How to break down a new lake.

[DFWbassin]

Hello, this is my first post on the forums. I need some advice on how i should go about fishing a lake. I have been a pond guy my whole life but recently my dad got me a 17’ canoe. It has no electronics (ie depth finder, humingbird) and no motor. So i am a bit daunted by fishing a big lake. Spots to target? Thoughts? 
-Ryan

[MN Fisher]

First thing, right off. Find a contour map of the lake and study it. Find points, drop-offs and 'humps'.

Read articles about where Bass like to hang out in relation to these features. Good starting point is https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/Reading_Maps.html

 

 

[TnRiver46]

Just mind the wind and go fishing near the banks. If you get a calm day, maybe try off shore. Man made lake or natural? 

[DFWbassin]

1 hour ago, TnRiver46 said:

Just mind the wind and go fishing near the banks. If you get a calm day, maybe try off shore. Man made lake or natural? 

I belive all the lakes in texas are man made

[TnRiver46]

48 minutes ago, DFWbassin said:

I belive all the lakes in texas are man made

Gotcha. This time of year, especially in a canoe, I would try creek arms and coves off the main channel. The bass should be spawning, or pretty close to shallows coming in or out. Being in coves should help with wind also. When Canoeing on a lake, wind is typically the X factor 

[WRB]

I see a trolling motor in your future.

Fishing from a canoe or kayak you are sitting down close to the water, this makes it more difficult for you to cast and for other power boaters to see you. Wear a bright color PFD helps other boater to see you and could save your life.

Trolling isn't something bass anglers discuss but ideal while you are paddling the canoe along the shoreline. I would attach a rod holder to hold the rod when trolling so it's out of the way and you can see it easily.

Start by fishing around the launch site or marina, usually has a population of bass.

What type of tackle do you use?

Tom

[DFWbassin]

5 hours ago, WRB said:

I see a trolling motor in your future.

Fishing from a canoe or kayak you are sitting down close to the water, this makes it more difficult for you to cast and for other power boaters to see you. Wear a bright color PFD helps other boater to see you and could save your life.

Trolling isn't something bass anglers discuss but ideal while you are paddling the canoe along the shoreline. I would attach a rod holder to hold the rod when trolling so it's out of the way and you can see it easily.

Start by fishing around the launch site or marina, usually has a population of bass.

What type of tackle do you use?

Tom

 Thanks for the info! I use alot of texas rigged worms and craws as well as swimjigs and buzzbaits.

[WRB]

You have baitcasting tackle based on lures used.

A kayak would be more useful IMO then a canoe.

Deep diving crankbaits are good trolling lures and Whooper Plopper sputtering along thecsurface should work, haven't tried it. I taught lots of anglers to  use crankbaits by trolling, the lure stays in the strike zone a long time.

The stuff you use is good in and around marinas and any points you come across.

Good luck,

Tom

[JK Jake]

It may seem daunting, but try to not overthink lake fishing. I say this as I have only been into lake fishing for about a year and a half, so I know how you probably feel. I’ve mostly fished from a boat but I have been kayak fishing a few times with a buddy of mine. Just look at google maps and pick a creek that looks like it has good cover and fish down it. That should work for this time of year. Also keep the wind in mind. If the shallow stuff isn’t working then try looking for “points” or ledges on a contour map (navionics.com is a good free resource).

 

Also, since I live relatively close to Fort Worth, I’m guessing you’re maybe fishing Eagle Mountain Lake? I went there a few times in the fall and I had mixed results, caught a few nice ones, and I saw a lot of shad. I bet the Shad spawn will be great there soon, see if you can find them spawning in the early morning on the rocks. Watch out though because I did see an alligator for the first time while fishing in that lake, I was far in some creek about midway up the lake, he kept his distance though.

Hope you catch some fish.

[bazzelite19]

If there's a few good size creek arms(tributaries) pick a larger sized one and start at the first point entering the creek. Start with a 5/16-3/8 oz spinnerbait, squarebill crank, or medium runner to cover water. Work your way back casting to any docks, rocks, or wood like lay down trees, bushes, or overhanging trees. Smaller pockets, cuts, or drains from rain runoff can be good. Always be feeling for hard bottom areas with rock or mussels. This is why a crankbait is good, you can feel the bottom content well. Its a amazing transmission lure. Running the bank is a solid way to catch bass in most lakes. Once you catch a fish on a moving bait just slow down and throw a jig or weightless senko. The key is not only in your lure but how you fish and how well you can feel for what it is doing. 

[papajoe222]

If you're a decent jig/worm fisherman, you know how to count down the depth of the water. So, although a depth finder makes finding bottom structure simple, you can get along without one. I did for the first 15years I owned a boat. It'll make you a better jig and soft plastics fisherman, too.  Not only will counting down that jig become as automatic as driving a car does, you'll learn the different feel of a soft or hard bottom, brush, weeds etc.