We’ve all heard about secret tips, strategies and ideas to catch trophy bass fish. Some of them can be true, but some of them are clearly not. Many anglers miss out on catching trophy bass because of such myths. Let’s take a closer look and separate the truth from falsehood.
Myth #1: Big bass stay in deep water during summer
Bass commonly visit areas of lakes or rivers with deep water because of the abundant food. These areas provide less competition for nutrient-rich food.
However, some areas, like tidal basins, have the most food available in shallow areas, especially fry from other species like shad or bluegill. Some bass decide to live in these shallow areas for life.
Myth #2: Big fish never bite at midday
Different factors affect the bite windows, including the tidal stage and solar-lunar influence. In reservoirs associated with power generation, a flowing current stimulates biting.
Early morning and evening are some of the best times to catch fish. However, late morning and early afternoon can also be prime catch times.
Myth #3: Big bass require bigger bait
One of the most essential things about bass is that it never turns down an easy meal. Some of the biggest bass caught have been caught accidentally using 1/8 or 1/16 jigs during crappie fishing trips.
Myth #4: Bass spawn during full moons
Spawning times are some of the best times to catch a big bass. Most of these fish will be in the shallows and have reached maximum adult size.
A common misconception is that certain temperatures and a full moon attract the biggest bass to spawn. However, the most important factors are the light penetration amount and the amount of daylight for the time of year.
Myth #5: Trophy bass don’t eat during cold fronts
Since most trophy bass are accustomed to warm water in their native Florida, many anglers assume the fish stop eating from the shock. However, these fish must continue to eat to survive and will feed despite traveling shorter distances.
There are usually few giants caught during cold periods. Heat-holding areas, such as dead hyacinth mats, are more likely to attract the biggest fish.
Myth #6: Scent never matters
Despite the belief that fish lack the olfactory senses required to distinguish between scents, smell makes a difference in overall catch rates.
Scents added to bait can cover up human scent that might otherwise be a deterrent, encouraging the bass to bite.
Myth #7: Big bass movement is random
Bass make more deliberate movement in lakes than many people appreciate. John Hope from Texas started tracking bass movements during the 1980s.
One of Hope’s most important discoveries was that trophy bass used a single passage to reach food-rich breeding areas, like trophy deer. According to Hope’s research, the most critical priorities for these fish were opportunistic feedings and quick safety retreats.
Myth #8: Moon cycles play no role
Doug Hannon, the late fishing expert, believed in the importance of solunar tables. Besides keeping careful records of his catches, he developed a system to explain how moon cycles affected major and minor feeding periods that anglers today still use.
Part of Hannon’s system includes fishing when the moon is directly above or below your location. Because Hannon caught several hundred large bass during his career, the fishing community gives his words a lot of weight.
Myth #9: These rules always apply
Bass are individuals, and two fish in the same body of water may have different habits. Some bass feed on different fish, and others prefer different depths.
Summary
Many of us have missed out on winning big because of believing in certain limitations, unwritten rules, or prevalent myths. One example from Hollywood is the hero of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (playing on Fubo) who declines the promise of everlasting life because of the myth that the Holy Grail came at the cost of remaining in its temple forever.
Although far less is at stake here than in the movie, catching trophy bass may be within reach if you know which myths to ignore. The sooner you reject wrong information, the sooner you can catch the big one!
