What makes Bass fishing different compared to other fishing? 2024
TriStateBassin106 reply :
Hey all.
Recently I had this question asked by a father taking his son out fishing and I was bank fishing next to them.
"How is your style of fishing different than the average joe going for bluegill/anything"
I think it comes down to our level of devotion and pure passion compared to fishing for other species. Anyone can go to wallmart and get some nightcrawlers and a 15 dollar combo. But to bring out different techniques for different scenarios and knowledge on how the target fish (Bass) behave at certain times.
That's passion and determination.
What do you guys think? How is Bass Fishing different than going after other species/anything?
A-Jay reply :
May depend on the type of 'bass fishing' one participates in. My fishing is mostly geared around looking for trophy brown bass. And while there is certainly some rather specific deals associated with that, the actual 'process' of hunting most any trophy size fish, can be very similar. Boils down to picking the right water, at the right time, with the right tackle and technique.
The time & efforts require to be anything close to consistent in that venture, often hops right out of the devotion category and straight into the pool of obsession.
A-Jay
Wizzlebiz reply :
A-Jay said it best in his last sentence. lts obsession. You dont see the same people day after day after day fishing for bluegill or whatever will eat the worm.
But you sure do see the same folks day after day after day going after bass.
Im brand new but I have already noticed this.
Timberwolf530 reply :
I don't think it is that much different than enthusiasts of other species. Yes, quite a bit different than Grandpa getting some worms and sitting on the bank with the grandkids, but guys who fish for other fresh water and salt water species put in as much time and effort as Bass guys do. Think of some of the guys who spend countless hours building their own fly rods, and tying flies, then hiking miles up or down mountain trails to get to the perfect spot. Or guys who travel thousands of miles all over the world in search of salt water species. Dedicated to different things, but an equal passion and commitment if you ask me.
The Bassman reply :
Lots of toys to play with. That's what makes bass fishing different.
WRB reply :
I hate to blow your bubble bass are very easy to catch compared to other game fish.
Bass anglers can catch bass on a very wide range of lures and bait because the bass are willing to strike almost anything and one reason it's so popular.
You can bass fish from shore or from a wide variety of boats and any thing from entry level tackle to highend tackle, bass are not picky.
Dedication comes from you being willing to fish under all types of conditions to consistantly catch bass. Being dedicated to bass fishing isn't any different from anglers willing to learn how to consistantly catch trout, musky, pike, walleye or a wide variety of salt water game fish. Try billfish fishing for example, they are different and it takes dedication just to catch a single fish.
Pickle_Power reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 3:44 AM, WRB said:I hate to blow your bubble bass are very easy to catch compared to other game fish.
I was just going to say that the biggest difference is the degree of difficulty for catching bass is modest compared to many other species. 90% of the die hard anglers around here are after walleye, and I'd bet they put in more time per fish than anybody chasing bass.
JediAmoeba reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 3:44 AM, WRB said:I hate to blow your bubble bass are very easy to catch compared to other game fish.
Bass anglers can catch bass on a very wide range of lures and bait because the bass are willing to strike almost anything and one reason it's so popular.
You can bass fish from shore or from a wide variety of boats and any thing from entry level tackle to highend tackle, bass are not picky.
You must not have chain pickerel because they are way easier to catch and target than any other fish. Heck, Sunfish are easier to catch than bass too. Bass are more fun.
Logan S reply :
Bass are nearly universally distributed in the US...Unlike walleye, musky, trout, etc. Other widely distributed fish like panfish or catfish dont have the same appeal - Most likely because bass get significantly bigger than panfish and bass fishing is generally more 'active' than cat fishing (so potentially more 'fun').
Bass are easy enough to catch that beginners won't be turned away due to lack of success...But hard enough to support the enthusiast level fisherman who want to 'master' the sport. You can decide how far down the rabbit hole you want to go - From catching bass in the local pond all the way to world record hunting or professional tournament angling.
Tennessee Boy reply :
Bass Boats
Bass Tournaments
Bass Pros
Bass Clubs
BassResource.com
Bass Pro Shops
etc..
Does any other species have all of these?
Ratherbfishing reply :
Different fish.
WRB reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 4:23 AM, JediAmoeba said:You must not have chain pickerel because they are way easier to catch and target than any other fish. Heck, Sunfish are easier to catch than bass too. Bass are more fun.
Black Bass are Sunfish however Sunfish are not considered a gamefish they are panfish.
Pickerel are Pike and I don't know if Chain Pickerel are considered gamefish.
MN Fisher reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 1:58 AM, Wizzlebiz said:You dont see the same people day after day after day fishing for bluegill or whatever will eat the worm.
One shore spot on Minnetonka is filled day-after-day with people out for sunnies/crappies. Same people, week after week.
On 8/28/2019 at 5:12 AM, WRB said:Pickerel are Pike and I don't know if Chain Pickerel are considered gamefish.
When I lived in MA, my uncle would take us (me, 3 cousins) out ice-fishing specifically for Pickerel...he thought of them as 'tasty gamefish'.
Sam reply :
Interesting question.
I have given this much thought and after growing up fishing South Louisiana for saltwater and freshwater species, it is my humble opinion that the major difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing is between your ears.
It takes more planning and thinking to be successful at freshwater fishing as opposed to throwing live shrimp/baby croakers, squid, sand fleas, blood worms, and artificials in saltwater where you have very active fish and are almost guaranteed a bite on each cast.
It is my opinion that bass/freshwater fishing takes more patience, planning, thinking and studying to be successful.
What say you?
jakkbauer reply :
just depends on your target. that will dictate your style. is it a trophy? are you looking for fish to eat? these things will change what you have to do to get what you want
TnRiver46 reply :
What makes bass fishing different than other fishing? Nothing! I mean, you use smaller lures for fish smaller than bass and larger lures for fish larger than bass but fishing is fishing. When fishing for trout you use flies but sometimes you accidentally catch a bass. When you are casting plastic worms for bass sometimes you accidentally catch a bluegill. When you are fishing for tuna you use a big reel. What in the world kind of question is this? Haha
Jleebesaw reply :
I know for a fact that serious walleye anglers are every bit as devoted and obsessed as serious bass fisherman. Maybe more so. There are more walleye guys than bass guys around where I live. Those guys are out at night in rough waters with high winds picking ice off the rod guides. They are hardcore.
I can spend hours talking about crappie and bluegill techniques, biology, and bahavior.
I've met guys who will fish for days to catch 1 mature muskie.
People wade rivers in april here in new york for trout and salmon when there is still snow on the banks.
Bass fishing is not unique in having people spend a lot of time, spend a lot of money, and maybe even suffer to do well at it. Fishing any species can bring this out in us.
WRB reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 6:44 AM, Sam said:Interesting question.
I have given this much thought and after growing up fishing South Louisiana for saltwater and freshwater species, it is my humble opinion that the major difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing is between your ears.
It takes more planning and thinking to be successful at freshwater fishing as opposed to throwing live shrimp/baby croakers, squid, sand fleas, blood worms, and artificials in saltwater where you have very active fish and are almost guaranteed a bite on each cast.
It is my opinion that bass/freshwater fishing takes more patience, planning, thinking and studying to be successful.
What say you?
I say you can't get bit anywhere if the fish are not where you are fishing. If you use live nightcrawlers in freshwater you will get bit along most shoreline areas. Off shore salt water fishing requires every skill any pro bass angler has developed, you must be able to locate fish to catch them.
I am not knocking bass fishing and spent a lifetime pursuing bass and catching all over the country. The fact bass are located all over the country and catchable everywhere makes them a popular fish.
I am not sure if bass anglers out number any other fish species today? Last time I looked up the most popular fish it was catfish surprising!
Tom
Jleebesaw reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 8:35 AM, WRB said:Last time I looked up the most popular fish it was catfish surprising!
Not surprising at all. After ice out here, everybody goes bullhead fishing. Lots of people go bull heading and dont wet a line again until next years ice out.
WRB reply :
Bullheads are only 1 catfish, channel, blue and flatheads grow big and strong and all 3 of the big cats are predators that eat other fish and can be caught on lures. I have caught channel and blue cats when bass fishing on crankbaits, spoons and jigs.
The top of the freshwater gamefish maybe musky's followed by salmon and steelhead trout, bass are not the only species anglers have pro tournaments.
Tom
Hower08 reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 5:03 AM, Tennessee Boy said:Bass Boats
Bass Tournaments
Bass Pros
Bass Clubs
BassResource.com
Bass Pro Shops
etc..
Does any other species have all of these?
Walleye muskie pike catfish crappie theirs boats rigged the best ways for each species, online forums, tournaments and pros so theirs not a pike pro shops or crappie pro shops or whatever but to answer your question yes plenty of other species have all those things you listed
Koz reply :
I don't think bass fishing is any different than any other types of fishing for a specific species. When I was younger if I said I was going fishing that meant I just wanted to catch anything whether it be a bass, bluegill, yellow perch, or anything in the water where I was fishing.
Today when I say I'm going fishing it means bass fishing. In fact, I'm generally disappointed if I catch something else. The other day I went back to Bluffton SC to visit family and went fishing for an hour. I was throwing a chatterbait and on one cast as I let it free fall on entry it got absolutely hammered. I set the hook and knew it was a big fish and it immediately put up a good fight.
But after getting it halfway in to shore I felt the pull change and knew it wasn't a bass. Sure enough, it turned out to be a nine pound catfish which is a very good size for the lagoons I fish. But when I first saw it my thought was, "Crud - a catfish." Silly, I know. But for whatever reason I just prefer to catch bass.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Readily available, grow fairly large, aggressive, variety of ways to catch them, can be caught year round. Those are some of the reasons I chase them. I love fishing for lots of different kinds of fish, some I would target more than bass if they shared all or most of the same features I listed, but none of them fit the bill.
bassh8er reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 1:24 AM, pondhopperNJ said:Hey all.
Recently I had this question asked by a father taking his son out fishing and I was bank fishing next to them.
"How is your style of fishing different than the average joe going for bluegill/anything"
I think it comes down to our level of devotion and pure passion compared to fishing for other species. Anyone can go to wallmart and get some nightcrawlers and a 15 dollar combo. But to bring out different techniques for different scenarios and knowledge on how the target fish (Bass) behave at certain times.
That's passion and determination.
What do you guys think? How is Bass Fishing different than going after other species/anything?
I’m sorry, but it’s pretty ignorant to think that you are more skilled, passionate or determined than the next guy just because you’re fishing for bass and they have live bait trying to catch gills.
I’m sure a fly fisherman in a stream with a size 22 midge could say the same about whatever setup you’re throwing for bass.
Who cares? There’s enough in this world to worry about besides what another guy is fishing for.
scaleface reply :
Bass lures . As far back as I can remember I've been infatuated with bass lures . If I went to a store that had a fishing dept ., heck with the toys , I went to stared at bass lures and still do today .
JediAmoeba reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 1:24 AM, pondhopperNJ said:Hey all.
Recently I had this question asked by a father taking his son out fishing and I was bank fishing next to them.
"How is your style of fishing different than the average joe going for bluegill/anything"
I think it comes down to our level of devotion and pure passion compared to fishing for other species. Anyone can go to wallmart and get some nightcrawlers and a 15 dollar combo. But to bring out different techniques for different scenarios and knowledge on how the target fish (Bass) behave at certain times.
That's passion and determination.
What do you guys think? How is Bass Fishing different than going after other species/anything?
Honestly a fly fisherman targeting trout is probably way more dedicated than any bass fisherman. The 500 combo you have is nothing compared to a fly combo. Bass fisherman complain about 1 knot, maybe 2 holding up but fly fisherman may have 7+ knots to get down to a tiny little fly they spent an hour tying themselves. They spent countless hours practicing a cast so when they fly into what ever area they are fishing they can nail that cast to a small 1'x1' area...
I fly fish from time to time but those dedicated fly fisherman that spend hours and hours tying knots, tying flies and practicing casts are the apex in passion and determination.
JediAmoeba reply :
There are also Muskie fisherman that are way more dedicated than bass fisherman. The lures are heavy and the time spent fishing per fish is faaaar greater than time spent per bass. If I go bass fishing for an hour and don't catch one I am p.o.'d. if.i go muskie fishing and don't even have a bite in 8 hours, I am not surprised.
And dedicated carp fisherman spend a lot of time and money on their craft too. Bite alarms, special poles and making chum and baits.
Bass fishing isn't alone
Spankey reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 8:55 AM, WRB said:Bullheads are only 1 catfish, channel, blue and flatheads grow big and strong and all 3 of the big cats are predators that eat other fish and can be caught on lures. I have caught channel and blue cats when bass fishing on crankbaits, spoons and jigs.
The top of the freshwater gamefish maybe musky's followed by salmon and steelhead trout, bass are not the only species anglers have pro tournaments.
Tom
I really don’t fish for Catfish or Muskies. But I’m generally good for a couple a year on my smallie lures. A few crankbaits are good producers depending on water clarity.
813basstard reply :
Just the right amount of challenge and reward.
Think of it like the NFL. America is football crazy because it only happens 16 times a year for your team.
Just the right amount of action (casting, maneuvering etc) and options as far as bait goes.
TriStateBassin106 reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 11:21 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Readily available, grow fairly large, aggressive, variety of ways to catch them, can be caught year round. Those are some of the reasons I chase them. I love fishing for lots of different kinds of fish, some I would target more than bass if they shared all or most of the same features I listed, but none of them fit the bill.
It doesn't get any better than that!
On 8/28/2019 at 6:28 PM, scaleface said:Bass lures . As far back as I can remember I've been infatuated with bass lures . If I went to a store that had a fishing dept ., heck with the toys , I went to stared at bass lures and still do today .
Literally me everytime I'm in a wallmart or other store shopping for stuff hahahaha I always check the fishing department first
On 8/28/2019 at 7:11 PM, JediAmoeba said:Honestly a fly fisherman targeting trout is probably way more dedicated than any bass fisherman. The 500 combo you have is nothing compared to a fly combo. Bass fisherman complain about 1 knot, maybe 2 holding up but fly fisherman may have 7+ knots to get down to a tiny little fly they spent an hour tying themselves. They spent countless hours practicing a cast so when they fly into what ever area they are fishing they can nail that cast to a small 1'x1' area...
I fly fish from time to time but those dedicated fly fisherman that spend hours and hours tying knots, tying flies and practicing casts are the apex in passion and determination.
Fair point. We could also add the guys who almost break their backs and arms trying to catch Goliath Grouper.
soflabasser reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 4:49 AM, Logan S said:Bass are easy enough to catch that beginners won't be turned away due to lack of success...But hard enough to support the enthusiast level fisherman who want to 'master' the sport.
I agree with you 100%. Small-average sized bass are a easy fish to catch in most states. Larger bass are still relatively easy to catch when compared to other species of fish. Trophy bass can present a challenge to even the most talented bass fishermen, but trophy bass are much easier to catch in places like Florida, Texas, California, etc compared to other states with smaller sized northern strain largemouth bass. Some bass fishermen are so fond of bass fishing that they start traveling the USA for different species of bass, that in itself is a very unique type of bass fishing.
On 8/28/2019 at 7:24 PM, JediAmoeba said:There are also Muskie fisherman that are way more dedicated than bass fisherman. The lures are heavy and the time spent fishing per fish is faaaar greater than time spent per bass. If I go bass fishing for an hour and don't catch one I am p.o.'d. if.i go muskie fishing and don't even have a bite in 8 hours, I am not surprised.
And dedicated carp fisherman spend a lot of time and money on their craft too. Bite alarms, special poles and making chum and baits.
Bass fishing isn't alone
If you are good at catching big bass you will most likely be good at muskie fishing. Both types of fishing have a similar mindset. Carp are fun to catch and I have caught several over 40'', which is very fun on light line!
BassWhole! reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 1:24 AM, pondhopperNJ said:What makes bass fishing different than other fishing?
The gooey grey stuff between the ears of LMB guys. Fishing is fishing.
Shimano_1 reply :
The dedication has nothing to do with the species. That's all in the guy fishing for whatever species he prefers. Honestly probably not much different about it other than the gear and techniques. The fact that bass fishing has exploded and there's so much money involved these days is the only thing I could see setting it apart. That's what hooked me. I enjoy fishing and have always enjoyed bass fishing, but when I realized I could win hundreds or thousands of dollars simply by being the best on the water that day, the competitive nature in me came flooding out. Is kinda foolish to say "we" are more obsessed etc. Is what sets it apart. Plenty of fly fisherman and salt water guys that are just as obsessed with what they do.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
I think I became one of the average joe going for bluegill and crappie.
Seriously if I lived in FL, bass might be the fourth, fifth, sixth specie I would target.
MassYak85 reply :
I wouldn't say that bass fisherman in general are a more passionate breed of fisherman, but the culture and industry built up around it allows you to dive as far down the rabbit hole as you want and I think that's what makes it so appealing. Plus all the different avenues within bass fishing. Whether it's local tournament fishing, professional, kayak pond clubs, trophy hunters who grind and grind for that one bite...and forums like THIS. No matter what your fix is, there are other people who share it and will be there to give support. I know some of the trout and pike/musky guys are pretty hardcore, but you'd be hard pressed to find a group of guys targeting trophy panfish for decades.
Frog Turds reply :
for me; what i think separates bass'n from others is the sheer variety of ways one can go after them...atleast why i choose bass'n over targeting other species...look at the endless array of baits and techniques everyone has at their disposal...there really isnt another freshwater species that has such a broad spectrum of baits, techniques, cover & structure related to the degree largemouth does...to me thats what keeps it interesting, catch them how and where ya want to...whether its shallow, heavy cover or deep structure and all areas inbetween...not all largies can or do live under the same roof...so they can be found in which ever type area location you choose and/or feel like getting them at generally speaking...
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