A well supported shoeing
The mouth of the black-bass has the particularity to have a very important volume. The suction generated by such a mouth swallows up even the heaviest lures. This important volume allows us to be confident about the fish's ability to seize our lure with ease. It is therefore important to optimize our chances of biting the fish by making a strong strike after the bite.
With no sharp teeth, there is no risk of the line being severed by the jaw of this fish. In particular, with single hooks, strong hooking ensures that the hook penetrates sufficiently for the fight to go smoothly. Unfortunately, the randomness of fishing and fish behavior cannot guarantee 100% success. A few tricks can help you increase your chances of a successful fight.
The importance of having a low cane
An aerial fighter, black bass regularly attempt to jump out of the water during a fight. When a fish makes a candle, the line can relax completely and allow the hooks to come out of their housing. Especially if you are a barbless angler like me, you will want to avoid the fish jumping at all costs. Keeping the rod low when you bring the fish back keeps its head under water and greatly limits the risk of acrobatics.
To do this, I advise you to opt for reels with high ratios that will apply more tension on the line. With equipment adapted to the size of the fish you are looking for, the fights are often very short, but just as fun and intense.
Seize fish safely
The black bass is a fish that does not give up. Until the last moment of the fight, it will try to escape you. Some fishermen use a landing net to secure their catch, but it is also possible to catch these fish by hand easily.
The lower jaw of the black bass is a very good grip to grab it, given the absence of "dangerous" teeth for our fingers. I advise you to keep your rod in your lead hand, point the fish towards your free hand and grasp it by the lower jaw by placing your thumb in the mouth and the rest of your hand under the jaw.
When you fish with a single hook, the fish are mostly bitten in the upper part of the mouth. However, black bass can also be fished with treble hooks, to avoid any risk, I recommend crushing your barbs for your safety and that of the fish. If the access to the lower jaw seems too risky because of the hooks, gently pass your hand under the belly of the fish and hoist it on the bank trying to limit the contact with the ground. Once the fish is safe in your hands, unhook the hooks so that you can grip it properly before releasing it after a possible photo.
