| When we speak of bass, we are talking about | | | | well is good enough. The main decision you have |
| four main species in the U.S., all of which are | | | | to make is to fish on top of the water, or |
| taken regularly on fly rods. In my opinion, | | | | sub-surface. |
| fly-fishing is the ultimate way to enjoy the sport. | | | | The classic bass fly for top water is the Deer-Hair |
| Nothing can equal the thrill of a Largemouth bass | | | | Popper. They can be purchased at most stores |
| exploding from the water and smashing your fly, | | | | carrying fly gear, or tied yourself. There are |
| or a river Smallmouth making psychotic twists | | | | many different variations and color combinations, |
| and turns in an attempt to throw your fly. | | | | and they all work. My favorite is a white and red |
| Hooking a Stripped Bass on a fly rod is akin to | | | | one, because I can see it well on the water. Next, |
| battling a small submarine. | | | | there are many types of foam bugs, frogs and |
| Equipment for Largemouth bass is basic. You will | | | | cork poppers available, and again, they all work. |
| need a 6-8wt fly rod in the 8-9 foot lengths. I | | | | Some are the size of small birds and can be |
| recommend a medium action graphite rod | | | | difficult to cast in a breeze, so keep that in mind. |
| because you will need some backbone to exert | | | | For sub-surface action, the two best flies are the |
| pressure on a hooked bass near cover, and will | | | | weighted Wooly Booger in black, brown, olive or |
| need some bend in order to cast the larger bass | | | | any combination, and the Clouser Minnow in colors |
| flies. Your reel should have a disc drag. | | | | to match the local baitfish. If I could only have |
| Largemouth bass do not make long runs, but | | | | two flies to fish with, these would be it. They |
| they will put a lot of pressure on your equipment. | | | | catch anything that swims in both fresh and salt |
| Largemouth bass tend to be lake and larger river | | | | water, anywhere in the world! No fly box should |
| fish. They do not particularly like current, and | | | | be without a good supply of these two flies. My |
| favor warm water. They are ambush predators, | | | | next choice is the incredible Hard-Hackle Worm, |
| and will attack anything they think will fit in their | | | | invented by Richard Komar of Plano, Tx. This is |
| mouth, from small nymphs to baby ducks, small | | | | the fly anglers version of a plastic worm, except |
| mammals, frogs, and other fish. They are fearless | | | | it works better. Purple and black are my best |
| and do not spook easily. They are not meticulous | | | | colors. On this fly, you cast it near cover and just |
| feeders. | | | | let it float for a bit, then softly twitch it, and it will |
| Largemouth bass respond to noises in the water, | | | | begin to sink slowly. |
| and anything nearby that splashes, gurgles or | | | | Give it an extra twitch every so often, and |
| pops will trigger an attack. In addition, movement | | | | Hang-On! Bass hit this fly very viciously! Another |
| can trigger attacks. Bass are not particularly color | | | | fly I like for Largemouth is another of Mr. Komars |
| conscious so that is the last factor to consider in | | | | creations, the Texas Bullfrog. Both patterns are |
| selecting a fly. Usually, anything with a good | | | | very successful. Other good patterns are the |
| contrast to the background that they can see | | | | Dahlberg Diver, and various leech patterns. |