Page 38 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine Classic 2022
P. 38
Fooling Fish: The Art of Fishing Artificial Lures
There is an art to bass fishing. Fooling a fish is one essentials that every angler should commit to mem-
thing, but tricking them into eating something that ory and use each time they are planning to and going
is artificial, well, that is something else. A major part out on the water to fish.
of what we do in fishing is just that. Tricking fish into
eating something that isn’t real. 1. Approach- The shallower the fish, the more
critical your approach must be. A fish that has
To be successful in the sport of bass fishing really become alarmed or aware of your presence is very
difficult to catch. An angler must be within cast-
is a process of elimination. It requires an angler to ing distance.
systematically approach a body of water based upon
trial and error until you uncover what will produce 2. Depth- Establishing a depth pattern is key to your
in the moment. Doubt can be an angler’s worst success on the water. Your bait must be within a
reasonable range. The tougher the bite the more
enemy during that trial-and-error process. If a bait critical the depth can be.
is worth tying on, it is worth giving it every oppor-
tunity to work. We often find ourselves tying on a 3. Presentation- The rhythm of your retrieve is crit-
bait and casting it a time or two with another bait on ical because this is what attracts the bass. First
our mind. When this happens, are we really giving through experimenting you must find the retrieve
pattern that is working. Once it stops working,
the bait we chose the opportunity to do its’ job? This experiment with other retrieves or change baits.
doesn’t mean you won’t try the other bait in mind at
some point. Changing the bait after only a cast or two 4. Experimentation- Every angler must experiment
can be a sign of desperation and a lack of confidence in a variety of ways. Without doing so, an angler
in the lure, but also in your approach. will have lots of fishless days.
5. Concentration- Good anglers have this down to
Before giving up on the bait, try everything you can an art. This is one of the most important tools
think to do with the first lure. Think about the lure. that successful anglers use each time they are
Think about how it works; your presentation and on the water. Total concentration is key in every
where you are fishing it. Use it until you are really move that a good angler makes. Home in on every
component of the presentation. What does the
convinced it is not going to produce right now. When underwater world look like? What are the con-
thinking about the lure, consider this…live forage ditions of the moment or day? How is the lure
does not fight its’ way through the water. It swims being retrieved? How are the bass responding?
and moves smoothly and easily as it cruises along. All of these things are being logged in the anglers’
Yes, it may change its’ speed and direction, but if mind so that it can be repeated.
6. Learning- Learning on every fishing trip is with-
out a doubt important. Be observant and ask lots
of questions. I know this may sound a little cra-
zy if you are fishing by yourself, but sometimes
asking the questions helps you to consider your
options and to find solutions. In fishing you are
fishing to learn and learning to fish at the same
time.
7. Confidence- The biggest factor in fishing artificial
lures is confidence. Without a doubt confidence
is the greatest lure in an anglers fishing arse-
nal. This is something that can only be obtained
through experience.
danger threatens, it will do something different.
Lures come in all shapes and sizes and using them If you are practicing these each time, you are on the
involves countless variables. Experience is a tremen- water with a lot of motivation and desire you will up
dous and invaluable teacher when an angler mentally your game significantly.
records the wins and losses. There are several key
36 Lady Bass Anglers Association Fooling Fish with Artificial Lures
