Bait and Tactics Articles for Bass
Below you will find links to articles on different baits and tactics. We will constantly be updating these links as we find them on the web, but if you have an article you would like to submit, we welcome it. Just send it to us at Contact Us, and we will try and get it on the site as soon as possible.
(Remember if you have a Personal Fishing Page with us and find an article you wish to save, you may consider copying the text and saving in your private journal to pull up for future reading when the time is right)
Click on a category below to jump to that section:
How to Use InteractiveAngler.com
Login to Fishing Page and EditThis is a step by step of how to log into your InteractiveAngler fishing page and how to edit your page. Read
Create Journal/Report Entry
This is a step by step of how to Create a Journal/Report Entry. Read
Crankbaits
"BARK SCRAPERS: The Inside Scoop on Super-Shallow Crankbaits" by Don WirthSuper-shallow crankbaits can be used in an amazing number of common bass fishing scenarios. Here's where you should be fishing 'em, plus some inside tips guaranteed to increase your strike percentage Read
"Rootin' Out Giant Spring Smallmouths With Crawfish Crankbaits" by Don Wirth
The real key to catching bass on a crayfish-imitating crankbait is capturing the herky-jerky movements of this little crustacean. Read
"Crankin' Reservoir Smallmouths" by Don Wirth
Two legendary smallmouth guides present options for crankin' reservoirs that will tap you into all the heart-pounding excitement these great gamefish are capable of dishing out. Read
"Shallow-Water Crankin'" by Don Wirth
A short-billed crankbait fished slowly through the shallows is potent on springtime bass. Read
"Crankin' Clearly" by Don Wirth
Crankbaits can be deadly in clear water if you use the right approach. Read
Crankbait Fishing-Bass, Walleye, and Pike
If you never tried or have had little success using a crankbait to catch bass, walleye or any of the pike family; read on, I may convince you to give it a try. Read
Lipless Crankbaits: Worth A Second Chance
How to work a lipless crankbait Read
The Bug of the Mud and Other Tweaked Baits
A great crankbait and how I fish it. Read
Part 1-Identifying What Characteristics make a special Crankbait
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Part 2-That crankbait won’t hunt. Or WILL it? Looking at modifications to the crankbait
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Part 3-Techniques and Equipment to Enhance Your Crankbait Effectiveness
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Part 4-When and Where to use a Crankbait (a little how too) #4
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Scorpion 1000, Crankbaits and the Potomac…Great
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Snaking a Crank in heavy cover
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Fooling Fish
Using a fishes senses against him Read
Crankbait Making 101
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Crank Fast, Crank Shallow
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Crank With Confidence
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Walleye Baits, Pre-Spawn Bass
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Shuffield Talks Traps
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Cranking In Early Summer
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Tweaking Techniques
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Deep Cranking Tips
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Finer Points of Deep Crankin’
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Cranking Small
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Small Cranks in Early Fall
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Crankbaits In Heavy Cover
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Deep Wee-R Confidence
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Jerkbaits
"Suspending Jerkbaits for Bass" by Don WirthDig past the hype and mystery surrounding Suspending Jerkbaits and find out when, where and how to fish these amazing artificials. Read
The Versatile Jerkbait
The Jerkbait is a lure that can produce quality fish for almost all situations, in both still and moving water. Read
Fishing That Darned Fluke
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Jerkbaits
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Jerk Search: Fall Bass
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Spring Jerkbait Primer
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Swimbaits
Swimbait BasicsRead
Giving Big Bass a Meal
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Modified Chatterbait
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Tubebaits
"Tube Bait Basics for Smallies" by Justin HoffmanThey can be deadly in the hands of a seasoned pro, but confusing and frustrating for first-timers. Read
Gitzits: The BASS Classic and Long Island’s Favorite Bait
Various techniques this bait can be used. Read
To Tube, or Not to Tube
A tube jig can be used in any type of cover and conditions. Read
Tubing on the Big Water
The tube bait has undergone some changes and are making a big comeback. Read
Deep/Shallow Finesse Tubes
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Button Up Your Bronze
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Tuning Tubes
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Flipping Tubes
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Strokin’ Structure
Fishing deep structure Read
A Tube Alternative
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Fast Fall Flukes
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St. Clair Tubing
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Jerkin’ Flipping Tubes
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Jigs and Spoons
"Flipping Jigs Under the Full Moon" by Justin HoffmanTypical baits such as topwaters, cranks and spinnerbaits will always catch fish at night, but flipping jigs can be bona fide big bass producers. Read
"Deep-Water Bass Patterns" by Don Wirth
Try these super-deep bass tactics for a fantastic fall outing! Read
"Building the Perfect Bass Jig" by Tom Cannon
Not all jigs are created equal. Look beyond the fancy skirts and attractive packaging for fish-catching potential. Read
"Go With the Flow for Monster Smallmouths" by Don Wirth
Wherever you live, chances are there's a nearby river jammed with big, bad bronzebacks. Read
"The Jig is up for White Bass" by Ray Sasser
Call these fish the great whites. What they lack in size, they make up for in sheer numbers and feeding ferocity. Read
"Tuning Up Your Flipping Jigs" by Justin Hoffman
Like almost all fishing lures, bass jigs can be modified to yield better results. Follow these simple steps to make your flipping jigs more effective. Read
Early Spring Jig Combo
The jig has long been a favorite, and rightfully so, as it is a great producer for lunker bass. Read
Jigs and Jig Fishing
Covers the equipment to fish jigs effectively, jig design, presentations, and applications. Read
The Million Dollar “Bass Bait”
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Jig Fishing Made Simple
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Jiggin’ Spoons
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Jig Swimming, Southern Style
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Swimming Jigs
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Jigs and Eels in Fall
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Swimming White Jigs
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Jig Trailers
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Jig-n-Pigs Tips
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Fishing Muddy Water
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Trimming Jigs
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Swimming a Jig
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Jigs in Grass
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Early Spring Jigging
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Jig Design and Catching Bass
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Jungle Cover Secrets
Read
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits: Where, When and How!Great lures for catching bass. Read
Shallow & Slow
Specialize your spinnerbait presentation Read
How Fish See Spinnerbaits
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Situational Spinnerbaits
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Bubblegum and Grape
Different spinnerbait colors Read
Trimming Your Spinnerbait Skirt
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Glowing Skirts
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Tough Spinnerbaiting
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Blades For Summer Largemouths
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Fishing Titanium Spinnerbaits
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Live Bait
"Keeping Live Bait Alive" by Ron BrooksIn many situations, lively baits are crucial to getting that big bite. Learn how to keep your bait alive and kickin' with these helpful tips. Read
Topwater
"Toadin' for Bass" by Tim AllardLearn to use these amphibian imitations to increase your weigh-in numbers and bolster your bragging rights. Read
"Catching Hawgs on Top" by Justin Hoffman
Understanding what to use and when to throw it is the most important part of the topwater game. Read
Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits: Where, When and How!
Great lures for catching bass Read
Top Water Fishing
Get ready for some “Top Water” action… Read
Making the Most of a Pop-R
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Top Water All Day!
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To Frog Or Toad?
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Frog Power
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Secret Topwater Tweaks
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Buzzbait Tips
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Froggy Went A-Courtin’
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Post-Spawn Topwaters
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Master Class With Sam Griffin
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Topwater Tips Part 1
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Topwater Tips Part 2
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Worms and Lizards
"Fine-Tuning a Carolina Rig" by Wade BourneThe Carolina rig is truly a system for offering different baits to bass in a variety of situations. Read
"Trick Worm Tactics" by Don Wirth
Three top pros discuss when and where they fish the floating worm. Take careful note -- each of these competitors has won thousands of dollars fishing these buoyant baits. Read
Fishing the Small Stuff by Donnie Sims
Finesse fishing shouldnot be termed as a pick it up when the bite is tough technique... Read
Fishing the Small Stuff Part 2 by Donnie Sims
Where and When? Read
Rigging and Fishing the Dropshot Rig Part 1 by Ish Monroe
Ish Monroe says that at times, nothing can compare to the dropshot rig. Read
How To Fish The Dropshot Part 2 by Ish Monroe
As you might expect, the dropshot rig is not good for finding bass. "But once you find them, it helps you catch them a whole lot faster than other rigs," says Arizona pro Ish Monroe, "Especially when they are deep." Read
The Carolina Rig: In Depth by Tim Carini
The easy to use rig that can become complicated the more you expand on its capabilities Read
Wacky Worming by Dan McGarry
How to fish Wacky Worm style. Read
Worm Fishing: The Basics
“Reading the Line” to detect those soft or delicate bites Read
Drop Shotting by Brendan Cucinello
Simply put allows you to suspend your lure while maintaining contact with the bottom. Article gives a diagram. Read
How to fish the “MO-WA” Rig by Roger Lee Brown "The Bass Coach"
The Mo-Jo and Wacky rig rolled into one! Read
Hot New Fishing Technique by Captain Karl Bunch
The “INCHI WACKY” aka The Jig Head Wacky Read
The Wacky Patomac by Mark Letosky
The "Wacky Rig" offers that change of pace and definitely has a place in your tackle box and fishing bag of tricks. Read
Black Bass Myths by Ralph Manns
Take a quick text and see how you do. Read
Drop-shotting in Depth by Steve vonBrandt
Drop=shotting has been touted as one of the hottest "new" techniques around, but it has been around since the mid 1970's. Read
Carolina Rigging by Dave Masterson, Outdoor Chronicles
Dave Masterson will discuss: 1. The rigging itself, 2. The weight factor and 3. How he fishes a Carolina Rig. Read
Get Rid of That Macho Bass Man Attitude!
Sometimes you have to drop the macho big baits for a little finess. Read
The Dropshot Technique by Todd "Toad" Crockett
In Northern California the dropshot technique had been quickly becoming as popular as splitshotting. And in pro level tournaments it has become the method of choice for cashing in on deep dwelling, fall and winter bass. Read
Worm Fishing. The Basics. by Charles Stuart
Like most methods of fishing, some require additional skills... Read
The Senko is just the start! by GGG Jr.
This Yamamoto Baits is kind of like my American Express card, as I "don't leave home without them". Read
Straighten Them Out With A Straight Tail by Jeff Buchanan
When the fish start moving shallow for the spawn, I don't think there is a better lure to catch bass than a straight tail worm. Read
3 Bass Rigs You Really Ought to Learn! by Roger Brown, "the Bass Coach"
I found that on certain days when the bass don't seem to cooperate, I usually will put my action baits away and pull out the "Last Resort Rigs" which are the: Read
Lizard Your Way to Summertime Bass by Michelle "Fishstix" Fitch
Fishing lizards in the dog days of summer can help put fish in your boat! Read
Finesse Fishing by Roger Brown, the Bass Coach
Finesse fishing is pretty much nothing more than "Down Sizing" a particular typ of bait or lure. Read
Finesse Fishing by Rick La Point
Tips for finesse fishing. Read
Use Big Barb In Thick Cover by Jim Moynagh
Buckbrush, cattails, reeds and lily pads are no place for a hook with a small, skinny barb! Read
The New T-Rig by Marty Stone
Using Tru-Tungsten weights for your Texas Rig. Read
Senko Master Stays Basic
Gary Yamamoto, who invented the Senko, likes to fish it Texas rigged. Read
Big Worms by Larry Nixon
Throwing big worms can be like ringing the dinner bell. Read
Splitshot To Win by Alton Jones
Alton Jones proved the splitshot rig can win major tournaments. Read how he does it. Read
Double-Deep Shakin’ by Charlie Weyer
Charlie Weyer fishes deep cover with the same specificity and visualization as he would shallow cover. Read
Punching Mats by Mark Pack
Mark Pack is very careful to be quiet when fishing matted vegetation. Read
Florida Worms by Terry Segraves
Terry Segraves concentrates on grass holes during daylight hours in the summer. Read
Carolina Rigs For Hot Water by Homer Humphreys, Jr.
Here are a few straight-to-the-pointers on using the Carolina Rig in the heat. Read
Summer Worms by Kevin VanDam
Kevin VanDam epitomizes run and gun. See tips on fishing lastic worms. Read
Better Flipping by Gary Klein
If you don't know how to flip, you're not going to win or place high in many tournaments. Read
Flipping Variety by Alton Jones
Alton Jones likes to have a variety of flipping baits ready so he can capitalize on what he sees. Read
Fishing The Icesickle by Davy Hite
Although it is more of a finesse worm, Davy still uses the 8-inch version. Read
Southern-Stlye Dropshotting by Tom Mann, Jr.
Tom Mann Jr. is comfortable dropshotting, partly because he doesn't go as light as most pros. Read
Figuring Out Super Plastics by Skeet Reese
Skeet Reese likes the buyancy and durability of the new "Super Plastics." Read
Drop-Shotting For Numbers by Dean Rojas
Dean Rojas likes drop-shot rigs for deep clear-water lakes. Read
Shallow Carolina-Rigging by Peter Thliveros
Peter T. likes fishing Carolina rigs on shallow flats in spring and fall. Read
General Use & Tactics
"Tips for Targeting Offshore Bass" by Don WirthLegendary bass anglers share their personal strategies for targeting offshore fall bass. Read
"Catch Bigger Bass from Surface Slop" by Don Wirth
Next time you encounter grassy cover on top, try these tactics -- we bet they'll connect you with a monster slop bass! Read
"Lunkers Love Ledges" by Don Wirth
Ledges -- the final frontier. Learn how to score lunker bass from these overlooked structures. Read
"Canoe and Kayak Trolling Tactics" by Tim Allard
Canoes and kayaks provide a silent, stealthy method for fishing smaller waters. Moreover, the surge-and-drift movement of these crafts across the water's surface imparts a deadly action on the baits being trolled. Read
"Powerhouse Smallies" by Don Wirth
In river-run reservoirs, cool water, plenty of dissolved oxygen, a tremendous forage base and lots of rock and gravel for spawning add up to near-perfect conditions for producing trophy-class smallies. Read
"Score Monster Bass in High Water" by Don Wirth
You'll view high water as a golden opportunity rather than a disaster once you put the following advice from bass fishing legends Bill Dance, Ron Shuffield and Jim Rivers into practice. Read
"Add Pounds to Your Stringer" by Don Wirth
Try these prespawn tips from some of the best pros and guides in the business to tap into a way-bigger class of bass. Read
"The Importance of Weeds" by Justin Hoffman
Seek out the weeds this season, and see what lurks within. Read
"Jay Yelas' Classic-Winning Tactics" by Tom Cannon
Learn the tactics that brought Yelas the 2002 Classic trophy. Read
"Lures for Wood, Rock and Weeds" by Don Wirth
Selecting the right bait for the cover you're fishing is at the heart of every successful bass outing. Read
"Smallmouth Are Different" by Don Wirth
The bronzeback's unpredictable nature makes it challenging to even the most accomplished bass anglers. Read
"Offshore Bass" by Don Wirth
Know where the big bass are hiding in your home lake? They're probably suspending offshore. Find out how to catch 'em in this article. Read
"Trolling Flies" by Jason Aki
When the conditions are right, trolling flies with downriggers is a unique system that's very effective for large lake-dwelling fish. Read
"Bass on Poppers" by Jason Aki
Bass are a natural "fly rod" fish because they spend a lot of time feeding on or near the surface of the water. Read
"Fishing Terminology"
Fishing Terms to know. Read
Most Common Mistakes
What NOT to do out on the water! Read
Bass Fishing Advice
If you want to learn to become a successful bass fisher, then you will need to be educated on several useful techniques and methods used by people experienced in the sport. Read
Simple Bass Fishing Tips
Sit down and learn a few very simple bass fishing tips that you will definitely want to be aware of. Read
"How To Choose Your First Fishing Gear"
Fishing experiences new members coming into the sport all the time. Who knows what attracts a person to fishing. Read
“Goin Mental”
With all the advice out there, what do you do? Read
Slump
How to try to get out of your no catching slump Read
Is Bigger Always Better?
Everyone has heard “Bigger baits catch bigger fish”, but does this hold true in every situation. Read
“To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before”
Rarely do fisherman cast into the middle of a prime piece of cover for fear they will lose a lure, or worse, lose a big fish. Read
Full Contact Fishing!
The Basis of full contact fishing lies in the fact that instead of fishing in and around cover and structure…you fish on it. Read
“Deer Hunting & Bass Fishing”
Understanding how you hunt for deer will help you catch more bass. Read
A Little Help From Your Friend
Having trouble catching fish lately, rejuvenate your confidence with a guide. Read
In the Heat of the Night
Night fishing is a great way to escape the heat during the summertime and keep fishing. Read
Night Fishing
After the little ones go to bed may be a good time to catch up on some lost fishing time. Read
Tactic & Technique Tips
Various short tactics for your baits. Read
Big Bass Baits
When you need to catch a BIG string of fish...What lures are you going to rely on??? Read
Flappin in the Pads
Read
The Adapting Angler
Adapting your lure or presentation when not hooking up. Read
Change Your Clocks…Change your Tactics
Read
Get Rid of That Macho Bass Man Attitude!
Sometimes you have to drop the macho big baits for a little finess. Read
Night Fishing Lake Fork
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Ken Penrod’s Tidal Bass Calendar and Lure Selection Advice
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Cypress Trees----Year-round Bass Habitat
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Fooling Fish
Using a fishes senses against him. Read
Flipping the Grass-A Summertime Tradition
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Night Fishing: Being Prepared
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Locating Bass in the Grass
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Color Section
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Big bass? Big Baits!
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Points…A Great Hangout for Bass
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Night Bassing Postulates
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Lessons From The Skipper
Working docks Read
The Locations of Concentrations
Fishing offshore structure. Read
Speed-Reeling
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Flipping All Day
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2-Part Wood Attack
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Practicing By Sight
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"The Future of Bass Fishing" by Don Wirth
What will fishing be like 20 years from now? Experts share their predictions. Read
General Tackle
"Bass Tackle Basics" by Justin HoffmanKnowing when and what to throw is half the battle to becoming a certified bass professor when out on your favorite lake. Read
"Stocking a Beginner's Bass Box" by Don Wirth
Tips for filling your first tacklebox with the deadliest assortment of lures available. Read
"Discover The Best Largemouth Bass Fishing Lure"
It is important the you are always prepared when you go bass fishing and one of the things you will need is to make sure that you have the best largemouth bass fishing lure. Read
Tools or Toys?
Looking at your lures as tools and not toys will help your selection. Read
Tackle: Why Less is More
Read
What’s this Business about Tackle Management by David Blackshear, BioLinks Systems, Inc.
Handling the storage, organization and transport of terminal tackle and artificial baits. Read
Preparing for New Water
"Bass Fishing in Your Backyard" by Don WirthSecondary rivers, farm ponds, municipal lakes and other overlooked bass venues produce quality fish and don't require a big boat or a thousand lures. Read
"How to Win River Bass Tournaments" by Don Wirth
If your next tournament is on a river, here's how to fish your way into the winner's circle. Read
Finding Your Way Home by Tom Lester II
Steps you should take to ensure a safe trip back to the boat ramp. Read
The Aerial Advantage
Aerial maps can be a real help Read
Where’s the Bass?
How to locate bass Read
Bass Tournament “Shortcuts”
Read
Approaching New Water
Read
Reading Water
Study your surroundings can be key to locating fish. Read
Fish Your Trails
Study in how to fish offshore on new water Read
Develop A Practice Plan
Read
Landmark Success
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Packing For The Long Haul
Proper packing for long fishing trips Read
Know Your Structure
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Efficient Fishing
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How To Win A Classic
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On Fish
How do you know when you’re on fish? Read
Focused Preparation
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Tidal Rivers
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The Pattern Within
Looking for the pattern within the pattern. Read
It Starts In Practice
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When A Lake Doesn’t Suit You
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Going Back To ‘That Lake’
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Learning Reservoirs
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Learning Natural Lakes (part 1)
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Learning Natural Lakes (part 2)
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Making Lists
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Be Open
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Mentally Preparing for Tournaments
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Subtleties and Being the Best
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Recognizing Daily Patterns
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Fishing a Lake for the First Time is an Adventure
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Adjustments, removing the “luck factor”
Have a game plan Read
Mind Games
How to maintain your mental edge when your not getting bites Read
Flies
Beginner Fly Fishing HelpWhen people are watching fly fishing on television they get the impression that beginner fly fishing a simple. Read
Fly Fishing - Helpful Tips On Fishing
Backed by twenty years of fly fishing experience, the “free fishing tips” is loaded with strategies and interesting tidbits that answers every fisherman’s question about fly fishing. Read
All About Getting The Right Fly Fishing Gear
You need to make sure that you have the right equipment, that is a very important aspect of any sport you play so you can get the most out of the experience Read
Fly Fishing Help and Advice
Fly fishing represents one of the oldest types of fishing developed incipient human communities for food providing. Read
Fish Cooking
"The Tempting Taste of Fish" by Justin HoffmanGo and grab an apron - Fish Cooking 101 is about to begin. Read
Ice Fishing
"A Beginners Guide To Buying Ice Fishing Supplies"Ice fishing is Winter activity that the whole family can enjoy. Unlike other Winter sports, it’s cheap to get fixed up and with tips from experienced ice fishermen, a Greenhorn can have an excellent chance at success their first trip or so out on the ice. Read
"About Ice Fishing Gear"
Ice fishing is angling performed on frozen water. The ice fishing gear the fishermen may use is either fishing lines or spears and they have to make a hole in the body of ice in order to gain access to the unfrozen water underneath the ice. Read
International Fishing
"South of the Border Bass" by American Sportsfishing AssociationMexico's natural resources are abundant. They offer hunting and fishing adventures that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world. Read
"The Amazon's Most Awesome" by Gary Laden
Peacock bass demonstrate three qualities that make them an ideal angling target: they are territorial; they mouth brood and they have ravenous appetites. Read
Boats
"Boating With Your Dog Tips"Boating is a wonderful summer activity and there is no reason why your dog cannot enjoy it as well! This activity though will require that your dog has become very confident and comfy with going in water and being around water. Read
"Basic Recommendations For Acquiring A Fishing Boat"
Even if you are an experienced fisherman, you may find that you need assistance figuring out important nuances on buying a boat for your fishing adventures. You certainly want to purchase the right one - after all, they are not cheap!
Read
"The Facts About Boat Covers"
Deciding on the perfect boat is a complicated and time consuming decision, so why would you put any less effort into deciding between boat covers? Read
Bass Fishing AdviceWhat To Look For In Used Boat Trailers
Many people buy used boats at bargain prices, but these used boats are not sold with their trailers. Some people restore old boats or build their boats by hand. Read
Electronic Accessories That Are Built to be Sturdy in Your Boat
There are numerous Yamaha Marine accessories a person can install on their boat to help them find their way home if they become lost, help them locate the fish under the surface or just make touring the lake more pleasurable.. Read
Tournament Advice
"Bass Fishing AdviceGoing To Join For A Bass Fishing Competition? Find Some Tips Right Here"In some countries especially the United States and in some parts in North America particularly in Canada, sports fishing are getting very popular. For an ordinary individual, they would surely say why there is such a loud rufus in fishing. Read
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