Lure Fishing For Beginners | Why Fish?

I have always had a passion for fishing. When asked the question, “Why do you fish?” I find it difficult to be able to answer. It is because fishing is both an exciting sport as well as a very relaxing pastime. It is this paradox that makes lure fishing so addictive.

Relaxing yet exciting:

Fishing is relaxing because there is no better way to spend your time than in the great outdoors next to a beautiful river watching the wildlife and natural surroundings while being alone with your thoughts.

It is exciting because all species of bass (largemouth and smallmouth) are very strong and often very violent fighters which make for an absolute thrill when fishing for them. Often bass will take in spectacular fashion, hitting the lure in a fantastic display as it bursts out of the water. Nothing makes your pulse race and adrenaline rush as you play the fish wondering how big this one is. Fly fishing for trout is a battle of wits as you try and out fox the trout into mistaking your fly for a real insect.

Whenever I go away I try and incorporate some type of fishing into the holiday. Mostly I fish for bass but I have also caught many trout and the odd yellowfish too. I have a preference for fishing with lures, and have had varying success with poppers, spinners, spinnerbaits and worms (artificial worms, soft plastic lures).

They are found in all types of water bodies such as lakes, rivers and creeks. Largemouth bass are crafty fighters and will often lurk near underwater obstructions such as submerged trees, weed (or reed) beds and rocks, and try and shake the lure or break the line by heading straight for these obstructions when hooked. They hunt by smell and sight and so certain scents are sometimes infused into the plastic of the lure.

Because they are so aggressive by nature bass will often take large lures that create a certain amount of vibration in the water as they are retrieved. Smaller bass have been known to take lures that are the same size as they are. This aggressive streak is what makes bass fishing so exciting.

Generally bass are viewed as a pest, especially in our South African waters because of the fact that they aggressively hunt and kill the young of our endemic species of fish and breed quicker than these species as well. The upside of this problem is that bass fisherman are sometimes encouraged to take the bass that they catch, and when cooked, bass are really very tasty. Bass are best cooked immediately over a fire, fresh from the water.

All in all any lure fishing beginner will find this is a very rewarding hobby and sport.