BASS FISHING TIPS

fish biology to help you understand how different species use the various parts of their design, like fins, body shape and swim bladders, to feed and thrive in their surroundings.  key handling principles for reducing stress and injury to fish and is based on the understanding that all anglers have a responsibility to preserve the future of the sport.

Fish 101: Common Sense

Like humans, fish use their senses (hearing, smell, sight, touch, taste, and lateral line) to understand the world around them. This section examines how fish are affected by each sensory experience and takes a common sense approach to appeal to each of the senses. You'll also learn what motivates a fish to bite - beyond their need to feed - and how to use these different reasons to trigger more bites.

In North America, there are many types of bodies of water that are home to freshwater fish. This section examines the unique characteristics of lakes, rivers and reservoirs and how different types of fish relate to these environments.

Like a set of golf clubs, your rods and reels are designed for specific uses. In this two part section, you'll learn how to choose the right rod to match your reel, your gear, the conditions and your presentation. This section will help you understand how to improve the way you feel the bite, present the bait and land the fish after you set the hook.

By the time you reach Fishing 3, you will appreciate how influential structure can be on the location and movements of fish. In Structure: The Hard Truth, you'll cover the main functions of this important element of fish habitat, including how fish use it to determine their routes, to facilitate feeding, and to access both shallow and deep water areas. By having a in-depth understanding of how fish use structure and hold near it, you'll be able to find the points, turns, and bottom components that may be holding your next big catch.

The best fishing strategies can start well before you even get near the water. This is because hydrographic charts can give you a thorough view of an entire water system, including the structures that lie beneath the surface. This lesson will show you how you can apply your knowledge of seasonal movements, structure, and cover to pick the areas on a lake chart with the most potential.

Over the last few decades, technology has changed the world of fishing. Electronics like sonar, trolling motors, and global positioning systems make it possible for anglers to find fish quickly, stay on top of prime locations, and even be safer on the water. This lesson takes a close look at the capabilities and benefits of the different types of electronics, and acts as an introduction to future in-depth lessons such as Interpreting Sonar.

Soft baits offer some of the most realistic options in artificial lures, not only in their appearance, but also in their texture, taste, and action. In this two part series, you'll learn about the designs, materials and different characteristics of today's soft baits, and take a look at some of the more common designs that are used on North American waters.

Fishing 3 wraps up with another opportunity to take a closer look at some of the strategies and techniques covered in this module, in order to help you better understand how to take these lessons to the water and translate them into greater catches.

Do you think daily weather conditions mainly affect those of us that are above the surface of the water? Think again. Weather and environmental changes have a major influence on a fish's comfort level and its willingness to bite. Factors such as pressure systems and fronts can have a big impact on fish behaviour, location, and activity levels, and therefore, the strategies you need to bring to the water. In this Faculty of Fishing lesson, you'll learn some of the cues for identifying different weather factors, how these factors translate to the water, and the recommended techniques for targeting fish during different and changing conditions.

Interpreting SONAR takes your understanding of fishing technology to the next level by teaching you how SONAR can act as your eyes to the underwater world. In this lesson, you'll learn how to use your SONAR to identify different types of structure and cover, and to determine bottom composition and transition areas. You'll also see how SONAR can help you find game fish, bait fish, and even the thermocline, and review the latest technology in side imaging and down imaging.

Many effective presentations involve working a bait at a steady pace, over large areas of water. In these situations, the better you are able to set up and control your troll, the more likely you will be to pull that bait right to the fish. This course will cover essential trolling skills, including how to use trolling to locate fish, boat control techniques, and speed strategies, as well as how to best use your electronics and match your gear with your trolling presentation.

Casting is an interactive and effective way to target many species. Doing it well, however, requires practice and knowledge of what your cast should be achieving. In this lesson, you'll take a close look at the situations that require casting, as they relate to different species and conditions. You'll also learn about different casting methods and the ideal gear for each type, and develop the skills you need to deliver your next cast right to the fish.

When fish move into deeper water, vertical presentations can be a great way to get your bait right down to them. Vertical techniques require you to position yourself right on top of the fish, in order to keep your bait in a fish's strike zone and trigger bites from even the most neutral or negative fish. This lesson will show you how to use your equipment to deliver the best vertical presentations, including strategies for boat control, gear choice, and electronics. You'll also learn a variety of techniques, from different jigging methods, to rigging and deadsticking.