Science of the Strike – Details, episodes & analysis

Continuing our mini-series on bass prey, Episode 6 spotlights the ubiquitous gizzard and threadfin shad. These prolific baitfish undeniably shape largemouth bass behavior and distribution. We'll break down the scientific reasons why shad are so vital, from their nutritional value to their schooling dynamics, and reveal how understanding their behavioral differences from region to region can dramatically improve your fishing strategies.

In Episode 5, we uncover the reality behind what largemouth bass can actual hear and feel using their lateral line. So frequently, we hear professionals talk about lures or techniques that implicate a bass's sense of hearing or trigger their lateral line. After digging into the science-backed research, we've uncovered that the vast majority of anglers have a great misunderstanding of what bass can actually hear and feel.

As anglers, we spend the vast majority of our time trying to understand bass behavior, but often neglect to understand the prey that makes up a bass's diet. Starting with crawfish, episode four kicks off a mini-series focused on understanding the science behind the ecological food web that makes up a largemouth bass's diet. If you understand the prey, you'll understand the predator.

In episode 3, we go over how and why you should be considering both the barometric pressure and moon phase before hitting the water. While the science may be debated, there are clear correlations that can and will make a significant difference while on the water as it relates to these two often overlooked topics.

In this episode, we discuss the role of scent in our tackle box. As with color, there are critical misconceptions promoted in the industry which are clearly negated by science. Listen in to learn what simple changes you can make that will scientifically improve your odds on the water.

In our first episode, we dive into the science behind a largemouth's vision. After having analyzed a number of scientific studies, we uncover the reality of what bass can actually see. We discuss colors, distance, the effects of water clarity, and more.

For too long, the common narrative has dismissed fish as creatures of simple instinct. Episode 7, we confront these long-held misconceptions. Recent breakthroughs in brain research and meticulously designed behavioral studies unequivocally demonstrate that fish not only possess the capacity to learn, but also to retain that knowledge. The truth is, largemouth bass are far more intelligent, adaptable, and deserving of your credit than most anglers have ever dared to imagine.

Largemouth bass anglers spend the majority of their time trying to answer one critical question: where are the fish. In doing so, we consider a myriad of variables like water temperature, prey availability, structure, and much more. Scientific studies reveal that the vast majority of anglers are overlooking the most significant variable when trying to locate largemouth bass: dissolved oxygen. In Episode 8, we dive into the science behind dissolved oxygen and water turbidity so you can be more effective and efficient with your time on the water.