Will the Largemouth Bass chase a lure over any distance?

The one word answer to your question is “sometimes”. The keys to understanding how the Largemouth Bass will chase a lure are the conditions. Like any other predator the Largemouth Bass is at some times much more hungry than others. The time of day is certainly a factor. If you are fishing early in the morning before the sun is out you can expect a bass to chase your lure much more readily than fishing at high noon when the bass already has a full belly. Location is another factor. A Largemouth Bass that is using a fallen tree or deep water drop-off as an ambush point is less likely to chase a lure over a long distance than another bass that is cruising a large expanse of lily pads. I have seen Largemouth Bass travel extremely long distance to attack baits in shallow water weedy situations. The lure you are fishing factors into the equation as well. A bottom bouncing lure like a jig or plastic worm generally needs to be placed very close to the bass to be effective. Bass generally will move a bit more for a crankbait. The lures, however, that will entice the Largemouth Bass to travel the greatest distances are lures that run near the surface of the water. These lures incorporate sound into the arsenal of attractants. The blade on a spinnerbait is designed specially to emit vibration sounds in the water that attract bass. Normally used in shallow water it is in fact better to cast these lures away from the intended target. You do not want to spook the fish you are after.

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