Points defined by Your experience?

[Jaheff]

Here is the scenerio...

First time at new lake.Marina opperator says bite is on main lake points in 12'-20' of water.No wind,no current 7:00 in the morning.I'm using a reaction type lure to find the fish. Slowy trolling my way around.

Casting to shore out.Where do I start?How far do I work the point on either side if I'm not getting any bites?I put in lines as referances.Thank You

[drmnbig]

I wold fish right on past the secondary points on each side of the main point.  

[Wayne P.]

First of all I would ignore a location like that at 7:00 A.M. and fish shallower. Then about mid moring check for that pattern.

[Catt]

I would find where the underwater end of that main lake point is located, then the relationship of the underwater point to the nearest river/creek channel, and then like the marina operator said I would find the 12-20' depth. Then I would look around for the different type of cover that is available & at the same time I would be looking for break lines.

Now I would have enough information to select a spot to drop anchor, I would then fan cast the entire area 360 degrees of the boat. I would probably throw a Texas Rig, Jig-N-Craw, Carolina Rig, or deep diving crank bait.

Depending on the number of fish caught and how far apart I might move; any moves would stay at the same depth and would be the distance of my farthest cast.

The direction of any moves is decided by shear gut instinct.

[Jaheff]

Thank you Catt!

I'm use to fishing lakes that are puddles compared to Havasu,or Mead.

The points on these lakes are huge to me.

Thank you again!

[SWMIBASSER]

IMO people use the term point wrong. If what you are showing is an overhead satelite view, by my terminology that isn't a point at all.

Because land/shoreline forms a point doesn't mean there is an underwater point there that fish are relating to. Sometimes there is, sometimes there isn't. But just because the shoreline forms a point doesn't mean there is an underwater point.

[Catt]

By definition a point is a tapering extension of land projecting into water; a peninsula, cape, or promontory. Notice nowhere in the definition does it mention the necessity for there to be an underwater section; there may or may not be but that does not change the definition.

The above photo is from a satellite image and while my vision is not a clear as it uses to be there definitely is an underwater section of this point.

[SWMIBASSER]

I'm not trying to argue or say anyone is wrong.....Just giving my 2cents.

From the picture at first glance there does seem to be a small underwater point. However if you look closer that is really just a flat that continues to the left.

A land based point will protect either up or down side shorelines (depending on wind position) but otherwise won't have any bearing on fish location.......When they do it's because of other factors.....Cover, (not structure because there isn't any) and the presence of forage.

To me, a land based point is simply a shoreline irregularity. An underwater point on the other hand.........

[SWMIBASSER]

Here is the scenerio...

First time at new lake.Marina opperator says bite is on main lake points in 12'-20' of water.No wind,no current 7:00 in the morning.I'm using a reaction type lure to find the fish. Slowy trolling my way around.

Casting to shore out.Where do I start?How far do I work the point on either side if I'm not getting any bites?I put in lines as referances.Thank You

Just a couple quick ideas. I would start with the windblown side. And to cover the area more quickly I would fish parralell to the point. Pick up a few fish on cranks and in the process feel out the bottom for changes in bottom and/or weed growth (pockets, points in weeds) and then throw something a little slower to clean out the area. Hit another point, and then come back a bit later.

[cart7t]

Just a couple quick ideas. I would start with the windblown side. And to cover the area more quickly I would fish parralell to the point. Pick up a few fish on cranks and in the process feel out the bottom for changes in bottom and/or weed growth (pockets, points in weeds) and then throw something a little slower to clean out the area. Hit another point, and then come back a bit later.

First, "No wind".  How are you going to fish the windblown side?

Second, you said that wasn't a point, now you're going to fish parallel to the point?  Is it a point or isn't it?

[SWMIBASSER]

Just a couple quick ideas. I would start with the windblown side. And to cover the area more quickly I would fish parralell to the point. Pick up a few fish on cranks and in the process feel out the bottom for changes in bottom and/or weed growth (pockets, points in weeds) and then throw something a little slower to clean out the area. Hit another point, and then come back a bit later.

First, "No wind". How are you going to fish the windblown side?

Second, you said that wasn't a point, now you're going to fish parallel to the point? Is it a point or isn't it?

No wind or current?

Like I said IMO that isn't a point. I thought I was clear.....? My mistake I guess.

[Jaheff]

Sorry about the confussion guy's.Maybe I should of just asked how do

you properly work a point.

When Catt answered my question I felt it was a little advanced for me,but today I spent a long time going through old posts and getting a clearer picture.In my findings Catt had about five other posts on threads that I printed out, and my questions were answered by a little time and research.

Not only was this question answered, but I found alot of other bits of info.I suggest to alot of people that most questions you have, have been asked on here before.You just need to take the time to search all over this site and forum.I went threw over 165 pages just in this section today.

Thank you again Catt. I'm to young to be on the team but... GO TEAM DEPENDS! Older and Wiser!

[senile1]

Catt's a structure guru.  One can a learn a lot by going back and reading some of his posts.   8-)

[Needemp]

Jaheff, good question. The first thing I would do is get a topographical map of this point (preferably not a Hot Spots map) and look for good structure to start with. It doesn't matter what it looks like above the water if there is nothing below the water.

That point you are showing could be nothing but a huge slow tapering bottom with no breaklines, cover, baitfish, etc. If that is the case, then Sanother siteBASSER would be absolutely right. It wouldn't be considered a point (as far as fisherman are concerned) Question: is the state of Florida considered a point? I use that extremity to prove a point!

Sanother siteBASSER's response offered a key piece of evidence that could revolutionize your structure fishing. Eliminating the worst fishing areas and the hardest areas to catch fish (such as useless so-called points) and finding the easiest and best places to catch fish, instead. Good luck Jaheff

[cart7t]

Is the state of Florida a point?

It most certainly is.  

[Needemp]

Is the state of Florida a point?

It most certainly is.

[senile1]

. . . and the Mariana Trench is a ledge.  

[Paul Roberts]

That point you are showing could be nothing but a huge slow tapering bottom with no breaklines, cover, baitfish, etc. If that is the case, then Sanother siteBASSER would be absolutely right. It wouldn't be considered a point (as far as fisherman are concerned) Question: is  the state of Florida considered a point? I use that extremity to prove a point!

Sanother siteBASSER's response offered a key piece of evidence that could revolutionize your structure fishing. Eliminating the worst fishing areas and the hardest areas to catch fish (such as useless so-called points) and finding the easiest and best places to catch fish, instead. Good luck Jaheff

Good post.

. . . and the Mariana Trench is a ledge.

Bet there's big'ns down there!

[WRB]

First you need to locate bass. Use you electronics to find fish on the major point before wasting a lot of time fishing it. Keep your rod on the deck and meter the point; start at the shallow water and follow the point out as far as possible, then make a loop turn and follow the opposite side of the point back to shore. Now you have a some idea of what the point has to offer and where the bass or bait are located on or near the point. No bait, no bass, then go to the next major point and repeat your survey.

The main reason bass hold on main lake points is to ambush baitfish that swim over or around the point; no bait = few or no active bass.

Bait fish tend to hide in shore line wood or weed cover during the night, then move out into deeper water as the sun rises. So go back and vist the main lake points during the day, bass tend to follow the bait fish and trap them agianst the structure or push the bait up towards the surface. A point can have no bass at 7AM for example and be covered with bass and baitfish at 9AM. Right place at the right time or camp out and wait for the bass.

WRB