How to Catch Bass That Won't Bite

Anticipating a day of fishing for bass is often accompanied by visions of a fighter on the end of your line. But fishing for bass can be hit-and-miss, depending on how the fish are biting the day you go. Fortunately, bass are somewhat predictable in that they are territorial and will attack your lure if it looks threatening. Bass are also opportunity feeders, biting on tidbits of food that happen by, including what is attached to your hook.

Things You'll Need

  • Lures and jigs that are smaller and lighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pack a set of jigs and lures that are smaller and lighter than what you are planning on fishing with. Remove your current lure and attach a smaller lure when the bass don't seem to be biting. This will entice some of the smaller fish, who may have been overwhelmed by the larger lure, to bite. Try different lures and colors if one isn't working; some bass don't like certain lures.

    • 2

      Find the location where the fish are seeking cover. Look for areas with thick weeds, grasses and branches underwater. Cast your line directly into the covered areas, enticing the bass to bite. Bass retreat to areas where they feel safe when they are not actively feeding or when changing climate conditions make them nervous.

    • 3

      Slow down your cast and reel, giving the bass a chance to act on the lure. Cast your lure in different directions, giving the fish an alternate presentation and offering a new way for them to look at the lure. Follow your usual method for fishing, casting steadily. Don't panic or cast at random.

    • 4

      Move to a new fishing spot, but stick with an area where the bass are known to be. Keep your confidence and move through different locations systematically, only moving on once you've determined the fish in the hole are not biting. Look around logs, rocks and shady areas in addition to the typical vegetative cover.

    • 5

      Cast directly into spawning beds during the spring when the bass are spawning, which generally occurs when the water temperature reaches 65 to 70 degrees. Bass guard their spawning beds, remaining at the post for weeks. During this time, bass won't leave to find food, but may act on a lure that lands in their face. Try different lures until you find one a bass is interested in. Reel your lure in slowly, giving the fish a chance to act on it without moving far.