Bassin' USA - Bass Fishing Forum Archives

After posting about Tom Mann's book, it occured to me that we should talk again about bassin' books that you will enjoy. Many of these are attainable through BassinUSA (I couldn't resist saying that.)

My favorites of the newer books are as follows:
1- Kevin Van Dam's Bass Strategies
2- In Pursuit of Giant Bass by Bill Murphy
3- Bassing with the Best by Gary White
4- Advanced Bass Techniques by Rich Zaleski
5- Bass Bets / Bass Bets 2 by Ted Ancher
6- Serious Bass Fishing by Mike Folkestad and Ron Kovach
7- Largemouth Bass in the 1990's
8- Smallmouth Bass
(Note- Both #7 and #8 were published by In-Fisherman in the Handbook of Strategies Series)
9- Stream Smallmouth Fishing by Tim Holschlag
10- Circle on Bass by Homer Circle

I picked KVD first because he is the current Classic Champ and because it is an excellent book.
Bill Murphy has some stats to base his style of fishing on. Just his stalking technique is worth the price of the book.
Gary White's book is filled with pro tactics
that are still relevant and you can't ignore his sources. (All the big-name pro's)
Rich Zaleski needs no intro up in the northeast or or in the Midwest. If he writes it, I read it. It's that simple.
The Bass Bets books are admittedly a New Englander's selection. If you fish these waters, it's worth a read. Maps (simplified) and lure selections plus what to look for make this a fascinating book.
Serious Bass Fishing is just that- serious. It leans toward the California light tackle (split shot, grubs, tubes, etc.) plus flippin'. Reminds me a lot of the small "Finesse Fishing" book that Kovach had written about 8 years ago. (It has since "walked" from my bookshelf. It should probably be on my list)
The In-Fisherman series needs no introduction by any means. Smallmouth could have come first. Both books are excellent.
Stream Smallmouth fishing is a good way to check out current fishing for Smallies. Plus if you fish rivers and streams, this book can only help.
Lastly, Homer Circle's book probably won't make your top 10. I thought about putting his predecessor's book "Lucas on Bass Fishing" on the list, but that book was too old. Homer taught me so much in Sports Afield that I couldn't not put him on my list.
I know this is going to get some comments from some of you. What BassinUSA would like to see is what your list is like and why.
Bass Wishes, JoeMo

The In-Fisherman books are great. I love the scientific approach, seasonal patterns, lake classification and such. The book really outlines many of the variables one encounters on the water. I carry both books with me during my tournament travels and refer to both of them. Again, everyone reads all the books, so to be successful at tounament fishing one must adjust what the books say. Kevins book was pretty good too.

One of the most interesting books I have read in recent years is Best Bass Tips by Steve Price. The book really disects tournament fishing to a science. The book was published in 2001 and picks the brains of the top pro's at that time.

Steve Price has been a top writer for so many years.I was surprised to find out that his photo talents might even surpass his writing ability. That would make him some photographer.
Bass Wishes, JoeMo

Joe, I can not even stack my favorite fishing books but the series by Buck Perry sold by "Fishing Facts" was excellant any one who knows me knows Dave Hawks books are two of the best as is Bass Wars. The In Fisherman books are great as is the Rick Clunn Anglers quest series. By the way every one should study Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Good Bassin Dan Bass

Thanks for the comments, guys. I enjoy the different thoughts from each of you. I actually hoped someone might come up with a new title I haven't read.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull? I think I may have to renew my subscription to NEW AGE JOURNAL. lol
I am reading The Intuitive Edge as we speak.
That's a Clunn-type read.
Oh well, back to reality. (Or is it?)
Good Fishing JoeMo Moderator

We see things as we perceive them (or convince ourselves)not as they are. All things that we see exist in our minds before they become reality. There is more to ourselves than we will ever discover. Good Bassin Dan Bass

Joe, I've read 2,6,7,8,9. All great. I loved the Holshlag stream book. I'll add a couple for you. Michael Jones Finesse Fishing is a top notch read. The Secrtets of Americas Best Bass Pro's 1 aND 2 BY Larry Larsen( I think) are both really interesting.

MMT- The Finesse Fishing book by Michael Jones is the same one I attributed to Kovach
- in error.

Any of Larry Larsen's books are based on a lot of years of experience by Larry. Some folks don't rate his books too high; perhaps that is because they are paperbacks. I have owned just about all of them.

Thanks for posting. Any more, guys? JoeMo

I have finished Kevin VanDam's book Bass Stratogies. Great reading and getting into the mind of this great fisherman. I have started his second book Secrets Of a Champion so far it is just as great as the first one.

I would recomend both of them to add to your reading list. I have picked up alot of info from both books. You can get these books from:
KVD Publications
PO Box 174
Jones Mich. 49061

or
1-800-544-9343

I recieved Bassing with the pros by mark romanack. it was a birthday present and i found it to be good. alot of the information would not help the diehard bass fisherman but if i were just starting out again i would definitly recomend.it covers the basics of spinnerbait,carolina rigging, grub and tube fishing. topwater,blade baits,pitching and flipping jigs, all covered by the pros such as tommy martin, bill dance, kevin van dam, and a lot more. its 230 pages long and features alot of pictures, and diagrams to help explain. for 19.99 it is a good buy