As with any style of fishing, catching bass is a matter of knowledge, equipment, and luck.

To some people, fishing means chartering a big boat and trolling in the ocean for massive sailfish. To others, the word brings to mind standing in a cold mountain stream, trying to convince a reluctant trout to take a hand-tied fly. But to thousands of men and women, the only fish worth going after is the bass that aggressive, near-mythical creature that has inspired an entire sub-industry in the sport fishing world. With the right knowledge and equipment, you too can start bass fishing and work towards landing a lunker to be proud of.

Texan Chad Young has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a rod and has been competing in bass tournaments for eight years. He has fished almost every lake in the Lone Star State and owns a huge collection of lures, which he keeps handy in his continuing quest to land bigger and better bass. Here he offers some tips and advice for beginner bass fishermen:

• Heavy cover. Bass live and hide in heavy cover, like submerged logs, rocks and vegetation. The lures you use in bass fishing are designed to get the bass to come out from their cover and into the open water to strike.

• Territorial. Many people call bass the "sharks of fresh water." According to Young, they often strike not out of hunger but for territorial reasons.

• Gear. Your local sporting goods store or specialty fishing shop is the best place to get outfitted for bass fishing. A knowledgeable salesperson can set you up with a rod and reel and all the basic lures.

• Fishing reports. The staff at the store should also be able to give you the latest fishing reports and maps of the lakes or rivers you hope to fish. Don't be afraid to ask what an area's bass have been hitting on lately or to inquire about other local tips and tricks. A storeowner may have information, such as a hot spot or a hot lure, that could save you time and effort. It also never hurts to talk to the other folks who are out fishing; more often than not they'll know what's working for that day.

• Finicky fish. Bass can be very picky about what they hit on, so you may have to change lures often. If the basic plastic work isn't panning out, try throwing on a more advanced spinner or crank bait. Like other kinds of fishing, it's often a case of trial and error until you figure out what the fish are in the mood for.

• Fun in the outdoors. When you do land your first bass, be sure to take a picture as a souvenir. And don't worry if you can't catch one right away; as any fisherman who's having a hitless day will tell you, it's always great to be out on the water, even if the fish aren't biting.

Bassmaster
espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/

Pro Bass
www.probass.com

Bass N Edge
www.bassnedge.com

The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide
www.bassresource.com/html/contents.html