6 Top Tips For Catching Smallmouth Bass When Fly Fishing
I’m excited to serve up this issue because I’ll be going over 6 different techniques for catching smallmouth bass “hand over fist”!
All 6 of these fall under a unique category of fishing that usually doesn’t apply to most bass fishermen.But if you test these out, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many smallies you haul in.
Pay special attention to the “skating retrieval” technique. It’s a killer.
Speaking of “killer” techniques, tips and secrets for catching bass, check these guys out: Largemouth Bass Tips These guys have all caught bass for a living… literally!
When you catch fish to feed the family, you’ll do whatever is necessary. You’re in store for some killer tactics (some of which are a little weird, but work like gangbusters.) You’re about to discover hundreds of crazy tactics for catching bass like:
* The clumsy mistake that turned a school of lazy smallmouth bass into an army of ravenous predators! (Mark and his buddy caught smallmouth like crazy – including a nice 5 pounder…now they make this same “mistake” every time…)
* A huge floating lure striped bass can’t resist! (Nobody ever thinks to try this… but Mark got lucky and discovered it by freak accident!)
* How Mark slammed a beautiful 6 pound bass in a lake stocked with trout… and a little secret you can use to do it too! (Everyone thought Mark was crazy for casting his big ugly lure… until they witnessed the big bass slam it — in stunned silence.) (His kids were so proud of their dad!)
* and so many more…from 12 different bass fishing gurus!
And now… 6 “weird” ways of catching smallies… The smallmouth bass is an exciting species that gets lots of attention from anglers of all ages and skill levels. One of the most popular methods used for catching this species is fly fishing .There are different methods of fly fishing used by anglers to get the best results in any given situation. Aside from choosing the right fly you also need to use different techniques. There are six methods of retrieval that are used by anglers that are fishing for the smallmouth bass. They are listed below.
Steady Retrieval Technique – This method mimics a baitfish dashing across the water in a panic to get away.
Strip and Pause Technique – The strip and pause method is the most commonly used and simple to perform. Have the tip of the rod slightly above the top of the water pointing downward. While the rod is in this position pull or strip the fly upward and this will force the fly to move upward. It should move about six inches before you relax the rod and pause a couple of minutes in-between stripping the fly. The smallmouth bass will strike the fly when it’s paused so be ready.
Skating Retrieval Technique – This method is excellent for getting the attention of the smallmouth bass and it’s also very simple to use. You basically skate the fly across the surface of the water and this captures the attention of the fish. Cast the fly downstream at an angle and follow the fly with the tip of your rod until it reaches a point below you. At this time you need to jiggle the fly for a couple of minutes to give the smallmouth bass a chance to take the bait.
Pop and Drift Technique – The pop and drift method is used mostly in clear water where the smallmouth bass tend to scare easier. Cast out your fly and allow it to drift on it’s own across the surface of the water. If you don’t get a bite you can try wiggling it just a bit to get their attention. Dead Drift Technique – This method requires that you cast the fly up and across the water and as soon as the fly hits the water, allow it to randomly drift downstream. Many times the smallmouth bass will follow it for a little ways and then strike. This is an excellent method to use on days when the wind is strong.
Pop and Stop Technique – This method is most effective in clear slow moving water. Instead of stripping the fly across the water you use a popping method that will make the fly bounce up and down. You can experiment with the different techniques to learn which ones work the best for you.
Types of flies There are many different types of surface flies designed to capture the attention of the smallmouth bass in a variety of ways. They are designed to be fished at different depths and they each have a specific characteristic that makes them special and attracts the fish in a different ways.
They are also designed to be fished in certain types of water conditions. It is interesting to know that just because a particular fly was designed to be fished a certain way doesn’t mean that is the only way it can be used. For example, the Muddler Minnow is a streamer that is designed to be used underwater but it can also be used on the surface of the water.
Here is a list of some of the different types of flies.
Divers Crease Flies Sliders Poppers Jitterbug Bass Flies Rapala These are just a few of the flies that are available and they all seem to work very well. Of course, the one that you should use will depend on where and when you are fishing for the smallmouth bass. This species is attracted to flies that mimic the movements of their naturalfood source because they stir up the surface of the water and capture their attention.
Surface Fly Fishing Surface fly fishing is one of the most popular techniques used for catching the smallmouth bass. They will strike flies that are on the surface with quite a bit of aggressiveness. This makes using a floating fly on the surface of the water extremely exciting. In clear water you can actually watch the fish chase down and strike your bait.
The retrieval method is probably the most important step involved in bass fly fishing. It is important to control the movement of the flies through the retrieval. The retrieval includes the presentation of the fly, the accuracy in which you place the bait in the strike zone and the action of the fly. All of these play a factor in how much success you have.
The smallmouth bass can be unpredictable. Therefore, you will need to experiment sometimes before you find a technique that works. A certain technique may work on one occasion but not on another, it all depends on what mood the smallmouth bass are in when you are fishing. In other words, sometimes you may be able to cast your fly and let it sit and the smallmouth will go after it. Other times you may need to do a slow retrieval and still others a fast retrieval. If one thing isn’t working don’t hesitate to try something else. It could be the key to your success.
Sometimes a small change in your technique can make a huge difference. For instance, changing the length of time that you pause between when the fly hits the water and when you begin to retrieve it may entice the smallmouth to strike. Just because something is working and you are catching the smallmouth bass doesn’t mean that it’s always the best technique to use.
Therefore, experiment from time to time. You may be surprised at the results.
Regardless of which technique you use, don’t allow slack to gather in your line. If this happens and you get a bite, you won’t be able to set the hook correctly and you will most likely lose the catch.
…and that’s what I’ve got!
I hope you’re still making the time to get out and catch a few every now and then, even if we’re in Mid November here.
About the Author
I hope you get out fishing over the weekend, and if you get a chance to try any of the tips above, let me know.
And don’t forget to check out the Bass Fishing Secret Weapon for even better catches. P.S. …and if you want more old school tips than you could possibly use in a lifetime… stuff that is tried and proven to put fish on the dinner table… even when in the worst conditions possible (and even when nobody else can catch a single bass), you gotta give this a look: lures and baits.
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