using shiners to catch largemouth bass

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It is amazing to me that more fisherman do not use live baits to catch bass. You do not need a expensive boat and rod and reels either, many large bass have been caught from the bank using live baits on simple live bait rigs. Some of the largest largemouth bass trophies have been caught using live bait. Actually you find very little fishing pressure from other bass fisherman if you fish for bass using live baits and you can use this fact to your advantage. My article today will focus on two proven bass living baits that I have had great success using to catch some nice largemouth bass.

Fish live striped shiners and bluegills for largemouth bass.

Shiners make great live baits for bass and I recommend using the following two types, and they are the golden and striped shiners. These shiners both are similar in size ranging fro 3 to 6 inches. Some larger shiners can reach 12 inches in length but don’t use them for bait. Concentrate on using 3 to 6” shiners. You can purchase both types of these shiners at your local bait shop, but if you can catch your own shiners that are local to the area they work much better.

The golden shiner’s main habitat is in the Eastern States but they have been introduced throughout the United States as bait fish. Their  normal size is 3 to 6 inches and they have a deep body with back being a dark green or olive color. The larger golden shiners develop a golden color. To identify them count the dorsal fin they will have 8 rays.

The striped shiner is similar in size to golden shiner but they have silvery sides with a darker color back. The also have distinguishing stripes that form a v behind the dorsal fin. They are native to the north but can be found throughout the Eastern States also.

The bluegill, bream or sunfish can be found all over the US and Southern Canada and they are very easy to catch. You want to catch small ones ranging in size from 3 to 4 inches. It has been my experience that the smaller gills are the best live bait for largemouth bass. Make sure you check with your states department of natural resources to make sure it is legal to fish with bluegills because some states will not allow it.

How to set up your bass live bait rigs to fish with shiners or bluegills.

1.0 Using the right bass rod and reel combo.

I use a heavy duty open face reel spooled with 15 to 20lb test fireline. Fireline is a bit expensive, but you can reduce the diameter of your lines by 50% witch is great when you want to fish higher test lines. The rod I use is a 7ft heave duty spin cast rod.

2.0 Here is how you setup a largemouth bass fishing live bait slip bobber rig.

Slide a slip bobber about 4 to 6 inches in length up your line. Next slide a bead and a bobber stop up your line. You will need this to adjust your depth. Tie on a three way ball bearing swivel to the line next. Cut off a 14 inch piece of fireline and tie one end to the open bottom eyelet on your ball bearing three way swivel. Next tie on a 1/4oz bass sinker to the other end of the line. Cut a 12 inch piece of fireline and tie one end to the open eyelet of the three way swivel. Next Tie a number 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook to the other end of the line. Make sure the leader and circle hook can rotate freely 360 degrees, because the bass live baits need to be able to move freely in a circling motion.

3.0 Here’s the correct method to hook your live golden, stripped shiners and bluegills, bream, or sunfish to your live bait bass rig.

Slide the 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook thru the lips or right behind the soft flesh of the dorsal fin of bluegill, bream or sunfish. Make sure it can swim freely in a circling motion. Slide the 4/0 circle hook through the eye socket of the larger shiners and right behind the soft flesh of the dorsal fin of smaller ones. Make sure your baits are lively when you cast them out.

 

I hope the information I have provided about catch bass with live bait, catch bass with live shiners, catch bass with bluegills, live bait fishing for bass, using live bait to catch largemouth bass, using bluegills to catch largemouth bass, using shiners to catch largemouth bass, golden shiner will help you on your next fishing trip! God bless and a good day to you.

 

Mark is a dedicated fisherman who has published 100’s of fishing articles. Check out his website to get some amazing fishing information and fishing articles loaded with fishing tips about using shiners to catch largemouth bass that really work! Download your Free Copy of Bass Fishing Secret Weapon Special Report At:http://www.oldfishinghole.com/blog/index.php/2009/06/15/bass-fishing-secret-weapon-special-report/

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