Tips on Catching Largemouth Bass

Change Up Your Stick Baits

Instead of getting impatient, settle back and wait the bass out. Cast stick baits to the edge of brush piles, stumps, logs or rock piles and let it sit. Don't move the bait, just let it sit. If a bass does not get curious, try twitching the stick bait and let it sit some more. In most instances a bass will take the bait presented in this manner by sucking the stick bait in. You have to keep a tight line to sense any motion. If this does not work, try Wacky rigging the bait. Double the bait in half and insert a 4/0 or 5/0 EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook through both sections of the plastic bait. Cast the bait and allow it to slowly settle through the water. Keep a tight line.

Trick Worms

Change how you present trick worms. Switch to a solid color such as black, dark green or brown. Cast the worm and allow it to sink to the bottom. Let the bait settle for several seconds, tick or slightly raise the rod tip three or four times and then slightly retrieve the trick worm. Let the worm sit and then repeat the tick. Work your way around and over a variety of underwater structure. Also consider attaching a Shaky Head weight to the trick worm. Attach the worm to the weight and cast. Allow the bait to settle to the bottom. The Shaky Head is designed to allow the worm to stand off at an upward angle. By moving the rod tip, the tail of the worm will wiggle in the water. Many times this provides dramatic results.

Shallow Crank Baits

Work the shallows and edges to entice cruising largemouth. Use a shallow running crank bait such as a 3- to 5-inch minnow. Cast the lure toward the bank and let it rise to the surface. The goal here is to imitate a wounded minnow. Retrieve the lure with a sharp sideways motion and stop. Allow the lure to again rise to the surface. Continue the side-to-side motion, pausing to allow the "injured minnow" to rise.