No bites?

[Ravox]

already hot as hell here in Florida and had a good Saturday on a local lake around here, them Sunday and today (Monday) the bites suddenly stoped, I usually go fish around 6:30 pm on a local lake on my community one or another bite and that was it, tried different types of worm and colors and nothing why this is happening? when is hot like that is bad for bass fishing? Im trying to understand better bass behavior, what are the good and bad months for Bass Fishing?
 

 

[Koz]

So many variables here, but to answer one question bass don't shut down in warmer weather. In fact, their metabolism is higher and they will feed and be more active than cold months. However, targeting them is different.

 

In the hot, sunny weather bass will look for cover under weeds, docks, laydowns, rocks, etc. Target those areas and more than likely a bass just sitting there will pounce. Even more open areas along the shore with heavy shade from nearby trees can pay off. In the absence of cover, bass will retreat to deeper water. Most will still come to the shallows when it's time to feed. What you're going to want to look for then is the paths they use to frequently travel. This could be things like drop off, channels, etc.

 

From what you said I am assuming you are bank fishing. I bank fish as well and the first things I do are look for structure and look for the baitfish. Are the baitfish along the shoreline, hanging out in vegetation, or do I see bait balls out in the open water?

 

As far as weather is concerned, frontal conditions will have more of an impact than steady days of warm weather. You may also have been fishing in between the times they were sitting rather idle in deeper water rather than cruising into shallower water for a meal.

 

Anyway, I'm sure others will also chime in with more info.

[jimmyjoe]

   I had the same ting happen in a nearby lake that I fished a lot. It was as if a switch was just turned off. I thought I had found the answer when they started to pick up some ribbontail worms. The reality was that I didn't realize how steep the lake sides were, and my worm was a lot deeper than I thought. The bass had retreated. Literally, they left the area for deeper, cooler water. Is it possible the same thing is happening to you? Is the water you're fishing adjacent to a deeper column? If so, then every extra foot of cast you can make counts. You'll have to "reach out and touch'em."   jj

[RoLo]

2 hours ago, Ravox said:

What are the good and bad months for Bass Fishing?

 

If you're near the Big-O, you're considerably south of me.

The heat is very bearable here in mid-Florida, but maybe I'm numb ?  

My favorite months in central Florida are April & May;

where we probably struggle the most during December & January.

In fact, July & August are considerably more productive than Dec & Jan.

 

Roger

 

[Ravox]

1 hour ago, jimmyjoe said:

   I had the same ting happen in a nearby lake that I fished a lot. It was as if a switch was just turned off. I thought I had found the answer when they started to pick up some ribbontail worms. The reality was that I didn't realize how steep the lake sides were, and my worm was a lot deeper than I thought. The bass had retreated. Literally, they left the area for deeper, cooler water. Is it possible the same thing is happening to you? Is the water you're fishing adjacent to a deeper column? If so, then every extra foot of cast you can make counts. You'll have to "reach out and touch'em."   jj

Exactly like that is was like a switch turned them off, really strange behavior specially that Saturday they were very active

 

And yes bank fish and today i tried my best to put the bait right on the middle of the lake where is deeper but no success, what is strange is that i saw a lot of movement on the water and those small fish running around on the shoreline but no bass

 

 

And im in South Florida  - Pembroke Pines

[Koz]

3 hours ago, Ravox said:

And yes bank fish and today i tried my best to put the bait right on the middle of the lake where is deeper but no success, what is strange is that i saw a lot of movement on the water and those small fish running around on the shoreline but no bass

 

 

And im in South Florida  - Pembroke Pines

 

OK - so not really a lake but man made retention ponds. Is that correct? If that's the case they are not usually very deep and for the most part uniform in depth. These ponds will be connected via outlet pipes to balance water runoff during heavy rains. Looking at Google maps it looks like vegetation and shade from trees is sparse or non-existent.

 

But those outlet pipes that connect the ponds are going to provide cover for the bass. Depending upon the size of those pipes the bass could be in them, around them, or both. Some bass will use them to navigate from pond to pond. My dad has a small 1/3 acre lagoon behind his house that connects to a large lagoon across the street. Sometimes his lagoon is empty except for baitfish, but on some days I pull 5 and 6 pounders out of that tiny lagoon.

 

I have the most success within a few days after heavy rains because the outflow from the large lagoon pushes overflow water into the smaller connected lagoons. I assume bass either follow that current or may even get pushed if it's a heavy current.

 

So next time you get heavy rains take a look at which way the water is flowing. In the larger ponds significant outflow will cause small channels to form as the water flows out of that pond. While not a lot deeper than the rest of the pond, bass will utilize that extra depth. Many will also use these channels as highways to get to shallower water feeding grounds.

 

In the smaller inflow lagoons a few things can happen. A lot of times sediment flows through those outlet pipes as well and it can build up in the outflow area, but beyond that the water flow usually creates another small channel where bass may prefer to gang out because it's a little deeper than the rest of the pond. Smaller baitfish can also get caught up in outflow currents creating an ambush spot for bass in the outflow lagoon.

 

Looking at the Google Map in the bigger ponds there is a lot of open area and if it's anything like similar lagoons I fish along the SC coast the wind generally (not always) blows in one direction and it can get pretty windy in those open areas. That usually stacks up baitfish along the wind blown bank, though that happens mostly in the spring. As the baitfish get bigger they tend to move away from the bank. Look for bait balls out in open water. If you haven't seen them before they look like the water is boiling in one small spot in the water.

 

Anyway, just because it's the middle of the pond does not mean it's the deepest point. Study the waterflow and you'll find the deeper channels where bass may hold or use as highways. And hit those smaller ponds a day or two after a front brings heavy rain.

 

 

 

 

[Ravox]

33 minutes ago, Koz said:

 

OK - so not really a lake but man made retention ponds. Is that correct? If that's the case they are not usually very deep and for the most part uniform in depth. These ponds will be connected via outlet pipes to balance water runoff during heavy rains. Looking at Google maps it looks like vegetation and shade from trees is sparse or non-existent.

 

But those outlet pipes that connect the ponds are going to provide cover for the bass. Depending upon the size of those pipes the bass could be in them, around them, or both. Some bass will use them to navigate from pond to pond. My dad has a small 1/3 acre lagoon behind his house that connects to a large lagoon across the street. Sometimes his lagoon is empty except for baitfish, but on some days I pull 5 and 6 pounders out of that tiny lagoon.

 

I have the most success within a few days after heavy rains because the outflow from the large lagoon pushes overflow water into the smaller connected lagoons. I assume bass either follow that current or may even get pushed if it's a heavy current.

 

So next time you get heavy rains take a look at which way the water is flowing. In the larger ponds significant outflow will cause small channels to form as the water flows out of that pond. While not a lot deeper than the rest of the pond, bass will utilize that extra depth. Many will also use these channels as highways to get to shallower water feeding grounds.

 

In the smaller inflow lagoons a few things can happen. A lot of times sediment flows through those outlet pipes as well and it can build up in the outflow area, but beyond that the water flow usually creates another small channel where bass may prefer to gang out because it's a little deeper than the rest of the pond. Smaller baitfish can also get caught up in outflow currents creating an ambush spot for bass in the outflow lagoon.

 

Looking at the Google Map in the bigger ponds there is a lot of open area and if it's anything like similar lagoons I fish along the SC coast the wind generally (not always) blows in one direction and it can get pretty windy in those open areas. That usually stacks up baitfish along the wind blown bank, though that happens mostly in the spring. As the baitfish get bigger they tend to move away from the bank. Look for bait balls out in open water. If you haven't seen them before they look like the water is boiling in one small spot in the water.

 

Anyway, just because it's the middle of the pond does not mean it's the deepest point. Study the waterflow and you'll find the deeper channels where bass may hold or use as highways. And hit those smaller ponds a day or two after a front brings heavy rain.

 

 

 

 

I can’t thank you enough for this, i also saved on my notes to keep this post with me always, thank you much and you are right it was my mistake its a pond that is connected to a larger one I will pay more attention to the pipes now and the waterflow This makes totally sense now, i can imagine that Bass dont like to get exposed to the sun too much on hot days..l i will also try on different hours like around 7:30pm or morning like 6:30am around that

[Koz]

You're welcome. I've fished retention ponds almost exclusively over the past 5 or 6 years and these are my observations. Your results may vary.

 

The stormwater inlet and outlet pipes in retention ponds are similar to creek channels in the big lakes. Deeper water has a different meaning in retention ponds (it's not like it goes from 3 feet to 40 feet deep) but it is still deeper water. Find those spots. If you have the money for the Deeper sonar device you could take the time and map out the bottom of each pond. I have neither the money nor the patience - I'd rather be fishing.

 

The other thing is that I would not get locked into one or two baits. Where I fish my "go to" baits are chaiterbaits, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits. But I still utilize soft plastics, crankbaits, jigs, jerkbaits, and just about everything else you can think of. If you've done your homework and still not getting bit change up your presentation and your baits. I'm addicted to buzzbaits and if there's any chop on the water I throw a 1/2 ounce buzzbait along the shore and then work it out to deeper water.

 

One thing I love about retention ponds is that with many you can cast just about the entire body of water. I usually fish middle, bottom, then top and if nothing bites I don't sit there and fish all day. I go down the road and hit the next retention pond.

 

Also, I suggest getting some polarized glasses. It makes it easier to see if there's anything lurking near the inlet and outlet pipes.

 

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Fishing_FF]

19 hours ago, RoLo said:

My favorite months in central Florida are April & May;

where we probably struggle the most during December & January.

In fact, July & August are considerably more productive than Dec & Jan.

 

This! ☝️

 

Hot Florida summer months are far better months for fishing than the winter period once the cold fronts start cycling through. 

[Ravox]

On 6/9/2020 at 11:07 AM, Koz said:

You're welcome. I've fished retention ponds almost exclusively over the past 5 or 6 years and these are my observations. Your results may vary.

 

The stormwater inlet and outlet pipes in retention ponds are similar to creek channels in the big lakes. Deeper water has a different meaning in retention ponds (it's not like it goes from 3 feet to 40 feet deep) but it is still deeper water. Find those spots. If you have the money for the Deeper sonar device you could take the time and map out the bottom of each pond. I have neither the money nor the patience - I'd rather be fishing.

 

The other thing is that I would not get locked into one or two baits. Where I fish my "go to" baits are chaiterbaits, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits. But I still utilize soft plastics, crankbaits, jigs, jerkbaits, and just about everything else you can think of. If you've done your homework and still not getting bit change up your presentation and your baits. I'm addicted to buzzbaits and if there's any chop on the water I throw a 1/2 ounce buzzbait along the shore and then work it out to deeper water.

 

One thing I love about retention ponds is that with many you can cast just about the entire body of water. I usually fish middle, bottom, then top and if nothing bites I don't sit there and fish all day. I go down the road and hit the next retention pond.

 

Also, I suggest getting some polarized glasses. It makes it easier to see if there's anything lurking near the inlet and outlet pipes.

 

Good luck and keep us posted.

Amazing explanation as always thank for that, let me ask you as an expert on those retention ponds, the bass usually concentrate more on the shoreline? so the casts at the middle of the pond are no that useful correct? 

[Koz]

2 hours ago, Ravox said:

Amazing explanation as always thank for that, let me ask you as an expert on those retention ponds, the bass usually concentrate more on the shoreline? so the casts at the middle of the pond are no that useful correct? 

Not necessarily. They could be anywhere at any given time based upon a number of factors. However, based upon things like I described the odds are higher you will find them in those areas first.

 

I fish some lagoons that have features like spider blocks, aerator fountains, and channels that are more towards the middle of the lagoon and in those lagoons I am more likely to find the bass out there. In other lagoons I might find the bass more consistently along the shore along weed lines.

 

Again, because the depth of retention ponds is fairly consistent don't think of the middle of the pond as deeper water. It may be the same depth 15 feet from the bank as it is 100 feet from the bank. Or there might be a channel 20-30 feet out and then the water is shallower again beyond that. Find the channels, depressions, and drop offs to find the actual deeper water.

 

The bass might be anywhere in those lagoons, but a higher percentage of the time they will be in specific locations in each body of water. I always fish the high percentage locations first and if they don't produce I will try other locations in that lagoon. I catch bass everywhere in those bodies of water, but have caught a lot more in those high percentage locations. You need to find where those high percentage locations are in your ponds. My goal in responding was to give you places to start looking based upon my own experiences fishing retention ponds.

 

Fish them long enough and you'll notice a consistency in each of the retention ponds you fish. If I fish one and my high percentage locations don't pay off I'll try a couple of secondary locations and if the bass are still not biting I quickly move on to the next lagoon. The area where I primarily fish has over 100 accessible lagoons and there are literally thousands more lagoons in the area. With all of those options I won't sit around for 3 or 4 hours not getting bit.

 

One more thing - in the retention ponds I fish the best fishing is usually between 11 am and 2 pm, then it slows down for about 2 hours and picks up a little bit after that. Your results may vary.

 

 

[galyonj]

@Koz's advice about the pipes and watching waterflow is something you really want to heed.

 

Remember, too, that bass, like predators, much prefer to expend the least energy they can while hunting or feeding. They're always gonna gravitate toward good ambush spots – overhangs, laydowns, culvert and pipe edges, etc. On a sunny day, you can even treat the outer edges of shade lines on the water as points unto themselves.

 

If current flows past or through any of that stuff, all the better, because it'll be bringing prey with it.

[BassNJake]

Nothing I can add.

 

Just wanted to point out all the great information from @Koz

This is what makes this place so great!!

 

 

[Ravox]

34 minutes ago, BassNJake said:

Nothing I can add.

 

Just wanted to point out all the great information from @Koz

This is what makes this place so great!!

 

 

Exactly, there is high quality posts and answers here that i can't see anywhere else

[Koz]

42 minutes ago, Ravox said:

Exactly, there is high quality posts and answers here that i can't see anywhere else

 

1 hour ago, BassNJake said:

Nothing I can add.

 

Just wanted to point out all the great information from @Koz

This is what makes this place so great!!

 

 

 

And that's why my tag line says. "King of the retention ponds".

 

LOL! It's a snarky joke.  I will say that bank fishing from a big lake is more difficult especially because there are usually limited access points on foot. So I may find a bank fishing area on a bigger lake that looks like it should be productive but it isn't because there are higher percentage areas that I can't access on foot.

 

I will also say that when I kayak these lakes I sometimes get overwhelmed by the number of areas that look like good spots. I think that's where mapping and electronics would come in handy if available. It would be easier to narrow down the higher percentage spots. It wouldn't be foolproof, but it would help.

[dodgeguy]

you might want to try getting up at 4a.m. and fish cooler water or try night fishing.