Speed Bumps

[NoBassPro]

Ok, the lakes I fish are mainly quite featureless and weedy. But one thing I have noticed is it seems there are minor variations within the weedy "flats" that often seem to concentrate the bass. Small 1-2' drops, changes in weed types, deep holes - larger than what I would call pockets but not what would be considered the primary deep weed edge, things like that. Anyway, I hear about people cranking the deep weed edge or fishing weeds, but never really hear people say much about these minor variations. I call them speed bumps because the ones that have been best for me are areas that I believe would either slow prey down and cause them to change direction or offer extra concealment for bass cruising for a meal while being able to scan more open waters. Anyway, I just wondered if anyone else had any input on this subject. I believe there are times when focusing on these areas makes my time on the water more effecient and productive, but that may be a biased opinion.

[Long Mike]

NoBassPro, I suggest you obtain a copy of the book "Spoonplugging" by Buck Perry. Although the book was initially published in 1965, and much of the material is very dated, it is a virtual bible on structure fishing.

[NoBassPro]

Thanks, I will do that, I guess the reason I brought this up is when I go fishing with people around here I often see them concentrating on where the weeds are, but not whats going on within the weeds, and I think that is important, so I kind of wondered if I was the only one who felt that way. I guess when I think of structure I think of creek channels, points, bluffs, etc., and much of what I am fishing doesn't show up on a topo map. I.E. a map will show the 5 and 10 foot contours, but it won't show the "break" where it goes from 6 to 8 feet rapidly, and then gradually goes to 10 foot.

[Long Mike]

NoBassPro, you have hit the nail on the head. According to Perry, bass follow specific structure features as they move from shallow to deep and vice versa. A simple abrupt change in bottom topography can be a key for bass in their daily migration. It could be a one foot change in depth, a change from mud to gravel, or even a stump.

[Crestliner2008]

Long Mike - It's refreshing to hear folks talk about the simple, direct approach to structure fishing the way Perry does in his book. This book should be manditory reading in grade school! LOL!

[NoBassPro]

Long Mike - It's refreshing to hear folks talk about the simple, direct approach to structure fishing the way Perry does in his book. This book should be manditory reading in grade school! LOL!

It may be a simple, direct approach, but I can guarantee you I will not hear or see much of anyone on the lakes I fish paying attention to structure at all beyond pad edges and deep weed edges. On lakes that run from 200-1000 acres you get to know the lakes pretty well and can tell what cover or structure other people are fishing. But if you have any other input, feel free to chime in.

[Michael DiNardo]

You have found a very important piece to the puzzle. Minor bottom variations/depth changes within cover are the spots on spots. Don't confuse cover (weeds/logs) with structure (points/creek beds).

Mike

[Traveler2586]

NoBassPro, I suggest you obtain a copy of the book "Spoonplugging" by Buck Perry. Although the book was initially published in 1965, and much of the material is very dated, it is a virtual bible on structure fishing.

X2, 3, 4,,

Try this site for Buck's books. http://www.buckperry.com/product_info.php?cPath=0&products_id=1238 Their now saying "While Supply's Last" I got the set and I think it is some of the best money I've spent on fishing to date.

Buck has a complete and thorough Home Study Program to improve your fishing knowledge and skills.

9 Volumes (8 ½ x 11) of over 650 pages punched for a three ring binder ;

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Volume 2- Controls & Tools ;

Volume 3- Structures, Breaks, Breaklines ;

Volume 4- Weather & Water ;

Volume 5- Presentation of Lures ;

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Volume 7- Part 2 - Mapping & Interpretation ;

Volume 8 - Buck Talks - Summation, Mental Aspects, Examination

Spoonplug 5-Pak

Includes 1 each of sizes 500, 400,250,200,and 100. Also includes a 30 page instruction booklet.

[flippin Dan]

I have been trying to get my partner to leave the grass cause I know there has to be something better. I found 2 grass beds about 100 yards apart, one an island and the other a hump, with an old roadbed connecting them. What I think will be good is it iis 4 foot deep and the outside edge of the road drops straight off to 6 then slopes to 10. There is also an old pond about 50yards away. I hope to try it in the morning. Should be a travel route between feeding places and access to deeper water I think. I am still pretty dumb on structure but trying.

[NoBassPro]

Try this site for Buck's books. http://www.buckperry...roducts_id=1238 Their now saying "While Supply's Last" I got the set and I think it is some of the best money I've spent on fishing to date.

So, more to the point, I'm not totally off my rocker in thinking these minor variations matter and there is more to structure fishing than a prominent point on a TVA reservoir? I mean, I believe there are more weeds in the average 500 acre lake near me than there are in the entire 30,000 acres of Dale Hollow, and thats all the cover the fish really have to relate to, with little obvious structure. Make it as complex or simple as you want, its really just a matter of trying to make the areas I target as defined as possible in the attempt to get the best return out of my limited time on the water. Or thats how I look at it.