I have deliberated on the answer to this question for a long time. Spoiler alert: I have no idea what the answer is! I do however have some ideas that I would like to get some feedback on should you feel so inclined. Also, when I refer to bass fishermen, I am referring to specifically largemouth bass fishermen. Smallmouth bass fishermen, you are in a class by yourself you knuckleheads. I use knuckleheads in a jovial and lighthearted way. You guys are actually pretty cool.
The stigmas
I know two types of bass fishermen. The first kind goes to private bodies of water (usually farm ponds) and catches a lot of bass with the same 5-6 lures that always seem to work. This guy doesn't own a lot of rods or tackle and may even carry an old tackle box with him. He might own a boat and if he does, it is probably a "john boat". He probably fishes these spots 5-10 times per year.
The second guy fishes public water and catches fewer bass and that doesn't bother him. He's usually looking for 4-5 good bites in a day and targeting big bass. He almost always owns a boat and it is going to have a pretty good size outboard motor on it. He might or might not fish in tournaments and owns A LOT of rods and tackle. His boat IS his tackle box and this guy probably fishes every weekend that he can...which is often.
Fly fishermen have their own stigma as well. Most fly fishermen own waders, own more than one fly rod, and their fly collection is always increasing. They like to fish "pretty" places and for fish that are "pretty". Fly fishermen usually appreciate the peace and quiet of the outdoors and are easy to strike up a conversation with because they are just happy to be on trout water.
The places ain't pretty
Bass can live in a variety of places and are widespread throughout the continental United States. That's probably why it is sometimes referred to as "America's Fish". With that in mind, bass usually live in places that you don't find a typical fly fisherman. Largemouth don't do well in cold trout streams and do better at lower elevations and latitudes. This equation equals larger bodies of water that warm up during the spring and summer months and cool down in the fall. The bite usually slows during the winter months and ice over might occur in the winter. Bass are ambush predators which means they need weeds, lily pads, and submerged timber to hide in. Some would say that a good "bass lake" pales in comparison to a trout stream/lake in terms of aesthetics or beauty.
Too big of tackle?
Fly fishing for bass can require specialized equipment and everything that you might use to trout fish with gets scaled up. Rod, fly line, leader, flies, all of it and even the amount of muscle gets scaled up. Maybe the extra rod, flies, and other equipment is just too much to ask an angler to commit to. However, I have yet to meet an avid angler that doesn't relish the idea of more fishing gear. So maybe it is just too far of a stray for some trout anglers. It's understandable if you think about it. Most of us started off fly fishing on clear streams with light tackle and small flies. Asking someone to throw a seven weight rod with an eight inch fly that has two hooks might be like asking an old dog to learn a new trick.
Waders instead of a boat?
Waders are cheaper than a boat! We could just state that and move on but maybe there is more to it than that. When you are in waders, you are only separated from one of Mother Nature's elements by a couple of millimeters and thus, you are quite literally closer to nature. I'm not sure how connected you are to nature while zipping along the water with an outboard motor humming along. And let's face it, if you are going to seriously fly fish for bass, you are going to need a boat. Even if it is a kayak, float tube, or john boat, you are going to need to get to where the fish are and wading or bank fishing isn't always the best bet. Besides, wade fishing and fishing from a boat are similar in the sense that you have to get to where the fish are if you want a chance at catching one.
Too easy to catch bass on conventional tackle
An then there is this argument. With all of the conventional tackle on the market today, you can imitate just about anything a bass might eat and with relative ease. You can actually pick up a few spinnerbaits at Wal-Mart while you get your groceries if you want. And if you have ever been to a Bass Pro or Cabela's, then just compare the size of the fly shop to the conventional tackle section. Now if you want bass flies, then you better learn to tie them or live close enough to a fly shop that isn't scared to carry some Dahlberg Divers or popping bugs.
So what is the answer?
As I stated before, I don't know the answer. I would love to hear from you about why you or others don't fly fish for bass more. Feel free to comment in the comments section below or on the Facebook page.
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