Kellie Renfro and her husband didn’t have a lot of time to fish last Thursday when they took a quick trip out to Lake Nacogdoches. They had to make it to their kids’ baseball practice in a few hours. But as it turns out, they didn’t need very long. Renfro was able to put a 13.27-pound largemouth in the boat, making her the first woman in almost four years to catch a Legacy Class ShareLunker in Texas, KLTV-7 reports.

Renfro told the local news that shortly after making the “last minute” decision, they were on their boat fishing a lake point and her husband caught a 2-pound fish. He then told her to cast from the front of the boat, and when she did, something grabbed her bait right away.

Renfro was using a spinning rod rigged with a V&M Baby Swamp Hawg soft-plastic lure. She said at first, the bite felt like a snag.

“I turned to my husband and said, ‘Well, I’ve hooked a stump,’” Renfro told KLTV-7. “Seconds later, that’s when she started pulling drag, and that’s when I realized I had just hooked into the largest fish I have ever felt.”

Renfro said the fish pulled some serious drag, jumped twice, and took her all the way around the boat before her husband grabbed the net and “made the perfect scoop to get her in the boat.”

After realizing just how big the bass was, the two headed for the dock and contacted the ShareLunker program. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sent someone out from the Freshwater Fish Hatchery in Athens to weigh the bass and collect data, and they used an official scale to confirm the bass’ weight: 13.27 pounds. The heavy female was 26 inches long, with a 23.5-inch girth. Aside from being Renfro’s personal-best largemouth, the 13.27-pounder was also the first ShareLunker of the season from Lake Nacogdoches.

TPWD confirmed that Renfro is the first woman to catch a Legacy Class ShareLunker (13-plus-pounder) in almost four years. The last Legacy Class entry made by a woman in the state came from Stacy Spriggs of Huntsville, TX, who caught a 13.06 bass during a tournament on Sam Rayburn Reservoir on March 31, 2018.

TPWD also explained that the big, egg-laden female was released into Lake Nacogdoches soon after she was weighed and measured. Typically, the fish would have been taken to the hatchery in Athens, but a spokesperson with the agency said that with all the 14- to 16-pound fish they’ve taken in this year, the “Lunker Bunker” is starting to reach capacity, and they’ve had to be more selective than usual.

Read Next: Two 14-Pound Bass Kick off the 2022 ShareLunker Season in Texas

TPWD’s Toyota ShareLunker program runs year-round. The program allows anglers who catch bass over 8 pounds to loan these fish to TWPD, where they are added to the state’s selective breeding and stocking program that aims to enhance largemouth bass genetics in Texas lakes. To qualify for the Legacy Class, anglers have to catch a bass over 13 pounds and loan it to TPWD during the spawning period, which runs from January through March.

The post East Texas Woman Lands 13-Pound Lunker Bass on a Last-Minute Trip to Lake Nacogdoches appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Ditch pickles and bronzebacks, bucketmouths and smalljaws. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass go by many names, and when most Americans think about bass fishing, they picture one (or both) of these well-known species. The two closely-related fish are popular with anglers because they’re eating machines that grow to large sizes and put up a great fight when hooked. The similarities don’t end there, but there are also several key differences when comparing largemouth bass vs. smallmouth.

For starters, the two bass have different physical characteristics, and it’s easy enough to tell them apart if you know what to look for. They also inhabited different regions historically, and they still prefer different water types, which means anglers should change their approach when targeting largemouth bass vs. smallmouth. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two bass species, their preferred habitats and behaviors, along with some bass fishing tips from the pros. 

The Bass Family

Believe it or not, smallmouth and largemouth bass are both members of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae), which makes them cousins of the mighty bluegill. The two fish are part of the black bass (Micropterus) genus, which includes 13 recognized freshwater species native to North America. These carnivorous fish were historically distributed throughout the eastern part of the continent, all the way from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coast, and from Hudson Bay down to northeastern Mexico.

Some of these species, such as the Cahaba bass, Guadalupe bass, and Suwanee bass, still occupy a very small range in the U.S. (Guadalupe bass can only be found in the spring-fed rivers of Central Texas, for example.) Other species, like spotted bass and redeye bass, have larger home ranges and can be found in multiple states. But none are as widely distributed as largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Because of their huge popularity as a game fish, largemouths and smallmouths have been stocked extensively west of the Rockies, and smallmouth bass are now present in all but two states (Louisiana and Florida) in the Continental U.S. Largemouth bass, meanwhile, inhabit 49 states and have even been caught in Alaska.

In fact, the two bass species have become so popular in sportfishing circles that they’ve been introduced to other countries as well. (Japan in particular has a thriving bass fishing scene.) Biologists now consider these bass to be “cosmopolitan” species, which means they can be found almost anywhere in the world.

Both types of bass are highly efficient apex predators that hunt down baitfish and other prey. What do bass eat? The simple answer is: Anything that will fit in their mouths. But some of their most common prey items include minnows, crayfish, insects, and amphibians.

The two fish have slightly different hunting styles, however. Largemouth bass are classic ambush predators, which means they like to hide in heavy cover, lie in wait, and attack their prey as it passes by. Smallmouths, meanwhile, are more apt to move around and chase bait out in the open. Like most fish, both species have a lateral line, which is a sensory system that allows them to pick up on vibrations and other movements in the water. (More on this in the tips section below.)

How to Identify Largemouth Bass vs Smallmouth

The two black bass species have a similar shape and body profile, but each has a few key physical characteristics that can help with identification.

The most obvious difference between the two is—you guessed it—the size of their mouths. Largemouth bass have bigger maws, and their upper jaw extends well past the eyeball, while a smallmouth’s upper jaw falls in line with the eyeball. For most anglers, this is the easiest way to tell the two species apart.

Another way to distinguish the two is by looking at their dorsal fins. Both fish have two dorsal fins, but largemouths have a tell-tale break between the fins, while smallmouths have clearly connected dorsal fins.

Their coloration can also help with identification. Although this can change depending on the water body and from one individual to another, smallmouth bass typically have brown bodies, and largemouth bass are usually more of a green color. (Some anglers refer to smallmouth as “brown bass” and largemouth as “green bass” for this very reason.)

Where to Find Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass 

Although each bass species can be found in nearly every U.S. state, there are some basic guidelines for where to find good numbers of largemouth bass vs smallmouth.

Smallmouth have historically been a northern species, while largemouth bass have been synonymous with Southern latitudes. This is still the case to an extent, but the two species have been stocked so heavily throughout North America that their ranges now overlap. Today, they inhabit many of the same water bodies (and, like many anglers, I’ve caught largemouth and smallmouth bass from the same stretch of river on the same day).

Since they prefer different water types, however, the two species don’t typically hang out together. Smallmouth bass are more tolerant of cold water and prefer water temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-70s. Largemouth bass are more at home in warmer water, preferring water temps in the upper 70s to mid 80s.

Current, water clarity, and habitat types are other considerations when searching for bass. Classic largemouth water in a river would be a murky, slow-moving bend with thick cover (think fallen trees, heavy vegetation, and boat docks). Smallmouth bass are more often found in areas with current, clear water, and structured bottoms (think rocky shoals, points, and riprap shorelines.)

How to Catch Largemouth vs Smallmouth Bass

Bass fishing can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in sprawling reservoirs, but it can be difficult to fish these lakes effectively without a boat. Almost all tournament anglers use specialized bass boats complete with flat decks, aerated livewells, and large, powerful outboards that allow them to move quickly and cover water efficiently.

The best bass boats for the average angler aren’t necessarily the most expensive, however, and you don’t really need one of the high-dollar glitter boats you see on TV to catch fish. An old jon boat will get the job done, as will a canoe. A growing number of anglers are also embracing kayaks for bass fishing, and thanks to advances in battery technology and boat design, the sport has exploded in recent years.

You can still catch fish if you’re boatless, too. Both bass species are often found along perimeter shorelines, and a shore-bound angler can usually find plenty of good holding spots.

Ponds, creeks, and other small waterbodies should also not be overlooked. Depending on where you live, even the smallest ponds can hold bigmouth bass. Farm ponds are probably the best places for beginners to start, and if you can get permission to fish one of these private ponds, you’re almost guaranteed to have some action.

Once you find a waterbody to fish, a basic spinning rod or baitcaster setup spooled with eight- to 20-pound test is sufficient. Just grab a handful of the best bass lures in a few different colors and sizes and start experimenting. Or, if you want to make things as easy as possible, pin some live bait on a hook under a bobber and wait.

Bass Fishing Tips from the Pros

To get a better idea of the different approaches that anglers take when targeting largemouth bass vs smallmouth, Outdoor Life caught up with two fisheries biologists in different parts of the country. One primarily chases largemouth bass in the South, while the other fishes mostly for smallmouths in the Midwest. Both scientists are also tournament bass fisherman.

Tips for Catching Largemouth Bass

Todd Driscoll is a district fisheries biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife, and he lives and fishes in deep East Texas, which is classic largemouth country. He frequents big reservoirs like Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend, targeting areas with thick cover and heavy vegetation. Because he often fishes in and around lily pads, fallen trees, and stumps, Driscoll uses a lot of soft plastics for bass and rigs them weedless to avoid getting hung up. The key to catching largemouth bass, he says, is understanding the available forage in any given lake and keeping in mind that their lives revolve almost exclusively around food.

“I would classify largemouth bass as opportunistic feeders and extremely adaptable apex predators,” Driscoll says. “Like Rick Clunn used to say: ‘Find the bait, find the bass.’ There’s a whole lot of truth to that.”

The only exception, he notes, is when largemouth bass are spawning and aren’t as concerned with hunting for prey. But even then, you can still convince a bass to eat a lure.

“That’s the time when a lot of finesse techniques—like weightless soft plastics or wacky worms—come into play,” he explains.

Although he considers largemouth bass to be “primarily sight and sound feeders,” Driscoll often fishes in murky water where it’s hard for fish to hunt by sight alone. To get a reaction in these situations, he likes to use buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, and other lures that move a lot of water and will trigger a bass’ lateral line.

“Sometimes you can fish something that’s totally abnormal to get that ‘reflex bite’ out of bass,” Driscoll says. “Anglers can take advantage of [their] aggressive nature.”

Tips for Catching Smallmouth Bass

Meanwhile, up North around the Great Lakes is where you’ll find NOAA fisheries biologist and smallmouth bass guru Jeff Elliott. Like Driscoll, Elliott fished in bass tournaments before he became a scientist, and both perspectives have shaped his understanding of what makes bass tick.

Because the Great Lakes are deeper than the warm-water reservoirs of East Texas, Elliott often targets bass more toward the bottoms of these lakes, where smallmouth like to stack up among the rocks. The water there is also much clearer, so Elliott doesn’t worry as much about triggering a smallie’s lateral line.

“Sight feeding is a smallmouth’s biggest thing,” he says, “much more so than the lateral line.”

Instead, he focuses more on imitating the gobies, alewives, and other prey that smallmouth key in on. And because these baitfish are highly migratory, he’s constantly tracking their migrations in order to stay on the bass. (Remember: Find the bait, find the bass.)

“Smallmouth bass are very nomadic,” Elliot says. “They move a lot, and as soon as they’re done spawning, they’re ready to follow the food.”

From an angling perspective, this is one of the most important differences between largemouth bass and smallmouth bass: The largemouth is more of a homebody, while the smallmouth is more of a traveler. Elliott, who’s also caught plenty of largemouth bass, says that in his experience, smallies are much more willing to move around and actively hunt for prey.

“Smallmouth bass fishing is so much different than fishing for largemouth,” he says. “Largemouth bass just want to sit somewhere, be lazy, and use their ambush skills to get fed. Whereas a smallmouth bass is just gonna go after it.”

Largemouth Bass vs Smallmouth FAQs

Final Thoughts

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are two of the most popular and widely distributed game fish in the world. However, the two bass have different physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitat preferences.

Largemouth bass are more at home in murky lakes and slow-moving rivers, while smallies prefer clear-water lakes and rivers with current. Largemouths also tend to stick closer to home and let their food come to them, while smallies will move around to actively hunt for food.

Both species are extremely fun to catch and they’re easy enough to find. Neither one requires expensive gear—just a basic understanding of bass biology and a willingness to explore your local waters.

The post A Guide to Largemouth Bass vs Smallmouth Bass appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best Overall		Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS Spinning Rod	SEE IT
Best Budget		Falcon BuCoo SR Shoal Spin	SEE IT
Most Versatile		St. Croix Victory 7 foot 1 inch Medium	SEE IT

Drop shotting has gone from a fringe technique, looked down upon by some hardcore bass anglers, to a staple for catching largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. While it’s known as a limit-getting presentation, it’s remarkably effective on giant bass, too. 

The right drop shot rod is a critical element for success whether bass are 2 feet or more than 50 feet deep. While many anglers try to get by with a do-everything 7-foot medium or medium-light spinning rod for drop shotting, the intricacies and nuances of the technique may demand different sticks for different circumstances—and of course, budget is a factor, too.

Whether you’re just getting started drop shotting, or you’re a master of vertical finesse techniques, I’ve made picking your next rod easier by finding the best drop shot rods for a variety of budgets and fishing styles. 

• Best Overall: Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS Spinning Rod – Brent Ehrler
• Best Premium: Dobyns Xtasy 723 SF
• Best Budget: Falcon BuCoo SR Shoal Spin
• Best Heavy: Phenix Maxim 7 feet 7 inches Medium
• Best Light: G.Loomis GCX Drop Shot 820S DSR
• Most Versatile: St. Croix Victory 7 foot 1 inch Medium

How I Chose the Best Drop Shot Rods

I’ll admit it—while I’m not afraid of spinning tackle and embraced the drop shot relatively early in time, I still don’t use it as much as I should. That has started to change as I’ve accumulated and tested rods dedicated to the technique—and now I’ve caught largemouths to 7 pounds and smallmouths to 5 on this comparatively new technique. I know that it works in a ridiculously wide range of circumstances and also that the right rod makes a huge difference not only in the number that you hook, but more importantly, in the number that you land. With that in mind, I’ve forced myself to fish them as much as possible to take the guesswork away going forward.

Best Drop Shot Rods: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS Spinning Rod – Brent Ehrler

Daiwa

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Key Features

• Length: 7 feet 1 inch
• Lure Rating: 1/8 to 1/2 ounce
• Line Rating: 6 to 12 pound mono and 6 to 20 pound braid 
• Split EVA grip
• Price: $290

Pros

• Length should be comfortable for anglers of all sizes
• Lightweight but super-strong
• Lightweight guides and components for all-day use

Cons

• Some might not like the bold color

California bass pro Brent Ehrler is an exceptional tactician across the board, but he made his reputation—and earned some of his biggest wins, including an FLW championship—with finesse techniques. He’s not afraid to use light line in traditional power fishing scenarios, and whether it’s a shaky head or one of the best drop shot baits, he’s uber-confident. 

That shows in the Tatula Elite AGS, which is remarkably lightweight, yet musters incredible strength to move big bass from the depths. At the same time, it’s also forgiving enough that you won’t pull the hook on a smallmouth that surges or jumps boatside. I found the X45 carbon fiber blank to be exceptionally sensitive, even in depths of 30 feet or more whether I was using straight fluorocarbon or braid with a fluoro leader. The AGS (Air Guide System) guides are really light too. 

This rod is exceptional in all aspects, and while it’s not inexpensive, if you’re only going to get one drop shot rod it would be a more-than-solid choice.

Best Premium: Dobyns Xtasy 723 SF

Dobyns Rods

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Key Features

• Length: 7 feet 2 inches 
• Lure Rating: 3/16 to 5/8 ounce
• Full AAAA-grade cork grips
• Line Rating: 8 to 17 pounds 
• Medium-fast action 
• Price: $550

Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• Kevlar wrapping for extra strength
• Fuji components

Cons

• High price may be a barrier to many anglers

Western legend Gary Dobyns might reside and build his rods in Texas, but he’s never forgotten his California roots. Finesse techniques allowed him to win many of the nearly four dozen boats he claimed in tournament competition, and he was on the scene when drop shotting first started to gain traction on American shores. He knows what it takes to tempt pressured bass of all three species, and this rod is an homage to his excellence. 

It’s an insane balance of lightweight and strength, with a Toray Nano blank, Fuji Titanium Torzite guides, and painted Fuji graphite reel seats. If you’re going to spend the bucks on this sports car, be sure to get an equally lightweight reel, lest you undermine the incredible balance of the rod. I’ve happily fished with some of the Dobyns rods from his less expensive lineups, and I’ve been thrilled with their performance, but this is for the angler who won’t settle for anything less than top of the line.

Best Budget: Falcon BuCoo SR Shoal Spin

Falcon Rods

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Key Features

• Length: 7 feet
• Lure Rating: ¼ to 1/2 ounce
• Line Rating: 8 to 15 pounds
• Action: Medium-light 
• Flex: Fast
• Split Grip EVA Handle
• Price: $100

Pros

• Lightweight
• Exposed blank reel seat for direct contact with the blank
• Fuji guides

Cons

• Not ideal for heavier (over 1/2 ounce) drop shot weights

I’ve tested several of the Falcon BuCoo rods over the past couple of years, notably during the Outdoor Life best spinning rod test. I’ve also bought a few more for my own use, and yet I’m nevertheless surprised every time I find myself grabbing for one on a day of “fun fishing” over a rod that costs two or three times as much. 

Despite the low price point, Falcon makes tools that you want to fish that simply feel comfortable in hand and load up right for both the cast and the hook set. This one is no different. The EVA grip is comfortable in hand and the Fuji components—often found only in more expensive rods—are foolproof and failsafe. I’d have no trouble relying on this “bargain” rod with money or the fish of a lifetime on the line. In fact, I think you could be happy with an entire arsenal of BuCoo rods.

Best for Heavy Weights: Phenix Maxim 7 feet 7 inches Medium

Phenix

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Key Features

• Length: 7 feet 7 inches 
• Lure Rating: 1/8 to ¾ ounce
• Line Rating: 8 to 14 pounds
• Flex: Fast
• Split grip EVA handle
• Price: $129 

Pros

• “Extra” length moves a lot of line on the hook set
• Handles weights in the ¾ ounce class with ease
• Several custom components made expressly for Phenix

Cons

• Some anglers may find 7 foot 7 inch length unwieldy or unable to fit in certain rod storage

Phenix Rods has a long history of making specialty rods on the west coast, starting with “doodling” rods in the 1970s. Since then, they’ve become a respected national (and international) company, making tools for various species and every bass technique conceivable, but their spinning rods still fit the company’s heritage. 

Most of the rods designed for drop shotting are medium-light or medium action. While this one is designated a “medium,” it’s just a little bit heavier than the others in that class. That means if you’re fishing in deep water, heavy current, or other conditions that make the use of a ½ ounce or greater weight necessary, you won’t be overpowered or lose control. The 7 foot 7 inch length allows for long casts if needed, but more importantly, it picks up a lot of line when you need to move a big fish that has grabbed your bait. It features a custom one-piece reel seat and proprietary SiC guides. The camouflage split-grip EVA handle makes them stand out as well.

Best Light: G. Loomis GCX Drop Shot 820S DSR

G Loomis

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Key Features

• Length: 6 feet 10 inches
• Lure Rating: 1/8 to 3/8 ounce
• Line Rating: 4 to 8 pounds
• Action: Extra Fast
• Flex: Mag-light
• Split grip cork handles
• Price: $250

Pros

• Tangle-free SeaGuide Hero One Guide Train
• Premium cork handles
• Made in the USA

Cons

• May be too light for fishing heavier drop shot weights deep and/or in current

This is a fun rod to fish when the bass are being difficult. I liked it with a Ned Rig and shaky head, but it really excelled with a lightweight drop shot. I found that I could use weights as light as 1/16 ounce around riprap, which meant the soft plastic got down, but nothing got snagged or buried in the rocks. Yet I still had enough muscle to get the fish out to safety. 

The comfortable Fuji reel seats and premium cork handle provide sensitivity for all-day fishing, and the carbon blank is just stiff enough to drive the hook home with certainty, while the soft tip prevents you from overworking your lures. A lot of rods on the light side feel like toys or whippy noodles, but the GCX Drop Shot 820S DSR is a purpose-driven tool meant for serious anglers—and if you’re not already a serious angler, this will help you to perform like one.

Most Versatile: St. Croix Victory 7 foot 1 inch Medium

St. Croix

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Key Features

• Length: 7 feet 1 inch
• Lure Rating: 3/8 to ¾ ounce 
• Line Rating: 6 to 20 pounds
• Action: Fast
• Flex: Medium
• Split grip cork and EVA handle

Pros

• High-modulus blanks are light and extremely sensitive
• Fuji VSS reel seat transmits the lightest bites
• 15-year transferrable warranty
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Some anglers may prefer a longer rod

If you have to pick one do-it-all rod for light to medium range finesse techniques, this would be a solid choice. It sits at the lower end of premium rods in terms of cost, and it can handle shaky heads, Ned Rigs, Neko Rigs, wacky worms, and drop shotting. 

It may not be St. Croix‘s most expensive series, but they don’t skimp anywhere, from the Fuji Concept O guides to the VSS reel seat and even a premium locking nut. They use high-grade cork, too, but there’s a small section of foam right behind the reel seat. The U.S.-made rods are built with care, including an extra layer of Flex-Coat on the guides to make sure that they stay solidly in place. If you’re going in someone else’s boat and only have room for one spinning rod, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Drop Shot Rod

Length

Seven feet is a nice all-around mark for this technique, allowing you to move line on the hook set but still store it easily. At the same time, you might want to go longer in big water or with big fish, while smaller anglers might prefer something closer to 6 feet 6 inches. Yet, more length can be a disadvantage in close quarters, or when pitching the drop shot. 

Power

For the most part, drop shotting is a light line technique, where finesse and stealth provide an advantage, but you still need power. That’s not just for big fish—you’d be surprised at how much chaos a rampaging 2-pound smallmouth can cause. Most of the time, you’ll likely be using 1/8 to 3/8 ounce weights, but when you stray to the edges (or outside) of those margins, it may demand a lighter or heavier rod.

Handle

Some anglers prefer cork, and others prefer EVA foam. Some like split grips, while others like full grips. Choose one you’ll want to keep in your hand all day, preferably with blank-through technology and an exposed reel seat that will enable you to feel the lightest-biting bass.

Budget

You can use a true bargain basement stick and experience success, and it’s also possible to head to the uppermost regions of the rod economy for custom features. It’s eminently possible to get a tournament-ready high-quality rod in the $100 to $250 range. Depending on what you can afford, and how many you’ll need to fill out your arsenal, there’s a reasonable possibility for everyone.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Lots of “bubba” anglers initially resisted the drop shot, preferring to dunk heavy jigs or big worms in those same places. Today, however, all but the most stubborn among them have embraced it, and the few who have not are likely paying the price. A baitcasting rod and reel combo is still more natural and more efficient when it can be used, but they don’t excel for light-line techniques. If you skimp on a drop shot rod, you may end up paying the price when you finally find that mega-school or hook into a fish of a lifetime.

The post The Best Drop Shot Rods of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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After months of waiting, Lea Anne Powell learned Friday that the lunker largemouth she caught in February was officially accepted as a new women’s line-class world record by the International Game Fish Association. This makes her roughly 12-pound fish the heaviest largemouth bass ever caught by a woman on 12-pound test.

“I submitted everything in March, and it was official on June 23,” Powell told KETK News earlier this week. “I had been driving them insane by calling. I’ve been very anxious you know, I wanted it.”

Powell’s journey into the record book began on February 28, when she went out on O.H. Ivie Lake with Dalton Smith, a close friend and fishing guide. It was their third day in a row fishing the sprawling reservoir, which has been on fire so far this year. (At least 10 other bass over 12 pounds were caught from O.H. Ivie during February alone.) The duo was using Smith’s Livescope to pinpoint trophy fish, and at one point that morning, Powell watched the screen as a giant largemouth homed in on her soft plastic lure.

“Once I set the hook he was like, ‘Oh my God, you caught a giant,’” she said. “We were both freaking out because it was hooked 45 feet from the boat and 15 feet down on 10-pound line with a spinning rod. Which, if anybody knows fishing at all, that’s a very hectic situation.”

After a stressful 10-minute battle, they boated the bucket mouth, put it in Smith’s live well, and ran to a nearby RV park where they found a certified scale. They recorded an official weight of 12 pounds, 3 ounces, and then released the fish back into the lake. For Powell, who also tournament fishes, it was easily the biggest bass she’s ever caught.

Read Next: This 17-Pound Bass Is the Biggest Largemouth Caught in Texas in 30 Years

It wasn’t until the following month that she learned her personal-best largemouth was also a world-record contender. Heeding the advice of a friend, Powell submitted all the required information, including witness statements, photographs, measurements, and a line sample. This last detail turned out to be especially important, as she explained that the 10-pound Seaguar Red Label line she used “actually tested up to 12 pounds” when examined by the IGFA.

Curiously, the IGFA record book lists the official weight of Powell’s bass as 12 pounds, 0 ounces, instead of 12 pounds, 3 ounces. Either way, it’s more than enough to replace the previous women’s line-class world record: a 9-pound, 1-ounce largemouth caught in Mexico in 2021.

The post Texas Angler’s Largemouth Bass Officially a New World Record appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Thomas Russell and his long-time fishing partner and cousin Eric Sullivan were targeting smallmouth on Cayuga Lake when they hooked into the biggest smallmouth bass ever caught in New York state. The duo was fishing the Finger Lakes Open team bass tournament and were having a banner day. They already had a limit of five smallmouths in their live well—with several fish over 5 pounds—when Russell spotted a huge bass in Cayuga’s crystal-clear water.

“It was about 2 p.m., and I saw a big fish in just a couple feet of water,” Russell tells Outdoor Life. “I was using a drop-shot rig with a green Berkley Power Bait and cast to it. 

“It took a couple of casts before she took the lure. Then I set the hook, worked her close to the boat, and Ed did a great job scooping it up in the net.”

Read Next: Best Drop Shot Baits

The bass was a giant, and the anglers had to cull a 5-pounder to stay within the five-fish limit.

With little time left for fishing, Russell and Sullivan, who are cousins, headed back to the tournament weigh-in site. They had the bass officially certified for the event.

A video of the anglers pulling the fish from their boat’s livewell and weighing them on the tournament’s certified scales has gone viral. The fish are all huge, particularly for smallmouth bass, which generally average about half the size of largemouth bass.

Their five-bass total weight was 33 pounds, 1.2 ounces, which earned them the top place in the tournament and $1,300 in winnings.

The largest bass that Russell caught weighed an astonishing 9 pounds, .6 ounces, potentially setting a new state record for smallmouth bass. More incredible is that the anglers believe the bass is the same fish Russell caught last year on Cayuga Lake in the same tournament. He also used a drop-shot rig to catch the bass last time.

“I know it was the same bass, because there are some unique distinguishing markings, which we point out in the video,” Russell says. “I released that bass last year, which was caught in 10 feet of water about a half-mile from where I caught her this year two feet deep.”

Russell’s bass weighed 8 pounds, 5.8 ounces last year, which helped the team win the tournament. Russell weighed, certified, and entered last year’s smallmouth to set a New York record for the species.

But this year, Russell released the 9-pound, .6-ounce smallmouth, rather than entering it for another New York record.

“I didn’t want to stress that bass any more than necessary, so we released her right after weighing and [taking] a few photos,” explained the 55-year old state employee. “I’m more interested in caring for the fish and releasing her quickly.

“I already hold the state record for smallmouth, and we wanted to get moving to another bass tournament on the St. Lawrence River.

Read Next: Best Smallmouth Bass Lures

“Maybe that same smallmouth will be around next year, and we can catch her again, hopefully bigger.”

The post Tournament Angler Catches Same Record Smallmouth Bass Two Years in a Row appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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The little things that can go wrong on the water and cost you a fish are practically innumerable. Some—like a strong steelhead running you into a logjam—might be unavoidable. Many, however, are angler error. Bad knots, for example, cost people fish all the time. Either you chose a knot that’s too weak for the application or you failed to tie a strong knot properly, but regardless, that’s your bad. Not understanding how to properly set your reel’s drag is another common mistake, as is getting too excited and setting the hook on a topwater frog bite too early.

I could go on, but this isn’t about fixing mistakes that fade with more practice and experience. There are a few issues that arise that can be easily missed or overlooked by even the most seasoned fishermen. Here are the three most likely to bite you at the worst possible time, and I know because they’ve all bitten me at some point.

Damaged Line

I’d make the argument that nothing costs anglers more fish than damaged line. I’ve personally lost a lot of fish to the issue, which is completely avoidable most of the time if you’re not lazy.

Read Next: The Best Fishing Line for Landing Any Species Of Fish

Here’s the scenario: You spend a day fishing, and all is well. You put all the rods rigged from that trip back in the garage. The next time you head out you figure, Hey, these rods are ready to go from last time. But then you connect with a lunker, set the hook, and the line parts with ease. Usually this is a result of a frayed or weak spot in your line, which can occur both on the water or during transport. That’s why it’s critical to closely inspect your line before each trip and on the water after a fight or snag, especially when you think it’s possible that your line contacted hard structure like a rock or wood.

To be clear, it’s not necessary to inspect the entire spool. You mostly need to be concerned with the first 5 feet closest to your hook or lure, but I like to check approximately 15 feet to be on the safe side. If you see chafes, slight shredding, or an off-color spot in your monofilament or fluorocarbon, cut the line above it and retie. With braided line, look for fuzzy spots or areas where the woven filaments have thinned or separated from the main strand.

Chipped Guides

Ever since a horrible night in 2013, I’ve become downright anal about inspecting my guides for chips. I had driven over an hour to the beach in New Jersey to surf fish for striped bass. When I got there, the water was boiling with fish blowing peanut bunker out of the waves. I tied on a plug and braced myself for action, but when I fired the first cast, the line parted and my plug went sailing off toward Portugal. No biggie, I thought. It must have been a bad spot in the line I missed. I tied on a metal spoon and snap! Same result.

It turned out that the ceramic insert in my tip-top guide had gotten chipped, creating a divot with a razor-sharp edge. Every time I casted with force, the guide would slice my braid. I left the fish blitzing and went home. Ever since, I’ve made the effort to check my guides before heading out. A great way to check them is with a Q-tip. Most of the time you’ll be able to see chips and rough spots, but if you run the Q-tip around the interior of each guide, the cotton will hang on abrasive or sharp sections.

Weak Hooks

Everyone understands the importance of matching the size of their hooks to their target. Fewer people consider the gauge of their hooks, which is critical. Gauge refers to the thickness of the hook, which dictates its strength and rigidity. Tuna fishermen will target giant bluefins with relatively small hooks that can be hidden inside small pieces of bait. Despite the hook’s size, however, they are extremely thick and won’t bend or warp during what can be an hours-long fight.

Read Next: How to Choose the Right Fishing Hook

Folks get burned by hook gauge most when using soft-plastic lures for bass. They might grab a bulk pack of budget wide-gap hooks that perform perfectly well with smaller fish. Then one day a true hog grabs the lure and that thin, budget hook bends straight during the battle. I’m a firm believer in buying premium hooks from makers like Gamakatsu and Owner, because even their lighter-gauge hooks tend to be built strong. But if you’re targeting larger bass, saltwater species, or even catfish that will pull hard and test your reel’s drag, consider using a hook with a heavier gauge than you think you need.

The post 3 Sleeper Tackle Fails That Will Cost You Fish appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best for Thick Vegetation		Gary Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Penetrates thick cover and moves a lot of water.
Best for Ponds		Z-Man Finesse TRD	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Catches fish at all depths, in all water colors, and at all times of year.
Best for Creeks		Bandit 100 Crankbait	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Simple and inexpensive, and imitates multiple forage stocks.

The best bass lures for summer all take advantage of one key factor—when the going gets hot, fish don’t want to work for their food. Bass are ambush predators who revel in an easy meal, so presenting them with a tempting bait can make for excellent fishing.

Heat pushes bass to various extremes in the water column. On some lakes and particularly on tidal rivers, summertime bass will bury themselves in the thickest vegetation they can find, where food is plentiful. On other fisheries, like lakes with hydroelectric generation, they’ll go offshore and wait for the flow to fire up the bait. On creeks and streams they’ll sit behind current breaks and wait for the buffet line to drift their way. Use their laziness to your advantage, and whether you choose a big meal that triggers a reaction strike or something more natural that acts as an easy snack, remember that the hottest times of the year can also provide some of the hottest fishing if you have the best bass lures for summer in your tackle box.

• Best Punching Bait: Gary Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog
• Best Weedless Top Water: Teckel Lures Sprinker
• Best Frog: Jackall Gavacho
• Best Walking Bait: Heddon Super Spook Jr
• Best Deep Crankbait: Strike King 6XD Crankbait
• Best for Suspended Smallmouth: Duo Realis Spinbait Spybait
• Best for Ponds: Z-Man Finesse TRD
• Best for Creeks: Bandit 100 Crankbait
• Best for Heavy Cover Flipping (Fluorocarbon): Strike King Hack Attack Fluorocarbon Flipping Jig

How I Chose the Best Summer Bass Lures

For this review, I fished these bass lures in the many places where bass live and tried to figure out how to elicit the most strikes. Summertime might be the most diverse period of the year for choosing lures, because feeding bass can inhabit all portions of the water column and a wide variety of cover. They eat a range of prey, too, so tailor your selections and color choices to the local forage.

Best Bass Lures for Summer: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Punching Bait: Gary Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog

Gary Yamamoto

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Key Features

• Size: 3.75 and 4.5 inches
• Three distinct appendages
• Compact body with hard-flapping legs and tails

Pros

• Appendages provide unique sound profile
• Compact body holds a big hook
• Hollow tail section allows easy hook penetration

Cons

• Not durable

Yamamoto, manufacturer of the famous Senko and Hula Grub, provides their take on a punching bait with the Flippin’ Hog a streamlined soft plastic that slips through thick grass, yet still has enough bulk to tempt the biggest fish in the lake. It’s at its best in jungle-like hydrilla, milfoil, or pennywort, behind a pegged tungsten weight from ¾ ounce all the way up to two ounces. That may sound like a mismatched pair, but the body form makes it look natural above and below the water. The hook and knot you use are critical for flipping. An Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp Flipping Hook tied directly to your braid with a snell knot, will give you the best hookups. Another tip on the flipping rig is that some anglers prefer to use a couple bobber stops above the weight instead of pegging it. You’ll want to throw your punching rig on a heavy power, moderate fast action rod with 65 pound braided line.

Best Weedless Topwater: Teckel Lures Sprinker

Teckle Lures

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Key Features

• Frog-shaped body
• Plopper-style tail
• Weedless hook design

Pros

• Calls fish from a distance
• Lifelike eyes
• Great color selection

Cons

• Tail may occasionally get fouled

Japanese lure manufacturer Teckel took the ultra-natural body shape from their other frogs and put a spinning tail on the back, which means you can present an altogether new sound profile to bass that are used to silent topwater amphibians. You can think of this frog a lot like a weedless Whopper Plopper, and it excels at quickly covering water in or around thick vegetation. The hooks are tucked neatly against the side of the body to minimize fouling, but the plastic bends easily to maximize hookups on both aggressive and tentative strikes. You can simply cast out the Sprinker and reel it in or work in pauses to trigger a strike. My favorite way to use the Sprinker is cast it parallel to the edge of lily pads and work it back. You can cover the entire edge—where active fish will lurk—in just a few casts. The biggest con of the Sprinker is that the tail is will get chewed up or ripped off. You can buy replacement tails though and I recommend stocking up on them.

Best Frog: Jackall Gavacho

Jackall

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Key Features

• Length: 2.75 inches
• Weight: ⅔ ounce
• Six colors

Pros

• Easy to work
• Casts a long distance 
• Covers many situations 

Cons

• Doesn’t come through cover as well as a walking frog

There aren’t many times I don’t have a Gavacho tied onto my line because there aren’t many situations where it doesn’t excel. If I’m fishing a pad field, I can bring the bait into an opening and walk it in place. If there’s some chop on the water I can pop the frog. I have no problem quickly walking it down a weed edge. The only time it doesn’t shine is in really thick vegetation because the cupped face doesn’t come through cover as cleanly as the pointed head of a walking frog. 

I also like that working the Gavacho takes very little effort, and the slim profile means I get more eats with fewer short strikes. The hooks on it are the right thickness, so they won’t bend out when you’re winching a fish from the slop, but they’re thin enough that they still penetrate easily. Another design feature that aids in hookup ratio is the soft body, which easily collapses and exposes the hooks. —Scott Einsmann

Best Walking Bait: Heddon Super Spook Jr

Heddon

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Key Features

• Sizes: 3 ½ inches (1/2 oz), 5 inches (7/8 oz)
• Distinguishing characteristics: Cigar-shaped body with loud rattles
• Key colors: Bone, Black Shore Shad, Okie Shad

Pros

• Makes a lot of noise
• High-quality hooks
• Walks easily
• Broad range of colors

Cons

• Not the most natural body shape.
• Not necessarily the best choice on streams or the Great Lakes

There may be more modern and more natural-looking “walk the dog” topwaters, but this upgraded version of the original from Heddon is the best topwater smallmouth candy. It walks easily and calls big brown bass from a distance, or from the depths. They strike it extra hard, too, which means you’ll also need to invest in a quality pair of pliers to remove the premium Excalibur Rotating Treble Hooks.

There’s no more exciting way to catch a post-spawn bronzeback than with a topwater lure, and few surface tools have been getting the job done longer than Heddon’s Zara Spook. You can still use the original effectively, but this upgraded version, the Heddon Super Spook, has all of the extra bells and whistles to grab a few more bites and to keep them hooked up. The smaller “Junior” version is often smallie anglers’ first choice, but don’t hesitate to go to the five-incher, especially in wind and waves where you need to make a ruckus to grab their attention. It’s worth noting this isn’t just one of the best topwater lures for smallmouth bass, it’s also one of the best bass lures of all time.

Best Deep Crankbait: Strike King 6XD Crankbait

Strike King

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Key Features

• Size: 3 inches, 1 ounce
• Dives over 17-feet deep
• Casts a mile

Pros

• Huge color selection
• Runs true out of the package
• Hydrodynamic design hits max depths in a hurry

Cons

• Prone to snags on deep stumps or brush

When summertime bass are schooled up and waiting for baitfish to swim by, nothing gets them going and keeps them going like a big crankbait. The 6XD gets into the strike zone quickly and stays there, and unlike some competitors it doesn’t pull so hard that it wears you out. It also comes in a “Hard Knock” version with a more aggressive sound profile. This is the crankbait the pros turn to when the offshore bass are chewing. And don’t be surprised if you occasionally catch two at a time. When throwing the 6XD make sure you have the right crankbait rod, one that will allow you to feel the bait bounce of cover and keep fish hooked after they bite.

Best Summer Lure for Finicky Offshore Bass: Dirty Jigs Tour Level Finesse Football Jig

Dirty Jigs

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Key Features

• Sizes: 3/8, ½, and 5/8 ounce
• Gamakatsu 4/0 jig hook
• Full-length skirts

Pros

• Highly-detailed skirt colors
• Light wire hook for rock-solid hook sets in deep water
• Pairs with a wide variety of soft plastic colors

Cons

• Shouldn’t be used with braided line

Dirty Jigs has quickly become one of the pros’ most valuable lineups of leadhead jigs for everything from flipping to pitching to swimming. But this finesse jig is made to be hopped and dragged along the bottom. It provides a compact profile and a light wire hook to get solid hooksets at just about any depth but also enough weight to get to the bottom and stay there. In addition to a wide range of standard colors, they offer some options not found anywhere else.

Best Summer Bass Lure for Suspended Smallmouths: Duo Realis Spinbait Spybait

Duo Realis

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Key Features

• Sizes: 3.14, 3.5, and 4 inches
• Flat sides and tall profile
• Two free-spinning propellers

Pros

• Hard-flashing profile
• Signature rolling action
• Razor-sharp hooks

Cons

• Can’t be fished effectively on heavy line

The Spinbait has given rise to a whole host of copycats, but the original remains the gold standard. It looks like an old-school Devil’s Horse topwater, but instead of staying on the surface it sinks. That means it can be counted down to the desired depth and then slow-rolled back to the boat through the strike zone. Largemouths and spotted bass love it too, but it’s really proven the most deadly on smallmouths in the Great Lakes region.

Best Summer Bass Lure for Ponds: Z-Man Finesse TRD

Z-Man

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Key Features

• Size: 2.75 inches
• Ultra-durable ElaZtech plastic
• Buoyant

Pros

• ElaZtech plastic is tougher than other soft lure materials
• Lure stands up when placed on a light jighead
• No negative cues to educate fish

Cons

• Doesn’t call bass from a distance

Ned rigging—placing a small, stubby piece of plastic on a mushroom-shaped jighead—was once thought to be the province of beginners, but as more and more anglers win national tournaments with this simple technique, it’s become a standard in boats and tackle boxes everywhere. The Z-Man Finesse TRD remains the standard bearer. Not only is it super tough—so you won’t need to constantly re-rig or replace your lure—but it is also buoyant, so when sent to the bottom, the tail stands up, calling fish to investigate. Throw the TRD on the lightest Ned rig head that will get the bait to the bottom. Once your bait hits the bottom watch the line carefully. If the line doesn’t jump or swim away—indicating a strike— slowly drag the Ned rig across the bottom. You can also pop it off the bottom and let it fall again. It’s an absolutely deadly technique for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass in anybody of water. Just keep in mind that the ElaZtech material cannot be stored in contact with other soft plastics. It’s best to keep these baits in their original packaging and away from high temps.

Best Summer Bass Lure for Creeks: Bandit 100 Crankbait

Bandit

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Key Features

• Size: 2 inches, ¼ ounce
• Runs 2-5 feet
• Loud internal rattles

Pros

• Encyclopedic color selection
• Compact profile
• Can be thrown on spinning or baitcasting tackle

Cons

• Struggles in brush or grass

While soft plastics and simple inline spinners often get the call for novice stream anglers, advanced practitioners are aware that a crankbait can provoke strikes when other lures won’t. The Bandit 100 roots around like a foraging crawfish, and the wide wobble makes it an easy target. It’s great around rocks—bring it down through a riffle or behind a current-blocking boulder and a waiting bass may jump out and smash it. If it threatens to hang up, just back off and let it float away from the cover.

Best for Heavy Cover Flipping (Fluorocarbon): Strike King Hack Attack Fluorocarbon Flipping Jig

Strike King

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Key Features

• 60 strand silicone skirt
• Corkscrew wire baitkeeper
• Thinner-diameter hook than those made for braid
• 3/8, ½, and ¾ ounce sizes

Pros

• Great color selection
• Smaller diameter hook penetrates with less effort
• Same weedguard as original Hack Attack jig

Cons

• You’ll probably need another jig if braid is required

Strike King makes a wide range of situationally-specific jigs tailored to the pros’ needs. Among them is the original Hack Attack jig, which withstands the hardest braided fishing line poundings. Sometimes, though, the same pointed head style is needed with a lighter hook, especially when using fluorocarbon. That’s where this jig gets the call, and I find it exceptional when flipping and pitching for pressured bass. Yes, you can use it with braid, but the one-two punch of this and the original are a deadly duo when switching back and forth between some of the best fishing lines for bass. I especially like the fact that Strike King has incorporated favorite regional colors into the lineup like Bama Craw, Okeechobee Craw, and Falcon Lake Craw, but it’s no secret that they don’t just work on their namesake lakes.

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Bass Lures for Summer

There are two main types of feeding behavior among bass during the summer—those that can be triggered and those that have to be convinced. Luckily, if you have a selection of the best bass lures for summer, you can do both. Fast moving lures often trigger bass, while painfully slow presentations are often best for convincing them to strike. When rigging up for summer bass fishing, you’ll also want to consider the color of the bait as well as the type of cover and water depth you’re fishing.

Color

Lure color selection is part science and part superstition. While we can debate the effectiveness of watermelon with green flake and watermelon with red flake, there’s a few simple rules to follow when picking bass lure colors. If the water is clear, go with natural colors. If there’s low visibility, go with solid or bold colors. The natural colors are more likely to fool fish that can see every detail of your lure in clear water. In murky conditions you need to help bass see your bait so a bright color will help the lure standout, and solid black will help the lure’s silhouette be visible.

Type of Cover

Also, consider the cover that they’re inhabiting. A bass on a featureless ledge or suspended over a flat might hit a lure that has multiple treble hooks, while one buried in a grass mat or deep within the confines of a brush pile might require a single-hooked weedless approach. If you’re fishing thick vegetation a weedless jig, soft plastic, or topwater frog are an excellent choice. If you’re fishing wood or rocks, you can fish a wide range of options like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and jerkbaits to quickly cover water and find active fish.

Water Depth

Baits you fish in 1 to 5 feet of water will be different from those you use to catch fish offshore. In general, a heavier lure or one with larger diving lip will work best for deep water. Light lures or topwaters are best for shallow water. The exception is when you’re punching matted vegetation in shallow water or fish are feeding on the surface in deep water.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Bass Lures for Summer

Summertime fishing isn’t as easy as the spawn, when just about every bass in a lake or river will move shallow at nearly the same time. While this time of year hits uncomfortable temps and even triple digits, it’s still not as bad as dormant winter conditions. Just think of how the climate makes you feel and assume that bass feel the same way. They still want to eat, but they don’t want to work up a sweat to get the job done. That means they’ll burrow under overhead canopies or down into current breaks and strike when the opportunity presents itself. If you think like them, and find the best bass lures for summer to get into those zones, you can absolutely clean up.

The post The Best Bass Lures for Summer of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best Tournament Boat		Bass Cat Puma STS	SEE IT
Best Starter Fiberglass Boat		Nitro Z17	SEE IT
Best Large Aluminum Boat		Xpress X21 Pro	SEE IT

The bass boat market has exploded with choices in recent years, but the best bass boat for any particular angler depends on fishing location, budget, and the need to accessorize. Anglers in their 20s may be content to take a pounding in a smaller boat, but as they get older, most come to value the comfort of a larger boat. As they move into retirement, though, and away from competition, it’s often wise to consider an easily-towed aluminum model.

Of course, price is a big factor in anyone’s choice. While it’s easy to covet the 21-foot glittermobile, not everyone can conscientiously make the payments on a luxury that now often exceeds $70,000, $80,000, or even $100,000. Figure out what you can afford—factoring in operational costs, insurance, and maintenance—along with the accessories you’ll want or need, and that should inform your choice.

• Best Tournament Boat: Bass Cat Puma STS
• Best Packaged Tournament Boat: Skeeter ZXR19
• Best Starter Fiberglass Boat: Nitro Z17
• Best Large Aluminum Boat: Xpress X21 Pro
• Best Bargain Aluminum Boat: Crestliner 1700 Ridge
• Best for Big Water: Ranger 622FS PRO

How We Chose the Best Bass Boats

Over the years, we’ve been in every major brand of boat, and on every type of water, from the swampy oxbows of the lower Mississippi to the ocean-like expanses of Lake Erie. The wrong boat in the wrong place can be miserable, but the right boat will make you feel like you are one with the water. That’s not a one-size-fits-all process, but since most of us can only have one watercraft, we need to figure out which one does the most things well, given our personalized scenarios.

Best Bass Boats: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Tournament Boat: Bass Cat Puma STS

Bass Cat

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Key Features

• Length: 20 feet 7 inches
• Weight: 2,100 pounds
• Max HP: 300
• Fuel Capacity: 60 gallons
• Prices vary with options, but are around $80,000 to $110,000

Pros

• Easily goes over 70mph with a 250hp outboard
• Massive storage compartments
• Wave Crusher seats add to the comfort

Cons

• Won’t fit in many garages

Bass Cat’s flagship Jaguar is the envy of the bass boat industry, but it performs best with a motor too large for most tournaments. The company took the same “soft touch” concept to the new Puma’s hull, packaging it in a product that is blazing fast with a 250hp motor, meaning it’ll pass most boats at takeoff, yet remains remarkably fuel efficient. 

Most importantly, it’s a wave killer with sports car characteristics, made to take on everything from narrow tidal creeks up to the Great Lakes. Of course, it features the recessed trolling motor pedal that Bass Cat pioneered decades ago. Still, it also has new features like optional Reflex flooring, triangular livewell doors, and even a safety ladder if you go in the drink. It’ll hit 75 mph with a full tournament load—it even looks fast on the trailer. 

Best Packaged Tournament Boat: Skeeter ZXR19

Skeeter

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Key Features

• Length: 19 feet 10 inches
• Weight: 2100 pounds
• Max HP: 225hp
• Fuel Capacity: 44 gallons
• Price: $67,295 

Pros

• Comes rigged and ready for action, with solid accessories
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Eight Color Options

Cons

• Limited choices for customization

As prices have risen in the bass boat world, due partially to the cost of materials and partially to the expensive accessories all anglers seem to want, many tournament-grade boats have surpassed six figures. That prices out many would-be competitors who think that they need the latest and greatest to have a shot to win. Through their partnership with Yamaha and other vendors, Skeeter has managed to put together a boat that is fast and solid in the water at a below-market price. It’s still not “cheap” by any means, but compared to its in-class competition, it’s a bargain. They offer eight different color options, from vibrant to subtle, a dual axle trailer, and top-tier electronics, all of which takes away any excuses.

Best Starter Fiberglass Boat: Nitro Z17

Nitro

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Key Features

• Length: 17 feet 4 inches
• Weight: 1,100 pounds
• Max HP: 115hp
• Fuel Capacity: 24 gallons
• Price: $33,995

Pros

• Lots of storage, including a center rod organizer that holds rods up to 7 feet 6 inches
• Aerated, timed livewell
• Can be towed with smaller vehicles than 19- and 20-foot bass boats

Cons

• In this price range, getting a bigger boat in aluminum or in the used market might be possible.

Nitro pioneered the concept of packaged bass boats instead of a la carte building, and Bass Pro Shops’ economy of scale allows them to offer a wide range of options at reasonable prices. They’re one of the few manufacturers that continues to make a 17-foot fiberglass boat, and for those looking only to purchase new and feel that they have to own glass, this is a solid choice. It will handle comfortably in all but the biggest water yet doesn’t need a full-sized pickup or SUV to pull it. There’s a no-haggle, national pricing setup, and while it comes with a full range of accessories, there are options to upgrade or change them to fit your particular angling style and needs.

Best Large Aluminum Boat: Xpress X21 Pro

Xpress

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Key Features

• Length: 21 feet
• Weight: 1,580 pounds
• Max HP: 250hp
• Fuel Capacity: 40 gallons
• Price: $43,995

Pros

• Great fuel efficiency
• Tows more easily than other 21-foot boats
• Shallower draft than comparable fiberglass boats

Cons

• While the price is less than many fiberglass boats, once fully accessorized, it’s not “cheap” by any means

While fiberglass boat construction has long been the aspirational standard for tournament anglers just about everywhere, in recent years, many of the top pros have realized the value of aluminum. Simply put, they can run the larger “tin” boats in big water yet also get them into nasty untouched backwaters. As competition has gotten tougher and anglers have gotten more advanced, that’s a huge benefit. Xpress is the choice of several top pros—in fact, Jason Christie won the Bassmaster Classic out of one. It’s rated for up to 250 hp, has massive storage and large live wells, and you can even outfit it with SeaDek flooring, which easily hoses off in anticipation of another day of mud-bogging and check cashing.

Best Bargain Aluminum Boat: Crestliner 1700 Ridge

Crestliner

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Key Features

• Length: 16 feet 11 inches
• Weight: 985 pounds
• Max HP: 75 hp
• Fuel Capacity: 21 gallons
• Starting Price: $20,572

Pros

• All-welded aluminum construction
• Easy to tow with smaller vehicles
• Carpeted interior

Cons

• Not ideal for big water

Crestliner has a well-earned reputation for making boats throughout all segments of the spectrum, from bare-bones jon boats up to the Bassmaster tournament-ready models used by anglers like perennial Classic contender John Cox. This one splits that difference and includes features like an aerated livewell, lockable storage, and carpeted interior while also maintaining the best aspects of the least expensive boats—in other words, it’s easy to tow, easy to store, and won’t break the bank. While it’s comparatively inexpensive, the company has taken great pains to make sure that it’ll last a lifetime, including all-welded construction along with an interior protective coating. Whether you’re headed into the creeks of a river or launching on a larger impoundment, this boat can be built to your specifications, as simple or advanced as you need it to be.

Best for Big Water: Ranger 622FS PRO

Ranger

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Key Features

• Length: 22 feet 10 inches
• Weight: 2,650 pounds
• Max HP: 400 hp
• Fuel Capacity: 56 gallons
• Price: $110,995

Pros

• Massive front deck
• 22-foot, 10-inch length and 102-inch beam span big swells
• Holds rods up to 9 feet

Cons

• Not budget-friendly

While the Ranger 622FS is constructed in the traditional “walleye” or “multispecies” Deep V style, increasingly bass anglers on big waters—including, but not limited to, the Great Lakes—are embracing this style to ensure that they can get to their fish and get back with everyone in one piece. This is Ranger’s flagship, with all sorts of high-end goodies packed in. Those include a multifunction display that enables control of everything through a single touch screen, as well as lithium batteries, trim tabs, and a trailer meant to easily haul this aircraft carrier. Yes, a regular bass boat can handle the biggest waves when piloted by an experienced driver, but to be honest it won’t be fun. This makes it a more comfortable ride, and you’ll do it in style.

Read Next: The Best Fish Finders of 2023

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Bass Boat

Storage 

Being an efficient angler means having your gear organized and at your fingertips – and locked away at a hotel or gas station. If you use 8-foot rods and your boat won’t store them properly, that’s a disadvantage. Some anglers bring a “Tennessee tackle box” (brown paper bag full of jigs), and others like to carry an entire tackle shop. Figure out which you are and plan accordingly.

Towing

The biggest boats may provide the most comfortable ride, but they can be a bear to tow. Many require a V8 vehicle or a powerful diesel for safety. Furthermore, even if you have the right tow vehicle, in an era of increasing gas prices, a heavy boat can make a trip to the lake quite expensive.

Cost

Many of today’s “top” boats push well past $100 grand at retail, driven partially but not entirely by the ability to accessorize to the moon. Even anglers who can afford that cost out of pocket may have trouble with the additional need to insure and maintain these dream boats.

Accessories 

Between shallow water anchors, hydraulic jack plates, mapping, and both forward-facing and side-imaging sonar, it’s possible to drive up the base price by tens of thousands before you leave the lot. Some anglers put four or even five screens on their boats. Determine what you need, and if budget is a factor, determine whether you’ll benefit more from additional high-end accessories or a bigger, more expensive boat. Choose wisely.

Read Next: The Best Trolling Motors of 2023

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Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts

Picking a bass boat is like picking a spouse—everyone has different tastes and different needs. The process comes down to various factors, starting with the waters you’ll fish. What works best on the Great Lakes might be a hindrance in the shallow backwaters of an obstruction-laden river. More features and styles are available than ever, but they come at a cost, and budget is also a prime driver of all decisions.

• Best Tournament Boat: Bass Cat Puma STS
• Best Packaged Tournament Boat: Skeeter ZXR19
• Best Starter Fiberglass Boat: Nitro Z17
• Best Large Aluminum Boat: Xpress X21 Pro
• Best Bargain Aluminum Boat: Crestliner 1700 Ridge
• Best for Big Water: Ranger 622FS PRO

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Indiana bass angler Bob Golec struck gold in Michigan over Memorial Day weekend. Fishing Portage Lake near Three Rivers, Golec caught a golden largemouth bass on a plastic worm, FOX-17 News reports. He was jigging the soft plastic lure on a weed bed when the rare fish ate.

“It jumped out of the water, and all the sudden I see this golden fish,” Golec told reporters. “I was like, ‘What the heck?’”

Golec, who’d never seen or heard of a golden largemouth before, thought the bass was diseased at first. But a quick online search revealed that it was actually a healthy fish with a rare genetic skin condition.

“[I] get on my phone, check it out, and there it is: ‘golden bass,’ one of the rarest fish to be caught.”

The fish’s exact weight is unknown, but it was estimated to be five to six years old, according to FOX-17. Although this falls within the average lifespan of largemouth bass, it’s amazing that the fish survived that long without being eaten by predators.  

Golec decided to keep the golden bass and is having it mounted by a taxidermist. The only question now is where he’ll put the mount.

“I told my wife we’re gonna put it in the living room,” Golec said. “And she goes, ‘No, you’re not.’”

What Causes a Bass to Turn Golden?

While rare, golden bass and other brightly hued fish are occasionally caught by anglers across the country. In May 2021, an angler pulled a golden largemouth out of an Arkansas lake, and last July, a bass fisherman caught a neon orange smallmouth from Michigan’s Muskegon River. As recently as four months ago, a bass angler in Virginia landed a golden-hued largemouth bass while practicing for a tournament on the James River. The angler released the golden bass after submitting photos of it to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Read Next: Minnesota Ice Fisherman Catches Rare Golden Crappie

Along with Golec’s recent catch, every one of these bass was affected by a genetic condition known as xanthism (or Xanthochromism), which alters an animal’s skin pigments and causes them to turn bright orange or yellow. Xanthism can also affect other fish species (along with some amphibians, reptiles, and birds).

“Golden largemouth bass are extremely rare, and most anglers have never seen them, let alone heard of them before,” Virginia DWR Aquatic Education Coordinator Alex McCrickard explained in February.

The post Rare Golden Largemouth Bass Caught from Michigan Lake appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Watching a massive bass blow up on a topwater frog bait is one of the most thrilling moments in all of fishing. In a single instant, you get to witness the power, ­aggression, and speed of our most prominent and willing freshwater predator. The ferocious strike always seems like a miracle, and yet it’s totally inevitable on the best bass water around the country. That’s why frog fishing for bass is one of the most popular tactics of summer.

But to consistently catch bass on frog baits, you’ve got to understand frog bait styles, tackle selection, and how bass attack their prey. We’ll cover all of that in this complete guide to frog fishing for bass, plus some tips and tactics from the pros.

How to Hook and Land Bass on a Frog Bait

Sometimes getting bass to hit a frog bait is the easy part. This tactic is ­notorious for missed strikes. It may seem like you need to match the fish’s speed and power with your hookset, which is partially true, but patience is the real key to more successful swings. You’ve got to understand bass as predators and know exactly how they eat their prey. —Alex Robinson

1. The Ambush

Bass are ambush predators and predatory generalists (read: what do bass eat). He’s not hunting for frogs exclusively but waiting for any vulnerable prey to swim by. He detects the vibrations of your frog through his lateral line usually before he ever sees it. The bass may strike in a flash without warning or, if he is especially big, he may flick lily pads with his tail on the way to your bait, a subtle sign of an imminent strike.

2. The Eat

He creates suction by dropping his lower jaw and flaring his gills as he attacks. Even if it’s not a direct hit, he’ll likely gulp the bait into his mouth. There are a wide variety of bass strikes (including fully airborne ones), but the most frustrating scenario is when a bass smashes the lure but doesn’t eat it. When this happens, don’t swing. Let the lure sit twitching—like it’s crippled prey. The bass may come back for it.

3. The Turn

Bass prefer to eat their prey headfirst, and, if you’re lucky, he’ll gulp the entire frog. Oftentimes, he’ll grab the frog by the head and then shift it around in his mouth while he turns back to cover. Studies have shown that bass can travel about 5 feet in a single second. The average human reaction time is about a quarter second. He’s moving much faster than you are, but if you set the hook now, you’ll still miss him.

4. The Hook Set

You must give the bass time to reposition the bait in his mouth so that your hooks have a chance to hit home. This is the hardest part for rookie frog anglers. Wait a full “one Mississippi” after the strike before swinging on the fish. Then keep the pressure on, crank hard, and lift the rod tip high to fight him out of cover. Sometimes you’ll swing and miss, but that just builds anticipation for the next strike.

How to Pick a Frog Bait Style and Color

You can’t just chuck any old frog bait into the pads and pray—at least not if you want to hook into giant consistently. So, I am going to breakdown the top frog bait styles, and where to fish them to give you more confidence for catching bass with frogs. —Kristine Fischer

Hollow-Bodied Frog

River2Sea

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The hollow-bodied frog is the most popular, standard frog bait. It consists of a pointed nose and a hollow body for buoyancy.  Most styles feature long rubber strands that act as “legs” and give the frog a little more “life”.

The pointed nose is designed to help the frog maneuver around heavy cover, making it ideal in the lily pads, brush, and emergent vegetation. These frogs also shine on top of deep and shallow matted grass. 

READ NEXT: Best Frog Lures

Poppin’ Frog

Jackall

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Poppin’ frogs are hollow bodied with a Pop’R or “scoop” style mouth, which allows it to make considerable commotion on the surface.  These frogs typically walk well, and are often intended to mimic baitfish, in addition to an actual frog.

Because of its construction, this frog doesn’t come through heavy vegetation nearly as well as it’s pointed-nose cousin. However, the poppin’ frog will move some water and make noise, which is ideal for fishing open water. In addition to open water, this frog is a great option in when fishing around rip rap, docks, and laydowns. 

Swimming Frog

Teckell

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Made in hollow or solid plastic bodies, I refer to these baits as swimming frogs because they are usually fished much faster, with a straight retrieve. Some of the hollow bodied styles have a solid paddle tail trailer or two mobile solid legs that give the bait a lot of action as it moves across the water or sparse vegetation.

I fish a swimming frog like a finesse style buzz bait. They make a little less commotion but are fished the same.  This style of frog shines when an angler needs to cover water without getting hung up. Unlike a buzz bait, these baits are essentially weedless, so you can fish them over grass, pads, and through a lay-down without it hanging up. 

Frog Bait Colors

Now that we’ve covered your basic types of frogs and where to fish them, let’s talk colors.   One of the biggest misconceptions of frog fishing is that the frog is supposed to represent a frog.   Anglers need to keep in mind that more times than not, bass are feeding on bream, shad and other baitfish, so “matching the hatch” is important. Knowing this, an angler can almost always get away with just 3 colors for any bass fishing water in the country: white, black, and some sort of “bluegill” color.  

When to Use a White Frog: This is an obvious choice when bass are keyed in on shad, but I also like white on cloudy, low vis days.  

When to Use a Black Frog: This is my go-to for muddy water, as it helps create a more defined silhouette that fish can see easier. 

When to Use a Bluegill-Colored Frog: This is an obvious color choice when fish are up shallow feeding on bream, and when fishing around bream beds. But this is also a color I’ll always have tied on when the water has good clarity.

Tackle for Frog Fishing

When it comes to gear and frog fishing, it’s important to consider where you’re fishing.  Pads and reeds will break more hearts than James Bond, so you’re going to want to beef up your rod and line when fishing around this line eating cover.  I typically recommend 65-pound braid and a heavy action rod for this scenario. My frog rod around heavy cover is essentially a broomstick.  It isn’t as accurate, but power is more important than accuracy here.

READ NEXT: Best Frog Rods

When I’m fishing open water and am not worried about wrapping fish up in nearby obstacles, I bump down to 30-pound braid to get better casting distance. You can also go with a longer rod to increase casting distance, and having a rod with a little more tip will help you make more accurate casts.  In both situations, I always prefer a fast reel, or a high geared reel because I want to get the fish in the boat and away from cover quickly. —Kristine Fischer

Frog Fishing for Bass: Tips and Hacks

Boil your frog. Many frogs are rigid when they are new, and this could prevent you from getting a solid hookset.  To make the frog “collapse” better, place the plastic body of the frog in boiling water for a few seconds. This will soften the body and help the hook penetrate better.

Add a rattle. You can find aftermarket rattles in most tackle shops that you can add to give your bait extra noise. This can be a great addition when fishing open water. You simply insert the rattle inside the body of the frog.

Add tungsten or lead bullet weight. Adding a bullet weight into the body of the frog when you’re fishing extra-thick mats helps the frog “settle” into the mats better so you’re able to effectively work the frog.

Trim the legs. The original legs on the frogs are usually very long. Long legs create drag in the water and make it very difficult to walk the frog.  I like keeping the length, so I vary the trim on the strands to where I am “thinning” the legs without taking away too much length. —Kristine Fischer

Use Heavy Line

Most of the time if you’re tying on a hollow-body frog, you’re intending to cast it into heavy cover like lily pads or over surface weed mats. This means there’s very little benefit to a fluorocarbon leader, because in the cabbage, fish aren’t likely to notice your braided line and get turned off. They’re simply going to react to the sound and movement of the bait when it gets right in their faces. When they attack, you want as direct a connection as possible to set the hooks with a lot of force and then muscle the fish out of the vegetation quickly. In this scenario, a splice knot or swivel connecting a leader is just going to create a weak point that could fail under the strain.

Read Next: A Guide to Largemouth Bass vs Smallmouth Bass

Don’t be afraid to put 40- or 50-pound braid on your frogging reel. Just make sure you’re also using a rod with some extra backbone and power that can handle hard sets and horsing fish out of cover. I tie my hollow-body frogs on with a simple Palomar knot. There are other braid knots that hold well, too, just remember that knots like the clinch that work well with monofilament have a tendency to slip when tied with slick braid.

Tweak Your Hooks

Grab your frog arsenal out of the garage and take a minute to study the hooks. Quite often, you’ll notice that the points lay even with the bait’s back, or they may be angled down slightly. Keep in mind that before any frog’s hook grab meat inside a fish’s mouth, the body of the frog has to compress and expose those points. The faster they expose, the more likely you are to connect, so if your frog has flat or downward-facing points, here’s a little tweak.

Find two pairs of pliers and use one to get a firm grip on the hook shank as close to the body as possible. With the other pair, grip the shank closer to the hook bends. Now, bend the hook shank downward away from the body. The goal is to get the hook points angled up. As a reference, you want the points even with the bait’s back, but not extending over the back or else the frog won’t be as weedless. —Joe Cermele

Frog Fishing for Tips from Ish Monroe

Major League Fishing’s Ish Monroe is the man when it comes to catching big bass with a frog. With nine majors and 51 top 10s, his career earnings total over $2.2 million. So we sat down with Monroe to find out how he catches bass with frog baits. Here is what he had to say.

Outdoor Life: Is it best to keep frogs moving or let it sit? How do I know which to do?

Ish Monroe: Let the fish dictate what they want. If they don’t respond to the moving, then stop and pause. Fish have to dictate and you will need to experiment to figure it out.

OL: Do you set the hook differently when fishing frogs as opposed to other lures?

IM: With the frog, you want to set the hook at 1 o’clock or 11 o’clock; never swing to 3 o’clock or downward so you can be sure to hook the fish in the top of the mouth.

OL: Where should I fish frog baits to catch bass?

IM: There is not one lake in the country that I don’t think you can catch’em on a frog. Frogs work in the shallows of the Sabine River (Texas/Louisiana) and the depths of Lake Mead (Arizona/Nevada). You can fish a frog around any type of structure—grass, wood, rock, docks, over-hanging trees—as long as they have the opportunity to see it. On lakes with vegetation, such as matted milfoil or hydrilla, I look for points, cuts, little pockets, and other irregularities. I want to find them close to deeper water, too, so bass can feed on shad and bluegills in the grass and then have the security of deep water nearby.

But the frog is a very versatile lure. One of the biggest keys to mastering them is to learn to “walk the frog.” Frogs can be great in open water because they’re subtle. A lot of guys will throw topwater baits, like a Spook, but a bass may not want something that loud. Sometimes they do, of course. But I throw the frog a lot in open water or along open shorelines. It’s great in those situations.

Shoreline riprap along road causeways is one of my favorite targets in the pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn periods. Typically, fish are on or near hard bottom, forage is abundant, and bass can spawn on or near the rocks. It’s a perfect setup for frogs. Those same areas sometimes get pockets of wind-blown vegetation earlier in the year, too.

OL: What’s the best time to fish a frog bait for bass?

IM: Anytime the water temperature is consistently 56 degrees or more, for me it’s game on,” Monroe says. “It can be overcast or sunny, morning, noon, or night—they will eat a frog. The only time I don’t throw one is when it’s cold or when it’s too windy, when you can’t see the frog. If I can’t see it, then they can’t see it. If the wind is blowing and waves are rolling, they can’t home in on it. There’s too much going on. But if it’s calm or there’s just a little ripple, they can see it and will come eat it.”

OL: Do you ever use scents with frogs?

IM: No scents at all. I might use worm rattles inside the legs; I’ve even used cat bells for noise, but no scents.

OL: What size frog bait should I use and when?

IM: I make the Ish Monroe River2Sea Phat Mat Daddy frog in one size because it’s the only size you need. During Stage 3 of the Bass Pro Tour in March, when I caught eight scorable bass for 34 pounds on day one, it was all with the frog. Great day on Lake Fork, even though it was pre-spawn, there was lots of cover.

The post How to Catch Bass on Frog Baits appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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