Northwest Fishing Reports

Hey washingtonlakes.com bassers!

I'd consider myself a very novice bass guy (I usually seriously target bass once or twice a year), but since I moved to central Washington I figure I better start bassin it up. I gave that introduction so the following question doesn't seem dim-witted. I'll probably ask a series of what to you may seem like common sense questions as I try to become a DECENT BASS FISHERMAN (*trumpets sound*)!

Alright, here's the scenario: I was largemouth fishing from shore today using a jointed-minnow that cruises about four inches under the water, but slowly sinks when you stop your retreive. There were a few instances where a bass would spot it and start to pursue it as I got it to shore, but then I'd run out of water in which to reel.

Now, I'd be in stealth mode when this happens meaning I'd be crouched down behind plant cover or really far up the bank and kneeling. So I'd say the bass wouldn't become aware of my presence at least half the time. In this scenario is there a proper way to get your lure out of the water without freaking out the bass? It seemed like I could let it sink and it'd swim away, maybe realizing something was fishy, or I could jerk my lure out really fast and risk spooking it. Which way should I go, in your esteemed opinions? Or does a real bass angler not worry about spooking one fish, realizing there are many more unspooked bass to be caught?

Thanks in advance!

If a fish pursues your lure and never strikes theres a reason. If you kill the lure and they are still looking twitch it slightly it might elicit a strike. If nothing is working simply lift the lure out of the water slowly. I fish alot from the shore and have seen bass just turn around and cruise away. They don't seem to mind the levitating fish they have just seen. Just maintain your calm and maybe make a lure change, maybe to a plastic or something similar.

From my experiences on the water i have found that when bass follow my bait and refuse to strike there are a couple of major factors to consider .. Are they tring to tell you sometime ? hmm " I DONT LIKE THAT COLOR" or "YOUR LURE DOESN'T SWIM LIKE THE BAIT I LIKE TO EAT " !! So , switch up ! first try a different color and if no results then try the same in a floating model ...if you still dont get bit then just switch up all together .. There is no such thing as one way to catch a bass .. finding the fish is the hardest part , from that point it's just a matter of geting that mouth of his to open ..lol / I always keep a weightless worm tied up just in case i get a follower or miss strike , ill just drop that pole and pick up my worm and get it in there face asap i have got many fish that way ... Good luck Man ... Happy Hooking and may your next bass be your best bass ... BBD

Thanks for the advice! I'll be sure to switch it up in the future, and give twitches.