Bassmasters 2000

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Choosing a boat

Select an R. Series boat when first starting because of its good handling, powerful motor, and advanced fish finder.

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Lakes

Old Hickory Lake
Early morning: Stay near the north shore and the shallow water. The game will start very close to a good spot. Slowly pull up a bit to find a lot fish.

Midmorning: The north shore and vicinity are good places. Stay in the shallows in the morning. Water over hard and rocky ground is a bass favorite. The small inlets may also have some good fishing.

Afternoon: The bass will tend to go near docks, poles, clusters of rocks, and sharp drops in depth.

Lake Okeechobee
Early Morning: The shallows will warm up first in the morning and attract the fish. Most of the shore and the area around the small islands is shallow. The south shore is a good place to fish.

Midmorning: The three small islands and the north side of the lake, directly opposite those islands are good places to fish.

Afternoon: Fish in the locations from the morning and midmorning hours.

Lake Shasta
Early Morning: This lake has a shallow shoreline, with most of the remaining area very deep. Try fishing in the northern recesses, as well as in the muddy shallows at the northeast side of the lake.

Midmorning: Try the shallow areas with structure, such as up north. The bass can also be found just beyond the shallows where a steep drop-off separates it from the deep water.

Afternoon: Use your fish finder to search for bass. Stop as soon as soon as possible, look at the depth reading, and select the correct lures.

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Lures

Topwater
This lure floats and can be popped along the water's surface to make a splash. It is best used when fish are near the surface (overcast, rain, afternoon).

Crankbait
This lure remains close to the surface after casting, but dives when reeled in. Most Crankbait will remain in relatively shallow water. They are most effective in medium depths and in cold water.

Spinnerbait
This lure is quick, noisy, and can cover a lot of water. It is a good choice to use when testing the waters. Small and dark Spinnerbait work best in clear, sunny weather. The bigger, heavier Spinnerbait works best in mud.

Plastic
These lures are often shaped like actual food (worms, lizards, crayfish). Naturally colored and smaller Plastics work best in clear water. Brighter and larger Plastics work in darker, muddy, or deep water.

Spoon
These lures work best in heavy vegetation, matted up grass, and similar conditions. None of its parts will get caught up in plants.

Jig
This is a fair weather bait that works best in sunny days and clear water. They are not flashy, fast, or noisy.

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Retrieving lures

Steady
Retrieve your lures steadily in clear water and on sunny days, as well as when you need to quickly look around.

Erratic
Jerk the line from side to side to create movement while reeling in a loud spinnerbait or topwater lure in muddy or overcast conditions.

Hopping
Pull sharply on the line to hop a topwater lure along the surface or to pop a plastic or jig along the bottom of the lake.

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Rod and reels

Reels have various lengths and casting accuracy. Use weight when making a line choice. Lighter line allows lures to go deeper, but also break easier. Heavier line will not break as easy, but may scare fish.