Preseason Practices

MN DNR - Safety and Fishing from the Water's Edge

Indoor Practice 2026

April 12 and 26

Sunday Nights from 5-7pm

Big Lake High School - Cafeteria and Lecture Hall

Our coaches will be focusing on building a base knowledge of the anglers. Topics will include these areas:

Fishing Regulations and safety
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Selective Harvest
Species Identification
Rod / Reel selection
- Rod action and length
- Rod guides
- Reel numbers
- Reel brakes
- Reel spooling
- Spinning vs bait caster
Fishing Lines
Knot tying
- Goal to master 3 different knots
Lures
Casting

Anglers are expected to review the videos posted on both the Beginner and Advanced video pages prior to the season starting.

Custom Lure Building Workshop 4/26/2026

Anglers will have an opportunity to build their own spinner and jig tackle during this practice session.

Thank you Coaches for volunteering! We could not do it without you!

If your angler needs a fishing rod, please contact a Coach or send an email to biglakebassteam@gmail.com.

Season Practices and Fishing

🎣 2026 Practice Curriculum: Big Lake Bass Team

Junior Practices: Building the Foundation

Goal: Master the fundamentals to ensure every angler is confident on the water.

Knot Tying Mastery:
- The Go-To: Perfecting the Palomar Knot.
- Connection Knots: Learning a reliable leader knot (focusing on Uni-to-Uni, Albright, or the Alberto).
Casting Clinics: * Introduction and transition to using a bait caster (managing "professional overruns").
- Focus on distance and basic placement.
Lures & Presentations: * Understanding the "Why" behind different baits.
- Hands-on time with various presentations (topwater, plastics, etc.).
The Mental Game: * Encouraging the use of a Daily Fishing Log to track weather, water temps, and what worked.
JATT Prep: Specific tournament preparation for students attending the Junior Bassmaster All-State Team Tournament.

High School Practices: Advanced Tactics

Goal: Refining skills for competitive speed and situational awareness.

Technical Efficiency:
- Speed Knot Tying: Tying the right knot quickly and under pressure.
- Advanced Connections: Fine-tuning the FG Knot for maximum strength and slim profile.
Precision Casting: * Target-based accuracy (skipping docks, pitching into heavy cover).
Situational Strategy: * Choosing lures and presentations based on specific lake scenarios, forage, and seasonal transitions.
Tournament Readiness: * Focus on limits, culling, and time management on the water.
- Advanced skill development tailored to each angler's progression.

Thank You Coaches!

Our teams are extremely fortunate to have volunteer coaches who help. These coaches are dedicated to our team and want to teach students everything from the basics to more advanced techniques of Bass Fishing.

Coaches teach in the classroom and on the water. Once fishing opener comes we want to do our best to get as many kids fishing as we can.

Thank you Coaches for volunteering! We could not do it without you!

OUT OF RESPECT FOR OUR COACHES:

- Show up on time

- Come prepared

- Clean up after yourself

- Always look for opportunities to help the coach. ex. loading/unloading, cleaning up boat

- No sunflower seeds in boats

- No Colored Drinks in boats

- Stay off your cellphone!

- Ask questions and be engaging

What should you bring to practices?

Please be sure to bring the following to every practice!

2 Rod/Reel Combos - per coaching staff direction

- bait caster and spinning rods - Bass setups

- Spooled fully and correctly

- No large treble hook lures attached

- Snaps and Single Hooks are Ok

Back Pack with:

- Tackle Kit / Small Boxes

- Water/Water Bottle (No colored gatorades)

- Pliers/Hook Out

- Light Snack (No sunflower seeds)

- Sunscreen

- Ball Cap

- Sunglasses - Safety (Preferably Polarized)

- Life Jacket - correct size for the angler

- Rain Jacket

Equipment Recommendations

Here are some must haves to help ensure productive practices!

Rod/Reel Combos:

Casting Rod

- 6'6" to 7'2" medium heavy rod

Spinning Rod

- 6'6" to 6'10" medium light rod

Fishing Backpack with:

- Tackle Kit / Small Boxes

- Pliers/Hook Out

- Sunscreen

- Ball Cap

- Sunglasses - Safety (Preferably Polarized)

- Life Jacket - correct size for the angler

- Rain Jacket

Tackle:

Finesse

- Drop shot hooks/weights

- Ned Rigs

- Senko Hooks

Spinners

Jigs

- Swim and Flipping

Chatterbait

Top Water

- Frogs

- Whopper Plopper

- Buzz bait

- Poppers

Plastics and Trailers:

Creature Baits

Senko Worms

Ned Plastics

Swim Baits

Color:

Black

Blue

White

Green Pumpkin

Chartreuse