Bass fishing tips, Re Spooling Video, Prep you can do now for fall hunting season

Oscar Butler, from Minnesota caught and released that dandy largemouth bass. Experienced bass fishermen can tell almost immediately if the fish they have hooked is a largemouth or smallmouth bass because of the way they fight. If the fish at the end of the line is gamey and giving you a great fight all the way to the net, then it is most likely a smallmouth. If the fish seems to give up without much of a struggle, then it’s a safe bet the fish is a largemouth.

Smallmouth bass prefer a different habitat than largemouth and are rarely found in lakes less than 25 feet deep. Look for smallmouths in shallow, rocky areas of lakes and in the clear and gravel bottom runs and flowing pools of rivers. Look for where streams run into lakes, as that moving water creates oxygen-rich water.

A good bass habitat is near obvious cover such as lily pads, weedbeds, stumps or fallen trees. A lot of big fish, like largemouth bass and northern pike, prefer these areas because it’s easier for them to ambush their prey. Locate some weedbeds in the lake you’re fishing and try using a weedless lure like a Scum Frog or other such type of floating, weedless lure in that area.

Popping a weedless lure in thick cover is one way to fool a big largemouth, but another good technique when fishing from a boat in thick weeds is to use a jig tipped with a rubber worm. Just be sure to use a jig heavy enough to penetrate the thick cover.

Or simply drop the jig and worm straight down in open areas of the weedbed and move it vertically to attract attention. Although this move targets bass, you may also catch northern pike with this technique. The problem with pike is how their sharp teeth will quickly slice your line and you may end up without your jig when you reel the line in.

Don't have access to a boat? No problem - the shade areas around docks are a popular hangout for bass who are hoping to feed on bluegills or small baitfish.

Every JPT member is automatically entered into a weekly drawing. The winners during the month of May each won an awesome prize pack from Al's Goldfish Lure Co that included over $200 of gear for their tackle box and some Al’s swag!

Make sure you tell your friends to join JPT, and remind them to list YOUR name when they complete their registration as the person who told them to join. When they do that, you'll get a bonus entry into the weekly drawing.

GET THE LINK TO THE JPT REGISTRATION FORM

No doubt you're encountering hazy air due to all the smoke filtering down from the massive fires burning in Canada, and with many parts of the country suffering some very dry conditions, its a good reminder that you need to be smart about any campfires or bonfires you have planned to celebrate the 4th of July. The Department of Public Safety offers a few tips

Use a fire ring and build your fire at least five feet from any combustible material.
Always have a bucket of water handy to put it out if necessary.
Never leave your campfire unattended. When you're ready to leave, make sure it is completely out and cold. Drown and stir the ashes until they are no longer hot.
If something goes wrong, report wildfires immediately by calling 911 from a safe location. Do not attempt to stop the fire yourself, allow professional firefighters to respond. Wildfires are unpredictable and dangerous.

No matter what you're doing this summer, make sure you've got an evacuation plan in place, keep an eye on the weather, and know your location in case you need to call 911. Learn more at ready.gov/wildfires.