Sight Fishing for Bass

Sight Fishing is visually locating the bass then making presentation(s) to them when lure visibility is high. It is the primary technique when targeting spawning bass and targeting wolf packs.

Sight Fishing is important to:

Catch Spawning Bass: Where local regulations allow bass fishing during spawning season.
Identifying Wolf Packs: Shallow bass moving in a group are identified visually and thus it is opportunistic to have a rod and lure ready.

Identification: Watch for slight fish movements or subtle fins movements.
- Small Ripple: A small water ripple on the surface could be an indicator of bass.
- Grass Movement: Movement of emergent or floating/matted grass can be an indicator of bass.
Distance: Some suggest looking as far ahead from the boat as possible to identify the bass before they can see you and get spooked. The actual distance depends on lure visibility.
Small Motion Cast: Choose a casting technique that has minimal lure action to minimize spooking the bass.
Quiet Cast: Choosing a quiet cast, such as a roll cast or a side arm cast to minimize lure splash.
Cast Past: Choosing to place the lure 5 to 6 ft past the bass and either letting the bass come to the lure or slowly moving towards the bass.
Shallow Water Flats: Choosing rock flats or no cover flats provide the most visibility albeit some believe best with high water clarity and with low sun either early in the morning, late afternoon, or on cloudy days.
Seasonal: Most believe shallow fishing, and thus sight fishing, is best in the spring and maybe second best in summer.

Spawning Bass: Sight fishing to many is synonymous with spawning bass and thus a primary technique in the spring where there are no legal restrictions.

Common Lures for Sight Fishing

Most videos are for targeting beds in the spring are found in Seasonal Impact for Bass Fishing
Largemouth Bass Fishing Tips: Sight Fishing BassProShops