Strike Zone

[ryan7261]

The Strike Zone

The easiest bass you'll ever catch are the ones operating within large strike zones. These obligating fish readily dash several feet to grab a lure. Even errant casts can provoke a strike. When fishing an area thick with bass, the action can be so fast that you may fancy yourself an exceptional fisherman. Optimum fishing conditions such as this seldom last long. The strike zone varies from day to day, hour to hour, and sometimes, from one minute to the next. It can range from 20 feet or more for aggressive, clear water bass to scant inches when bass succumb to their frequent, maddening mood swings. Anglers who accurately gauge the present strike zone and adjust their fishing methods accordingly enjoy the most consistent success.

LOW LIGHT ACTION: Bass generally expand their strike zones during low light periods such as early and late in the day, and in overcast conditions. So it often pays to assume a large strike zone exists at first light. Start out at a fast pace with action lures, and you may tap into an early morning flurry. As the sun climbs higher and dries up the early morning mist along with the strike zone, fish methodically and work harder to put your casts on the money. Anticipate a widening strike zone as the sun wanes in the evening.

THE LARGER, THE BETTER: Anytime a front approaches and causes a falling or unstable barometer, the strike zone may expand dramatically. You certainly don't want to flirt with dangerous weather, but if lightning and high winds are not in the forecast, fish aggressively when clouds roll in. At this time you may be hit with a deluge of bass. Solunar tables also tip you off to widening strike zones that coincide with major and minor feeding periods. When bass expand the strike zone, don't waste time fishing methodically and tight to cover. You'll battle far more fish attacking a wide strike zone by using a fast and loose approach. Lean toward spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, topwater lures, and other action lures that cover water quickly. Move along at a brisk pace, use upbeat retrieves, and hit as many targets as possible. Large strike zones are usually short lived, so kick it into high gear and make the most of them.

ON A SMALLER SCALE: Conversely, the cloudless sky and high barometer that follow the passage of a cold front practically guarantees a minimal strike zone. Heavy fishing pressure is another strike zone reducer. Pick cover apart at such times, and make repeated casts to potential bass hangouts. When the strike zone shrinks, work with slow precision. A small strike zone dictates close, careful boat maneuvering and pinpoint casting. Visible cover calls for flipping and pitching presentations or short, low trajectory roll casts. Jig and pig combination, plastic worms, and other soft plastic lures generally fare best. Keep the baits in cover longer than usual to coax responses from introverted bass. Also remind yourself that a small strike zone doesn't necessarily mandate a small catch. Pattern exactly where bass are holding, say beneath the walkways to boat docks, and you can put your lure precisely where it needs to be. In such instances, a small strike zone works to your advantage.


Robby.

[singerloo]

That helped A LOT, thanks Rob.
I've just became a better fisherman


seaphantom

[IL.bassin36]

Great article! Thanks Rob ;D

[fredhatch]

Man dude, we are all gonna stop posting and just read your posts. Great info, your like funk &wagners on bass fishin. 8)