More and more people are starting to realize what the buzz is all about today. The sport of bass fishing is about a whole lot more then just netting a bass. With tournaments, growing in popularity, it’s become more and more about landing that perfect trophy bass. To someone who is just starting out, it can seem overwhelming.

Probably the very first thing to cover is some of the lures that are vital to your success in bass fishing.

Any idea what some of the best lures for landing trophy bass might be? While there isn’t any particular scientific method applied to this, an informal poll was taken of many of the professional bass fisherman, and they determined that plastic worms seemed to be the number one choice among the pros, followed up closely by spinner bait and crank bait.

Often times however, you have to dig a little deeper for the right lure. There are a number of other things you need to consider. First off, if you think it might be better to work a smaller area of water or if you want to very quickly work a larger body of water, then a plastic worm isn’t going to cut it. The use of worms is a more time consuming process, and they tend to work best when you find bass that are running in schools. That of course takes time.

The other area where you can sometimes run into a problem with plastic worms is with strikes. Plastic worms require the use of a fairly heavy sinker to get them far enough under the water to be useful. However, the weight of the sinker can sometimes cause you to not feel a bass strike when it happens.

Conversely, spinner bait can be moved about much more quickly across the surface of the water. You can temporarily bounce it on the bottom, and move it in ways that mimic a live insect, and influence bass to strike. Spinner bait is also an effective lure for the shoreline due to its tangle free design.

Finally, crank bait can also cover a wide area of water in a short period of time. This also helps out with investigating a specific area in a brief amount of time. If you can’t find the schooling bass in the water, this may be your next best bet.

The main idea to pull from all of this is that, whatever type of lure you decide to use, wherever you have decided to cast your line, you absolutely must make it as easy as possible for the bass to see the lure, and strike it. Fish have limited visual abilities, but can sense distance very well. The closer you put your lure to the bass, the more likely they are to make a strike.

This is the single biggest key to successful bass fishing – learn the characteristics of your lures very well, and everything else will fall neatly into place.

Before we wrap up, let’s quickly discuss exactly when you should be out on the water for maximum effectiveness.

Fish tend to go deep into cooler waters when the sun is in the sky, and they are considerably less active. This makes the times just before sunrise, and just after sunset the absolute best times of the day to pull in the highest number of fish.

One thing to keep in mind though…when fishing during these times, be sure to being your lure in at a steady pace. With poor lighting adding to their limited vision, it becomes even more imperative that the bass can consistently sense the bait so he has the opportunity to strike it.

Finally, if you are going to be out at dawn or dusk, make sure the temperature is over 50 degrees. Same as being too warm, bass will become much more lethargic when the ambient air temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

With a solid understanding of the proper time of day to fish, and the proper bait to use to catch them, you’re already ahead of many anglers who have been at this for years. There is much more to learn, such as the way that weather effects bass activity, and water quality and purity, but that will come later. For now, go have fun and bring home your limit!

About the Author

Mike Long is the webmaster and publisher of The Easy Fisherman’s Newsletter, a weekly publication giving anglers tips, secrets, insights, articles and other information cover the sport fishing.

You need to decide which boat is right for you and your needs. Take into consideration what you will be using the boat for, who will be going with you, and where you will be taking your boat. You can find this information buy reading articles about different types of boats, researching boating websites, and looking through boat review magazines. Boat shows are an excellent way to learn about boat styles, sizes, engines and equipment. Reading opinions and experiences that other people have with boats may sway your decision or give you ideas.

What size should I get?
Deciding what size boat you need is important. You do not want to get a boat that is too small for the intended use, or one that is too big for just taking you fishing. Bigger boats will usually have more amenities such as cabins, toilets, and galleys. However, this means that there are more systems that need to be understood and maintained. Some boats are too big to be trailered, which leads to transportation issues. They will also take more gas to operate.

New or Used?
Decide whether you want a boat that has never hit the water or one that has had a little experience. Buying both new and used boats has its pros and cons, like anything else. Whether you are buying new or used; shop around before making your big purchase.

If you buy a new boat, you know that it does not already have problems or repairs that need to be made. If anything goes wrong with the boat once you own it, it is under warranty. Buying new also allows you to custom order according to your specific needs and wants. There are financing options when buying a new boat, which allows for better interest rates and deals. If you buy new, make sure that you address any problems that come up while the warranty is still in effect.

If it is a seasoned boat that you are looking for; than buying used is your best option. Used boats are good for boaters who are not sure what they want to do on the boat. If you are on a budget, buying used in less expensive than new. You may not find exactly what you want in a used boat, which leads to added expenses to customize later. Before buying your used boat, get a marine survey and have the boat inspected. This will check for structural damage or mechanical problems that the owner failed to mention, or may not have known about. They will also be able to detect whether the boat will need repair in the near future. With this information you can make an educated decision on whether buying used will really save you more money.

Make sure that the dealer you are buying your boat from is reputable. Checking around and asking advice will only help you in the long run. It is very important to check the dealer/seller for proof of ownership. You do not want to buy a boat that is stolen. If you feel as though you need help researching and purchasing your boat, you may want to hire a yacht broker. They will help you determine which boat is best for you, negotiate deals and arrange financing.

Test Drive:
Like a car, a boat should also be taken for a test drive. Once you think you have found the boat that you would like to purchase, it is a good idea to see how it handles on the water. Here you can see if you enjoy the way that it rides, and if it is right for you. There are certain tests that you should do while out on the water. Check to the engine to see if they are warm before turning on the ignition. If it is, the owner may have started it up prior to your arrival. This would be done to hide the fact that the boat may have trouble starting. The bilge should be checked at the beginning and end of the test drive for any oil leaks. While in the dock, maneuver the boat around in forward and reverse to check for response time. Check for bow steering while at slow speeds, and record how long it takes the boat to plane at high speeds. Take several turns; wide and tight at various speeds. If the bow of the boat bounces on straight runs, adjusting the trim should be able to fix the problem. Check to see how smoothly the boat handles waves and wakes. You do not want side to side rolling. You should also be observing how well the gauges and instruments are working, as well as the oil pressure. The engine should be run long enough to check for overheating.

Purchasing the boat:
Make sure to check around for prices and follow blue book pricing guides. This will help you negotiate the best price for your boat. Once you have the price you are satisfied with, have the owner put it in writing. This will eliminate any problems with price changes before the sale is complete. This agreement should also list terms, as well as the accessories that are included in the price. If you are buying a new boat, contact several lenders to get the best deal on financing.

A few more things after the purchase:
It is a good idea to take a boating safety course. Even if you are familiar with the water, and have been on numerous boats in the past; you should take the course. There are safely tips to follow to make sure that you have a fun and safe summer on your boat.

You are now the proud owner of a boat that is new to you. When insuring your boat, it is very important to include the survey and inspection if you have one.
Register your boat and apply for a new registration sticker. Title your boat in your own name; if it was previously owned it will need to be re-titled. Pay your sales taxes. Get your boat inspected by the local Coast Guard and display the sticker on the port side window.

Preparing yourself by setting a budget is important. Owning a boat can get expensive. Plan out what added expenses you feel are necessary for your boat, and don’t forget the cost of fuel. Following money saving tips will help you stick to your budget.

If you are not an experienced boater, your first trip on the water should be with one. They can show you helpful things like turns, docking and trailering. They will help you to feel more comfortable and confident enough to be on your own.
Make sure you are equipped with the necessities. Keep a tool kit, first aid kit, documentation, light bulbs, fuses and manuals on board.

Get out on the water and enjoy your new boat!

About the Author

Kristy Bateman is the writer for Earl’s Blog on SellUrBoat.com.. These articles are unique and helpful to anyone interested in learning about boating and or fishing. Please visit SellUrBoat.com to view a variety of unique articles from Kristy. SellUrBoat.com is The Simplest Solution to Buying and Selling ‘Ur’ Boat.

Enjoying family and friends:
Running errands, bringing the kids to school, picking them up from practice and working long hours are all part of a normal week for most people. You need some recovery time from all of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This also brings your family together for shared quality time. This is also a great opportunity to teach your kids something new, whether it is fishing, boating lingo, or exploring nature. Pull them out from in front of the video games and get them out there to enjoy the great outdoors. There are numerous activities that your family can enjoy on a boat. The kids as well as yourself can enjoy tubing, skiing, fishing, swimming or just cruising along on the calm waters. You will enjoy each other’s company, laugh, talk, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Endless waters:
When you are on your boat, there is always somewhere new to go. With 2/3 of the planet covered with water, there is bound to be a river, lake, bay, or ocean that you haven’t explored. If you think that you don’t live in an area where you will use a boat often enough, think again. Most people live within an hour of a navigable body of water. So look up your local marina, and find out where the closest body of water is to you. If it is a small river, see where it leads to. If may be a 20 minute boat ride to a lake you have never been to.

Fun and stress relieving:
After working you tail off all week long, you deserve some recreational leisure time. Boating has proven to relieve stress and tension. When you are floating away from the shore, it feels as if you are floating away from your worries and troubles. They are not welcome out on the peaceful water. With endless activities and opportunities that boating has to offer, it can be so much fun. Once you decide what you will be using your new boat for, choose the type of boat that is right for you.

Affordable recreation:
Many people think that to be a boat owner you need to be raking in the big bucks. That isn’t true. You can finance a boat for around $200 a month. You can save that if you give up going out to dinner a few times a month. Owning a boat can be affordable if you budget your money. There are many money saving tips for boat owners. In the long run, owning a boat will save you money. Think of how much you spend on family vacations. If you own a boat, you can go anywhere that the water will take you. If you have a cabin and bathroom facilities, a weekend trip to somewhere new is always exciting for the family. Now you don’t have to pay for a hotel, and you can bring your own food.

Now that you have decided that you can’t go another summer without a boat, visit SellUrBoat.com to search for your new boat. It won’t be long before you are watching the sun set over the lake that you and your family just spent the day on.

About the Author

Kristy Bateman is the writer for Earl’s Blog on SellUrBoat.com.. These articles are unique and helpful to anyone interested in learning about boating and or fishing. Please visit SellUrBoat.com to view a variety of unique articles from Kristy. SellUrBoat.com is The Simplest Solution to Buying and Selling ‘Ur’ Boat.