People from all over the world love to catch bass and for good reason.
A bass’s vast range, willingness to bite a variety of lures, and ability to live in many water conditions account for bass fishing’s popularity.
Each year, thousands of new bass anglers learn about the sport and soon are in love with the most popular freshwater fish in North America.
A Willingness to Eat Artificial Lures
This characteristic does not solely apply to bass because other gamefish will chase and attack artificial lures, but bass may be more willing than any other fish that swims in freshwater.
Most tackle stores and online catalogs that cater to freshwater anglers will have a huge portion of their offerings that target bass fishing. In fact, many stores will have over 90% of their artificial selection geared at bass fishing, with panfish bringing up second place followed by other freshwater species.
Both largemouth and smallmouth bass will attack topwater lures, baits that are swimming through the middle of the water column, and lures that are bouncing along the bottom.
The vast diet of this opportunistic predator accounts for such a range of artificial offerings these fish are willing to pursue. Frogs, insects, small birds, salamanders, crawdads, and other fish make up the diet of these fan-favorite fish.
Diverse Habitat and the Popularity of Bass Fishing
It doesn’t matter if the water you drive by is a small farm pond choked with weeds or a huge desert reservoir in the southwest, it most likely has a substantial population of bass in it.
Water temps, current, and clarity will determine which species of bass, largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass, an angler will find. Thankfully, many lakes, rivers, and reservoirs have at least two of the popular species swimming in them.
Bass can also thrive in waters that are shallow and deep. They do well around vegetation or rock. Water clarity can be clear as gin or a muddy mess and the fish will still be found.
Much of this adapting to various habitats can be accounted to the wide range of forage a bass will eat as mentioned earlier.
Bass are Accessible to Anglers of all Skill Levels
Probably the most appealing aspect of bass fishing is their ability to be caught by anglers of all skill levels.
Most veteran professionals chase bass all over the country while a new angler picking up a rod and reel for the first time can still have success.
I have been fortunate to help teach hundreds of children fish for the first time. Observing them land their first fish is a joyous experience to be a part of. For many of these kids, the first fish they catch is a largemouth bass.
Their eyes burst with joy when that green gamefish strikes and runs and drags the bobber all over the pond. It doesn’t matter if that first bass is seven inches or seven pounds, those kids are captivated and many proudly call themselves “bass anglers.”
As an angler’s skill expands, the number and quality of bass they catch expands with them.
A Range of Possible Presentations Make Bass Angling Diverse
Anglers are different. Some love to fish fast while others prefer to fish slow.
There are anglers that love to see bass explode on topwater lures while others prefer to run crankbaits across rocks. There are so many ways to present an offering to bass. In fact, the sheer scope of presentations available to bass anglers is what makes the sport so enjoyable.
There is always something to learn.
New anglers start with equipment questions and the basics of lure selection and presentation.
More advanced anglers dive into bass behavior and seasonal patterns.
The sport is truly one that can last a lifetime. It is always evolving. New products hit the market annually. New techniques are developed by anglers exploring additional ways to catch fish in tough conditions. Often, these ground-breaking presentations sweep across the globe in a flurry and excite beginner and advanced anglers alike.
It is Easier to Learn to Bass Fish Now Than Ever Before
When I first learned how to fish for bass, there were really only two options.
First, you can spend time with a family member or a friend and learn from them. Or, second, I could read something like Bassmaster magazine. That was it.
Folks wanting to learn how to bass fish now have so many outlets to choose from. The information is endless. Whether it be YouTube or the local high school bass fishing team, an angler can learn and absorb so much more knowledge than in the past.
When I work events around the country, I am continually amazed at how far along young anglers are. These middle school and high school kids are light years past where I was at that same age.
It is exciting to see and be a part of.
Let’s Talk Bass Fishing
You are always welcome to reach out and talk bass fishing with me.
Just send me an email: steve@thebassfishinglife.com.
Tight lines, be safe, and make sure to encourage someone today. You never know how you may change their life forever.
Isaiah 6:8