Synopses & Reviews
"Bass fishing has evolved into what may be the quintessential American angling form. It's a pretty good story line: aggressive, scrappy, widely distributed fish . . . a ravenous predator, susceptible to a wide range of lures and fishing methods . . . pursued by people of all means, fishing as simply or as elaborately as their interests and wallets desire. No wonder bass are king in the collective hearts of North American fishermen."--Ken Schultz
Successful Bass Fishing is the definitive book on playing and landing large- and smallmouth bass in every kind of water--a practical, user-friendly, and vividly illustrated book for both beginner and expert. Schultz describes the sensory capabilities, mating habits, water temperature preferences, and feeding behaivor of bass, and he emphasizes the importance of resource protection through catch-and-release.
By providing the latest information on lines, rods, reels, lures, boats, and sonar, Schultz helps you get the most out of your equipment. Most important, he shares his proven techniques for casting, retrieving, playing, and landing bass, telling you not only what to use but where, when, and how to use it. And he devotes a special chapter to catching trophy bass.
Wherever you fish for bass, and no matter what your skill level, Successful Bass Fishing will help you become a better, more knowledgeable bass angler.
Synopsis
This guide to largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing includes all the information needed to catch America's favorite gamefish: where to find them, natural history, feeding behavior, rods and reels, lines, lures, boats, accessories, and techniques. The latter include night fishing, spring fishing, working the vegetation, fly fishing, trolling, and conservation,
About the Author
Ken Schultz, one of the best-known fishermen in America, has been a staff writer for Field & Stream for 23 years. A former holder of seven world fishing records and author of numerous books, including The Art of Trolling (Ragged Mountain Press, 1996), he has also written about angling for many publications, including the New York Times. He resides in the Catskills region of New York.
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. The Home of the Bass
Water Temperature
Water Types
Cover
Water Conditions
Chapter 2. Bass Biology
Facts and Figures
Reproduction
Sensory Abilities
Feeding Behavior
Chapter 3. Rods and Reels
Tackle Weight Classifications
Rods
Reels
Fly Tackle
Chapter 4. Line
Understanding Fishing Line
The Properties of Line
Line Use
Knots
Chapter 5. Lures
Crankbaits
Spinnerbaits
Surface Lures
Jigs
Spoons
Spinners
Plastic Worms
Flies
Live Bait
Chapter 6. Boats
Selection
Electric Motors
Chapter 7. Practical Boat and Sonar Use
Boat Positioning and Lure Presentation
Sonar
Maps
Chapter 8. The Fine Points
Practical Casting Techniques
Setting the Drag
Mastering the Retrieve
Fishing Deep
Fishing Close
Tuning Crankbaits
Preparation and Versatility
Confidence
Chapter 9. Playing, Landing, and Releasing Bass
Playing and Landing Bass
Releasing Bass
Retaining Bass
Chapter 10. Early in the Season
Water Temperature
Lures and Bait
Chapter 11. Later in the Season
Water Temperature
Small Waters and Uncrowded Areas
Light Tackle
Lures
Other Considerations
Fishing at Night
Chapter 12. Working the Vegetation
Vegetation Types and Appropriate Tactics
Lures
Tackle
Chapter 13. Catching Big Bass
Lures
"X" Marks the Spot
Go Ahead, Try It!
The One That Got Away
Index