouser minnows. Furthermore for those hot days or big reservoirs, there are sculpins and leeches, that like bass will seek deep water. The great Largemouth Bass has soared in popularity like few other game fish. If you haven't ever experienced fighting one of these, you are missing out on something special. Now introduced virtually everywhere throughout the continent on North America, there bound to be some great bass fishing not for from your door. About The Author Cameron Larsen is a retired commericial fly tier and fly fishing guide. He now operates The Big Y Fly Company. Http://www.bigyflyco.com. He can be reached at info@bigyflyco.com. The above article will appear in the Big Y Fly Fishing E-Zine at Http://www.bigyflyco.com/Bigyflyfishingezine.html.
MORE RESOURCES:
Fishing - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Care And Repair Of Fishing Lures Making fishing lures may be easy for the seasoned do-it-yourself angler. But the maintenance of these lures is just as important to ensure a tip-top condition. Fishing The Henrys Fork.... First Test All the books written on fly fishing all mention the Henry's Fork.They say you owe it to yourself to fish the Henry's Fork, at least once in your life. Find and Catch Those Pesky Fish with a Garmin 240 Fish Finder Garmin 240 Fish Finder Depthfinder with Transducer - a reviewThe lakes that I normally fish are deep and quite rocky, and I have been delighted with the performance of the Garmin 240 Fish Finder, which gives a clear picture of what lies below. The image of the bottom shows great detail, and if it is showing fish presence then you can guarantee they will be there. No Boat? Join Your Local Bass Club Having been an avid basser for years, and not having the wherewithal to purchase a boat, I've often felt cheated and frustrated about not being able to get out to deeper waters (where I was certain the real bass were). Having succumbed to this delimma for some 40 years or more, I finally had something come my way that I never knew existed: my local bass fishing club. Saltwater Fly Fishing in Washington State When most people think of saltwater fly fishing their minds drift to tropical climates and fish species such as tarpon and bonefish. While the Pacific Northwest lacks the hot weather and the typical saltwater gamefish, it more than makes up for it with outstanding fly fishing and spectacular scenery. Making The Most of Your Time - Fishing Safety Rules Everyone Should Know When you are going fishing, whether nearby your home or on a long distance trip, there are many fishing safety rules that you need to keep in mind.These rules can help prevent injury to yourself and others while shore and boat fishing. The Truth About Night Fishing Why Night Fishing Beats Day Fishing Any Day of the WeekWithout a doubt, night fishing is better than day fishing for many reasons.One of the biggest reasons is the size of the fish you can catch at night. How To Choose the Right Fly Line Weight Written on the rod blank or handle is a code number which indicates the line that the rod manufacturer suggests is best for most customers; i.e. Why a Blacklight Will Take Your Night Fishing To A New Level If You Have Never Used A Blacklight While Night Fishing, You're Missing OutWe all know the benefits of night fishing - bigger catches and calmer waters are just two, however, night fishermen have several challenges that "day time" fishermen do not have to deal with.One of the most difficult challenges is, of course, being able to see your line to find out if you have had a hit. The Major Benefit Of Night Fishing Number One Benefit to Night FishingI think the best thing about night fishing is that the conditions are generally the same as day fishing, but the results are much better.If you find a good spot where the fish are really hitting during the day, you can go to that same spot at night and get even better results!The fish seem to hit harder at night as well, so it is almost easier to hook them at night than it is during the day, even though it is harder to see the line. The Peanut Butter and Jelly Paradox (PB&JP) I started keeping a fishing calendar this past year. My thinking was that I would somehow get to fish more. Lake Trout and Their Unique Qualities Lake trout are a type of fish that are completely different then any other fish. Those that like to go lake trout fishing, know that they are difficult to catch. A Guide to Non-Typical Catfish Fishing Techniques IntroductionMany of the people about to take one of my guided trips don't believe that Catfish feed as aggressively as other game fish. People are used to throwing out their bait and letting it set while they wait. Successful Fishing: The Mysterious e Factor..... Successful Fishing: The mysterious "e" Factor.There has always been a strange, and to this day, unsolved mysterious theory in the fishing world. Monster Hunt: Ledge Lunker Blues Part II Originally published in Procats Online MagazineSettin' It UpOnce Jeff has picked his area by marking the right bottom contour near the thermocline and the right space between the fish and the bottom, he is ready to deploy the drift socks. Williams will usually only use on drift sock or "sea anchor" to set his drift at the right speed and path. Teaching a Kid to Fish Teaching a kid to fish does not have to be difficult, if you follow the right steps. There is an old Chinese proverb that states:"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Trout Fishing Techniques One of the most popular trout fishing techniques is called trolling. Trolling is popular as far as trout fishing techniques go because on still bodies of fresh water like lakes and ponds, the act of fishing for trout is meant to be as relaxing and enjoyable as the act of catching trout is exhilarating. What You Need To Know About Spinner Fishing Many people know just what type of lure they want to use in order to catch the elusive fish. In fact, one of the most common types of lures is called a spinner. 10 Fishing Gems Fishing Gem #1 - When Is Best?If you are in a boat and plan to anchor and bottom fish, get out there before the sun goes down and set up .Over many years, it has been noticed that a good bite usually starts 2 hours before sunrise. Fish Cooking Basics - How to Transform Those Fish You Just Caught into a Wonderful Seafood Dinner Fish Cooking BasicsI must admit that I have met more than a few fishermen that know every trick in the book to catch fish, but after they have caught it, have no idea what to do with it. So if you are still wondering what you should be doing with those fish you caught, I have some help for you.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
