The Bass Fishing Super Site

So you want to go fishing for bass in a pond or lake that is covered with hydrilla? Hydrilla can be a real pain when bass fishing. But like every bass angler knows, hydrilla can hold some monster largemouths! The first thing to consider when bass fishing in hydrilla is how thick in the hydrilla. Does it have pockets or breaks? Or is it just a huge mat? In all most every case of fishing in hydrilla you want to use a heavy weight and a Texas rigged plastic. I like to use a 1 oz weight and a very large worm (8.5 inches +) or any large plastic for that matter. A purple worm has shown to be the most effective, red shad is great in too. Plastic crawfish are great aswell since you will fishing in an enviroment that natrually holds crawfish.

Once you have you rig all set up, chunk your heavy rig out into the middle of the mat, work the worm across the top untill you find a pocket. Slowly reel your plastic over the pocket and lit it fall. If the hydrilla is extremely thick, your worm will not fall to far. This is okay, bass will still see it and feel the vibrations. Continue this pattern and you will get bite if the hydrilla is holding bass.

If you find your self fishing a break of hydrilla. A break is where you have a huge mat and then a big clearing space. You will more than likely find a lot of bass in an area like this. What I like to do is through my plastic on the mat and slow reel it to the break letting it fall into the clear opening. You will be surprise how quickly a bass will take the bait once it has fallen, if the spot is holding some bass. You can also get parralel to the break and through along the break. If you choose this technique you do not have to use a lure. Burning a spinner bait along the side of the hydrilla will get bass’ attention! Experiment with different lures on the when bass fishing on a break of hydrilla. Breaks in hydrilla are well known for holding lots of bass!

Fishing for bass with a Texas Rigged worm is one of the techniques I use most. I usually use a 1/8 oz bullet weight depending on how much cover there is. If there is a lot of cover you may want to up the weight size. If are bass fishing in hydrilla I suggest you put on a 1 oz weight. This will bust through the mat of and put the rig in the bass’ face. As far as a hook I use a Gamakatsu fishing offset shank, hook size 3 or 4. Offset shanks are better when using plastics, with the bend in the shank your plastic will not be crooked and will sit on the hook perfectly.

Once you have your rigged set up, it’s time to for the presentation. There are many different ways to fish a Texas Rig…I myself find working the plastic slowly to be the most effective. Especially in the winter months. Bass move slower in the winter and are less likely to chase something moving fast. Bass want get the same amount of energy in a meal as it takes to catch the meal. Okay back to working the rig. I cast it out, let it sit for roughly 20 seconds. This is the time where I usually get a hit, when the worm is falling to the bottom. If you do not get a hit on the fall, after 20 or so seconds is up tighten up your slack and slowly lift the rod up 3 to 4 times and then let it sit again, and repeat. This is rather slow way of bass fishing but it’s well worth it when you get that big hit.

How do you know when you have a bite? Well, a bass will usually tap the worm a time or two before actually taking the bait. You will feel a “tap tap” and then usually a strong hard pull. This is when you want to set the hook. Set the hook hard and quick so you get the barb through the bass’ mouth. Make sure you yank the rod in upper motion, and not to the side. Some people will yank the rod to the side and rip the hook out of the bass’ mouth. Setting in a upper quick motion will give you a better chance of getting a good hook set. Once you feel the bass is on there, keep the line tight and reel the bass in. You will get hooked on Texas Rigs after a few successful bass fishing trips with them.