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