Git Hookd: Pro Tips
Get the edge on your next trip. Here are some of our team’s favorite tips for landing more and bigger bass.
Finding the Fish (Structure & Cover)
1. Fish the “Cover”: Bass are ambush predators. Always cast near anything that provides cover: fallen trees (laydowns), weed beds, boat docks, and submerged rocks.
2. Look for “Structure”: Pay attention to changes in the lake bottom. Points, drop-offs, underwater humps, and creek channels are all magnets for bass.
3. Wind is Your Friend: A windy bank pushes baitfish (food) towards it, and the choppy water makes bass less wary. Don’t be afraid to fish in the wind.
4. Find the Baitfish: If you see schools of small fish (shad, minnows) dimpling the surface, bass are almost always nearby.
5. Shadows are Cover: On bright sunny days, the shadow lines from bridges, docks, or overhanging trees create an “edge” that bass use just like physical cover.
Lures & Technique
6. Match the Hatch: Use lures that mimic the local forage. Are they eating crawfish? Use a jig. Are they chasing shad? Use a silver crankbait or swimbait.
7. Vary Your Retrieve: Don’t just reel in at one steady speed. Twitch, pause, speed up, and slow down. A “pause” is often when a bass will strike.
8. Golden Hours: Bass feed most aggressively in low-light conditions. The first two hours after sunrise and the last two before sunset are prime time.
9. Color Matters: A simple rule: Use bright colors (Chartreuse, White) in dirty/muddy water. Use natural colors (Green Pumpkin, Watermelon) in clear water.
10. Keep Hooks Sharp: This is critical! Your hooks are the most important part of your setup. A dull hook will not penetrate a bass’s bony jaw. Check them often.
11. Go Topwater: Even if it’s not early morning, a topwater lure (like a popper or frog) can draw an explosive strike, especially in calm, shady areas.
12. Slow Down: When the bite is tough, especially in summer heat or after a cold front, a plastic worm (like a Senko) fished slowly on the bottom is hard to beat.
13. Feel the Bottom: When fishing a jig or a Texas rig, pay close attention to what your line is telling you. You’ll learn to feel the difference between a rock, a log, or a “mushy” bottom.
14. Set the Hook (Hard!): When a bass hits, set the hook with a strong, upward motion. You need to drive that hook point home. (Exception: for topwater, wait to feel the fish’s weight before you swing).
Gear & General Advice
15. Check Your Line: Get in the habit of running your fingers down the last few feet of your line after every catch or snag. If you feel any nicks, cut and re-tie.
16. Be Stealthy: Bass are highly sensitive to sound and vibration. Close boat hatches gently, avoid stomping your feet, and use your trolling motor on a low, constant speed.
17. Watch the Weather: A falling barometer (right before a storm) often triggers a feeding frenzy.
18. Practice Catch & Release: Handle fish quickly and gently, especially the big ones. Get a quick photo and release them to fight another day.
19. Fish “Parallel”: Instead of casting straight out from the bank, position your boat to cast *parallel* to it. This keeps your lure in the strike zone for the entire retrieve.
20. Learn Your Knots: A bad knot is the #1 reason anglers lose big fish. Master at least two (like the Palomar knot and the Uni knot).
21. Wear Polarized Sunglasses: This isn’t for style. Good polarized glasses cut the glare, allowing you to see submerged cover, spot fish, and protect your eyes.