Which side of the lake?

[-nick-]

If the temperature is low 40's its about 8 A.M. and the sun is shining which side of the lake would you go to in a boat? The side where the sun is thats warming the water? Or the side that has shade? Because I'm not familiar with locations to go on a boat yet and I do know bass like to stay in the shady spots but also like warmer water so which is the best place to head to? Shady spot or sunny?

[Izzy3374]

I would try going to the warmer water, and start fishing heavy cover.  Any trees, grass, weeds.  

[-nick-]

I would try going to the warmer water, and start fishing heavy cover. Any trees, grass, weeds.

Yeah thats what we did we stayed near the sunny side. Thanks!

[nickb]

yeah man. i'd hit up the points and cover and weeds.

[kms399]

warmer side or windy side if they are on the same side then you should have a good time.

[Paul Roberts]

-Sun brings heat.

-Attenuated visibility gives bass an advantage over prey, and gives anglers an advantage over their prey by obscuring the inherent flaws in angling that put the fish off.

It's a balancing act, only partially under your control, and changing all the time.

[Crestliner2008]

Always: Northwest side.

[TommyBass]

Like mentioned, usually the areas that get the sun the longest are warmests (south facing).   But I have found that bass generally still dont want to be stuck out in the bright sunshine with their eyelids pined open ... and if they are they are alot harder to catch.  I generally focus on cover in those areas where teh bass can be in shaded warmer water areas.  And be careful with the wind.. there is a fine line where wind takes warmer surface water to a paticular shore and where it crosses the line and agitates the water too much and cools it.  

[Catt]

10% of the water holds 90% of the fish

If that 10% is the warmest water then that is where I'll be

But that 10% may not be the warmest water & you will still find me there

[Izzy3374]

10% of the water holds 90% of the fish

If that 10% is the warmest water then that is where I'll be

But that 10% may not be the warmest water & you will still find me there

Well said

[Blue Streak]

Fish the warmest water and that should be where the sun is shining. Don't worry about bright light a bass can adjust their eyes to that. Throw a jerk bait and if there are any bass around you will do well.

[Izzy3374]

Yeah, very true, but if they have big predators in the lake, the bass usually wont just be sitting out.  They need some kind of cover for protection.

[Blue Streak]

I agree but they can be cruising. And it goes without saying that you fish the cover particularly dark wood.

[Izzy3374]

And if they are cruising those are probably the fish to go after since they are active and probably actively feeding.  Rather than the bass sitting in cover in the warm water.  They are probably less active.

Good point!