CLEAR WATER LARGEMOUTH TACTICS

Tips to help boost your success when targeting skittish clear water fish.

Skittish, spooky, nervous, jumpy, flighty, wary... all great adjectives to describe bass in clear water. Bass are master predators, feeling most comfortable surrounded by cover, lurking in the shadows, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. When the water is crystal clear, however, they lose much of that element of surprise. The tables also turn, so to speak, as the increased visibility makes them more vulnerable to predators themselves. This is why, under these conditions, they can be very tricky to hook. They become very cautious. If it's a bluebird day, this only serves to compound the problem. But, don't fret! All's not lost. You can catch bass successfully even in the clearest water, on the nicest day, IF you follow these simple tips.

1. Pay Attention To Shadows

“Bass contend with many surface predators such as birds of prey and some small mammals, and so naturally they watch for shadows from above.”

This is a tip that can come in handy under any fishing condition. Bass don't have eyelids, so on bright sunny days when the water is clear, you'll typically find them holed up in areas where the sun isn't beating right in their eyes. Look for areas in the shade, where trees cast shadows, or where there's sufficient cover like surface vegetation that may act as a canopy. Also, pay attention to your own shadow. Bass contend with many surface predators such as birds of prey and some small mammals, and so naturally they watch for shadows from above. Fishing into the sun will help manage your shadow as with the sun in your face your shadow will be cast behind you, and not towards the fish you're targeting.

2. Match The Hatch

This is one of the golden rules of bass fishing. You hear it and read about it all the time from every bass fishing resource out there. But in clear water conditions it becomes of the upmost importance. Whereas in poor visibility you might elicit a reaction strike from a fish that never even sees the lure clearly, increased visibility tends to have the opposite effect. Fish become much more critical about what they strike at.

The reason you catch so many fish on odd colors and presentations in murky water is because they rely heavily on their other senses to hunt. Most freshwater species, however, actually prefer to hunt visually. In clear water, if your presentation doesn't look natural, a finicky fish will most certainly notice. Stick to the most natural colors that match the forage in your fishery. This might require a little research on your part to determine what makes up the bulk of the diet of the fish in your waters. Presenting a lure, though, that closely mimics what your bass see and eat regularly will definitely increase your catch.

3. Wear Camouflage

“If you wear bright colors that clash with your surroundings, you're going to stand out like a sore thumb.”

Yep, you read correctly. I know, I know, you're fishing and not hunting. Well I can tell you from experience, this actually helps! In clear water the fish can see you above the surface. If you wear bright colors that clash with your surroundings, you're going to stand out like a sore thumb. If a bass looks up and sees a neon blob on the surface, it's probably going to bolt. The idea is the same as in any hunting scenario, the camouflage helps break up your outline against your surroundings. Of course if you're in a brightly colored bass boat, then this tip probably won't be as useful. But if you're fishing from shore or in a natural colored kayak, this tip will help you land more fish, no doubt.

4. Simplify Your Presentation

What we mean here is smaller baits, and lighter line. Realism is the key. Whereas in dirty water a larger presentation may be more effective because it's more noticeable, in clear water bass will see the lure sooner, and much more clearly. Something large and out of place may be intimidating, and could have just the opposite effect you're shooting for. To combat that, take a more finesse approach. Shorter worms, like a 4.5", are perfect, perhaps Ned rigged. Also, use lighter line if you can get away with it. Fluorocarbon is fantastic for situations where visibility is a major factor.

Clear water bass are tricky, but if you implement these tactics next time you're in a clear water situation, you'll be more successful at landing those wary fish!