Spooking Bass

[superdak01]

I was fishing my sweet spot again today, yum dingers 3/0 no weight, slow approach, and various colors, brights and darks, and the water was clear to about 5ft down, cleanest I've seen it in months. But today I did not get a single bite, in a span of 3 hours, despite seeing DOZENS of bass. I threw close to them, past them, every way I could every time I got within a few feet of them, they would spook and then vanish. My question is what can I throw that might not spook them? And if anyone knows why they may be so jumpy all of a sudden that would help too. These fish are under and around a low hanging walking bridge and it has plenty of cover they hide around and under. Thank u.

[Bankbeater]

If you can see them, then they can see you.  Try making longer casts and moving more slowly around the edge of the water.

[aceman387]

I think its pretty tough to outsmart bass when your approaching a shoreline.I think the best thing you can do once you get close to shore is slow to down and fish like a heron does,slow and stealthy.

[superdak01]

Perhaps a slow moving top water lure? A frog or popper? It was just very odd for that spot. But I understand these fish are very smart and moody. I did notice a lot more turtles in the area also, could that contribute?

[JayKumar]

Was it a cold front? During the height of the day?  If the former wait a day or 2, if the latter go during lower-light conditions, especially if the lake is unusually clear.

[wngan9447]

Throw a black worm, throw it past them and slow retrieve back to you. Wait the 30 seconds after the initial splash.

I always throw a very safe and calm color when bass are on edge.

[AK-Jax86]

Just like someone said if you can see them they can see you. Sometimes this is a factor at other times it isn't. Like you said I've thrown things at em and they won't budge or they will scatter an other times they attack instantly depends on their mood.

Longer casts and a slower presentation might draw their curiosity and trigger a bite.

I don't like when people ask why the fish aren't biting like someone has a direct line to those fish's brains and can tell you lol. Simply what you were presenting wasn't to appealing to them at that specific time.

[xbacksideslider]

My experience, bank fishing, is that they can feel/hear your footfall.   There are spots/cover where I know fish are always there, but I have to sneak up and stay low and throw a side arm, soft entry, cast.  You could say that I'm catching out of the same group of fish and training them. 

[superdak01]

Just like someone said if you can see them they can see you. Sometimes this is a factor at other times it isn't. Like you said I've thrown things at em and they won't budge or they will scatter an other times they attack instantly depends on their mood.

Longer casts and a slower presentation might draw their curiosity and trigger a bite.

I don't like when people ask why the fish aren't biting like someone has a direct line to those fish's brains and can tell you lol. Simply what you were presenting wasn't to appealing to them at that specific time.

Yea I didn't ask why they weren't biting, I wanted some info on what I may be doing that is spooking them, maybe some previous experiences or insight from someone, not a misinterpretation of my question. I know there is no "line" to the fish's brain, maybe keep the sarcasm out of the forums.

Anyway, I was throwing a bright color worm, so I will try a darker color and a more stealth approach next time the conditions return. And I will pay attention to fronts moving in. I have been doing research on the affect of fronts on bass since reading your post Jay. Thanks again guys.

[BuffaloBass716]

Try to wacky rig the worm if there are no weeds to get hung up on.

[gallowaypt]

X2 What others have said about being very stealthy. Also, what line were you using? If the water was unusually clear, this probably contributed to their increased spookiness.

[papajoe222]

If you're literally spooking them vs. them shying away from your presentation, you'll need to follow the advice about being stealthy AND avoiding quick movements on your part as that will also put them on alert. If you can make long casts without much arm movement, all the better.

If the fish are shying away from your presentation, downsizing lure and line size along with 'matching the hatch' is likely your best option.

[superdak01]

I was using 10lb braid moss green and a 5" dinger, bubblegum lemon swirl. I will use my other pole with 12lb mono and change the color. Thanks guys.

[gallowaypt]

Or tie a leader to that braid and you're all set.

[hookset on 3]

Wear clothing that blends into the background of the shoreline. See my avatar. I've taken to wearing fishouflage shirts when on foot recently and it has increased my close-up hits substantially.

 

One other note, try to fish in a way that you are not standing in full direct sunlight, if possible. In addition, try to cast towards targets that aren't between you and say a bright late afternoon sun. That way you aren't illuminated for the bass to easily see your movements. Again, if you notice in my avatar how I'm lit up. I actually caught that bass over my right shoulder. I had my buddy stand between me and the sun so the photo would be brighter. I wouldn't cast facing into sun for that very reason.

[KyakR]

Hop into a kayak   

[Chriswar]

Also make sure your presentation is with as little splash as possible.

[cddan]

Try a shaky head with a small worm, pointed tail, green pumpkin and or dead sticking, bass may be spooky but they are also very curious and usually return to the same areas.Sometimes doing nothing with your worm for an extended time gets them to focus on it and not you so much.they have a poor memory so after 15 minutes or so with little movement by you, they tend to relax and go about their normal routines.The shaky head approach seems to always get those tough biters.Maybe a little scent on the worm too to keep them interested.Also line size can be a factor.(can also try flourocarbon leader).I have also noticed on my home lake that water clarity can be deceiving. It may appear clear or dirty on top and change in the depths below because of algae or stratification (the fall turnover).