A shorter post, but one of equal importance when it comes to ramming home that vital ingredient in any form of fishing – confidence. Indeed, it is my hope that in writing these narratives, and describing the way in which I am going about my bass lure fishing as we enter the ‘trickiest’ period in the calendar year it will serve to inspire others to give it a go.
Without a doubt, there are more anglers who are steadfastly refusing to put away that rod and those lures this winter – which is great I must add. And despite the crap weather, many of them are catching too – primarily on the Creature Baits it seems.
And this makes me extremely happy, given the amount of information that I promulgated this time last year in regards to their use, including the very basic and amateurish video I placed on YouTube last winter (see below) that has somehow received well over 8000 views!
Gaps and Gasps
Onto the porky 58cm bass in the featured image then – one that gave itself up rather easily in comparison to the bass in the previous post (here) and below:
A 3 hour window between deluges… That was the prediction judging by the Met Office Precipitation Forecast that I find is the most accurate, and that I recommended in within the ‘Planning for a Session’ section my book: The Lure of The Bass – The Revised Edition.
So with a dedicated period in which to fish that, aligned perfectly with the state of the tide and where I wanted to be given the customary 25 mph wind of late, Bertie and I were ready to Rock n’ Roll.
Expectant
Following on from my recent success (here) it reaffirms just how far bass lure fishing in the UK has evolved that I set out fishing absolutely full of expectancy and anticipation of catching another proper bass in February. However, there was a slight snag… The water where I’d originally planned to fish was filthy – and not just murky, but that horrible grey, dull, lifeless colour – which surprised me a little.
Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Furthermore, putting this lack of clarity down to the wind I just continued, safe in the knowledge that my South Devon Bass Guide clients and I have pulled out hundreds of magnificent bass in utter chocolate water conditions, but with a caveat – I’d need to concentrate on the uber-shallows where the bass would still be lurking if I were to be successful.
For an hour, I worked a stretch where the current was gently filtering through numerous clumps of weed as it eased down to its nadir. But in the back of mind, was a precise zone where I vividly recall two separate clients losing bass at the net in April last year. Hmmm “Come on Bertie, this way mate – let’s get a bass…”
Arriving onto my second mark of the day, following a quick check of the Net Weather Radar, I eyeballed two large clumps of bladder wrack with a gap between them no wider than a metre – the tide height still just enough to suspend them.
Unconcerned about spooking any fish close in due to the water’s clarity, once again, as per many previous experiences and an appreciation of where a subdued winter bass could be laying up, I underarm flicked the Sleeper Craw into the presumed hot spot.
Then, about 50cm off of the mud bank I felt a BUMP reverberate though the braid and blank, much like I have felt when the lure connects with the flank of mullet that just happens to be in the way. But… A SWIRL quickly developed, and the line tightened, therefore, I just lowered the rod and effectively heaved her out – it really was that easy!
I did gasp too! As it really made my day this one! And as an aside, I’d love to see any photographs that you may have of your own winter bass!!!
My Books
(Including my most recent release: The Lure of The Bass – The Revised Edition)
For stock levels, purchasing options (BACS or PayPal) and for information in regard to the contents of each of my respective publications you can follow the links below. Alternatively, if you wish to contact me, please either complete the Contact Form below or email me directly at: marccowlingblf@yahoo.com
The Lure of The Bass – The Revised Edition
Bass Lure Fishing – A Guide’s Perspective (Volume 1)
Bass Lure Fishing – A Guide’s Perspective (Volume 2)
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Marc Cowling | Bass Lure Fishing | The Definitive Guide
Marc Cowling | Bass Lure Fishing 