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In the world of fly fishing, trout seem to get all the press, but black bass fly anglers have always known that a properly presented fly can incite largemouth bass to strike. Whether fishing dry flies or wet flies, the angler who targets bass is often rewarded with a high-flying, head-shaking fight.
History
Black bass are native to America. James A. Henshall's classic study of black bass and black bass angling, "Book of the Black Bass," was published in 1881.
Identification
Black bass are identified by their large mouths in which the upper jaw extends past the eye. Their coloration starts with a blackish back, fading from dark green to pale green, finally ending with an off-white belly. A dark diffuse stripe runs along its sides.
Geography
The black bass is found in every state except Alaska, making it the most popular gamefish in the country. Specimens from Southern states tend to grow larger than those inhabiting Northern waters.
Types
Bass popper (dry fly) and woolly bugger (wet fly).
Black bass flies break down into two main categories: dry flies and wet flies. Dry flies usually imitate surface food items such as insects such as ants, beetles, grasshoppers and mice. Wet flies can represent small fish, leeches, worms and crayfish.
Size
Flies for black bass vary greatly in size. A smaller size hook, such as a No. 14, might be used to imitate a beetle, while a mouse imitation might be tied on a large No. 2 hook.
Considerations
Black bass are found in shallow waters beneath the cover of cattails, lily pads, grass beds, submerged stumps and boat docks. After taking a fly, black bass will often explode from the water and shake their heads in an attempt to throw the hook.
About The Author
Paul Weidknecht’s non-fiction has appeared in "Outdoor Life," "Yale Anglers' Journal," "Fur-Fish-Game," "Snowy Egret," and elsewhere. His fiction has appeared in "Clapboard House," "Potomac Review" online, "Stone's Throw" magazine, "The Oklahoma Review," and "Freight Train" magazine. He lives in northwest New Jersey. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Muhlenberg College.
