Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 06/15/2010:  Converting from a Saltwater Angler to a Freshwater Bass Fisherman

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill has many saltwater recreational anglers worried as the oil nears their favorite fishing grounds. The long term effects of the oil may devastate the fishing in that area for years to come, however the freshwater bass fishing along the Gulf coast states will be virtually unaffected with the exception of the Louisiana delta area and Gulf tributaries. The change from saltwater to freshwater bass fishing can be a Godsend during these trying times.

The major differences from saltwater angling depends on the type of saltwater angler you are. If you are a redfish fanatic, you are pretty much set with the flats boat you already have and the shallower style of fishing you are used to. The redfish angler will need to adjust as the bass in freshwater lakes have no tidal influences. The tackle used will be similar with the exception of more baitcasting outfits and smaller test lines. The lures will also change with more focus on soft plastic worms, crankbaits and spinnerbaits versus spoons.

Redfish anglers will have a plethora of bass tournaments to choose from, so the competitive redfish angler converting to bass angler will have no problems there. The 2 fish limit will be upped to a typical 5 fish limit. The trolling motor will be your primary "stealth" mode versus a push pole.

For the offshore angler, the conversion to freshwater bass fishing will be a major undertaking. Downsizing your boat will be the biggest change, however on most lakes and rivers the large boat is not necessary and you'll save a bunch of money on gas. A bass boat can run from the about $10,000 for a Tracker style to as much as $50K for the loaded big rigs.

The offshore saltwater angler will need to buy a complete new set of tackle for bass fishing. 6'6" rods to 7'6" graphite rods with slim bass style tapers are a must. Spinning reels will still work, but baitcasters will need to be part of your arsenal. Soft plastics, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwaters as well as a sundry of offset Gammy hooks and bullet sinkers are a must.

The offshore angler could elect to bait fish and will need to use the golden shiner as the bait of choice. New tackle and bait shop locations will be necessary to find out who carries these.

One characteristic of the largemouth bass that makes catching and fighting them so exciting is their aerial acrobatics. Saltwater anglers will equate these acrobatics to a tarpon or snook. So if you enjoy catching these fish you'll love bass fishing.

So for you worried saltwater fishermen along the Gulf coast, give bass fishing a try and you may just be hooked on one of the most sought after species in the world. 

 Until Next Week, Tight Lines!

The Largemouth Herald