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7 Ways to a 10 Pound Lunker Bass
In the latest guest submission check out these tips to a hauling in a prized lunker bass.

7 Ways to a 10 Pound Lunker Bass

The prize that all bass fishermen want is to tell their fishing buddies about the double-digit largemouth bass they caught. However bass of this size are a very rare in the wild since they are not fooled as easily as smaller bass. Because of this they are harder to catch and as a result a bigger prize to all bass fisherman. However from countless hours on the water in lakes spread across the United States, I have compiled some tips that can help you increase the likelihood of catching the "big one"

#1 Go Where the Big Bass Live

You might catch a 10 pound bass in Ohio or Connecticut, but your odds will increase substantially if you travel to warmer waters in the south. Pretty much the best parts to find these large bass are where Florida strain largemouth has their habitat. After talking to some of my friends, I have found that Kissimmee, Stick Marsh, and Toho are the three most populated in Florida while Amistad, Choke Canyon, Fork and Rayburn are among the most popular in Texas.

Can't afford the time or the expense of a trip down to Florida or Texas, well there are a few places which you can find these lunkers. I have found that farm ponds and golf course ponds can be excellent habitats for the big largemouth bass. The reason for this is that these ponds receive little or now pressure from the outside, so the fish are left to grow.

#2 Fish the Prespawn or Spawn

Find your nearest trophy lake and go in the spring when they have fattened up for the spawn. Most big bass experts would agree that the prime times range from December through March, depending how far south you decide to fish. If you are planning a trip to Florida, Texas or eastern Mexico to purse your lunker bass you might want to reconsider. There are a variety of factors such as a passing cold front which can delay the migration of the big fish into shallow water and push them deep.

I prefer to avoid the crowd on the lake, which is way I like the fall. The weather is more predictable and the fish are focused more on food than on reproduction. I have caught most of my biggest bass during the timeframe of October through December. However the farther north you go, the winder temperatures are usually more consistent so the winter is a good time to catch a big northern strain largemouth.

#3 Moon

Many anglers who have caught big bass believe that the moon plays a very important role in determining when they will feed and how aggressive they will be . They just don't all agree on the specifics. However no matter if it is a full, half, or new moon, use the moon phases as a guide post for those lunkers.

#4 Stormy Weather

All anglers know that when sever weather which includes lightening should be taken very seriously. However if you see an approaching low pressure system which only bring clouds and rain, it is a great time to get that trophy bass. With bass of all sizes, the larger ones seem to go on a feeding tear as the front approaches.

#5 Location

One you have decided on a time to visit a prime time big bass lake, you need to determine where to go within the fishery. Professional bass fisherman and guides unanimously agree that trophy largemouth is more likely to be in certain places than others. Among their favorites are offshore structure and heavy or isolate cover near deep water. However you might as well ignore the obvious spots since all fisherman know them and the big bass have either been caught or are wary on going into them.

#6 Engagement

As you approach a big-bass hangout, ensure you are stealthy as possible. To do this slow down your boat, even anchor it so you do not have to use the trolling motor. In addition keep in mind where the cover is and do not go near it since big bass are very aware of their surroundings. If they seem something strange they are more likely to get spooked and hide out. When casting keep in mind that accuracy is very important to overall success in getting the lunker bass. Get the bait into the strike zone, get the bite, and then and only then worry about getting the bass into the boat.

#7 Hauling' it In

Once the bass bites, back off your drag especially if the fish strikes close to the boat. On a short hit, a 10-pound bass can easily break a 20lb line in the drag is set too tight. Also do not mistakenly believe that a big bass cannot jump, since it can. As it come to the surface, stick your rod tip low to keep its head down. It is tries to jump, anticipate the manuver and pull it over as it tries to exit the water. This will help you keep the line tight and the hook in the fish's mouth where you want it to be until it is on your trophy wall.

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