How to Catch Largemouth Bass When They Don't Want to Bite

Some bass need encouragement to take a bite at a fishing lure.

There are days when a largemouth bass is not going to want the normal 8 or 10-inch plastic worm. It may be due to weather conditions, or the bass are just not hungry that day. If they see something too large, they will not go for it. The smart angler needs to apply some tricks to get those lazy bass to bite.

Things You'll Need

• Red plastic worms
• Heavy line
• Red or orange beads

Instructions

1. Use a Carolina Rig, a bullet sinker on the fishing line followed by a swivel. Tie about 1 foot of the line to the other end of the swivel. The swivel acts as a stop for the sinker so it won't go all the way down to the hook and worm.

2. Put a red or orange bead on the line before tying on the hook. Use a red plastic worm about 6 inches long at most since the bass may pick on something small.

3. Drop the rig in the water and wait. The Carolina Rig is design to hit the bottom of the lake, and it will take some time to get there. Make short tugs on the line and just wait a few moments before tugging again. Watch the line closely because some bass will not swim away after taking the lure. When you feel pressure, set the hook.

4. Move the bait around slowly around the brush piles or other structures in the water. If you know where drop-offs in the water are, cast toward those areas.

References

• Time 4 Me: Bass Fishing in the Great Outdoors