Im sixteen and I just started driving and I have been fishing a lot more now and have set a goal to catch a 8 plus pound fish this year. I have caught a few around 5 and really want to catch a big one. I think I know how to catch big bass but if y'all have any tips that you think helps you catch big bass then I would appreciate it. My bigger concer is landing those big bass. I lost a pretty good one at the boat on canyon back in the fall and I watched my friend try to horse one in the boat a few weeks ago on Dunlap but he ripped the hook out of its mouth. What Ive heard from other people is to wear the fish down more and then land them and I've been trying to do that more. I always see pro whose basically just fling them in the boat and don't even let them fight. To me that dosent seem fun but is that the way your supposed to do it? So if you have any advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

Personally I don't overthink it. I reel like hell and pray to God I land them. I hardly ever use a net and my landing percentages are decent. If you have gear that can handle the better fish it will make it easier. I don't do the front to back of the boat running around junk. I set the hook, reel fast and pray.

Sometimes you have to play them out or tire them some and don't land them while the are hot, but that can cost you if they can bury up in cover or get into or around hard cover. Try to keep their head down and under water some times even if you need to power a big un on strong line you can walk them with the trolling motor and keep control with enough pressure that does give a above water head shake which will cost you. My experience with big fish says be ready with all the variables you can control, like a fresh retied knot on good line a sharp hook not one dulled by the last snag ect. the right rod for conditions,terminal tackle and proper drag set the small things add up over time. The best way to catch a big un is don't lose um thru some fault or mistake of your own the opportunities will come make the best of them when you can. good luck and great fishin' to ya.

if ya got a partner have them put the net in the water all the way, work the fish to it not the other way around, leave the net still and use the rod to guide it.
if solo you can do the same but got to make sure you can pick the fish up enough to get it in the net.

if solo or no net, get the fish to the boat and with about 5' of line out, pick up the rod tip till the head is just barely out of the water, lip it and bring it in.

I never try to pick up a fish over 3# just by the hook, too many times they are barely still hangin on after a good fight.

I use heavy equipment and line. When I get a huge fish on I do not want her to jump. I will lay her out on the surface as soon as she comes up and ski her to the net.

Use a net on the big ones, don't wish you had. Determine as early as possible how well the fish seems to be hooked and play it accordingly with the thought that you'd rather loose one to too little drag than busting off from too much. If you feel like your drag isn't loose enough point rod tip directly at fish quick and is should come off spool easier and allowing fish to burn off a little more steam away from boat.

net manzsssaz is key

Spend more time on lakes that you know are big fish lakes. Spend more time fishing in the spawn, or per spawn! Spend some time when it warms up fishing at night! Learn to fish a jig or Big brushhog! I have 12 fish over 10 lbs and 2 over 12, most all came on a brushhog! When losing a big fish you will always have time to second guess what you should have done! Me personall, I use light line so I like to play a fish out, or at least enough to get it in the boat, fishing tournaments is a little different cause I always use a net in tourneys and put more pressure on the fish to rush him to the net! The best advice I can give you is SPEND MORE time on the water and your goal will come true!! Good luck to ya, and I hope you get that big gun!

Well, the pros do what they do for a reason....years of experience. Even then they screw it up. Either way, they have what you don't....miles. The way you fight a big fish is determined by the method you are using to catch him. Heavy cover? Better have an 8' rod, 60lb braid and a hole lotta...well, you get my point. "Luck out", and hook that monster 30ft deep on a sinking minnow on a spinning rig with 10lb fluorocarbon? Totally different scenario. Always fight the fish to your strengths, not his. Net or no net, you have to get a sense when it is ready to give up. Tackle, line size and situation govern my instincts in this arena.

Thanks for all the quick replies and I use a net on most fish I catch because I mostly kayak fish so it is easier to handle a fish with a net on a kayak.

For me nets are for tourneys when allowed.They are not good for the fish or fins I don't use em and lose some fish now and again but unless the fish is the lake record, or personal best, who cares if you lose it I just enjoy the hook set and play.If the fish was a PB I feel more better if I can lip it just me tho.

safe to say you don't have a partner no handle the net. Kayak is tough on a big fish! It will drag you all over the place! Your displacement isnt much more that his! Say a prayer and keep the line tight...

thanks for posting all the good advise