Most of us fish bass for pure enjoyment and recreational pleasure, to get in the much needed rest and relaxation.
Now, we’re not competing here, but after a quick look at a professional bass fisherman’s livewell, full of bass, and it is clear that there is a vast difference between the skills of the professional angler and those of the recreational angler.
Is luck involved? Sometimes, would be the correct answer, but skill plays a much greater role in improved catches.
Professional anglers, through a combination of preparation and skill, manage to tip the weigh-in scales in their favour. Here are Leisure Boating’s best bass catching tips.
Practice makes perfect
Gary Player once said, “The more I practice, the luckier I get.” What he was alluding to was that practising in any sport means greater success.
Bass fishermen can practice technique fishing by trying new baits and lures. This aspect simply hones all-round fishing skills and improves general ‘feel’.
Weaker skills such as pinpoint casting can also be worked on to improve catch ratios. Professional anglers spend hours fine-tuning their skills and this is why they enjoy such success.
Competition preparedness is often undertaken at the particular lake or dam prior to the tournament.
The only way to really establish what works best at a particular waterway is to fish there. It also allows the angler to get a better idea of where the best spots are to fish.
Tachle talk
Professional bass fishermen the world over will tell you that having good equipment and tackle will improve your catches.
Professional bass fishermen will spend long periods of time preparing their rods, reels, spooling new line and preparing their boats for competition.
Fishing equipment that is not working will affect catches and reduce confidence.
Maintenance of fishing gear is key and it will ensure you spend more time developing you fishing skills rather than worrying about gear repair.
Research the area
Knowing the different water bodies you are going to be fishing is equally important and this is where pre-competition research is key to better fishing success. Top anglers will spend many hours researching the particular dam or lake they will be fishing in before they even get to the water.
Extensive online research into the best baits, man made below water structures, old foundations underwater and contact with locals of the area will all result in improved catches.
Another method to determine catch history in past competitions is to view past competition catches to gauge fish sizes at particular times of the year.
If you are booking into a caravan site, hotel or B & B, do it early so that you’re not running around just before the competition trying to find accommodation.
