Bass Enthusiast - Landing a Moster Bass

Home

Tackle Box

Bass University

Landing a Moster Bass

Your Ad Here

Check out the Sections of Bass University

Bait

Fishing Dictionary

How To

Location Fishing

Quick Tips

Set-Up

Landing a Moster Bass

So you have all of your equiptment ready and are ready to go out.? Well do you know how to land a monster bass. Check this out for some tips for the novice bass angler.

Landing A Monster Bass

With all of the big promises of the fishing equipment manufacturers, it seems like the angler does not have to do any work to catch a fish. As any experienced angler will tell you, catching fish is not as easy as it may seem. There are some key components such as setting the hook in the fish, being able to control a fish that is fighting with out loosing it, and the best part landing the fish.

Setting the Hook

In order to be a successful fisherman, an angler must learn how to set a hook. The term, "Setting the hook", refers to the method of forcing a hook into a fish's mouth so you will be able to reel the fish in. In most cases especially for bass, one sharp snap of the rod is all that is needed to get the fish, provided the hook is sharp. However in some situations, some more force will be required in order to get the hook set. For example, a single hard strike is needed when fishing for bass using a soft-plastic worm rigged Texas style (the hook is concealed inside the worm). The reason for this is the strike must drive the hook through the worm first and then into the fish's mouth. Striking too hard or repeatedly with a soft-mouthed fish such as a crappie, shad, or sea trout can pull the hook through the mouth and leave the angler without the fish.

Fighting a Fish

Once you have been able to set the hook inside the fish the fish will begin to feel that it is caught on something. When this occurs the fish will struggle to get free of the hook. A fish will react by jumping, making a long run, swimming back into snags, or swimming around obstacles all in the purpose of getting off catch list. As you can imagine each species of fish fights differently and as you become more and more experienced you will be able to tell what species of fish is on the end of the line just by the way it fights. For instance Carp and Chinook salmon are strong, powerful fish that tend to make long runs while Largemouth Bass and Steelhead Trout both run and jump.

In addition depending on where you have hooked the fish, the type of fight will be different as well. Most fish which are hooked in shallow water are more likely to jump and behave more frantically than those hooked in deep water. The reason for this is when hooked, deep-water fish often seek the bottom. Therefore Largemouth bass are less likely to jump than smaller bass.

Well here is the good part, it is still possible to land many small fish just by reeling them in the old fashion way. There is no question that they will fight, but this can be easily overcome by the strength of the line as well as the fishing rod. Most anglers including myself will tell you there is a great amount of enjoyment by using lighter tackle that allows the fish to fight. If you decide to fish this way always keep in mind that, if you plan to release the fish, do not let the fish fight you so long that it becomes exhausted and later dies.

Unlike small fish, fighting larger fish requires a technique called "pumping the rod." In order to accurately complete this effectively, retrieve line quickly while you are lowering the rod until it is horizontal and pointed at the fish. Once you are in this position stop reeling in the line and slowly raise the rod up. When the gets to the 11 o'clock position, repeat the first step until the fish is near and ready to be landed. Always keep min mind to never let the line go slack in the process or you will loose the fish and waste a strong effort.

Landing a Fish

Once you have reeled the fish into the shore or near the boat there are two ways to land the fish, by hand or with a landing tool such as a net. Also if you are fishing from the shore, beaching fish is another popular way to land a fish. If you decide to utilize this method please keep in mind that it should be used only if you plan to keep and eat the fish as it will harm the coating on its body.

One of the most common landing tools used by anglers is a landing net. Depending on where you are fishing there are different types of nets that you should use. Long-handled nets are used for boat or shore fishing while Short-handled nets are used for stream fishing. The reason for this is the size of the net depends on the size of the fish you are planning on catching.

To net a fish, you must first have the fish under control as much as possible through the utilization of the techniques above. Once the fish is near your area, lead the fish to the net while placing the net in the water. Once you have the fish completely in the net, raise the net by the handle out of the water. If you have a heavy fish, also grasp the net's rim to prevent the handle from bending or breaking.

A popular way to land bass is by hand. Carefully avoiding hooks, many bass anglers use the thumb and index finger to grip a bass by its lower jaw. This holds the jaw wide open and temporarily paralyzes the fish. To handle a fish with sharp teeth such as walleye or northern pike, carefully hold it around the body. Never hold a fish by the eyes or gills if you plan to free it. Other fish like Chinook or Atlantic salmon have a strong tail and you can grasp them in front of the tail fin.