During the winter Bass are found in the deeper regions of the body of water in which they are located. During this period both the level of activity and the rate of metabolism are greatly reduced. While the fish will still feed during this period it will take several days to digest any meal.

As the water temperature increases in spring, the activity of the bass will also begin to increase. The activity level of bass will remain slow until the water temperature rises above sixty degrees. Once the water temperature rises above sixty degrees bass become a great deal more active and begin preparation for spawning. The greatest activity occurs when the water temperature reaches sixty five degrees During this time the bass begin to move out of the deeper waters toward the shallow regions where spawning will occur. All of these actions are a result of the biologic programming of the bass. Having an understanding of this activity will permit the angler to use it to his advantage when trying to locate fish. 

Spawning usually occurs where the water is three to five feet deep and where the bottom is composed of clay, gravel or hard-packed sand and covered with a thin layer of soft mud. The male will create a circular nest from twelve to twenty four inches across where eggs can be placed on the roots of submerged grasses. 

Early in the spawning season only small bass will be caught in the spawning areas. Fishing at this time should be shifted to areas near deep water where larger fish will be gathering prior moving into the spawning areas. After spawning the male will remain to protect the nest until approximately a week after spawning. During this time he can be provoked into attacking perceived threats as he “guards” the nest. 

After the spawning cycle is complete the adult bass will once again return to the deeper waters to be found in their typical haunts. 

By understanding the spawning cycle, both the water temperature that triggers it as well as the actions of the bass themselves during spawning, the angler can better predict where and how to find fish and to be a better bass fisherman.

Ken Garrett
The author maintains http://gonebashfishing.com as a source for additional bass fishing information

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/how-to-bass-fish-understand-the-spawning-season-to-catch-more-bass-883185.html

The Jig and Pig bait gets its name from its original design. Originally a jig was rigged with a trailer of pork rind or pork skin which in some instances was shaped to roughly resemble the trailing claws of a crawfish moving through the water. This use of the pork product added the name “pig” to the rigged bait. While many fishermen still use pork products as a trailer many soft plastic baits have been developed and impregnated with pork essence providing the same attraction as the real thing.

The jig and pig used to catch largemouths is usually either a 3/8 or 1/2  ounce jig. There are differing opinions as to whether a round head or football head is best. Those favoring the round head maintain that this head is less likely to become lodged in the cracks and crevices of cover and rocks while those favoring the football shape claim that it will pass through heavy vegetation more easily reducing the likelihood of becoming snagged. The different weights for the jig can be used to either speed up the drop of the bait as it is presented by using the heavier jig or conversely slow the decent with a lighter weight jig.

The bait is rigged by passing the hook of the jig through the trailing material in a way that will permit the trailing portion of the “pig” to trail behind the jig. Trailing material of different size can have an effect on the effectiveness of the lure. The use of a smaller jig and pig in the spring is claimed to be effective because it blends better with the smaller size of young crawfish at this time of year.

Color choice of both the jig and pig portions of the bait can improve the productivity of the bait. By paying attention to the ability of bass to see colors in varying conditions you improve your ability to catch more fish.

The jig and pig should be presented by either “flipping” or “pitching” it into the suspected location of the bass. Since the jig and pig is designed to mimic a crawfish it will be very effective in the natural habitat of crawfish. A rocky bottom or rip rap along the shore line are excellent areas to find bass in search of their favorite meal. The pig and jig should be allowed to drop until it hits bottom then the bait should be moved in short hops or spurts of activity to mimic the movement of a fleeing crawfish. This action will entice strikes from foraging bass. Dropping the bait into brush, fallen trees, weeds and along the walls of drop offs will tempt the bass in their favorite types of cover. When you are able to find areas that combine the two elements you will be treated to great fishing.

The jig and pig is a bait that has widespread applications. It is a good choice as a cold water bait. Using a lighter weight jig will slow the decent of the bait. Combine this with slowed rod action and it can be used to entice fish which behave lethargically in colder temperatures. As temperatures increase and the activity of the fish increase it will remain effective when presented to bass in their traditional locations.

The jig and pig is a bait which is generally fished slowly, however, a lot of fish can be caught using this combination. Evidence of this can be seen it its widespread use by many of the top finishers in bass tournaments. This season slow down a bit, give the jig and pig a chance and enjoy some great fishing!

Ken Garrett
The author maintains a houseboat and fishes year round on Dale Hollow Lake in southern Kentucky. For more Bass fishing information go to http://gonebassfishing.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/the-jig-and-pig-try-it-for-some-great-fishing-904465.html

Fishing in the UK is a sport that’s both relaxing and exciting. The relaxing part is casting a baited hook into the water and waiting for an unsuspecting fish to happen by. The exciting part is when the fish takes the bait. Here’s some information about two types of Fishing Equipment required for this enjoyable sport.

When you are starting out as a fisherman in the UK, it is best to start with the most simplistic form of Fishing Equipment. It really doesn’t require a lot of fishing gear to go fishing. However, a rod or pole is indeed a necessary piece of equipment. The fishing pole is used to suspend the line from which hangs the bait for the fish. Bamboo, fiberglass and carbon fiber are all basic materials used to make the poles. The fishing rod is used for the same purpose but is somewhat more sophisticated. They have various lengths and also vary in action. The sizes are available from a 24-inch rod to 20 foot one. The casting is better with the longer rod.

There are many different types of fishing rods. A carbon fiber pole is a more technologically advanced pole, which is usually used for coarse fishing in Europe. Fly fishing rods are made to cast artificial flies. They are part of the Fishing Equipment used to catch salmon in the UK. Many fishermen in the UK use this salmon fishing equipment each year for a successful catch. Normally salmon is fished from the rivers in England, although it can be done well in the sea also. In addition to the right rod, you will need waders for the majority of UK Rivers in order to get to the best fishing places.

When you are searching for sea fishing equipment in the UK, try to find sea rods made to be used on the open sea. These rods will be built stronger and longer than the other kinds. For sharks and other huge game, specialty rods are designed. Be sure that the deep-sea fishing rod that you have selected can hold up to the pressure of the resistant larger fish when they are hooked. Also be certain that it is constructed from material such as fiberglass or graphite, which will resist corrosion from the salt air.

Every other part of your tackle has to be able to fit with your rod. This includes the lines, lures, reels and hooks. If you aren’t sure about your choices, get advice from a more experienced fisherman. You need to bear in mind that no matter what kind of fish you are trying to catch in the UK, you have to have the right fishing equipment to be successful.

Our fishing store caters for Sea,Game and Coarse anglers.We hold all leading brands in rods and reels as well as a range of terminal tackle and baits.For more information Click Fishing Equipment For further details Click http://www.keenstackleandguns.co.uk/fishing-equipment/

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/commonly-used-fishing-equipment-in-the-uk-904655.html