| Finding The Best Bass Fishing Spots | | | | any rate, understanding a topo map can make your |
| The art or science, depending on your point of view, of | | | | search much easier. |
| locating bass has taken on several new components | | | | 3. Structure Identification- finding structure that is more |
| in the last 20 years. Particularly in the use of | | | | suited to holding bass is critical. Submerged trees, |
| technology to locate them. | | | | rocks, logs, all provide and improve better habitat. |
| Gone are the days where you went to a body of | | | | Locating a good point is often hard to beat. |
| water and simply looked for "a good spot" to fish. Sure | | | | 4. Seasonal movement patterns- it's been said many |
| if you're one of the thousands of bass fishermen and | | | | times that "timing is everything" and this certainly |
| women who enjoy this sport on a recreational level | | | | applies to locating bass. Weather patterns change |
| that may still be your method of choice for locating | | | | how bass move and locate as does the time of year. |
| bass. Not so much for the competitive and | | | | Checking with some knowledgeable locals on a |
| professional bass fisherman. Know how and where to | | | | particular lake can be a real benefit given they are |
| locate the bass are keys to any success they may | | | | telling you the truth. And you know what they say |
| have in competitive fishing so the number one priority | | | | about people who like to fish! |
| prior to entering any competition is finding where the | | | | 5. Water clarity and visibility- depending on the time of |
| fish are first and foremost. And it doesn't take long for | | | | year, the weather, fluctuations of water levels, and |
| any new bass fishing theory, technique, or bait to catch | | | | area of the reservoir fished all play a role in water |
| the interests of a large number of fishing enthusiasts | | | | clarity. Some anglers prefer to fish slightly tainted or |
| that are all too willing to indulge in the latest and | | | | stained colored water because they feel that bass |
| greatest. | | | | aren't as spooky and can present baits in close |
| But knowing a few basics for locating bass will make | | | | proximity to them. Site anglers (they prefer to see the |
| anyone a better bass fisherman... meaning you will | | | | bass prior to casting to it) obviously prefer clearer |
| probably catch more bass if you know where they | | | | waters. |
| are more likely to be. Go figure. Sounds simple enough | | | | 6. Water temperatures- water temperature for |
| and it is but there are several key components that go | | | | optimum bass catching potential will vary depending on |
| into it. | | | | area of the country and time of year. As a general |
| Essentials to locating bass: | | | | rule as water temperature increases up to 60 degrees |
| 1. Purchase an electronic fish finder, i.e. depth finder- | | | | the more feeding active bass become but each lake is |
| this is a device used to determine water depth | | | | different. For the particular body of water you're fishing |
| primarily. It affords you the luxury of knowing what | | | | try to research from local professional sources what |
| type of structure is on the bottom of the lake such as | | | | this temperature ideally is. This can be the difference |
| rocks, points, and habitat. This will help you better | | | | between a great bass fishing experience and a |
| calculate the likelihood of fish holding in a specific area. | | | | forgettable one. Remember, there are no bad days of |
| Certainly not all depth finders are alike. Professional | | | | fishing! |
| bass anglers purchase expensive, highly technical units | | | | 7. Grass and weed beds- this is usually a good |
| that perform an array of functions besides showing | | | | indicator of needed cover for bait fish. And where |
| depth of water. For the novice or recreational angler a | | | | there's bait fish there is usually a healthy number of |
| simple unit that shows basic depth and structure | | | | bass present to feed on them. |
| usually is all that is needed and will come at a far more | | | | There are many other factors too numerous to list |
| affordable price. | | | | here for locating bass. But the seven listed above will |
| 2. Topographical Maps- If you're not familiar with a | | | | give you a head start on finding a suitable place on the |
| "Topo" map they can be somewhat confusing at first. | | | | lake that affords you the best chance of a memorable |
| With a little viewing practice you can quickly analyse a | | | | day on the water. Locating bass shouldn't be anything |
| lake or body of water for areas most suitable for | | | | more than giving yourself a better chance of catching |
| holding bass. You can buy these maps online or at the | | | | them. Also keep in mind that in many instances it is not |
| marina located on the lake you are fishing. The | | | | a matter of identifying where the bass are but where |
| marina's have to make a living also but getting them at | | | | they aren't. And if you have a good idea of where |
| at local sporting goods or discount store will save you | | | | they aren't then you won't be wasting your time fishing |
| a few dollars. Even printing out an online map for a | | | | there. Happy angling! |
| specific lake may be available in some situations. At | | | | |