Bassfishing

Question: How deep do you set the bait when bassfishing?

(Posted by: lucast4@sbcglobal.net on 2008-09-03 18:06:18)

How deep under the surface do you put the hook? and if I am using a fake worm, do I need to shake the bait in a special way or just leave it there?

Posted by: Artie on 2008-09-04, 09:26:18

Lucast, for fishing on the bottom: the presentation of the artificial (worm, grub, lizard) I found most effective was split shotting but I also use the carolina rig and the texas rig. you use a worm hook I like the blue mustads personally you put the hook tip into the (head) end of the bait and immediately (at a 45 degree angle) out the side that you want to be the bottom or underbelly of the bait (what will sit against the bottom of the water you are fishing). Then pull the hook through so just the circle area your line is tied onto shows. Then turn the hook 180 degrees back so the hook tip is facing the bait and (this is key) you lay the hook against the baits side so as to visualize where the hook tip will have to go into the baits body, that's so the bait hangs straight without any kinks, twists or bends in it (this is imparitive) so you see the exact place it needs to go into the bait body and you kind of hunch up the bait and stick the tip into the body of the bait. Now if it is hanging on your line perfectly straight. the hook will be enough weight to always keep it down in the gravel, silt, sand, whatever the bottom is but the hook will always be facing down. So knowing this, all curly tails you use you want facing up! They always have to be up! If they aren't, they will drag the bottom upon retrieve and not give the flash of being alive and wiggling they will just rut the bottom. As far as the retrieve go buy some night crawlers (or dig them up) and in a large container At least 6 " deep with water in it you can watch them. Just drop one in and watch what it does and imulate that motion. I liken it to raise the tip of the rod bringing the bait off (bet never far from) the bottom and letting it ease back down into the bottom, this will leave the tail up and visible. Sometimes I flick my rod and it makes the bait twitch (like you'll see the nightcrawler do in the water) but lizards I more or less swim and if I am fishing on the bass beds I will swim it over them and then drop it into the bed. Same with grubs (both excellent spring baits for fishing beds grounds)

Posted by: skydvejam2000 on 2008-09-03, 18:51:12

That is a few age old questions, it depends on how deep the fish are sitting, and where they are eating. In the early morning it is great to use a surface bait, I am talking before the sun is up, but where there is still day break, that is when the fish are most active, it is a blast watching the fish hit a top water lure. As for fake worms there are several ways of rigging them, but you need to keep it on the bottom, and there are several different ways of bringing it back to you, the key being that you feel the bottom of the lake that you are on, and feel even the lightest bite from the fish. Sometimes it is a stop and go retrieve, other times it is a slow crawl on the bottom. Now there is a new rig, where people are floating there worms some, but this link will at least get you started in the right direction. nebraskafishing.com/ article.aspx?ID= 316 do some Google searching, and if your serious about learning how to fish better do a pro am tournament where you get to fish with a pro. You will learn more through that, and possibly make a few bucks while your at it. Just remember to pitch in for the fuel, and be nice to your host, and never give up his fishing spots to anyone.

Posted by: flounderbytes on 2008-09-03, 19:00:33

Check out this site for worm rigging. bassresource.com/ fish/ plasticworms.html It's unlikely that you will be using a bobber for the fake worms, but the good news is that you can use it for live bait. Set the hook around 2 to 3 feet below the bobber, this way you can still cast without too much trouble. You can fish most of your live bait with this set up like worms, minnows and shiners. Hey, good luck and catch a bunch!

Posted by: weewee on 2008-09-03, 21:15:02

It doesn't matter how deep cos I think you can catch it.If you have been fishing for some time,those fishes that you caught are the sign of your mastery.Everyone with the interest and determination will be a great angler like YOU.Worms are most suitable to be at the bottom and you just have to make it lively without having to move it in a special way.There isn't a special way or maybe I don't know how to.If you found out how to do it the special way/ secret,please let me know.