Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 01/07/08: Bass Bite Basics

Have you ever fished then started to reel and didn't realize that you had a bass on until the fish was right at the shore or boat? Well, you are not the only one. When I first started bass fishing this was a common occurrence which resulted in many lost fish.

So what causes you not to feel the classic "thump" type of bite. There are many things that a bass does that makes this happen. It is very common especially when flippin' or pitching. It can even occur when casting a worm or soft plastic.

Let's take a look at the missed flippin or pitching bite. When you place your bait during the flip or pitch into some type of structure, many times the bass will simply suck the bait in on the bait's descent then they sit there not moving. When you begin to lift the bait out, the fish will pull and often let go.

Another type of bite is when you flip or pitch, and you start feeding line for a nice vertical presentation. When you start feeding, you give out way more line than is needed to reach the bottom. You may think you just hit a deep spot on the weedline line, but 9 times out of 10 it is a fish swimming towards you and you just don't know it. If you don't reel down and set the hook, you will most likely lose this fish as well.

In casting, the same scenario can occur when the fish moves towards you or even sideways. When the fish picks up the bait on the fall, it is often a very subtle type bite and is hard to detect by feel.

So, with these types of bites what can be done to increase your chances of catching the fish? The foremost thing you can do is Line Watch! Start by buying a good set of polarized sunglasses so you can readily see your line. On a flip or pitch, the bass that sucks the bait in on the fall will often create a slight twitch of the line at where the line meets the water. Although you don't feel it, you can see it.

For the bass bite that moves towards you or sideways, just watch your line as that infamous twitch often happens there as well. Also you will see the line moving in a direction that gravity alone can't produce.

Another help in increasing sensitivity is using braided line. It transmits motion very effectively due to it's low line stretch. Go with a quality braid to be most efficient.

Finally, a sensitive graphite rod is a must. Again, the high modulus of the rod blank will give you better feel for the bite.

So start line watching and I'm sure you'll be doing more catching with less fishing!