Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys try to reel the bass in as fast as you can... like me.  When I do that, the fish still has a lot of energy by the time it gets to the boat and it flops around and sometimes flops off the hook.  So before it gets to the boat, my friend would be ready with the net to net it up as fast as possible because we dont want to lose it before we take pictures =P

Anyway... watching a bunch of vids, I see people get the fish in, and the fish doesnt flop around when its near the boat and they can easily grab its mouth with one hand.  What's the trick???

No trick each bass is different some will flop flip and dance for you

while others will just keep a stady pull on the line and stay down

while yet others will swim right at you

When I catch a bass, I will reel it in as fast as possible IF I am pitching into thich, heavy weeds, where the bass could run, and I'd loose em.  Otherwise "playing the fish" is the best option that will tire the bass out, so lipping the fish isn't a difficult thing to do.  It really doesn't make a difference (in my opinion) whether you reel the bass in asap, just make sure that you have strong enough line so you don't loose your fish.

I don't like to try to muscle a bass to the boat for the reason you stated.When bass see the boat they usually go nuts(especially a small jaw).I try to let them do their thing out away from the boat but I don't like to toy with them either.I just let them get a little spunk out and keep my line taught.If you toy with them to much then it can be hard on the fish(I am a C/R guy).Most of what I stated would refer to a quality size bass.I reel dinks in as fast as I can to get them off my hook and my line back in the water.

Well, the way I feel about fighting fish is, I rip on them..... That is, I put as much pressure as I feel I can safely put on them, with my hook, line, rod and reel combination. If that fish is large enough, strong enough, or hot enough to rip drag, then I let er' rip :-) But the split second that fish lets up, I'm on it like stink on..... a dead fish :-)

It always bugs me to see guys trying to get more play out of a fish, than its size and strength can offer. If those guys want more of a fight, they ought to do what it takes to catch "more of a fish" ! ;-)

So anyway, about the net, I always have one within arms reach. If I hook anything but a big bass (one that I believe is over 10 lbs) I usually won't bother with a net, because admittedly, nets are a pain in the butt, and they do tend to snag everything that gets close to them. However, if I feel I have a double digit on..... and especially if I think its a really big fish of 13, 15, or more, heck yes I use a net ! I still remember one 14-6 that fell off, right beside the boat... right into my net :-) If that one fish is the only big one the net ever saved for me, it was worth every bit of trouble up until then....... and if it saves another big fish for me 20 years from now, it will have been worth having it within arms reach for the next 20 years too.

Peace,

Fish

Depends on what line i have with me. 10lbs mono test, then i will tire it out alittle. 40lb test 10lbs diameter, i'd haul that sucker in with no fear of losing it ;D

Just one other thing to remember though bow3022..... The breaking of ones line, is not the only way to lose a fish ! Hooks can be straightened, or rip out.... or even, simply fall out, from being given slack, during the fight.

Precisely why that one line manufacturers add used to always crack me up > Now nothing gets away" ! < Yea' right ! If nothing ever got away, it wouldn't be fishing !

In any case, whether I am using 2 lb test for Crappie, or 80 lb braid for Sturgeon, my rule about "either the fish is ripping, or I am" always holds true.

Peace,

Fish

skunked again.

the one fish that I got flip flopped right next to the boat and jumped off the hook.  -.-

i like to use the gamakatsu offset hook ewg with a plastic worm on c-rig.  what am i doing wrong?

Your getting too excited, plain and simple.  You can't let the bass jump.  If you feel the bass is about to jump, put your rodtip down towards or in the water.  That action will force the bass back down into the water.  Sometimes you will loose fish though.  Have you ever watched the Elite series or Ultimate match fishing?  Even the pros loose fish buddy, it's just part of the package. Just like tangles, snags, and lost lures.  Also, keep your line tight, any slack and the bass can shake free.  Next time you go fishing, make up your mind before you hit the water that today is to learn.  When you hook a fish, let him run.  You'll get a feel for the bass, and what it feels like when they are about to jump.  Don't over do it though, or you will stress them more than necessary.

I think it's a confidence issue also. I fish with a lot of youngsters (trying to turn em on to something besides video games). When you touch the fish he is going to at least flinch, if not flop like crazy. Those who lack confidence will flinch and react when the fish does. This is when the bass gets away a lot of times. If you are going to handle a fish without a net you must do it deciseivly and without hesitation. Be carefull as this will also get you a hook in the thumb (don't ask me how I know this). Until you have confidence that you can grab them without losing them, get the net. When I was younger I would grab them before they knew it. My arthritis is advancing and nowadays I only grab the dinks. I keep a landing net in the boat always, like Fish Chis said, there's no need to lose a great fish. JMHO

I want the bass, especially really big bass, to jump. That's the most exciting part of the fight for me.

If you want to catch big smallmouth, line diameter and visibility matter. If you fish the way Fish Chris does with his big largemouth, you probably won't get the bite from smallies and your chances of landing the bass are slim. I have never caught a smallmouth that hasn't take another run at the boat. If you horse these fish there is a high probability that you will rip the hook out of their mouth. To land trophy smallmouth you maintain a tight line and reel when you can. Patience is a virtue.

Smallmouth don't give up. You need a net, a rubber net.