- Fish from February through May when bass are migrating and foraging. You can catch large bass during these months because this is when they are most active. According to Game and Fish Magazine, you can catch more big bass during the spring than at the entire remainder of the year.
- Use bigger lures with sizes up to 12 inches. Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, plastic lures and jumbo worms are effective for trophy bass fishing. Choose lures like Zara Spook, Spit 'N' Image, soft plastic lizards and tube lures. Bass fishing presentations such as Carolina-rigged with an egg sinker and Texas-rigged with a bullet sinker are irresistible to big bass. When fishing with larger baits, opt for as little weight as possible for a slow and stealthy approach. A 1/16 ounce or 1/8 ounce pegged sinker is suitable for 10-inch plastic worms. Larger worms do not need weight, especially for fishing along grass beds. Match the colors with the natural forage in your local waters; some of the popular ones are watermelon, black, pumpkin and purple.
- Follow tapering points when searching for bass. Look in areas such as creek channels, drift up coves and edges of dropoffs. Big bass like to linger in spots with varying depths because that allows them to move up or down with ease, depending on the water temperature and conditions.
- If you expect to catch big bass, choose rods and reels that are sturdy and ready to handle fish weighing up to 10 pounds. For reels, suitable choices are Shimano Stradic in series 2500FH, 1000FH or 2500MGF. Bass Pro Shop Extreme series and Johnny Morris rods are effective and highly recommended by professional bass angler Craig DeFronzo. Consider using six- to eight-pound hybrid line. For bait casting gear, either a P-line or hybrid fishing line works well.