Make Them Bite

James Hanohano is a big bass hunter from the big bass sleeper state of Arizona.  "Our lakes are sleeper lakes over here."  States Hanohano.  "Most folks think of California, Texas or Florida when they think of monster bass, however we have a couple, most notably, Canyon Lake, that receive monthly stockings of trout, and our bass are starting to break into the teens on a consistent basis."

Recently, we asked James about the heart breaking situation of having big bass follow our swim bait out to the boat only to turn and swim away.  "Oh yeah, there are a couple of things you can do that will definetly increase your odds to about 80%."

• 1st-Hanohano suggested this: "As soon as you notice that you are not alone, as in, there is a big fish swimming under your lure, you need to consider what a reel trout would do about its impending doom. A)  The trout would not be swimming slowly it would speed up and attempt to get away or B) It would play possum and pretend to be dead.  The trout will do one of those two things.  So you should: Either burn that swim bait faster than you have ever burned it or kill it and let it fall right in front of the monster.  These are much more natural presentations given the situation and will very often result in the fish striking what he / she thinks might be a disappearing opportunity."

• 2nd-Hanohano suggests that you match the hatch. "If the fish are not opening their mouth for you, consider the size of the bait.  If it is much larger than the trout the bass have been eating, this could turn them off.  I don't want to make it sound like these fish are smart or anything, but they have some sense about them that has allowed them to reach this size."

• 3rd-Hanohano sheds light on the color factor.  "Big bass can be very particular, each lake has particular characteristics and the color of your bait could be a factor.  Usually darker or lighter is the concerning factor here."

• 4th-Finally, Hanohano says that his best trick is the moon phase.  "The most important factor is the moon.  The bigger the moon, the better they bite.  I typically catch more big fish the three days before the full moon, and the really big fish, I mean the big teens, are really motivated by that three day period.  I don't plan my fishing days around the moon, because I have to fish when I get the time, but when I can fish that three day period before the full moon, my confidence is greatly increased.