05-07-2004, 05:29 AM
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Rock bass fishing is enjoyed by fishermen across many areas of America. Rock bass are aggressive and have a larger mouth than most other panfish in the sunfish family and distinctive red eyes, hence the local names of goggle-eye and redeye. It holds its own in lakes, ponds and rivers from the St. Lawrence River west through the Great Lakes (except Superior) to Minnesota, and south through the Mississippi drainage to the Gulf Coast.
[size 4]Rock Bass Habitat and Distribution[/size] [left]As its name implies, the rock bass prefers hard rock and gravel bottoms. Rocky points and drop-offs typically hold this species, which is why anglers often catch rock bass while fishing for smallmouth bass. Rock bass also relate to fallen trees and logs. One of the best times to catch them is when they move shallow in the spring to spawn. Fishing methods that catch bluegills take rock bass, as well.[/left] [left] [size 4]Rock Bass Fishing Techniques[/size]
[/left] [left]Retrieving tiny jigs, spinners and crankbaits next to cover that holds rock bass is sure to get bites, provided you cast accurately enough to avoid snagging. When fishing for rock bass holding near submerged weeds or some other subsurface cover, cast jigs and spinners beyond the fish and let the lures sink to the desired level before beginning a slow, swimming retrieve. A 1/16-ounce jig sinks about 1 foot per second. Vary the count until until you begin getting strikes. [/left][/font]
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Rock bass fishing is enjoyed by fishermen across many areas of America. Rock bass are aggressive and have a larger mouth than most other panfish in the sunfish family and distinctive red eyes, hence the local names of goggle-eye and redeye. It holds its own in lakes, ponds and rivers from the St. Lawrence River west through the Great Lakes (except Superior) to Minnesota, and south through the Mississippi drainage to the Gulf Coast. [size 4]Rock Bass Habitat and Distribution[/size] [left]As its name implies, the rock bass prefers hard rock and gravel bottoms. Rocky points and drop-offs typically hold this species, which is why anglers often catch rock bass while fishing for smallmouth bass. Rock bass also relate to fallen trees and logs. One of the best times to catch them is when they move shallow in the spring to spawn. Fishing methods that catch bluegills take rock bass, as well.[/left] [left] [size 4]Rock Bass Fishing Techniques[/size]
[/left] [left]Retrieving tiny jigs, spinners and crankbaits next to cover that holds rock bass is sure to get bites, provided you cast accurately enough to avoid snagging. When fishing for rock bass holding near submerged weeds or some other subsurface cover, cast jigs and spinners beyond the fish and let the lures sink to the desired level before beginning a slow, swimming retrieve. A 1/16-ounce jig sinks about 1 foot per second. Vary the count until until you begin getting strikes. [/left][/font]
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