Fly Fishing for Bass... Part 1. Introduction and Why I Fish for Bass.

Introduction...

This winter I will be writing a continuing series about my favorite fish to catch with a fly rod... The Bass! Here in Michigan I passionately pursue two species, Largemouth and Smallmouth.  Which one due I prefer? you ask.  "Yeah right!... trying to decide which one I love the most is like asking me which one of my two daughters do I love the most?.. can't be done."  I love both species and have had many inner struggles trying to decide which is my favorite.  I think it all depends on the season and conditions.  Even though they are both bass, they are both very different, and certain times of the season I like one over the other.  Anyways, most of the information will evolve around general biology, characteristics,  history, and some of my best tips and techniques that I have found to work best for me.  So I present to you Fly Fishing for Bass Part 1...

 Why I Fish for Bass

First of all, they are fun to catch! They jump. They pull.  They dive. They are scrappy fighters.  They are also very accessible and will attack a wide range of flies.  They are found in shallow water in nearly every pond, lake, river, and reservoir in the country.  No matter where I may go the bass, like an old friend is always there.  Even when I'm not catching them they are fun to fish for.  The challenge of dropping my fly along side a log, underneath a dock, or threading it through a frisbee sized opening in the lily pads is great fun! No matter if a bass is home or not.  I cannot think of a better why to practice fly casting than fishing for bass.  For me bass fishing tends to be more of a hunting experience.  Here in Michigan most of our lakes are very clear and many of my local lakes are gin clear.  This is great for stalking and sight casting to them.  A bass in shallow clear water can be as shy and spooky as any trout or saltwater flats fish around.  Many times your presentations have to be perfect.  They can also be caught anytime of the day or night.

 I love where they live!

I also admire the way they look!  Their shape. Their outline and colors.  Their staunch and stocky bodies are built for short bursts of speed.  The prominent lateral line, the mossy green shiny back, and white belly of a largemouth are hard not to like.  I even love how a largemouths fins are laid out across it's body.  Especially when a bass' spiny dorsal fin is all jacked up and spiky as it gracefully follows the top ridge of the fishes back.  Smallmouths though in my opinion have some of the most brilliant markings of all fish.  There is no rival to a smallmouth that comes out of cold clear shallow water.  The bronzie-yellow body with those strong brown vertical lines is some of nature's prettiest and most perfect camouflage.  Once you've held a 4 pound plus smallie, only then can you see why many fishers call them footballs and toads.  When holding a large smallmouth in your hands you can feel it's strength.  Their lean, strong, tight, and fibrous muscles are great indicators of their nasty ways.  Both are beautiful creatures.

These fish have made a lasting impression on me.  They are the fish that I remember of my youth when I was a dock rat at the local lakes.  I can still vividly remember my first bass.  I caught it on Middle Lake in Clarkston, MI when I was 8/9 years old.  I saw the 12" fish turn and engulf my purple and white K and E Bass Stopper worm.  I saw it! I saw the whole thing take place in front of me.  The fish turned, flared it's gills and took the bait.  Life changing.  Ever since that moment I have been stricken with the sickness.  I get excited with the take, there is nothing like a bass blowing up on a fly.  It can be highly visual if done right.  Sometimes I don't care about the fight... For me it can be all visual.

So when it comes to fly fishing... I'm a bass bugger!  Bass are one of the greatest things on earth.   Anyway, there's nothing I've experienced to date in the world of fishing that compares to a bass taking a topwater bug. Nothing...yet!  That's why when I need to remind myself of who I am... I go bass fishing!

 See more about Fly Fishing for BASS!  Fly Fishing for BASS Series parts 1-6

Bass fishing, outlaw country music, and beer. Now bring It!  Come on spring.