The Wheels Turn But There's No Grease

[logan9209]

This morning we got some much needed rain. I, of course, fished in it while keeping an eye and ear on the weather. While trying to figure out why this bass didn't want to commit to my chartreuse spinnerbait, I thought it would be cool to take pics of all the areas in this lake (top down view just doesn't get the job done) that I can fish from. Then post it on here to get some feed back on.

After reading pitchin' and flippin's post about the zone system, I realized that while that might be cool and, to some degree, generate advice, it would be lazy of me. I should know this lake better than anyone on here. I fish it practically 7 days a week 5-6 hours a day for the last 6 months. I know I am still a rookie to fishing, especially bass fishing, but I should have enough experience on this lake to give other people advice about it.

The wheels in my head were turning but there wasn't any grease: The best thing for me to do is figure this lake out myself. Not saying I shouldn't ask for advice about lures and techniques. I would be a fool not to ask those questions. But I won't learn THIS lake without me putting forth the effort.

Some people on here have already seen the birds eye view of the lake. But without me telling them, they wouldn't know that the southern point is a shallow-deep-shallow situation. Oh, I might still put pictures up. I would still listen to advice when it's given. But, if I don't learn to pattern and zone this lake for myself then when I get to fish another lake, I will still pull in low numbers. A lot of work with no real results.

[Sam]

Have you mapped the lake?

Have you left your fishing equipment on the bank, taken a clipboard with yellow paper and a pen and walked completely around the lake, making a map of what you see?

Have you worn polorazied sunglasses to try to look into the water to add what you see to your map?

Have you sat on the shoreline at dawn or dusk for a few days and watched the water? You will see where the bass hit on topwater and you can map it.

What type of forage is in the water? Bream? Bluegills? Crawfish? Minnows? Have you thought about purchasing 250 to 500 minnows and putting them in the pond where you fish the most? Could be worth the investment.

Any crappie in the water?

Any beaver huts? Fallen trees? Other wood? Stumps? Brushpiles? Grass? Dropoffs? Ledges? Overhanging trees or bushes? Have you thought about putting some submerged brushpiles in the water that only you know where they are?

What structure is on the north and west sides that will heat up the fastest in the moring hours and throw a shadow in the afternoon?

You need to take some time and learn the pond.

Remember, when a cold front passes the bass will hold to structure and their "strike zone" is very small. They may want smaller baits placed right in front of them, and then hit those baits after you aggravate them into hitting the baits.

Or they may want a big, juicy jig and pig floating slowly, like a wacky rigged Senko or trick worm. Or a shaky head or drop shot. You have to try everything to see what pattern arises.

Do you throw to a spot or target 20 times? If not, why? Keep pitching and flipping your plastic to the specific area. As Woo Daves says, put the bait in the front room, bedroom, kitchen, etc. over and over again. Do the same with your moving baits and topwaters. Aggravate them to hit your bait after a cold front passes.

Once you find where the bass are holding you can then pace your self every three or four days and visit the location so you don't wear it out and chase the bass away. \

Remember, bass are creatures of habit. They have their own "milk run" and will go to the same places over and over again if they feel safe and can grab a nice snack.

Photos can show us how pretty the water is but you really need to study it and create a map as best as you can.

Let us know how you do and good luck.

[logan9209]

Pretty much what I was saying, but you did give me some ideas. Basically I was saying that unless one of you actually lived here or fished my lake, there's no one who can really help me as far as the lake is concerned. They can make general suggestions, but when it comes down to it, if I don't start putting the "hands on" research of this lake up close and personal, then I'm going to be stuck in a rut no matter how much I learn to use different lures or have confidence in them.

[Sam]

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