Bass fishing is a niche within the fishing world that many take very seriously. It requires a different set of skills and tricks than other kinds of fishing. Most bass fisherman have their own "tips and tricks" that they accumulate over the years, but most are also more than willing to help a beginner out.

In the morning it is usually best to fish on the top of the water. The bass are usually at the top eating bugs while the sun is relatively low. Using spinnerbaits and buzzbaits right along the top of the water, or just below it, are the best techniques for catching a big one in the early morning.

In the afternoon, when the sun is the highest, the bass will move to cover and shade near the shoreline. They remain here to keep out of the sun and also to ambush other small fish for lunch. Using different jigs is the best bet in the afternoon. Move very slowly across the bottom of the lake. Using various plastic lures can also catch a big one. Ask around the lake to see if someone will share what the "color of the day" is.

Remember to try and make your lures and other tackle look as close to the real creature they are imitating as you can. If it looks like a frog but simply glides through the water, then you are probably not going to fool the bass. Practice making your retrieve look like the real thing so you can fool that trophy bass.