Bass

Crankbaits and crankin' an Illinois angler’s best friend in spring

Crankbaits can be put into three different categories. The lipped short body, the lipped long body, and the lipless are the varieties that are the easiest to define.

Topwater baits still a great fish-catching option

Too many fishermen put away their topwater baits when summer ends

Fall bass advice: Don’t be so quick to draw the line on fishing line

Although there are more and more choices, anglers should keep in mind that the proper fishing line could make the difference between a good day and a bad day on the water

Wisdom of youth sets veteran angler straight

While trying out a new baitcasting combo on a local fishing lake, a seasoned angler gets schooled by a young fisherman.

Plastics are taking over the (bass fishing) world

Angler offers his opinion that many lures, such as spinners and crank baits, tend to do most of the work in catching fish. But anglers who use plastics are required to use special skills and techniques to land bass.

Summer strategy: catching bass from shallow cover

Even as the air and water temperatures rise, targeting bass in shallow water can pay dividends

The one fishing lure you need during the summer

A mushroom-head jig and plastic worm is the ultimate multi-species tool

Electronics aren’t just for kids

Catching fish requires finding fish, and the author stresses the importance of electronics on his fishing boat — along with learning how to use those electronics

Nesting bass appear unaffected by angling

A unique study on the effects of tournament-style fishing on nesting largemouth bass has thus far found no reason to close Illinois lakes to spring tournaments.

U of I: Tournament bass not stressed in livewells

University of Illinois does study to determine stress on fish in livewells.

Fishing for fall bass? Don’t forget the docks

Docks draw baitfish on sunny days; baitfish draw bass

Five top fishing presentations for late summer bass

Largemouth and smallmouth bass won’t fall into a strict pattern in September, so have these five techniques in your angling arsenal.

Fishing tips: proper handling for fish catch and release

Having the proper tools and tackle will help you become more efficient and effective when practicing catch and release this open-water season.

The science behind catch and release

I recently had the privilege to attend a lecture on the science of catch and release by Dr. Steven J. Cooke, who is an associate professor and Canada Research Chair of Environmental Science and Biology at Carleton University