Bass Fishing

State Fishing Licenses also mark the fishing season in spring. Every state has there own rules, regulations, limitations, and fees. Some even require special stamps for such fish as salmon or trout. If you are going out of state, be prepared to by "Out of State" fishing permits. Also be prepared to dish out extra cash as they like to really stick it to out of state residents. Some states permit "shared border fishing." As long as you are fishing in water that's shores the bordering state, such as a river that marks the state lines. Most size limits, and catch limits are set per lake, pond, steam, or river. These will usually be posted in a highly visible area like a dock, or ramp. Most states also allow for children, and sometimes seniors to fish without a license.

The Fish - Depending on your area, your choice of fish can vary, as can your choice to be fishing for sport (catch and release ), or to feed your taste buds the rare treat of some of the best fish you ever had.

Large Mouth Bass

Perhaps the all time sport fish, the large mouth bass is the most territorial, aggressive fox of the fresh water. That might be why it's become the fish of choice for professional sports fishing. Pro Bass Fishing is big money. From tournament fishing purses that reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, television shows, books, and merchandise, the list goes on and on. Safe to say the Large Mouth Bass is the #1 sought after sport fishermen's catch.

April through early June are the best months for Bass fishing. With the warmer water the Bass become more active, having laid low all winter, and begin to spawn. The Bass will be in cover and are caught by the fly-rod fisherman, and bait casters using large bass bugs, surface lures, and spinner baits. Fish closer to shore, fishing from a boat and cast right up to the bank. You will be surprised how shallow they will be lurking. Bass will more often bite because they are mad rather than because they are hungry. Something noisy, colorful (depending on water clarity) is your best bet. When you notice the fish are less aggressive and allusive, you might try a rubber worm drug slowly on the bottom. Give a casting spot a couple of tries before moving on, sometimes they don't get upset very quickly.

Best fishing times for Bass are earlier morning just as the sun is rising, up until around 10:00am, and dusk as the sun sets. This is also when the wind is more often calm, and the bugs are most active on the surface of the water.

The weather, and believe it or not the moon, help determine the chances of a successful day of fishing. An approaching storm or front can make all the difference between going home with a good story, or going back with even a longer tale. The Moon's phases not only bring out the lunatics, but will effect the Bass's moods.

When it's all said and done, LUCK is probably the biggest factor involved. Remember too, that fish could care less what kind of boat you have. The boat is for the fishermen, not the fish. Best of luck to you this spring!