We are just back from the estuary with what we can describe as almost impossible conditions to lure fish for bass, but we managed to winkle out a lovely 53cm Bass. The conditions were bright sunshine, no wind, and a clear river, which set us up for a challenging morning trying to catch a bass. We started with topwater lures, but always had the bombarda rigged up, ready to go if it was too nice. So on it went, and we decided, as it was so sunny and so clear, the only thing that might work was something almost transparent, so it was presented naturally in the water. It's been a while since we've used our anti-tangle bombardas, but it didn't take us too long to get used to casting them with a long trace (6ft ish). You almost have to lay it all directly behind you before you cast to get the full effect, but these grando anti-tangle bombarda sets make it easy to use them with a red gill (or fly) attached to them. On this instance, we were using a Red Gill 115mm, connected to a sinking 15g Bombarda float fishing in 5 ft of water, but I think something similar in a fly would have worked just as well.
On my third cast, my line went solid and I initially thought I'd caught a small bass. I thought wonderful, especially on a day like today. As I was reeling it in it must have been swimming towards me as it felt really light but as it got closer, the brakes went on and it started pulling away from me and as soon as I heard my drag go ever so slightly it was an indication that this was not a little bass. At first I thought I'd use the net, but when it started to thrash around I decided to simply walk it back and beach it for a few pics before releasing it back into the river.
After a measure with our BASS Tape (Bass Anglers Sportsfishing Society), I was pleasantly surprised that it was a decent length and condition.
Then, as always, it went back to fight another day.
A great way to catch a bass it is so simple. Just cast it out and slowly retrieve it only changing the speed if nothing is interested at first.