creatures of habit?

[FatBoy]

On Monday I was fishing a small pond that I knew held a lot of fish (though I haven't hooked into any big uns there).  Anyway, at probably 6:30pm I tossed a black/blue senko in front of a small patch of weeds right near shore and caught one about 14" or so.  The hook got him in the soft part of the lower jaw on the left side and ripped a 1/4" long hole.  

OK, so I fished all the way around this pond, trying out my fat ikas, plastic frogs, etc.  Just having some fun.  As the sun was going down, I tried a black spinner, buzzbait and pop-r.  

THEN, about 9:00 I had tied on a zara puppy and threw it just past that same patch of weeds.  I twitched it up to the weeds and killed it.  BAM!  Fish on.  He was about 14" or so.  (You see where this is going?)  As I was getting him off the hook I saw...you guessed it...a 1/4" long hole in the soft part of the lower jaw on the left side.  SAME FISH!!

So my question is, how common is it to catch the same fish from the same spot?  And more importantly, do you think this was just that fish's favorite hang out on that day, or do they tend to make long term commitments to favorite spots?  In other words, if I miss a big fish or see someone else catch a big one at a particular spot, should I look for that fish in the same spot the next day?  Next week?  Next month?  

[George Welcome]

I have caught the same fish off the same stump, just about every other day for almost 2 months before she moved. She hit a chug bug every time - small fish tipping the scale at 12.5 pounds.

[K_Mac]

I am no expert, but have read articles that tracked big bass and my understanding is they are fairly territorial. I have never caught the same fish, from the same spot, on the same day that I know of, but certain spots seem to almost always hold fish, esp. certain at times of the year, and prime spots always seem to hold better fish. Having said that, I think the answer to the rest of your questions is yes. As you learn a lake you will find spots that you know will hold fish at certain times; that doesn't mean you will always catch them, but it does improve your chances. Good luck.

[Shad_Master]

There will probably be guys argue with you that it was not the same fish, but I have had similar experiences where I am convinced I have caught the same fish from the same spot at the same time of day.  This raises an interesting question about pre-fishing before a tournament.  Conventional wisdom is the if you catch 'em the day before, you won't catch 'em on tournament day.  I think this makes a lot of guys pass up productive spots and miss out on opportunities that might be there.

[roadwarrior]

George,

I have often wondered, since you consistantly catch numbers of large bass, just how often you think your clients catch the same fish that were caught on a previous outing? I was also wondering if you gave your pet fish names?

I know I would find a special place in my heart for the 12.5 you just described. I think that is incredible.

[George Welcome]

Yep, she had a name, but for some odd reason, (of which I have no idea), I called her Jose. I am looking for the picture.

I must apologize for overstating the size - she was only 11.5 pounds. Me memory caused an error.

[Troutfisher]

You're calling a 11.5 lb fish a small one?!

That would beat the state record here!  :-?

[Valascus]

Yep, she had a name, but for some odd reason, (of which I have no idea), I called her Jose. I am looking for the picture.

I must apologize for overstating the size - she was only 11.5 pounds. Me memory caused an error.

After how many big fish you have probably caught in your time as a guide, I think you are allowed a mental error or two as far as remembering sizes of certain fish.

He didn't say the fish was small, troutfisher. He just said he got the weight of the fish wrong and corrected himself. I am pretty sure an 11.5 is a beast in anyones neck of the woods (Cali may be the exception  ). Heck, in some peeps home states ,such as LBH's, that's a new state record, I think...I may be off by a few ounces.

[jtbassman]

Responding to Fat Boy's question, (got a little off topic there), yeah especially in ponds i've caught the exact same fish the same day or week, month.  It seems to me that bigger largemouth in ponds tend to stake out their area, and that's where they will spend most of their life in a pond.  For example a certain rock, brushpile, dock, or in your case a patch of weeds.

[Bassassasin12]

Responding to Fat Boy's question, (got a little off topic there), yeah especially in ponds i've caught the exact same fish the same day or week, month. It seems to me that bigger largemouth in ponds tend to stake out their area, and that's where they will spend most of their life in a pond. For example a certain rock, brushpile, dock, or in your case a patch of weeds.

hey thats what i was going to say, I have a feelign in this one pond I have caught every fish in it twice. A few 5 pounders too.

[fishingrulz]

Yes...I have also heard that bass are fairly teritorial....(spelt that wrong :-/)