“So you want to catch a limit of keeper bass or the "Big One" every bass angler dreams about.  Well you are a lot closer to experiencing both of the above than you may think.  The fact that you enjoy bass fishing and are actually doing it puts the odds at about 60-40 in your favor.

   Now don't get all concerned, the 40 percent you are lacking does not consist of an expensive bass boat equipped with all the latest electronics, nor is it a specific type rod, reel or other accessories.  The 40 percent is simply a matter of the "BASICS OF BASS KNOW HOW".  Without question  “WHERE” to fish and more importantly “HOW TO” fish are the critical keys to consistent bass catching success.  For certain every bass angler has a favorite bait, technique and hot spot that works for them.  I do and would be less than honest if I said otherwise.  But there is more to it than just that!

   Confidence is an important part of being successful at anything we do.  It is no different in bass fishing.  If you have confidence in a particular technique, bait, or location on the lake and that combination works for you then do not change a thing.  On the other hand if your "consistency" tends to vary dramatically with changes in the weather, water temperature, times of the year, or any other factor, then it is time for what I call the BASICS OF BASS KNOW HOW to enter the picture.

   I have been an avid recreational and tournament bass fisherman for over 40 years; 26 of which I spent serving in the military.  As a result it did not take long for me to realize that if I wanted to experience successful bass fishing (either in tournaments or just recreationally) I had to learn how to catch bass wherever I was assigned or wherever the tournament was being held and under whatever conditions existed when I had the opportunity to go bass fishing.

   Obviously, my transient military lifestyle denied me the advantage one acquires by fishing the same local waters year-in and year-out.  So, to compensate, I had to learn some BASICS which I could apply and refine each time I wet a line regardless of where or when I was fishing.

   Sure anyone can catch bass if they are fishing at the right place at the right time with the right bait.  But all those "rights" do not consistently fall into place.  No doubt we have all gotten lucky and stumbled into a hot spot, threw the exact bait the bass were hitting that day and filled our livewell just like the pro's do.  The only problem is you and I both know the above scenario does not happen very often.

   Consistency requires you to put yourself in the right spot at the right time with the right bait.  Learning how to apply what I call the BASICS (Baits, Adjustments, Seasons, Intensity, Color and Strategy) has helped me to improve my catch rate and can do the same for you.

   I have been asked by Michael Mathews of FIND THE FISH to elaborate on each individual element of the BASICS as well as other BASICS OF BASS KNOW HOW topics in future articles. If you have any questions give me a call and I'll do my best to answer them.  Better yet let's get together and put the BASICS to the test out on beautiful Lake Gaston.  Just give me a call at (252) 537-9958 or you can send me an e-mail at: lakepacz@3rddoor.com to reserve your bass fishing date or to order a Gift Certificate for that special bass angler in your life.

   Till next time, have fun fishing, be safe and courteous on the lake, and please practice catch and release so we all can enjoy bass fishing for many years to come.