Deep-Water Bass Fishing Tips

rafting,whitewater,river,colorado river,eagle,colo image by Earl Robbins from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Bass are known to hide behind large obstructions at the bottom, where smaller fish are easier to catch off guard and attack. Re-create the action of a swimming fish using bass fishing lures designed specifically for this purpose. Pair these lures with the right casting and retrieval technique for the most strikes. Presentation is important, so stick with bass fishing lures that work and drop them low.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

10- to 14-pound test line
Jerkbaits or swimbaits

Step 1

Choose a bass fishing reel. Baitcasting reels, spinning reels and spincast reels are ideal for bass fishing. Each offers a smooth cast and is appropriate for lines testing 10 pounds or heavier.

Step 2

Select test line size. Opt for a 14-pound test line if casting into heavily covered weedy and rocky areas along the bottom. Scale back to a 10-pound test if working a bottom where there are fewer weeds and brush.

Step 3

Rig your test line with a bass fishing lure. Opt for a jerkbait---which is a subsurface plug that can be fished deep---when fishing for bass at the bottom. Swimbaits are also an optimum bait choice when fishing deep where bass are waiting for forage fish and other wounded marine animals.

Step 4

Drop your bait low, allowing it to bounce off stumps, rocks and other obstructions. When the bait completely submerges to the bottom, wait several seconds for a strike. Lower and raise the tip of your rod--alternating between the 1 o' clock and the 4-o' clock position--to bounce the bait across the water. This mimics the live action of a wounded fish floundering at the bottom.

Step 5

Utilize jerk-and-pause motions during retrieval. Once you feel a fish on your hook, jerk the line horizontally, away from the fish. Pause several seconds and then jerk the line forward, toward the boat. Continue to utilize jerk-and-pause motions as you retrieve your catch.

Tips & Warnings

Swimbaits do not require additional weights, as they are available in sizes ranging from less than 1/2 an ounce to more than 6 to 8 ounces.

Bass move to shallower water at night.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...