8 Techniques for Catching Big Bass in Texas

As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the bass! The Lone Star State is home to some of the best bass fishing in the country, with plenty of rivers and lakes teeming with trophy-worthy bass.

If you’re new to catching bass in Texas or are just looking for tips to reel in some bigger catches, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll show you where to fish and explain some useful techniques for catching big bass in Texas!

Best Bass Fishing Spots in Texas

Before we start breaking down how to catch Texas’s plentiful supply of bass, you need to find where they are! Luckily, that’s not hard to do in Texas, with so many places being bass-fishing destinations from anglers all over the country. There’s no shortage of options, but if you ask us, these are the best places to reel in huge bass.

• Lake Travis: Known for its clear waters and abundant bass, Lake Travis is a favorite among local fishermen. Explore the coves for the best catches.
• Lady Bird Lake: Right in the heart of Austin, this lake offers convenient access and plenty of largemouth bass. Plus, the scenery is unbeatable.
• Lake Austin: Famous for producing trophy-sized bass, this lake is ideal for anglers looking for some serious action.
• Walter E. Long Lake (Decker Lake): Less crowded than some other spots, Decker Lake is a great place for both bank and boat fishing, with plenty of big bass to catch.
• Brushy Creek Lake: A smaller but productive spot, often overlooked, yet provides excellent bass fishing opportunities.

If you’re interested in bass fishing in Austin, TX, there’s no better place to go than Bassquatch Fishing! Our expert guides will show you the best spots to reel in unforgettable bass with high-quality rods and equipment. Book a tour of one of these bountiful lakes in Austin today.

Best Practices for Catching Texas-Sized Bass

Now that you know where to go, it’s time to dig into the best techniques for catching big bass in Texas, from topwater lures to live bait and more!

1. Start Early With Topwater Lures

There’s nothing more exciting than watching a bass explode on a topwater lure in the early morning light. During dawn, bass tend to hunt near the surface, and this is your chance to nab them before the sun gets too high. Topwater lures, such as poppers, frogs, and buzzbaits, create just the right amount of noise and mimic distressed prey, grabbing the bass’s attention.

2. Try Night Fishing With Spinnerbaits

Big bass don’t clock out when the sun goes down. Some of my most exciting catches happen at night under a blanket of Texas stars. Spinnerbaits become your best bet after dark, as their vibrations and flashes mimic the sound and look of baitfish, alerting nocturnal bass to dinner.

A useful trick is sticking with darker-colored spinnerbaits. It sounds counterintuitive, but on moonlit nights, the silhouette they cast is more distinct underwater, making it easier for bass to track them.

3. Use Deep Diving Crankbaits To Reach Largemouth Hotspots

Some days, big bass like to play hard to get by hanging out in deep water. Deep-diving crankbaits can be the key to pulling them up from the depths. These lures are perfect for covering a lot of water quickly and targeting bass that are schooling or hiding near underwater structures.

Pinpoint drop-offs, ledges, or submerged roadbeds, and use your crankbait to bounce off these structures. The erratic movement often triggers reaction strikes from those elusive bass.

4. Master Flipping and Pitching in Heavy Vegetation

Texas lakes are notorious for having plenty of vegetation, which may seem like a hassle when it comes to fishing. However, anglers can use this to their advantage as bass often congregate around vegetation. Big bass love to hang out in dense covers of hydrilla, lily pads, or cattails.

Using heavy tackle, plastic worms, or creature baits, you can place your lure precisely where bass are hiding without spooking them. It takes practice to get your aim just right, but once you do, it’s one of the most rewarding methods out there.

5. Jigging for Big Bites

Jigs are a staple in bass angling. A well-presented jig mimics crawfish or baitfish and can be irresistible to larger bass. When using this method, focus on areas with structure, such as submerged timber or rocky points.

The trick with jigging is patience. Slowly hop or drag your jig along the bottom to create a natural movement. If your line feels heavy or you notice any subtle bumps, set the hook. Big bass often hit jigs softly, so don’t wait for an aggressive tug.

6. Get Familiar With the Texas Rig

The Texas rig is a popular fishing setup known for its ease of use, versatility, and effectiveness in bass fishing. It involves rigging a soft plastic worm or creature bait in a way that makes it weedless, allowing anglers to fish through heavy cover without snagging. This makes it ideal for targeting bass around brush piles, docks, and grass edges, where these fish often hide.

The subtle presentation of a Texas rig is particularly advantageous when the bass aren’t actively biting, as downsizing the bait and moving it slowly can entice even the most hesitant fish. Its straightforward nature also makes it accessible for beginners, making the Texas rig a go-to choice for anyone looking to improve their bass fishing success.

7. Give Live Bait a Try

While artificial lures are fun to work, nothing beats the real thing when targeting bass. Shiners, crawfish, or even bluegills can be irresistible to larger fish. If you’re fishing for a trophy-sized bass and nothing else seems to work, turn to live bait.

The key here is proper presentation. Use a slip bobber to adjust your bait depth and target areas where you’ve seen active fish. And don’t be afraid to experiment—sometimes, a struggling live shiner can attract bass from surprisingly far away.

8. Above All Else, Patience

Staying patient and persistent is just as important as mastering your techniques. On some trips, you might not catch anything significant, which can be disheartening, but that’s just part of the process. You might spend hours casting your line, adjusting your bait, and trying different spots without any luck.

However, those slow days make the moments when you land a giant bass feel even more special. The thrill of the catch and the satisfaction of your hard work paying off is truly rewarding and makes every effort worthwhile.

Fish with Bassquatch Fishing for Guaranteed Success

We hope our tips and tricks help you reel in the biggest bass of your life! If you’re itching to visit one of the premier bass-fishing spots in Texas, there’s no better way to do it than with Bassquatch Fishing.

We’ll show you the best places to reel in the biggest bass in Texas for an unforgettable fishing trip. View our many tours in the Austin area and contact us to book your fishing trip today!