Mud hole with huge bass (NOT CARP) and shad but no bites

[wdp]

I'd try throwing a big topwater bait: big popper, buzzbait, Zara Spook. If they're busting at the surface that much, they gotta be chasing shad/baitfish.  But I gotta admit, sometimes I have a really hard time getting schooling bass to bite when they get so focused on pods of baitfish. It gets frustrating to see all that action & not get a bite. 

 

I've seen big bass jump completely outta the water. It happens, although I've never seen it as frequently as you're describing. 

 

Best of luck. Maybe you'll hook a big one. 

[GT Tompkins]

6 minutes ago, RMax said:

I believe you, simply because bass behavior can change depending on where they are, especially if they're in a lonesome little pond.  I occasionally fish a lake that is very low pressure but is very  urban (its private) and those bass behave completely different than most fish.  The largemouth in there are super active in the winter (under the ice), nearly unactive in the fall, don't protect their beds, and most of them don't relate to structure, just sitting on a sandy, flat beach.

Yeah man thats kinda how it is here. Back in the summer there wasnt any activity like there is now. Crazy fish 

4 minutes ago, wdp said:

I'd try  throwing a big topwdefinitely bait: big popper, buzzba it, Zara Spactumyselfthey're busting at th e  surface that much, they gotta be chasing shad/baitfish.  But I gotta admit, sometimes I have a really hard time getting schooling bass to bite when they get so focused on pods of baitfish. It gets frustrating to see all that action & not get a bite. 

 

I've seen big bass jump completely outta the water. It happens, although I've never seen it as frequently as you're describing. 

 

Best of luck. Maybe you'll hook a big one. 

 

4 minutes ago, wdp said:

I'd try throwing a big topwater bait: big popper, buzzbait, Zara Spook. If they're busting at the surface that much, they gotta be chasing shad/baitfish.  But I gotta admit, sometimes I have a really hard time getting schooling bass to bite when they get so focused on pods of baitfish. It gets frustrating to see all that action & not get a bite. 

 

I've seen big bass jump completely outta the water. It happens, although I've never seen it as frequently as you're describing. 

 

Best of luck. Maybe you'll hook a big one. 

Yeah im thinking thats what is happening. I just started trying topwaters last year i dont quite have the hang it it yet. I was actually using a small popper earlier today when a fat one jumped right in front of me. Lol i nearly crapped myself. If i unlock the secret to this pond, i will be a happy camper with a new personal record or two. Thanks bud

[wdp]

Yeah, just don't give up. I had same thing happen to me few months ago in November. Big pods of shad swimming everywhere all over the lake which has super clear water. I could look out & count probably 15-20 baitfish pods flicking around at the surface. Then all sudden there'd be commotion everywhere as bass would start busting & feeding on a few schools of shad. Sometimes what seemed like 4 or 5 pounders were busting & jumping outta the water. 

 

I must've run up & down the bank for 2 hrs chasing the action with no results. Couldn't seem to get them to hit anything I threw: poppers, flukes, swimbaits, shallow crankbaits. Finally got 2 bites on a lipless crankbait. It was very frustrating. 

 

The added problem you have is super muddy water. That's why I'm thinking something on the surface making a lotta noise might work. But, the muddy water might work to your advantage. Sometimes that keeps the fish from spooking so easily, especially bank fishing. 

 

Keep us posted.

[GT Tompkins]

1 minute ago, wdp said:

Yeah, just don'ranksup. I had same thing hap pen to me few months ago in November. Big pods of shad swimming everywhere all over the lake which has super clear water. I could look out & count probably 15-20 baitfish pods flicking around at the surface. Then all sudden there'd be commotion everywhere as bass would start busting & feeding on a few schools of shad. Sometimes what seemed like 4 or 5 pounders were busting & jumping outta the water. 

 

I must've run up & down the bank for 2 hrs chasing the action with no results. Couldn't seem to get them to hit anything I threw: poppers, flukes, swimbaits, shallow crankbaits. Finally got 2 bites on a lipless crankbait. It was very frustrating. 

 

The added problem you have is super muddy water. That's why I'm thinking something on the surface making a lotta noise might work. Plus, the muddy water might work to your advantage. Sometimes that keeps the fish from spooking so easily, especially bank fishing. 

 

Keep us posted. 

 

1 minute ago, wdp said:

Yeah, just don't give up. I had same thing happen to me few months ago in November. Big pods of shad swimming everywhere all over the lake which has super clear water. I could look out & count probably 15-20 baitfish pods flicking around at the surface. Then all sudden there'd be commotion everywhere as bass would start busting & feeding on a few schools of shad. Sometimes what seemed like 4 or 5 pounders were busting & jumping outta the water. 

 

I must've run up & down the bank for 2 hrs chasing the action with no results. Couldn't seem to get them to hit anything I threw: poppers, flukes, swimbaits, shallow crankbaits. Finally got 2 bites on a lipless crankbait. It was very frustrating. 

 

The added problem you have is super muddy water. That's why I'm thinking something on the surface making a lotta noise might work. Plus, the muddy water might work to your advantage. Sometimes that keeps the fish from spooking so easily, especially bank fishing. 

 

Keep us posted. 

Yeah  i ran around the pond a few times lol. Lipless cranks? I will buy some. I already got a shad colored spook imwanting to try. Thanks bud. I will try to get video of the jumpers

[ErikmonBillsfon]

Livetarget sunfish or mouse. Chatter bait so they can locate in such muddy water. I also over the Stanley ribbit frogs.

[jr231]

Umm seen as how the pond is only an acre or two.. it IS as simple as letting the bait do the work. You can even cast it out and reel it In slowly. It won't be long until you have a taker. If she's active you'll have her in a matter of minutes. A weedless hook isn't gonna do much for the gill getting tangled up in branches. Who cares what they do In Florida ? Are you in Florida ? Fishing with shiners ? I'm assuming not. Northern strain largemouth are notoriously more aggressive than Florida strain.. . That's why "finessing" it may be key when targeting FLORIDA strain laregmourh.  But for northern strain a simple 3 to 4 inch bluegill nose hooked with a baitholder style hook will do you just fine... In a small pond it is as simple as that. Saying that you have to finesse it into cover is not true. I can recall on too many occasions where bass came 30+ feet (like zoomed over quick ) to check my bait out and then take it. Big momma's too. If the gill don't work try the shad.. but when an adult bass sees an injured baitfish. It's game time, instinct. 

 

 

Invite me over I'll do it for ya. 

 

 

 

 

[Jar11591]

4 hours ago, GT Tompkins said:

Im assuming you didn't read much of what i wrote. I mentioned that i CLEARLY saw BASS jump out of the water. Hell i went down there again today and had one jump not even 10 feet in front of me. Scared me half to death. Try not being so cynical, bud. These arent asain carp. They are largemouth bass.

 

I never said Asian carp, just regular carp. Not being cynical bud, just saying these are probably common carp. In my 20 years of fishing, I've  seen just ONE bass jump totally out of water, and it was a tiny bass. One time I've seen this in 20 years. However, I see carp doing this exact thing on every single lake I fish that has carp in it. It's exactly how you described "sounds like a cynder block" and "jumping totally out of water." 

 

Not trying to tell you what you saw, just giving my opinion on what I think the likely culprit is.   

[GT Tompkins]

18 minutes ago, Yeajray231 said:

Umm seen as how the pond is only an acre or two.. it IS as simple as letting the bait do the work. You can even cast it out and reel it In slowly. It won't be long until you have a taker. If she's active you'll have her in a matter of minutes. A weedless hook isn't gonna do much for the gill getting tangled up in branches. Who cares what they do In Florida ? Are you in Florida ? Fishing with shiners ? I'm assuming not. Northern strain largemouth are notoriously more aggressive than Florida strain.. . That's why "finessing" it may be key when targeting FLORIDA strain laregmourh.  But for northern strain a simple 3 to 4 inch bluegill nose hooked with a baitholder style hook will do you just fine... In a small pond it is as simple as that. Saying that you have to finesse it into cover is not true. I can recall on too many occasions where bass came 30+ feet (like zoomed over quick ) to check my bait out and then take it. Big momma's too. If the gill don't work try the shad.. but when an adult bass sees an injured baitfish. It's game time, instinct. 

 

 

Invite me over I'll do it for ya. 

 

 

 

 

 

18 minutes ago, Yeajray231 said:

Umm seen as how the pond is only an acre or two.. it IS as simple as letting the bait do the work. You can even cast it out and reel it In slowly. It won't be long until you have a taker. If she's active you'll have her in a matter of minutes. A weedless hook isn't gonna do much for the gill getting tangled up in branches. Who cares what they do In Florida ? Are you in Florida ? Fishing with shiners ? I'm assuming not. Northern strain largemouth are notoriously more aggressive than Florida strain.. . That's why "finessing" it may be key when targeting FLORIDA strain laregmourh.  But for northern strain a simple 3 to 4 inch bluegill nose hooked with a baitholder style hook will do you just fine... In a small pond it is as simple as that. Saying that you have to finesse it into cover is not true. I can recall on too many occasions where bass came 30+ feet (like zoomed over quick ) to check my bait out and then take it. Big momma's too. If the gill don't work try the shad.. but when an adult bass sees an injured baitfish. It's game time, instinct. 

 

 

Invite me over I'll do it for ya. 

 

 

 

 

Do the gills stay alive for a while when used like that? **** bud i will draw u a map lol

[IndianaFinesse]

@Yeajray231, I don't know where he lives, so for all I know he does live in Florida. When I say "finesse" the bluegill into the cover, I mean move it in such a way so that it looks natural leaving the bluegill to swim into the cover, bit you still usually have to guide it into the cover.  If you're fishing in open water that is not necessary.  A weedless hook helps to avoid snagging into wood, bit the one can still get wrapped around things.  And while northern strain bass are more aggressive, they still do get choosy at times.  But they are less choosy when it comes to live bait, a live 3-5 inch bluegill hooked threw the nostrils with a kahle or circle style hook is my fallback for fishing in clear water when I know the bass are there.

[GT Tompkins]

9 minutes ago, Jar11591 said:

 

I never said Aarl carhadn'tst regular carp. Not  being cy nical bud, just saying these are prdefinitelymon carp. Iifly 20 years of fi shing, I've  s een just ONE bass jump totally out of water, and it was a tiny bass. One time I've seen this in 20 years. However, I see carp doing this exact thing on every single lake I fish that has carp in it. It's exactly how you described "sounds like a cynder block" and "jumping totally out of water." 

 

Not trying to tell you what I saw, just giving my opinion on what I think the likely culprit is.   

I see what you are saying. I just dont think yall believe me when i say its not your typical pond. And the only carp that is common around here is the big brown carp, white carp, and buffalo (idk if they are actually carp) and then grass carp in ponds. Im familiar with the colors and shapes of those fish. These are difinitely bass. I havent seen largemouth jump this much anywhere else. 

[Jar11591]

13 minutes ago, GT Tompkins said:

I see what you are saying. I just dont think yall believe me when i say its not your typical pond. And the only carp that is common around here is the big brown carp, white carp, and buffalo (idk if they are actually carp) and then grass carp in ponds. Im familiar with the colors and shapes of those fish. These are difinitely bass. I havent seen largemouth jump this much anywhere else. 

 

Not saying I don't believe you either, as this has definitely piqued my interest. Like I said, I was just giving the likely scenario based on the info you gave and based on my experience with the phenomena. I certainly could be wrong as I have been before and these could be big bass clearing the water. If that's the case, send me (only me) the coordinates to this pond so I can fish it!

 

Oh and btw, that quote from me is interestingly misquoted.... lol 

[jr231]

@GT Tompkins honestly, no.. but nose hooked they will stay alive longer than any other way (if you're reeling them in)  When I do this and the bluegill dies, they get hacked and turned into catfish bait... But I'm doubting catfish are in there too... Not to worry. Not much goes to "waste " . The crows can have em. If all goes as planned you won't need many anyway. 

 

Keep in mind when you make your cast, every bass within 50 feet (more or less) is aware of something entering the water !!  Keep it up and out of the weeds (or In your case branches ) 

And you should be in action... If not.. no problem , relocate, and repeat. I don't like circle hooks because I like to set the hook... But many fisherman much more accomplished than me swear by them... So use em if that's what you like. 

 

The muddy water shouldn't be much of a problem... But what could be a problem is the weather ! Where are you located ?? 

 

This tactic works much better mid spring through mid fall up north. 

 

 

[GT Tompkins]

1 hour ago, Yeajray231 said:

@GT Tompkins honestly, no.. but nose hooked they will stay alive longssher than any other way (if youla're reeling them in)  When I do this and the bluegill dies, they get hacked and turned into catfish bait... But I'm doubting catfish are in there too... Not to worry. Not much goes to "waste " . The crows can have em. If all goes as planned you won't need many anyway. 

 

Keep in mind when you make your cast, every bass within 50 feet (more or less) is aware of something entering the water !!  Keep it up and out of the weeds (or In your case branches ) 

And you should be in action... If not.. no problem , relocate, and repeat. I don't like circle hooks because I like to set the hook... But many fisherman much more accomplished than me swear by them... So use em if that's what you like. 

 

The muddy water shouldn't be much of a problem... But what could be a problem is the weather ! Where are you located ?? 

 

This tactic works much better mid spring through mid fall up north. 

 

 

So when you say "Keep it up" are you constantly lifting your line? Do you keep semi tight line or do you give the bait fish slack to swim? I am in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It has been fairly warm here lately. It was 72 degrees yesterday. Thats not normal here though. Typically between 30-50 degrees. 

[GT Tompkins]

@Jar11591 lol well i would bet my life that these are LMB. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a 10 lb hog in there. Who knows. Some of the ones i saw were questionable. I doubt you would want to come to Arkansas just to fish an acre of water though. 

[JustJames]

You can try snag some of shad, run your jerk bait, crank bait or even lipless thru a group of shad and use that for bait. 

[Snipe Hunter]

 We don't see too many bass over 6 pounds around these parts so if I thought there were 10 lb bsss swimming close to me, I'd toss my pride out the window and put on a shiner. The shiners are pretty easy to catch with a throw net. Buy a can of bread crumbs and lure them in. You'll see the shiners break on the crumbs. Then throw the net. Toss one out under a bobber and wait.

 

I still think you can get one on a buzz bait or big spook though.

[Cody21w]

On 2/7/2017 at 8:48 PM, flyfisher said:

I am amazed at peoples ability to tell the weight of a bass from a jump when so many people get it wrong when they can actually hold the fish.  

I mean its pretty obvious when you use your eyes to see a bass roll over in mid air. one was small about 2 pounds, and the other was about 4 feet away and scared the **** out of me, and had to be atleast 24 inches long, and was super fat. An old man caught a 9-5 in that cove 3 weeks after that. I dont know if that was that fish, but i know that fish was a giant. I am amazed at peoples ability to tell someone they are wrong without being there to witness the situation, so being an ******* is the right thing to do...? NOPE

[flyfisher]

9 hours ago, Cody21w said:

I mean its pretty obvious when you use your eyes to see a bass roll over in mid air. one was small about 2 pounds, and the other was about 4 feet away and scared the **** out of me, and had to be atleast 24 inches long, and was super fat. An old man caught a 9-5 in that cove 3 weeks after that. I dont know if that was that fish, but i know that fish was a giant. I am amazed at peoples ability to tell someone they are wrong without being there to witness the situation, so being an ******* is the right thing to do...? NOPE

I am more amazed at how people get all up in their feelings and resort to name calling over someone else questioning the ability to guess a fish's weight from a distance that is jumping when people can't even guess the weight accurately when holding it....

Get some thicker skin or catch the fish and prove me wrong.

[RoLo]

 

A whack that resembles a flat rock describes a carp, while the sound of a feeding bass is more of a tight splash.

If you see the fish's body behind the mouth, the odds-on bet it's a carp.

Finally, carp love mud holes 

 

Roger

[JoeD320]

Central NJ here, I have a pond I go to around here that sounds a lot like this. LOTS of big bass and bluegill. I've had a lot of luck with hollow body frogs and lipless cranks. Try to find out for sure what the bass are feeding on. Check their crush plates for signs of crawdads (red deposits). Also are their teeth sharper than most? That would mean they mainly feed on baitfish. Their is also a lot of snags and downed timber in my pond so the frog is perfect. Don't have to worry about getting snagged. Just make sure you have the power to pull them out once they grab it. 

 

Kind of crappy that people can't just take your word for it and reply with help. 

[scaleface]

8 minutes ago, JoeD320 said:

 . Also are their teeth sharper than most? That would mean they mainly feed on baitfish.  

 

  I've never heard this before . 

[JoeD320]

8 minutes ago, scaleface said:

 

  I've never heard this before . 

Heard this from multiple sources. Don't know how true it is but it seems to add up in my head. 

[scaleface]

13 minutes ago, JoeD320 said:

Heard this from multiple sources. Don't know how true it is but it seems to add up in my head. 

So , the reason is hard shell crawfish are hard on bass teeth ?

[JoeD320]

6 minutes ago, scaleface said:

So , the reason is hard shell crawfish are hard on bass teeth ?

I would imagine it takes more grinding with the crush plate/teeth than baitfish do. I have found bass with calcium deposits from draws actually so have duller teeth 

[Kyhokie]

Bro, I've fished that pond a thousand times. They're carp.