Black Bass and Their Senses

As with any species of fish in the black bass family, the largemouth bass possesses similar senses such as hearing, sight, taste, smell, and lastly the lateral line. The largemouth bass utilizes these six senses alternately and in various degrees all dependent upon factors such as environment, seasons, water temperature and visibility, and initial necessity to response.

Taste and smell

Largemouth bass less commonly use their taste and smell senses. Their nasal passages have a very minute number of olfactory folds so their smell is one of their lesser efficient senses. Other fish species can have up to 120 of these folds, and largemouths only have 15-20 olfactory folds. It is only when the water clarity is poor that largemouth utilize this sense.

This could throw a loop in the avid anglers who embellish their lures with gels, scents, and sprays. It only masks the human scents on these apparatus. However, it is likely that the fish will hang on the bait longer when scents are apparent. It is more difficult to estimate and pinpoint the scale of a largemouth bass’s taste, however largemouth are human incinerators, and it doesn’t much matter what their food tastes like.

Hearing

Hearing is another overrated sense that the bass rarely uses. Bass consist of internal ears that have tiny bone structures that are capable of distinguishing very subtle sounds beneath the water. This is one of the main purposes of anglers utilizing rattle baits that attract the extreme largemouth bass that they are aiming to catch. Although, largemouth bass do not commonly utilize this sense when they do it can be to a fisherman’s great advantage for landing that extreme largemouth bass.

The Lateral line

Largemouth bass contain a lateral line. It is their camouflage used to hunt, find, and hide from prey and predators. It is a structure within their body composed of pours that flourish along both sides of the bass and extend from the gills all the way to the tail. These porous features on the bass are nerve receptors that detect vibrations and movement of their surroundings. The fish can distinguish and detect the size, distance, and threats of the objects and environment that are near them. They can hunt their prey and protect themselves from predators by way of their lateral line sense.

Sight

Largemouth bass utilize their sense of sight the most out of all their keen senses. They are capable of seeing nearly 30ft when the water clarity is optimum. When the water visibility is murky and poor the bass taps into its other senses. The structure of the eyes of this fish allows the bass to see peripheral and in any direction except for down and back. Their color perception is very accurate as well, because largemouth can spot color up to from 10ft of their location, especially the vivid red of blood.

A fisherman can utilize this knowledge to their advantage. Common sense can direct an aspiring angler to utilize bright lures in poor water clarity conditions. Try to use noisy baits when the water is dark and heavily vegetated, and vibrating lures can increase the odds of landing that largemouth bass of all bass. Even better, combine alternate techniques and your chances will be inevitably successful. The more an individual understand the senses of this mystic creature, the better they will be able to master the beast.

Where To Catch Large Mouth Bass

I posted a great article on Where To Catch Largemouth Bass For All To Read. I was able to use the great photo I had on the previous post but more in the article. I hope you enjoy it.

Here is a snippet for you to read and enjoy:

So many people fish today that it has contributed to the more than billion-making retailers that sell all the essentials, and there is no way that it is going to cease with the great notoriety it will continue to thrive. Most enjoy the enormous adrenalin rush that catching a whopper gives an angler. Once you have caught that jaw-dropping fish you will literally be hooked for life even more so than any addiction you have ever known.

I am in the finishing touches to putting out my Bass Fishing Book Entitled

"Docschmenke's Guide To Extreme Bass Fishing"

Look forward to getting it out to all. Docschmenke

Interesting Signs On Bass Fishing

I go to different places around the world and look for some very interesting signs and fishing elements
to add to my collection either of lures or just photos. This last week I was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and came across a local fishing store complete with lures, tackle, and all the trimmings, so I am going to post what I consider one of the most amusing store signs I have seen in a while.. and while we sometimes think of things,

this person happened to actually make it a reality. By the way, the store was perfect for all your fishing needs. Hope you all enjoy this.

Night Fishing Preparation And Safety Tips

Fishing for largemouth bass at night can be an exhilarating experience, however with night fishing there are more risks that an angler takes for something ending in disaster. If you are new to night fishing, then you really need to become educated on the safety issues and essential preparations that need to be accounted for before unknowingly exposing yourself to any dangers. It is crucial to understand that night fishing is some of the best largemouth bass fishing an individual can partake in; however it is full of added hazards.

Things that a fisherman is familiar with during daytime fishing excursions are completely foreign in the dark. When you are planning to embark in the night, you need to make certain that you have taken the necessary measures to safeguard against the hostile of the dark. You can accomplish this by simply following this list of safety tips and night-fishing preparations:

1. Always carry extra lights- Whether you are going to wade in the water or going out on a boat to land that extreme largemouth bass. Make sure that if you are going to wade that you have a lighted helmet, carry extra flashlights with you. If you are out on a boat, make sure your boat is equipped with sufficient lights and up to the codes that are required by the Coast Guard. Also, carry batteries for lights and flashlights just in case your boat lights malfunction.

2. Floatation devices- It is imperative that you have adequate floatation devices on your boat in case of an emergency. Remember being prepared and covering all bases can save a life or improve the circumstances.

3. Extra clothes- The night air can be chilly, so it is important to bring extra clothing. You can always disrobe if you get warm, however in the situation where you can be lost or trapped extra clothing can come in handy, and spare you from freezing to death.

4. Communication devices- Thank goodness for technology! Bring a cell phone and utilize your navigational tools when you are night fishing for that largemouth bass. It could spare you from being lost, and assist in being able to contact help in an emergency.

5. Flares and first aid kit- No matter what the scenario, it is always important to have a first aid kit and a flare gun. The flare gun is essential, because it can notify for assistance in the dark and help can track you down in the darkest of territories. A first aid kit can be just what is needed in an ultimate emergency or even to bandage that nick you got from removing the hook from that largemouth bass you landed.

6. Sit down in a boat and carry a wade staff: Sitting down can spare you a wet night fishing venture or prevent a more serious situation from arising. Always try to sit down as much as you can in order to not be thrown overboard or have an accidental fall. When on land or wading, a wade staff can help you define the water depth and prevent that plunge or trampling in a vague environment. It can also assist you in keeping balance in uneven terrain and prevent a miscued step.

7. Communication and partnering- It is always best to night fish with company. Safety is in numbers in most cases. It can be great when you have someone to share that experience with, especially when you have landed that largemouth bass prize-winner. Also, always let others know where you are fishing and when you are planning to return. This way in an emergency someone can pinpoint where you are or detect when you do not return as expected that something is wrong.

Fishing in the quiet of night, and listening to the sounds of crickets and frogs can be very enjoyable. Night-fishing is a great opportunity to get acquainted with one of the best times to angle that largemouth bass, however it is significantly different than fishing in the day. As with anything there are dangers in fishing at night, so it is wise to practice good night fishing safety and always be prepared for the worst case scenario.

The Basics of Extreme Largemouth Bass Fishing

The thrill of the catch is what bass fishing is revolved around. Every aspiring angler new and experienced jumps at the challenge of landing that extreme largemouth bass or at any of the fish that are a species in the black bass family. Bass fishing is intriguing, exciting, and sometimes very rewarding, especially for new bass anglers who are venturing into this immense field of notoriety. Are you a fisherman who is considering crossing-over to the big guns fishing that largemouth bass fishing offers?


It may be overwhelming to enter this abyss of possibilities, because there is such as vast array of information, advice, tips, articles, videos, and media that surround this highly-popular sport within the fishing genre. The basics are the first step to understanding how to land largemouth bass, and as you get accustomed with the general, then you can expand your horizons and peruse the details that will improve your techniques, skills, and odds at landing that (hawg) hog. The basics are enough to have your head spinning, as well as your rod and reel with that bass you want to land.


The basics of largemouth bass fishing:


Tackle - It is best to start your bass fishing tackle with the bare minimum necessities, because it can be a waste to spend the thousands of dollars on the fancy tackle that you may not be able to utilize until you get some largemouth bass catches under your belt. A single casting rod and one spinning rod should suffice you for a while. Try to purchase a good quality, medium stiff, 6ft casting or spinning rod that is in a fairly affordable price range, and allow the salesperson to direct you to the reel that will compliment your new pole. It is imperative to be certain that the reel and rod are of equal weight and balance one another out. This will spare your wrist the discomfort from having an unbalanced set-up.


Casting- You can get acquainted with the basics of casting by simply going out in your yard and practicing the feel of the rod and reel as you cast. You can gage your accuracy with each cast by composing a target point. Just by practicing your casting technique you can expand your fishing skills tremendously However, keep in mind that a spinning reel is less accurate, and the casting reel is the most difficult to master.


Line- It is best to purchase the high-end brand monofilament line in 10lb test. This line will come in very handy, especially when fishing for that extreme largemouth bass in mucky water that has brush and debris that the line can get hung on. This line is thin, however but has the strength necessary where the line will not be affected when tugged, nicked, or stuck in brush or rocks.


Lures- Well, this accessory to your largemouth bass fishing endeavors, is one of infinite possibilities. There are thousands upon thousands of different lures that can be used to catch a largemouth bass, however until you have the proper experience do not blow your wallet out on buying everything you see. Instead, concentrate on the three main categories of lures that are essential for now. These would be plastic worms, deep divers, and spinners. The shades that you should choose should simulate that of minnows, sunfish, or perch. Start with the knowledge of using noisy baits in the late eve and early morn. These may include lures with white or yellow fringed skirts, spinners, and buzz baits. Another thing you may attempt is the floating lure that twitches and may be retrieved or ceased at will.


In the next series of bass basic articles I will explain in which circumstances to use the assorted lures. I will explain in further detail how conditions, location, weather, time of day, and water temperature all affect your chances of landing that extreme largemouth bass, and teach you how to observe those conditions and incorporate the lures you use individually to suit the best outcome.

Winter Bass Fishing Tips

Winter Bass Fishing Tips
You’re an accomplished angler; you have caught several fish in the spring and summer months, and now you want to try to fish in the winter. You pick the spot that you know the fish like to hang out in. You cast your line, and you wait. And wait. And eventually, cold and upset, you leave and go home, no Bass for you tonight. Why is this? Big mouth bass commonly have two serious changes in the winter – epilimniom and metabolism.

The epilimniom is the depth at which the bass hover at which is roughly five feet deep in the spring and summer months. The weather becomes cold and suddenly the bass sink to a depth of ten or more feet deep. The bass will typically hover at ten feet and near any structure they can find. The fish need a happy medium of oxygen and warmth and this is provided at the ten foot depth.

The metabolism of largemouth bass also changes. The water becomes cold and the fish become lethargic and slow. This means they will not travel far and wide for food, but actually just go for the small things floating around them. By staying in one space for a long period of time the fish becomes very accustomed to its surroundings. Therefore, a change in fishing methods is needed; you should make sure that your casting movements are slow and lethargic like the big mouth bass – anything quick will alarm the fish and it will not go for the bait. This also means an overall lure change from what you normally use in the spring; use soft plastic lures or jig style smoke – but no neon colors. Winter is dull and gray and the food source is as well. Here is a rundown of what you should do differently in winter:

Early winter bass fishing:
• They are located at a depth of ten feet in the water.
• Use a slow retrieve method.
• Use non-neon soft plastic lures.
• Use a split shot style of jig head style rig.
• Fishing on slightly warmer days can help the rate at which the fish will eat.

Mid to Late Winter:
• Largemouth bass are hovering at ten feet of water, usually near a structure.
• Use a slow retrieve method.
• Use small soft plastic lures in dull colors.
• Use split shot style or jig head style rig.
• Fishing on slightly warmer days will help the rate at which the fish will eat.

Now that you are armed with midwinter fish knowledge, it is important to remember the facts – they are very different from the spring and summer catch you enjoyed so thoroughly. These fish survive near freezing temperatures in a lake all winter. By hovering at that ten foot depth it is much easier to catch the sustenance that they need and it is also imperative to make your lure appear to be idly floating by. Quick reactions will not suffice, the largemouth bass will simply not pursue it – it takes far too much energy. It is important to mirror their slow reactions – if you move quickly they will not likely follow. Armed with these valuable winter bass fishing tips is likely to help you hook a big mouth bass in the elusive winter months.

Night Fishing For Largemouth Bass

In the still of the night lurks the hunted, when it is most unexpected and the prey is at their optimum vulnerability. This can be a great advantage for anglers to conquer their most sought after prey, the largemouth bass. Night fishing can be one of the most invigorating experiences in a bass fisherman’s career amateur or professional.

Why is bass fishing at night beneficial?
First of all only 10% of all fish species feed in the daytime, because their feeding preferences are so commonly night- oriented. In the dark, bass have a lesser ability to sense shadows, perceive noises, and see their surroundings. They can’t sense the things that deter them from biting that hook. These are some essential reasons that one should be acquaint themselves with the supple rewards of catching quantities of massive- sized largemouth bass. Fishermen can be more efficient, effective, and productive at fishing in the dark, if they choose the prominent feeding times to fish for that extreme largemouth trophy bass.

Planning your night fishing excursion
If you are eager to begin your night fishing ventures, you must be aware of your surroundings as you need to be knowledgeable of different terrains in the water. Preparing your night fishing is begun by checking out the terrain during the day. At night things are very different, even if these are waters that you have been familiar with for years. You must remember to move slowly as things are indistinguishable in the darkness. The first and foremost issue is safety all the time, so keep this in mind as you enter the dark water. It sometimes is a good idea to carry a wading staff, and check the depth of the terrain as you advance in the water.

What to wear night fishing
Night fishing outfitting can vary according to personal preference; however the things that usually come in most handy are commonplace. A standard outfit can make the trip more comfortable based on the weather conditions and the season. Summer is chiefly when night fishing is pursued, so that is what the focus will be on for now. Night fishing garb for summer:
Light khaki shirt and trousers
Hiking boots or tennis shoes
A light vest with many pockets
A head lamp
Plenty of insect repellent

You can use this outfit for wading or boat fishing. Even though night fishing in the summer is the most common, you will have to decide if you want to use waders or hip boots when you go into the water, or just use more comfortable "wet wear", it's up to you and your personal preference. In some cases it is just easier to go into the water with your tennis shoes and get a little wet, especially in the warm summer water. There seems to be consensus regarding wading into the water at night vs. using a boat. Wading is much quieter and there is a lesser chance of alarming the fish than in a boat, the choice is yours dependent upon your desire to be in the boat or enter the water.

How to catch largemouth bass night fishing
One of the most successful techniques to catching largemouth bass at night is one of the simplest as well. Use surface plugs that run very shallow when retrieved and move as slowly as you are capable. There is no need to rush this kind of fishing, as a matter of fact, in this case slower is better. Since large- mouth bass eat almost anything, frog imitations are very successful for night fishing. You can try any kind of lure, but make sure it is near the top and during the retrieving, stays near the top and doesn't sink too much.

To fish at night can certainly be an extremely motivating and inspiring experience. Getting out of the heat of the day, breathing in the calm night air, and relaxing in the dark abyss which embraces the best of the fishing life are a refreshing change. Night fishing also enables one to escape the masses during the day when everyone is out, (especially on weekends) and the noise is enough to drive even the deafest fish away.

The best results occur on the calmest and quietest of nights. The less wind the better, as it can present more difficulty in controlling the boat and the line. Once you get experienced at fishing at night, you can almost hear the fish in the quiet of the night. When you become the night-fishing expert you will be capable of practically casting the line and hooking straight into the mouth of that Extreme Largemouth Bass you have been waiting for.