How to Catch a Lunker Bass

  How to Catch a Lunker

 I've been an avid angler for as long as I can remember. I think my very first word was "fish." Over the years, I've perfected my skills and have landed numerous trophy largemouth bass, also known as "lunkers." Big bass get big because they're smart - canny enough to survive for years without turning into fried fillets. Since  there is an ocean of fishing knowledge, I’m going to cover just the basics so that you may be able to go out and catch a fish in your spare time without spending a lot of money and without spending an entire day to catch something the size of your pinky.

The Right Equipment

     To get started, you’ll need equipment. Since this is about catching a "hawg," we are going to start with something simple but sturdy. If you want to have a decent first time fishing, go to Walmart and buy a cheap spin-cast combo. I suggest a Zebco 808. It's cheap, and it's simple to use. Get one that's already loaded with 20lb-test line. Since these come with a rod and reel, they’re considered combos. The reason these are better to start with than a cane pole is because they’re not too complicated like a bait-caster, but they’re going to get farther than the cane pole technique. On your combo you have a reel and rod. This isn’t rocket science. The reel has a dial or turn mechanism on the top, which is your drag, and it will need to be loosened for large fish so they don’t break your line. 

Big Bait for Big Fish

       Alright, now that we’ve got a rod and reel, let’s talk about bait. Lures are always fun, and you can keep them in a tackle box indefinitely. For a beginner, plastic worms work well. Choose one that's already rigged with hooks. Buy several different color worms, as fish can sometimes be finicky and might prefer one hue over another at any given time. Generally speaking, the darker the water is, the darker your plastic worm should be. The size of the lure is important, too. If you use a large worm, you won't be annoyed by a lot of tiny fish attacking your bait.

When to Fish

       A rule of thumb for knowing when to go fishing is weather. If you're planning a trip ahead of time, check the forecast and best bite times in your area to maximize your chances of having a successful day. Overcast and pre-storm conditions make good fishing conditions for active predatory fish, but if you hear thunder, find shelter. Always keep in mind that when fishing, a lightning bolt may find that fishing rod very attractive, and although it may be “shocking” to you, it’s natural love to the rod and electricity. Any day can be good for fishing, and I’m not going to give you a meteorology lesson on fishing since this is for beginners, so check the weather and bite times before you head out.

Where to Fish

     Of course, you'll need a good place to fish. Private farm ponds often provide great opportunities for catching very big bass. Just be sure to ask and get permission before attempting to fish. Survey the pond before you cast. Fish like cover, so look for brush piles, overhanging branches, docks, submerged logs, grass beds, or rocks.  Fish like to find stuff to hide around. This could be to ambush prey or to keep themselves from being eaten. If you’re just fishing for something that relies on scent and feeds on the bottom, then find a deep spot to drop into and wait. Other good spots could be where there is current, where there isn’t current, where fish will have to go through to get from one place to another (channels or bridges), and where there is an abundance of bait. Keep in mind that larger bodies of water hold more fish that can be hiding, and small bodies of water hold less fish that are concentrated.

Technique

     When it comes to technique, you'll want to cast your line over and around the structures you've identified. Once your worm hits the water, allow it to sit for about thirty seconds before you retrieve it. When you begin winding the lure in, raise the tip of your rod and give it a quick twitch. You want the bait to resemble a wounded prey critter. Hopefully, this will attract and excite any nearby fish into attacking your worm. Next, give the worm a little time to sink. Repeat this pattern until you get a hit - a bite from a fish. When you feel the fish strike, tighten your line and give it a jerk. This sets the hook in the fish's mouth.
   

   Improve Your Chances

        That pretty much covers all the basic knowledge you need to know for catching a big bass. Fishing isn’t all about catching a fish; otherwise, it’d be called "catching." If you want to make fishing complicated, then make it complicated. If you want to make fishing simple, make it simple. At the end of the day, fishing is a relaxing way to have fun and explore nature’s waters. For those of you wanting to try fishing, you’ve got to realize a fish does what it wants, meaning if  they want to bite then they will bite, but they can easily pass up your presentation if they don’t feel like it. By employing all the elements I've discussed, however, you can better your chances of hauling in a "hawg."