Bass Fishing Basics: Biology and Habits of the Largemouth Bass

Bass Fishing Basics: Biology and Habits of the Largemouth Bass

By Vince Barry

Largemouth bass are without doubt the most popular game fish in America. Anglers from coast to coast enjoy the thrill of trying to catch the largemouth.

The scientific name for the largemouth bass is Micropterus salmoides. They are typically found from Southern Canada to Mexico. Largemouth bass are also known in various locales as wide-mouth bass, big mouth bass and/or black bass. Whatever you call the bass, this interesting species is the source of enjoyment for millions of bass fisherman in this country, of all ages, sexes and ethnic backgrounds.

The largemouth bass belongs to the kingdom animalia under the family of Centrarchidae. Micropterus salmoides comes from the Greeks. The word "micropterus" means "small finned" while "salmoides" actually means "salmon" or "trout". Bet you didn't know your favorite bass is technically called a small-finned trout!

Appearance

The largemouth bass is typically olive green in color spotted with dark, usually black, blotches that form a jagged horizontal stripe on each flank. It also changes its color as it adapts to temperature and the environment. It is called largemouth because its jaw is so wide that it passes beyond the ears-unlike its little brother, the smallmouth bass.

In some parts of the country largemouth bass are also called black bass because they are indeed almost black in color, much darker than in some other parts of the country. This is probably due to darker water conditions, where more brighter colored babies will tend to draw more attention-and get eaten-thus not making it to reproductive age.

Boy Bass v Girl Bass

In general, the female is bigger than the male species but it is a little difficult to tell if you've got a small female. However, females tend to be thicker and chunkier than males-much like many aquarium fish, actually. One way of telling for sure is if you milk the fish towards the anal area and find sperm or eggs that come out of it.

BassHangouts

This species of fish stays in shallow water that is usually covered with weeds, or other structure. Smallmouth bass prefer cooler, deeper water than largemouth bass. The largemouth's desired temperature is from 75 to 85 degrees. Once the temperature becomes too hot, largemouth bass will move to deeper water. So, generally, oxygen level and water temperature has something to do with where largemouth bass wants to stay. It can also tolerate environment with minimal supply of oxygen compared to the smallmouth.

Reproduction

They usually spawn during spring. Their reproduction is affected by temperature. The perfect temperature for largemouth fish to reproduce is within 55 to 60 degrees. The male fish make the nest in on the sand and it will also protect the eggs. The only contribution, female fish does is to lay eggs. Baby fish also stays with the father for a month.

When it comes to behaviour, like any other predatory fish, bass tend to be active during the early and later parts of the day, at dawn and dusk, and, during the warm summer months, at night. During these times, they are much more active, searching for prey.

Anglers in particular should take note of this fact to increase your chances of catching a bass.

Like human beings, largemouth bass also have their favorite foods. Some of these foods are bugs of all types, minnows, crayfish, small land critters, frogs, newts, snakes and anything smaller than their size. And even their own babies.

Largemouth bass also depend on each other in order for them to protect themselves from their enemies and also for them to be able to locate prey. If a hook or lure alarms one fish, or if you catch and battle one, it may very well dim your chances of catching other fish in the same area. This is much more likely to happen in shallow, clear water. If this does happen when you are fishing, leave the place for a short time then drop your hook again, fish have short memories.

I hope you've enjoyed this article on largemouth bass basics.

Vince is a guest writer/blogger at http://www.probassfishingsecrets.com/bass-fishing-florida/, the home of the anglers at Pro Bass Fishing Secrets. For more great bass fishing tips, or info what you need for the bass fishing vacation of a lifetime, click Bass Fishing Florida. Happy Fishing!

Article Source: Bass Fishing Basics: Biology and Habits of the Largemouth Bass

Fly Fishing For Largemouth Bass

Fly Fishing For Largemouth Bass

By Samantha Gonzalez

Fly fishing for Largemouth Bass is a relatively new and very effective tactic. Many fly fishermen don't like the idea of fly fishing for bass for one reason or another, but it really isn't as intimidating as it seems.

Fly fishermen are typically after other freshwater fish. "Why would I want to fish bass?" they ask. This type of fishing has all the excitement of other fish species and then some.These fish provide a great fight and a lot of top water action. If you learn to fish bass, you will have a very rewarding experience.

How is the bass fishing technique different than other freshwater fish? Some say that you need to think like a bass if you want to catch one. They are predators. They wait in their cover until they see their prey. When they are in a good position, they ambush the prey.

What does this mean to you? Some people think of bass fishing like they think of hunting. They use strategy and known behavior of the bass to locate it, then cast right where they believe it is hiding.

Most fishermen looking for bass don't find it necessary to use a large flyrod. A small one will usually suffice, but some use larger just because of the large flies. Some find it easier to cast the large bass flies with a larger rod.

When you're trying to learn fly fishing for Largemouth Bass, don't get discouraged if you run into difficulties. Everybody has their own preferences when it comes to their flies, rods, and lines. Your preference will evolve as you gain experience in your bass fishing.

Want to become a pro at fly fishing for bass? Check out the best bass tips at [http://www.bass-fishing-fever.com]http://www.bass-fishing-fever.com.

By Samantha Gonzalez

Article Source: Fly Fishing For Largemouth Bass

Bass Fishing Information - Bass Behavior You Must Know

Bass Fishing Information - Bass Behavior You Must Know

By Samantha Gonzalez

The most important bass fishing information you could ever have is knowing the behavior of the bass. In order to track these fish, you need to know what effects them and why.

Bass are controlled by climate. This is because of their metabolism. When it is too cold or too hot, they will not be actively feeding. Learning about the weather patterns in your area can let you know when the perfect time to fish is.

Bass like to stay around 68-78 degrees in the water. In these temperatures, they will be relatively shallow and on the prowl. Fishing in grasses is a good tactic if the weather is right.

In the Spring most anglers like to stay at the deep end of heavy cover. The fish will be shallow when the sun warms the water, but they will be mostly inactive because of the cold water temperature.

In the Summer bass will stay deep most of the time. Searching for underwater structures such as drop-offs and points is a good strategy for finding the bass in hot weather. A topographical map is a good investment that can save a lot of time when trying to find bass in the summer.

In Autumn the bass will come back up to the surface as the weather cools down. In this season they actively feed in order to survive through the winter.

Knowing this bass fishing information is very helpful and can save a lot of time when planning a fishing trip. Knowing bass behavior can tell you the perfect time of the day and time of the year to fish, so you don't waste unproductive days on the lake.

Looking for great tips and techniques for bass fishing? Check out http://www.bass-fishing-fever.com for the best professional bass fishing tips and techniques.

By Samantha Gonzalez

Article Source: Bass Fishing Information - Bass Behavior You Must Know

You Can Still Fish For Bass in the Winter

You Can Still Fish For Bass in the Winter

You can still catch bigmouth bass during the winter months but you need to follow a couple of proven strategies.

Bigmouth slow down during the winter and they do not use much energy so you need bait that will cause them to go after it. This is why you need larger bait during the cold season. The bait should be slow moving. I would use bait as large as 10-12 inches.

Charles Taylor advises: “The use of large, slow moving baits is the key. Don't be afraid to throw 10-inch or 12-inch plastics, like the new Uncle Josh™ "Incredible Creature™" and "Incredible Lizard™" range of lures, where you once threw a 4-inch offering. Slowly retrieve these baits, inching them back to shore. Large jigs tipped with 3- or 4-inch pork trailers maneuvered in a similar fashion will produce fish, you just have to be patient.
During summer, that smaller bait should be in and out of the water in thirty seconds. However, with the winters' climactic changes, you must now leave the larger bait in the water for as long as three minutes!

A good tip here is to keep your baits warm. I place a few imitations into a plastic bag and keep them in my pocket. This keeps the bait flexible and will work well in frigid water temperatures. Remember small attention to details like that will separate you from the rest of the fishermen, and you will catch more fish.” (Charles is a pro angler who fishes the B.A.S.S. Invitational circuit)

If you love fishing get your buddy and fill up a couple thermoses of coffee and go get bigmouth.

Big Mouth Bass Fishing - Three Tips For Big Bass

Big Mouth Bass Fishing - Three Tips For Big Bass

By Samantha Gonzalez

Big mouth bass fishing is a great sport. Spending a day out on the lake catching fish can be exciting and relaxing all at the same time. Your stress melts away as you reel in the big fish...but what happens if you aren't catching anything at all?

You start feeling anxious and frustrated and you just want to go home. Knowing a few basic things about how to fish for Largemouth Bass can save a lot of frustration and can even make you the best and most knowledgeable fisherman on the boat.

1. Watch for Bass Patterns

Ever wonder why the old geezers reel in hog after hog? They have spent a lifetime memorizing bass behavior.

Notice how the bass react to their surroundings such as the weather and temperature. Bass are ruled by the weather, and knowing how they react can allow you to figure out where the bass will be and what time is best to fish them.

2. Know Your Baits

This seems very obvious, but knowing how to use every bait in your tacklebox is a very important skill. Many fishermen just stick with their favorite bait because they don't want to stray from their comfort zone.

Each bait has its own appropriate application. Knowing how to use every bait will allow you to fish each spot to its fullest potential.

3. Don't Stop Searching for the Honey Hole

A topographical map can be a very useful investment. This can help you to find structures underneath the water where the fish may be hiding. This is especially useful during hot weather because the fish tend to stay deep.

Fish all around structures in the water until you find those fish. This is a great way to build up your secret spots on the lake.

Big mouth bass fishing is only fun if you're catching fish. Make every day on the lake a learning experience, and you'll master bass fishing in no time!

Want to impress your friends the next time you're out on the lake? Check out the best in bass fishing tips and secrets at http://www.bass-fishing-fever.com today!

By Samantha Gonzalez

Article Source: Big Mouth Bass Fishing - Three Tips For Big Bass