Time after time, with ultralight bass fishing, I get asked about what lures work best, what colors are best, how to work this lure or that lure. Every now and then, I even get asked about some expensive scam lures, and breaks my heart. Trust me, I had all of the same questions that you had when I began. I have taken the time to break down 5 known classic baits that catch fish, period. These baits have been around for a long time, and are here to stay.

Up to bat first is our all time favorite, and a true classic, the plastic worm. This bait was concocted up back in 1949 by Nick Creme in his basement. These baits have been putting more fish in livewells longer than most of us have been alive. In most areas you fish, you can get away with a 4incher in either the black/blue (junebug) or green/black flake colors.

On the list next is the Rapala Floating Minnow. Rapala makes a jointed model of this bait, and when reeled slowly on top of the water, it acts like a spook lure. The faster you reel though, makes it dive a little deeper, topping out around 1 foot deep. If the fish are in a feeding mood, this is my go to lure. You can just let this lure sit as well, often called deadsticking. If you know that you are over a fishy area, let the lure die, and sit for 15-30 seconds or so, and give it a couple twitches. This will get their attention. The smaller sizes work best on ultralight rods.

The next one is the classic grub. The good old plastic 2″ grub. It doesn’t look like much, a little round body with a curly tail, on a jig head. To a fish though, it is exactly what they want. A slow moving, chunk of food. You can fish it deep to shallow, fast or slow. Try burning the tail across the top of the water like a buzzbait in the morning or evenings. I use green pumpkin with a chartreuse tail, or even black. Black jig heads on both.

Fourth on the list, is the Booyah Pond Magic 3/16 ounce spinnerbait. We all know that spinnerbaits catch fish. Swim them along the bottom, just fast enough to let the blades flutter, jig it, burn it on top, or wake it just below the surface. These things catch fish, plain and simple. I like the firetiger color for muddy water, and the white with copper blades for stained water. I don’t fish much clear water, but if you do, try White/Silver/Chartreuse mix, with silver blades.

Skirted jigs are known around most bass club circles as big fish catchers. This goes for ultralight bass fishing jigs as well. You get a lot more fish with ultralight techniques, however, jigs still weed out the smaller fish. There is just something about them. Especially fishing in ponds, these are the big fish slayers.

So I have been ultralight bass fishing for a long time now, and one question that comes to mind pretty often is how does rod length really effect our fishing? I could come up with a million answers, so could anybody, but I did think of a list of things that I know you should pay attention to when you are about to buy a new pole.

Some people believe that you must use a short rod in the 4 1/2 foot to 5 foot length. They believe that this length gives you the most whip, and backbone for fighting the fish. This is a common misconception however.

Stout rods have a great backbone on them, and are nice for fishing in areas where you might need to pitch or flip because of the debris. These rods will give you the best accuracy of any of the rods, but the casting distance is limited greatly.

Rods used in ultralight bass fishing that are around 5 and a half feet, to 6 feet long are generally considered neutral or balanced when you talk about distance, accuracy, and backbone. These rods do generally well in all 3 categories, provided you go with a good manufacturer.

If you are in the need for an ultralight flipping stick, then these rod lengths are perfect for you. Especially the 6 footer, this length of rod, with a stiff backbone, is great for getting into the thick stuff, and yoking smaller fish out of there. If the area is known to carry smaller 12″-15″ fish, take this length with you.

Fishing rods in this category are for general use as well, based on the attributes of accuracy, distance, and strength. Knowledgeable anglers will be able to tell the difference between the different lengths, however, most fishermen will not be able to tell.

The longest of the ultralight rods, 6 1/2 foot and longer provide the longest distance for casts. This is good for throwing spinnerbaits or topwaters, you can get them going so far that it is hard to see the little baits!

These long rods kill your accuracy however, which is why they should be used for open water casting and swimming baits. You can really burn spinnerbaits and buzzbaits with these long rods, not to mention unloading your spool from casting so far!

When it comes to ultralight bass fishing during the summer, most people usually only go in the mornings or evenings. This is typical, as it is the most comfortable time to go. They don’t realize that they are missing out on some prime fishing time!

One of everybodies favorite ultralight bass fishing styles is using topwater baits. So yeah, name somebody who doesn’t love a big blowup, especially on a small lure! When people are talking about the subject, poppers, and buzzbaits are usually the top of the conversation. People have caught more fish with these 2 lures, than with any other topwater baits combined.

The prime time to use topwater lures is early in the morning, or later in the evening. When the clouds are moving in thick, and the sky is getting grey, you should also break out your topwater lures. You can get away with using fast moving lures during the mid summer, but you just have to pick the right time.

Water temperatures in smaller reservoirs (re: retention ponds) that we like to fish in warm up to temperatures that the fish don’t feel comfortable in. They typically won’t exert a lot of energy chasing down a bait until the water cools back down.

When the sun is high in the sky however, the fish can’t look overhead for their meal. They don’t have eyelids to protect themselves and their eyes from damage. It is easier to stay in cover, or look down for your meal, until the sun settles in. This is when I head for the worms and jigs.

Jigs and worms are two of the best baits for when conditions present you with a bright sunny sky. After all, you don’t get to pick when you fish! Worms and jigs can be slow rolled on the bottom, bounced, hopped, jigged, create a ruckus, just keep testing to find out what the fish are looking for. Remember to bring along your patience!

It is becoming widely known that fishing kayaks are being bought up like never before. Especially in times like we are in today, people are finally realizing that the big bass boats that go 60mph are just not necessary to catch fish. A lot of people are finding fishing kayaks as a way to get on the water, and more often than not, are catching more fish than they ever did off the big bass boats.

Fishing kayaks allow you to sneak and creep through the water, without being noticed by fish. You are also able to draft incredibly shallow, so you can even get back through the muck that the big boat guys are afraid of. We used to do it on our bass rig, but we had to wade fish the shore to get anything done.

This worked, for the most part. During spawning season, these fish don’t typically abandon their bed, so walking through the water won’t spook them. Any other time, good luck, or get a fly rod. But with fishing kayaks, you can see the bed from a farther reach, and are able to sneak up onto it. Fishing kayaks are incredibly stealthy, and this is helping their sales more than hurting it.

Another example of why people are buying so many fishing kayaks lately, is because of the ease of storing it. You can’t put your bass boat in the hallway upside down, or any boat for that matter. With 4-5 fishing kayaks, you can easily mount them or hang them upside down. This many kayaks allows you to take your entire family, and maybe even a friend.

Owning more than a few boats, my fiance believes that people just don’t need this many. Fishing kayaks do teach people how to know which lures or fishing setups to bring along for the day, as you can’t bring everything with you, it is a quick lesson.

Outrageous gas prices effect people buying fishing kayaks heavily. I have blown a grand on more than one occasion, just boating around on the weekend with my family. When we finally got rid of it, it hurt me to think about how much time and money went into it.

It is super expensive running big boats in todays economy, in other words. When gas was approaching $5 dollars a gallon, you can’t imagine how much we spent on just a weekend in fuel. Trolling motors were useless after an hour.

In todays economy, times are extremely tough on people. They are finally figuring out that kayaks will bring you in touch with the outdoors, and you don’t have to be rich to get into it. You can pick up a lightly used fishing kayak for cheap, put a few modifications on it, and resell it for the same price or more later when you are ready to get a nicer kayak.

When people conjure up thoughts of ultralight bass fishing during the mid summer heat, they typically return to thinking about the air conditioning, and television. What the hey, it’s more comfortable anyways, right? What you don’t realize is that you just cost yourself some of the best bass experiences you could have imagined.

One of everybodies favorite ultralight bass fishing styles is using topwater baits. So yeah, name somebody who doesn’t love a big blowup, especially on a small lure! When people are talking about the subject, poppers, and buzzbaits are usually the top of the conversation. People have caught more fish with these 2 lures, than with any other topwater baits combined.

Early in the morning, or earlier in the evening, just after the sun has settled in, and your eyes adjust to the change is the best time to apply topwater in mid summer. Choosing the right bait to use at the right time is the key to landing more fish.

With the water heating up to uncomfortable conditions this time of year, the bass tend to not chase baits actively during the day. This is why waiting until the water cools down to use the faster moving baits is key.

When the sun is high overhead though, the fish cannot look up for their food. If they did, they would go blind — they don’t have any eyelids to protect them like we do. This forces them to stay looking down, and seek overhead cover. This is when I break out my jigs and worms.

The jig and worm are perfect for when the sun is shining bright, because they can be bounced slow or fast across the bottom, stirring up the silt and attracting attention. Finding fish with these baits is a slow going method, but you have to be patient if you want to be successful and catch more fish anyways!

Like trophy fish, bass can be elusive, They prefer certain times of day to eat, which means that you may have to cater to picky fish that only want certain times of food one part of the day, and other types of food in another part of the day.

This means that if you already have an established fishing kit, you can usually modify your kit to allow for bass fishing. Both of these fish can be caught using similar methods of fishing. As bass fishing is so popular, all tackle stores in bass areas will carry everything that you require in order to catch fish. As some species of bass are threatened, it is suggested that if you are not certain if the fish you have captured is legal, you immediately release the fish. These are the small mouth and the large mouth bass.

There are two types of fish targeted when bass fishing. This will make sure that you have the supplies required to catch your bass. Bass fishing is one of the most popular forms of fishing. This is due to the fact that bass are known to put up a good fight when hooked, and have great taste. If you are planning a bass fishing venture, you will want to insure that you check the local regulations for bass season, and make certain that you do not over fish bass.

However, many people prefer to target large mouth bass when bass fishing, as these fish are thought to have superior flavor as well as a better fight. In addition to this, bass fishing can be done in many places across the United States and Canada, making these fish easily accessible to those who do not have the funds or motivation to travel long distances for steelhead, salmon and other trophy fish. In the case of striped bass, also known as rock fish, over catching the limit can result in hefty fines. There are some issues when bass fishing that you should keep in mind.

For this reason, many people who go bass fishing will take several types of baits and lures with them when they go. Bass will strike surface and mid water, as well as bottom lures,and can also be hooked while fly fishing. There are many styles you can utilize when bass fishing, which makes this sport enjoyable for all types of anglers. Most regions that allow bass fishing have rules in place on the numbers of bass that can be kept.

Like trophy fish, bass can be elusive, They prefer certain times of day to eat, which means that you may have to cater to picky fish that only want certain times of food one part of the day, and other types of food in another part of the day.

This means that if you already have an established fishing kit, you can usually modify your kit to allow for bass fishing. Both of these fish can be caught using similar methods of fishing. As bass fishing is so popular, all tackle stores in bass areas will carry everything that you require so as to catch fish. As some species of bass are threatened, it is suggested that if you are not certain if the fish you have captured is legal, you immediately release the fish. These are the small mouth and the large mouth bass.

There are two types of fish targeted when bass fishing. This will insure that you have the supplies required to catch your bass. Bass fishing is one of the most popular forms of fishing. This is due to the fact that bass are known to put up a good fight when hooked, and have great taste. If you are planning a bass fishing venture, you will want to ensure that you check the local regulations for bass season, and make certain that you do not over fish bass.

Nevertheless, many people prefer to target large mouth bass when bass fishing, as these fish are thought to have superior flavor as well as a better fight. In addition to this, bass fishing can be done in many places across the United States and Canada, making these fish easily accessible to those who do not have the funds or motivation to travel long distances for steelhead, salmon and other trophy fish. In the case of striped bass, also known as rock fish, over catching the limit can result in hefty fines. There are some issues when bass fishing that you should keep in mind.

For this reason, many people who go bass fishing will take many types of baits and lures with them when they go. Bass will strike surface and mid water, as well as bottom lures,and can also be hooked while fly fishing. There are several styles you can utilize when bass fishing, which makes this sport enjoyable for all types of anglers. Most regions that allow bass fishing have rules in place on the numbers of bass that can be kept.

Some of the benefits offered by bass boats include easier handling, larger storage facilities, a dryer ride and a more spacious deck area for easier casting.

Considering all of their many benefits, bass fishing boats are the ideal choice when you want to spend some time on the water in search for highly coveted bass fish. If you do enjoy water sports then you might consider shopping for fish and ski boats that make it possible to fish as well as enjoy water sports. You also need to take into consideration whether you will be fishing only or whether you will be engaging in water sports as well when you are out on the water. In terms of price, keep in mind that bass boats are available at entry-level prices as well as higher prices for upgraded and luxury models. While you could use practically any boat for bass fishing, you will find that bass boats certainly make it easier and more enjoyable to bass fish.

Bass boats offer serious anglers a number of important advantages. Take the engine of the boat into consideration as well. When shopping for bass boats, it is vital to make sure you consider the compartments and accessories that are available on the boat. The presence of a trolling motor can also be important when you are shopping for bass boats as well. If you like the idea of having a bass boat with more features but you cannot afford the larger price tag, consider shopping for used bass boats.

For instance, you will want to insure that the boat offers plenty of compartments for storing rods as well as tackle. You will also need to look to make sure it has a livewell. Other types of accessories that you may wish to look for when shopping for bass boats include a radar system that makes it easier to locate the fish. You will certainly want to ensure that the engine is powerful enough for all of your needs. Whether fishing for your own enjoyment or entering bass fishing tournaments, bass fishing boats are an ideal choice.

This can be a good option if you are considering entering competitions and need the extra features but are not ready to pay additional money. If you savor going out with others when you bass fish, you will also find that bass boats more easily accommodate larger groups of anglers than many other boats.

Some people might not think that choosing the right fishing line would be so complex but it is. You need to pick the line that’s best for the kind of fish you’re fishing for. There are some other factors that will come into play as well. The line you use is the absolutely most important item your tackle box.

This major role will determine if you have successful day fishing or go home without any fish at all. There are enormous amounts of available line on the market today; however choosing the right fishing line can be very easy as long as you know what you actually are looking for.

To be a good fisherman you need to understand the pros vs. the cons of the line you’re using. The line is your lifeblood. A lot of fishermen get confused about choosing the best fishing line. This is mostly caused by them being uneducated in the many choices that’s on the market today.

One of the more popular lines out today is the monofilament line. This line was produced in 1938 and was made by DuPont. This is a synthetic super polymer which makes textile fibers like silk, cotton, wool and rayon stronger. This line is used by many for basic lake fishing. If your going to be doing some deep sea fishing then choosing this line wouldn’t be a good choice when choosing the right fishing line because you’ll need a lot of line strength and this just doesn’t have it.

Braided line was the most popular of the strings before nylon was discovered. However, braided Dacron had very poor strength and the knots were just too shady to make a real difference. It has very little stretch so, if you are looking to catch a fish that is going to put up a bit of a fight, this string will not do the job.

Another popular polymer line is Fluorocarbon, this can be a great pick when choosing the right fishing line. This line has a identical refractive index making it practically invisible in the water. It won’t absorb water either. This will make the line last for a very long time.

Super lines will require special attention. Fluorocarbon is a super line. To get the best possible result when using this line we recommend a Trilene knot. Always make sure you wet the line when knotting it. This will give you a more secured knot. This will also keep your line from weakening over time. As with any line make sure you test it before using it. There have been many lost lures because people just don’t test the line before using it.

Choosing the right fishing line may seem more complex than it really is and will become easier for the years of practice. Always remember to choose the line that will best fit your needs when it comes to the type of fish you’ll be catching and water you’ll be in.

The most important piece of equipment to fly fishermen is the fly fishing reel. There are many different kinds of reels as well as there are different kinds of rods for different situations. It is not necessary to lay down a bunch of money for a new reel, although you can if you would like. A basic no frills fly reel will do in just about any situation, and if you do your homework and choose wisely, you will not have a need to replace it for many years.

Most trout fishermen strip their fly line manually rather than using the handle. Most fishermen will tell you that it is quicker to do it by hand, and you get more of a feel for the placement of your lure by keeping the line in your hand.

Depending on the situation that you are in, sometimes it is better to reel the line in manually and sometimes it is preferable to use the handle. When following a large fish most people prefer to use the handle for better control. Another situation to use the handle is when you have thick foliage and there is a chance of getting your line caught. If you are moving around in the water a lot, using the handle is a good idea.

Fishermen who reel their line in the most frequent are salmon fishermen. The reason of this is because more often than not, salmon fishermen will be in the water fishing. Trout reels are usually smaller than salmon reels, and are normally not as efficient in reeling line in as salmon reels are.

Technology is improving by leaps and bounds due to research companies like Sage in the fly fishing industry. Also fly fishing equipment is getting lighter with the use of graphite. A lot of your veteran fly fishermen prefer the older reels with a bit of weight in them to maintain the balance that they are familiar with.

If you have your eye on a new fly fishing reel, consider purchasing two so that you will have a backup. You will not want to have only one reel when it goes bad in the field. A trick to help you in your decision is to mark your line weight so there will be no guesswork involved. You will save yourself a lot of time when preparing for your fishing trip.

It is a good idea to get a storage bag for your extra fishing reels for protection. Most of the time backup reels find themselves in the bottom of tackle boxes for extended periods of time. Free reels in the bottom of tackle boxes can get damaged, and you might not realize this until it is needed.

As a salmon fisherman most people prefer to have different rods, which will save on time in having to change out reels and line. Most salmon enthusiasts will have two complete rod and reel setups, one for sunk line fishing and one for float rods.

Doing your research of what you will be fishing for and in what situations will move you one step closer in choosing the right Reel for your situation. There are numerous places on the web such as Ebay for choices on used fly fishing equipment.