Largemouth Bass
Topwater
During the warmer months when bass are more likely to feed from the surface, as the small bass stay close to the shallower areas post-spawn to protect their fry, this technique is a must-try. Anglers love this tactic mostly because it provides a front row seat to all the action, and there’s nothing more satisfying than watching a calm surface suddenly explode from an aggressive strike.
It’s particularly effective in heavy vegetation areas, where largemouth bass have been known to strike right at the surface, tearing through anything in their way. Stick to shady areas and mind the speed at which you work your lure (the colder the water, the slower the retrieve).
Plastics
There are a variety of plastic baits available for use in a wide array of shapes, colours, and sizes, each iteration with its own strengths.
The clearer the water you're fishing in and the brighter the day, the brighter the plastic should be. In murkier waters with low visibility, you’ll want to use a plastic that produces more vibrations, like a Twister Tail, the Curly Tail Grub, or paddle tails. In cold front situations, the plastic you select should be on the smaller side, since fish typically gravitate toward smaller meals under these conditions.
Cranking/Searchbaits
This involves repeatedly casting your rod, and quickly cranking your reel.
It’s recommended for more aggressive species that will be enticed by the challenge of quickly moving prey. When you’re fishing around cover, you should slow down your retrieve and/or slightly raise your rod, allowing your bait to pause.
Experiment by stopping and starting your bait when you’re running your lure through open water, which may help trigger strikes from more sedentary fish. When you do get a bite, try to remember what exactly you were doing when the strike occurred and adjust your technique accordingly. If it worked once, chances are it will work again!
Punching/Flipping
Punching and flipping refer to the practice of continuously tossing out short casts and it’s best used in areas with heavy or matted vegetation.
It can be an energy-consuming technique, as it’s intended to cover the maximum amount of water possible, and the more casts you make, the better your chance will be. You’ll need a heavy weight to help you punch through the surface vegetation. If there’s no immediate bite, let your weight fall, shaking the line slightly or moving the rod tip up and down in a jigging motion and then retrieve the bait and cast to the next spot. Try to feel your bait all the way through the rod, without letting slack develop in your line.