How to find bass...electronics or not? What do you do? 2024

clemsondds reply :

So when you come to a lake for the first time (or first time in a long time), how do you find bass? I know there's the traditional ways (time of year, points, structure...) but just curious how you go about finding your initial spots to focus in on. I just bought my first boat and have a humminbird and not sure how to utilize it. I've seen great fishermen on youtube doing various things...going around looking for signs of life (baitfish, birds..) and others scanning shoreline with sidescan or structure scan. I went out today on a new lake and just felt torn as to what to do. Do I fish places where I think there would be fish, or do I cruise along at the depth I think they are at and use my electronics to find structure or fish and then go after those? Just trying to learn how to utilize my electronics the most. Thanks all!

Catt reply :

I start studying maps at home to get an understanding of the lake's topography.

clemsondds reply :

On 4/2/2019 at 5:20 PM, Catt said:

I start studying maps at home to get an understanding of the lake's topography.

Ok and then what? When you get to the lake, you head to certain areas that you picked out on the map...do you put the trolling motor down immediately and start fishing? Or, once you get there, do you go over the area with electronics to get a more specific area in that area?

Thanks again!

Catt reply :

Next you need to understand what the predominate prey species is in your lake and how that species relates to structure with each passing season...morning, noon, and night.

clemsondds reply :

I understand a lot of that. I’m just asking for what you specifically do when you get to the lake. How do you use your electronics? Not much at all or a lot. How do use it?

Catt reply :

On 4/2/2019 at 7:43 PM, clemsondds said:

I understand a lot of that. I’m just asking for what you specifically do when you get to the lake. How do you use your electronics? Not much at all or a lot. How do use it?

Understand a lot of it?

You better understand all of it!

How do I use my electronics

When backing my boat down the ramp as soon as my prop hits the water I start the outboard & turn my electronics on & do not turn them off until I load the boat back on the trailer.

I start at the ramp by looking at water temperature & water clarity. This gives me a general idea of what to expect out on the lake.

Last week on Toledo Bend I was showing baitfish suspended at 6-8' & i hadn't idled 50 yds from the ramp. Those three things; water temperature, water clarity, & baitfish location eliminated a lot of water.

scaleface reply :

Thats a big question and there is not a short answer . I'm not an expert by any means but heres a quick run down on how I often find bass using my electronics .

First thing I look for is the thermocline . This time of year there wont be one where I fish , there might be where you are . If you dont know what a thermocline is , do a search . If there is a thermocline that is the maximum depth i will fish . Now there are a lot of different species of fish in the lake and I dont know what a bass looks like on a sonar . I look for a depth zone that appears to have a lot of baitfish . If I find a depth that seems to have a lot of baitfish then I go to the points or other structure and see if the baitfish are the same depth there . If they are I fish it . It just simplifies things for me and makes it faster .

TOXIC reply :

First as has been said, you put all of the puzzle pieces together to give you a "clue" as to where the fish are.

Weather Conditions

Type of food source and where that food source lives (baitfish, craws, etc.)

Water condition

Time of year

....and a anything else that tip you off to where the fish are.

On a new lake with the above factors in mind, I look at the map on my electronics to see where I "think" the fish would be. I go to those places and then use the 2d, sidescan. downscan, to locate either bait/structure or the fish themselves. If that doesn't work, try to figure out what you didn't take into account in your first analysis. To be honest, I have only caught a few fish that I actually saw on my electronics and that is usually with a dropshot. Normally it's a process of elimination and being correct on your initial assessment.

scaleface reply :

Heres an antedote on how difficult it is , for me anyways , to identify species of fish with a depth finder . I saw a lot of bassy looking arches on this point . I fished it with cranks and plastic worms with no luck . I tied on a jigging spoon and started ripping it off the bottom . After a little while I hooked into one and reeled in a huge gizzard shad that was snagged in the belly . This thing was around 15 inches long . So I'm guessing all those text-book arches were big shad .

Tennessee Boy reply :

@clemsondds it can be a struggle when you're a new boat owner, new to bass fishing, and new to a body of water. Look at the results of any major pro tournament and you'll find guys at the bottom of the standings that have struggled and these are the best fishermen in the world. It's not easy. For most of us normal fishermen, it's made easier because we know the waters we are fishing. We can return to spots that have worked for us in the past under similar conditions. We're moving into the time of year when fishing get's easier. Depending on your location, fish are either spawning or getting ready to spawn. That means they are moving to shallow water. It's hard to make recommendations without know what part of the country you're in. If you were fishing middle Tennessee, I would tell you to tie on a weightless Zoom Trickworm and fish it around any cover you find along the bank in major creeks. It's a fun way to fish this time of year and will allow you to catch some fish and get used to your new boat. When you find an area that holds a lot of fish, looks at a map and ask yourself where those fish will go as they move deeper after the spawn. Target those places as we move into summer.

A-Jay reply :

On 4/2/2019 at 11:39 AM, clemsondds said:

So when you come to a lake for the first time (or first time in a long time), how do you find bass? I know there's the traditional ways (time of year, points, structure...) but just curious how you go about finding your initial spots to focus in on. I just bought my first boat and have a humminbird and not sure how to utilize it. I've seen great fishermen on youtube doing various things...going around looking for signs of life (baitfish, birds..) and others scanning shoreline with sidescan or structure scan. I went out today on a new lake and just felt torn as to what to do. Do I fish places where I think there would be fish, or do I cruise along at the depth I think they are at and use my electronics to find structure or fish and then go after those? Just trying to learn how to utilize my electronics the most. Thanks all!

On 4/2/2019 at 7:03 PM, clemsondds said:

Ok and then what? When you get to the lake, you head to certain areas that you picked out on the map...do you put the trolling motor down immediately and start fishing? Or, once you get there, do you go over the area with electronics to get a more specific area in that area?

Thanks again!

On 4/2/2019 at 7:43 PM, clemsondds said:

I understand a lot of that. I’m just asking for what you specifically do when you get to the lake. How do you use your electronics? Not much at all or a lot. How do use it?

"How to find bass . . electronics or not What do you do ?"

Whether you realize it or not, I'll be the first to tell you that as a new boater & bass fisherman or as an experienced angler, "how to find bass" IS the hardest part of this sport. And how & when to use one's electronics is probably running a very close second. Accordingly, there is no simple explanation or a flow chart to help answer either.

Finding active bass and then figuring out how to catch them is the very essence of bass fishing. So while the hookset is a ton of fun, learning and understanding it all takes a life time and even then, we'll never know as much as we think or like to. It's 'this process' of locating fish that new anglers want to try and speed up, especially with the boom in derby fishing and now even more the newest MLF format where it's all about catching the most bass the fastest - it is certainly entertaining but unfortunately IMO may be offering newer bassheads an ineffective learning too. The anglers who participate in these event (and still often struggle) have YEARS ON THE WATER. A new angler may be setting unrealistic expectations for them selves expecting to duplicate the same results.

So what does that all mean - you have much to learn and there are no short cuts. It takes time on the water. Time on the water to learn how to 'read water', to read correctly, understand and be able to apply what you see on your electronics effectively - meaning to catch bass. Time on the water to understand what structure looks like on a map & on your electronics and which ones bass use & prefer with the changing seasons, changing weather etc.

So congratulations on your new boat purchase. It gives you every opportunity possible to effectively approach the challenges of bass fishing listed above. This is where you find out how much you actually love bass fishing, because bass fishing really only consists of about 10-20% of actual bass catching. The other 80-90 % of the time is spent looking & learning. For me personally, that's the part I have really come to love. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of net, scale & camera use too, but it's ALL the other stuff, that requires so much time, effort, commitment & determination, in all kinds of weather conditions, that makes those fish catches so special.

Everyone's first few times out on the water are intimidating. But you do have the benefit of 'the information highway' to help you; and that may speed the process up a bit. But many of the bassheads here had NO such help. There was no internet - no answers on our phones (my phone was on the wall in the kitchen). And yet the humans who have many of the answers you seek, have them without the benefit of any of that. It's the time on the water that teaches us the way.

Like so many of the BR forum membership, I've been at this a long time, and I feel fairly confident that if I were to break it all down, adding up all the hours, days, weeks, months & years on the water, really crunch the numbers, for every single fish pic I post here, there are easily 50 hours of on the water looking & learning. Let that sink in a bit.

So keep at it - it will come, it always does. Just try not to be impatient, fishless trips & even weeks are part of the learning process - though lessons for sure, but still part of it.

And I for one will totally understand, appreciate & be super happy & proud of you when you have that first success trip, when you put it all together - that smile feels like no other.

Best of Luck

A-Jay

deep reply :

A little off-topic.

Not sure how advanced your depthfinder is, but if you can mentally translate/ interpret the 2D picture (or a topo map for that matter) to/ as 3D, that will help a lot.

Also, I have basic 2D sonar; and buoys are a very useful tool for me, usually deployed in pairs to mark a breakline I intend to back off and fish. Sometimes I'll throw in an extra one to mark a feature/ spot on the breakline.

geo g reply :

Much has already been said, but the system I use on new bodies of water.

1). While at home study old reports on the lake.

2). Look for maps of the lake, there is a lot of stuff on the internet. In Florida the U of Florida has topo maps of all the lakes.

3). Prepare the boat and tackle for what you think would be good.

While at the lake.

4). Ride around slow looking for structure, depth changes, boulders, flats, points, in the area.

5). Look at the bank, you can tell a lot about whats below by looking at what is above. Look for blow downs, steep slopes, cliffs, rock slides.

6). looks for bird activity, happy water (shimmering water on the surface), fish chasing bait.

Now time to fish.

7). Remember you not only have surface area to fish but explore the whole water column all the way to the bottom. I will begin by fishing a bait like a fluke or senko fast at the top of the column, and then slow up and let it slowly fall to different levels and then fish it back. Sometimes they will be mid levels suspended or even at the bottom.

8). Once you find them then go to baits targeting that depth.

Being in Florida deep water for us is usually around 20 feet deep, I would never fish deeper the 30 feet here because of reduced O2 levels from all the decaying vegetation that ends up deep.

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/2/2019 at 10:58 PM, geo g said:

2). Look for maps of the lake, there is a lot of stuff on the internet. In Florida the U of Florida has topo maps of all the lakes.

I-Boating's web app has topo maps of just about every body of water in the country. Zoom in to your area and find your lake.

http://fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com/i-boating-fishing-web-app/fishing-marine-charts-navigation.html#3.82/39.82/-95.96

Glenn reply :

Here's all you need for free topo maps in your area: https://www.bassresource.com/maps/fishing-spots-maps.html

Crestliner2008 reply :

You've already received a lot of great suggestions here for sure. But think about this. Look at the overall topography of the lake. Select a small section of the lake and focus on that and learning all you can about where the bait is and where the major structures are. Target just that area for starters and try various techniques until it seems like you might have a pattern forming.

But remember this, many more fishermen go out and few if any fish on any particular day. Less than stellar results, just goes to reinforce the lesson of the day. Think about what you did and focus on any successes you've had. And if nothing else, don't get frustrated! Time on the water and experience will pay off in the long run. And, after all, "fishing" (not "catching") is suppose to be FUN! Relax and enjoy every minute out on the water.

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 12:07 AM, Glenn said:

Here's all you need for free topo maps in your area: https://www.bassresource.com/maps/fishing-spots-maps.html

Glenn, it's nice that you supply these maps for free. I only have one exception to them - no launch point locations. Great that the topo is there - but having to go to a different app to find where to launch makes it a bit of a pain. I-Boating's app shows launch points within...no need to look someplace else for them.

clemsondds reply :

On 4/2/2019 at 10:33 PM, A-Jay said:

"How to find bass . . electronics or not What do you do ?"

Whether you realize it or not, I'll be the first to tell you that as a new boater & bass fisherman or as an experienced angler, "how to find bass" IS the hardest part of this sport. And how & when to use one's electronics is probably running a very close second. Accordingly, there is no simple explanation or a flow chart to help answer either.

Finding active bass and then figuring out how to catch them is the very essence of bass fishing. So while the hookset is a ton of fun, learning and understanding it all takes a life time and even then, we'll never know as much as we think or like to. It's 'this process' of locating fish that new anglers want to try and speed up, especially with the boom in derby fishing and now even more the newest MLF format where it's all about catching the most bass the fastest - it is certainly entertaining but unfortunately IMO may be offering newer bassheads an ineffective learning too. The anglers who participate in these event (and still often struggle) have YEARS ON THE WATER. A new angler may be setting unrealistic expectations for them selves expecting to duplicate the same results.

So what does that all mean - you have much to learn and there are no short cuts. It takes time on the water. Time on the water to learn how to 'read water', to read correctly, understand and be able to apply what you see on your electronics effectively - meaning to catch bass. Time on the water to understand what structure looks like on a map & on your electronics and which ones bass use & prefer with the changing seasons, changing weather etc.

So congratulations on your new boat purchase. It gives you every opportunity possible to effectively approach the challenges of bass fishing listed above. This is where you find out how much you actually love bass fishing, because bass fishing really only consists of about 10-20% of actual bass catching. The other 80-90 % of the time is spent looking & learning. For me personally, that's the part I have really come to love. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of net, scale & camera use too, but it's ALL the other stuff, that requires so much time, effort, commitment & determination, in all kinds of weather conditions, that makes those fish catches so special.

Everyone's first few times out on the water are intimidating. But you do have the benefit of 'the information highway' to help you; and that may speed the process up a bit. But many of the bassheads here had NO such help. There was no internet - no answers on our phones (my phone was on the wall in the kitchen). And yet the humans who have many of the answers you seek, have them without the benefit of any of that. It's the time on the water that teaches us the way.

Like so many of the BR forum membership, I've been at this a long time, and I feel fairly confident that if I were to break it all down, adding up all the hours, days, weeks, months & years on the water, really crunch the numbers, for every single fish pic I post here, there are easily 50 hours of on the water looking & learning. Let that sink in a bit.

So keep at it - it will come, it always does. Just try not to be impatient, fishless trips & even weeks are part of the learning process - though lessons for sure, but still part of it.

And I for one will totally understand, appreciate & be super happy & proud of you when you have that first success trip, when you put it all together - that smile feels like no other.

Best of Luck

A-Jay

Thanks A-Jay. Can you share your system for picking a particular area to fish when you get to a new lake? Do you use electronics at all? Obviously you take a lot into consideration...just trying to figure out what's the best way to utilize the electronics.

Thanks to everyone else for their advice so far. That's kind of what I figured would be the best route, but just wanted to get other's thoughts. Going from zero electronics to a really nice one with lots of various views, it can get a little overwhelming. I love fishing and feel like I can find fish even without it electronics (caught a nice bass within a few minutes of being on the water yesterday), I still want to be able to utilize this staple of the fishing industry as best I can. Right now also trying to figure out which views (sidescan, down imaging...) to look at. I assume a split screen is the best route. Again, not trying to figure everything out at once. I understand the best way to learn is to get out there and do it. All I'm really trying to do right now is see how everyone else is doing it. Thanks!

Catt reply :

Dang guys I have used up all my like on one page!

@clemsondds You're at the right website to learn structure, baitfish, & electronics.

I'm still learning everyday from all these guys ????

A-Jay reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 12:23 AM, clemsondds said:

Thanks A-Jay. Can you share your system for picking a particular area to fish when you get to a new lake? Do you use electronics at all? Obviously you take a lot into consideration...just trying to figure out what's the best way to utilize the electronics.

Thanks to everyone else for their advice so far. That's kind of what I figured would be the best route, but just wanted to get other's thoughts. Going from zero electronics to a really nice one with lots of various views, it can get a little overwhelming. I love fishing and feel like I can find fish even without it electronics (caught a nice bass within a few minutes of being on the water yesterday), I still want to be able to utilize this staple of the fishing industry as best I can. Right now also trying to figure out which views (sidescan, down imaging...) to look at. I assume a split screen is the best route. Again, not trying to figure everything out at once. I understand the best way to learn is to get out there and do it. All I'm really trying to do right now is see how everyone else is doing it. Thanks!

You're welcome.

What I was hoping to pass on, was a 'mindset'. One that indicates that even though there are several awesome, advanced & effective tools for us as bass fisherman, there are also a bunch of lessons that will assist us in advance of & in order to use these tools effectively.

My 'system' for picking apart an area to fish when I get to a new lake is based on the entire post I made to you here previously. And while so many of the experienced & generous BR membership can & will tell you what they do - I am hesitant to do so. The subject matter is gigantic and getting into specifics may not be beneficial to you as a beginner.

So keeping it very basic - My process to fish new water starts well before I get there.

I'll take the following into account in advance, my map study of the water, the seasonal pattern, & the recent weather (past, present & extended forecast). Once I get there, I'm looking wind direction & speed, at the water clarity, temperature, and type of cover on near & around the 'spots' I marked on the map in advance to getting there. I'm looking at the bottom composition, how populated the shoreline is, the number of boats on the lake (actual bass fisherman, permanent residents & visitors); and remember I said 'basic'. IME these factors all play a role on how, where, & when I look for active bass. When I started out, I didn't understand how these factors affected what bass did or where they would be - still don't more than half the time; and I have not met or know of any successful/honest angler who says he or she does know 100% of the time.

I'm a firm believer in 'finding my own fish'; meaning I like to do it my way. What works for me may not work for you.

IMO, when the info noted above is applied in a way that you can understand, you'll have success.

Finally, I posted a some info in the smallmouth forum that covers a lot of what I mentioned here but in more detail.

While admittedly offered as a tool to help target Northern Michigan brown bass - there may be some info you could find useful.

It's here . .

A-Jay

Koz reply :

As a non-boater, if I was in this situation the first thing I would do is based on everything I have ever read and the videos I have watched I would go to where the bass should be for that weather and season and start looking at my electronics and taking notes. I would screen shot whatever looked interesting and then post on this forum and do some more internet reading to better understand what I was seeing. I might even take some pictures with my phone as a reference for others to help me out.

Yes, I'd throw a line in the water after taking my notes, writing down questions, and taking screen shots. I can't NOT fish. But it seems to me that there's a whole lot of experienced people here on BR and throughout the fishing community that could help me better interpret what I was seeing until I got enough of my own experience.

EGbassing reply :

On 4/2/2019 at 5:20 PM, Catt said:

I start studying maps at home to get an understanding of the lake's topography.

What if it's a small lake that doesn't have any maps?

Catt reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 1:49 AM, EGbassing said:

What if it's a small lake that doesn't have any maps?

Google Earth ????

scaleface reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 1:49 AM, EGbassing said:

What if it's a small lake that doesn't have any maps?

Then it would not take long to chart the lake with the depth finder.

Jleebesaw reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 2:23 AM, scaleface said:

Then it would not take long to chart the lake with the depth finder.

It would be so small that you wouldn't even call it a lake if navionics doesnt have it. If it's that small you can just cast the entire body of water. At least here in northern new york, navionics has really good maps of everything.

scaleface reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 2:34 AM, Jleebesaw said:

It would be so small that you wouldn't even call it a lake if navionics doesnt have it. If it's that small you can just cast the entire body of water. At least here in northern new york, navionics has really good maps of everything.

I fish a 200 acre lake that I cant find a map for . Its elec motor only .

Jleebesaw reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 2:37 AM, scaleface said:

I fish a 200 acre lake that I cant find a map for . Its elec motor only .

I would be very surprised if navionics doesnt have it mapped. The lake I grew up fishing near my home is 154acres and they have 1' increment mapping of it. The entire Indian river chain of lakes in new york are all very small except 1, and they all have mapping. Have you tried navionics+? Also be sure to turn on sonar charts in the settings on the graph. Without sonar charts turned on, many small lakes have limited topography.

EGbassing reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 2:23 AM, scaleface said:

Then it would not take long to chart the lake with the depth finder.

Unfortunately I'm stuck on the bank right now. That's my problem. I fished it for a while today without a bite because they're not in shallow cover and I don't know if there's any structure or where it is or anything. It's a neighborhood pond but I almost wouldn't call it a pond because it's not small.

On 4/3/2019 at 2:10 AM, Catt said:

Google Earth ????

I tried that, but this is what it looks like. I can't tell a thing. I've fished it for a couple years and I still don't know where any structure whatsoever is.

Team9nine reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 3:26 AM, EGbassing said:

Unfortunately I'm stuck on the bank right now. That's my problem. I fished it for a while today without a bite because they're not in shallow cover and I don't know if there's any structure or where it is or anything. It's a neighborhood pond but I almost wouldn't call it a pond because it's not small.

I tried that, but this is what it looks like. I can't tell a thing. I've fished it for a couple years and I still don't know where any structure whatsoever is.

First thing I do in those situations is walk the entire pond casting a jig, worm or blade bait (something that sinks) and counting down my bait on every cast. One pass around that place and you'll be able to have a good picture of what it looks like under the water. You should be able to make a general map and quickly learn where the deep water, the shallow water, as well as the flats, etc. are. Also pay very close attention to what you see in the water (bottom substrate, weed growth, clam shells, etc.), as well as any fish you see or catch. Once you know all that, you'll be able to formulate a game plan on how best to fish that lake at different times of the year, and it only takes a few hours and a single trip.

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 1:49 AM, EGbassing said:

What if it's a small lake that doesn't have any maps?

Check I-Boating's maps - I've yet to find one that isn't in there...even one's that Navonics ignores I-Boating has.

http://fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com/i-boating-fishing-web-app/fishing-marine-charts-navigation.html#3.82/39.82/-95.96

EGbassing reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 5:18 AM, Team9nine said:

First thing I do in those situations is walk the entire pond casting a jig, worm or blade bait (something that sinks) and counting down my bait on every cast. One pass around that place and you'll be able to have a good picture of what it looks like under the water. You should be able to make a general map and quickly learn where the deep water, the shallow water, as well as the flats, etc. are. Also pay very close attention to what you see in the water (bottom substrate, weed growth, clam shells, etc.), as well as any fish you see or catch. Once you know all that, you'll be able to formulate a game plan on how best to fish that lake at different times of the year, and it only takes a few hours and a single trip.

I've tried the count down method but I can't tell when my lure has hit the bottom. If my spool tension is on the light side, the spool keeps spinning after it hits the bottom, and if it's tight then the lure pendelums back towards me and I get an inaccurate measurement. I also can't figure out the sink rate for a jig. I actually found a 2 - 3 foot dropoff when I was in a kayak there once but I've never caught one fish off it and I've fished it year round.

On 4/3/2019 at 5:31 AM, MN Fisher said:

Check I-Boating's maps - I've yet to find one that isn't in there...even one's that Navonics ignores I-Boating has.

http://fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com/i-boating-fishing-web-app/fishing-marine-charts-navigation.html#3.82/39.82/-95.96

I think I found the first one that's not on there. ????

scaleface reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 5:31 AM, MN Fisher said:

Check I-Boating's maps - I've yet to find one that isn't in there...even one's that Navonics ignores I-Boating has.

http://fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com/i-boating-fishing-web-app/fishing-marine-charts-navigation.html#3.82/39.82/-95.96

The public 200 acre lake I fish a lot isnt even shown .

Team9nine reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 6:18 AM, EGbassing said:

I've tried the count down method but I can't tell when my lure has hit the bottom. If my spool tension is on the light side, the spool keeps spinning after it hits the bottom, and if it's tight then the lure pendelums back towards me and I get an inaccurate measurement. I also can't figure out the sink rate for a jig. I actually found a 2 - 3 foot dropoff when I was in a kayak there once but I've never caught one fish off it and I've fished it year round.

I think I found the first one that's not on there. ????

You're overthinking it

Pick any standard sinking bait (~3/16 too 3/8-oz), cast, click in gear, let fall and count. Doesn't have to be exact or precise, and catching fish isn't the primary concern. Pendulum is fine. You simply want to know where the deeper and shallower areas are, and where you might have bars, extensions or holes. That lake has been there for over 20 years. It has a lot of drainage lines running into it. Good chance those have all formed small bars or flatter areas. Some might have dug out holes. These are all the simple things you need to find out.

As an example, I have a decent sized pond that I fish that looks like it is about the same depth everywhere. However, when I went through the routine I'm explaining to you, I found that they had actually only dug a hole out of one end of the pond. That end is probably about 10'-12' at the deepest. The rest of the pond, which is about 3/4ths of it, is all one giant flat about 4'-6' deep. Never would have guessed that if I hadn't checked it out. Needless to say, in winter, all the bass gather into that deep hole and so I rarely even bother fishing 3/4 of the pond that is shallow. Iin spring around spawn time, it's the exact opposite.

EGbassing reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 6:39 AM, Team9nine said:

You're overthinking it

Pick any standard sinking bait (~3/16 too 3/8-oz), cast, click in gear, let fall and count. Doesn't have to be exact or precise, and catching fish isn't the primary concern. Pendulum is fine. You simply want to know where the deeper and shallower areas are, and where you might have bars, extensions or holes. That lake has been there for over 20 years. It has a lot of drainage lines running into it. Good chance those have all formed small bars or flatter areas. Some might have dug out holes. These are all the simple things you need to find out.

As an example, I have a decent sized pond that I fish that looks like it is about the same depth everywhere. However, when I went through the routine I'm explaining to you, I found that they had actually only dug a hole out of one end of the pond. That end is probably about 10'-12' at the deepest. The rest of the pond, which is about 3/4ths of it, is all one giant flat about 4'-6' deep. Never would have guessed that if I hadn't checked it out. Needless to say, in winter, all the bass gather into that deep hole and so I rarely even bother fishing 3/4 of the pond that is shallow. Iin spring around spawn time, it's the exact opposite.

Alright. Do you happen to know approximately how fast a 3/16 oz lead weight (no hook or soft plastic, just the weight) will sink? I'm going to try that method but I think it will be easier if I have an idea of how fast it sinks. Thanks for the advice/help.

scaleface reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 2:44 AM, Jleebesaw said:

I would be very surprised if navionics doesnt have it mapped. The lake I grew up fishing near my home is 154acres and they have 1' increment mapping of it. The entire Indian river chain of lakes in new york are all very small except 1, and they all have mapping. Have you tried navionics+? Also be sure to turn on sonar charts in the settings on the graph. Without sonar charts turned on, many small lakes have limited topography.

Navionics its completely blank .

Team9nine reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 6:49 AM, EGbassing said:

Alright. Do you happen to know approximately how fast a 3/16 oz lead weight (no hook or soft plastic, just the weight) will sink? I'm going to try that method but I think it will be easier if I have an idea of how fast it sinks. Thanks for the advice/help.

Add a soft plastic and hook to it just for extra mass to be able to cast further, and maybe even catch a fish or two, then just assume everything sinks at 1 foot per second, because that's about what every article I've ever read claims most baits to fall at. It's what I do.

I pulled your lake up on Google Earth and the pics only go back to 1998, and it had already been built. Not near as many houses around it back then though, nor was the walking trail. Looks like it might have had riprap on some of the banks, and even some shallow shoreline grass.

EGbassing reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 7:39 AM, Team9nine said:

Add a soft plastic and hook to it just for extra mass to be able to cast further, and maybe even catch a fish or two, then just assume everything sinks at 1 foot per second, because that's about what every article I've ever read claims most baits to fall at. It's what I do.

I pulled your lake up on Google Earth and the pics only go back to 1998, and it had already been built. Not near as many houses around it back then though, nor was the walking trail. Looks like it might have had riprap on some of the banks, and even some shallow shoreline grass.

That's the thing I hate about fishing this pond. Some green plants finally start to grow in the shallows and the HOA tears it all out. There's almost no cover in the lake now because they just removed all the weeds from the shallow water; there used to be a lot of fish in those plants.

kenmitch reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 6:30 AM, scaleface said:

The public 200 acre lake I fish a lot isnt even shown .

What is the name of the water?

scaleface reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 8:09 AM, kenmitch said:

What is the name of the water?

Hunnewell lake in northeast Missouri .

.ghoti. reply :

They say 10% of the fishermen catch 90% of the bass. That makes it easy. Look to see where everybody if fishing.

Then go elsewhere.

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 8:28 AM, scaleface said:

Hunnewell lake in northeast Missouri .

Wow - I even put the Lat/Long into I-Boating and it showed a blank space. Guess they're still 'surveying'.

scaleface reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 8:59 AM, MN Fisher said:

Wow - I even put the Lat/Long into I-Boating and it showed a blank space. Guess they're still 'surveying'.

Its an old lake . Electric motor only .

kenmitch reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 8:28 AM, scaleface said:

Hunnewell lake in northeast Missouri .

Looks to be in no ~~mans~~ maps land as you most likely already knew anyways.

Does your sonar have the ability to create your own maps? 200 acres isn't a whole lot of area to log really.

scaleface reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 9:25 AM, kenmitch said:

Looks to be in no ~~mans~~ maps land as you most likely already knew anyways.

Does your sonar have the ability to create your own maps? 200 acres isn't a whole lot of area to log really.

No , but I dont need to . I've been fishing it since the 70's and know it pretty well . I'm glad its not mapped .

kenmitch reply :

Not really much to add to the topic as others have covered the most important stuff already.

Google earth and view the past images of the body of water. If it's a lake that has fluctuating water levels you might be able to notice stuff that's not so easy to pick out on a map or not even shown on the map. Things like old foundations, underwater structures, etc.

NittyGrittyBoy reply :

Ain't nothing to add to this thread. Plenty of great info on here!

Thanks to everyone who posted, this is definitely one of many great reasons to be on BassResource.com!

EGbassing reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 9:29 AM, kenmitch said:

Not really much to add to the topic as others have covered the most important stuff already.

Google earth and view the past images of the body of water. If it's a lake that has fluctuating water levels you might be able to notice stuff that's not so easy to pick out on a map or not even shown on the map. Things like old foundations, underwater structures, etc.

How do you view past images on google earth?

Edit: Nevermind. I would have to download google earth pro but my laptop doesn't support that.

EGbassing reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 7:39 AM, Team9nine said:

Add a soft plastic and hook to it just for extra mass to be able to cast further, and maybe even catch a fish or two, then just assume everything sinks at 1 foot per second, because that's about what every article I've ever read claims most baits to fall at. It's what I do.

I pulled your lake up on Google Earth and the pics only go back to 1998, and it had already been built. Not near as many houses around it back then though, nor was the walking trail. Looks like it might have had riprap on some of the banks, and even some shallow shoreline grass.

I can't download google earth on my laptop, so would you mind posting a screenshot of it a long time ago? Partly to see if I can see any structure when the water level is lower and partly because I just wonder what it looked like a long time ago. If it's any trouble then no need to do it. I'm just curious.

kenmitch reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 9:48 AM, EGbassing said:

How do you view past images on google earth?

The circled icon is a time slider. Click on it.

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 9:59 AM, EGbassing said:

I can't download google earth on my laptop, so would you mind posting a screenshot of it a long time ago? Partly to see if I can see any structure when the water level is lower and partly because I just wonder what it looked like a long time ago. If it's any trouble then no need to do it. I'm just curious.

Here you go - image from Feb 8, 1998 (I have G-Earth Pro on my desktop)

EGbassing reply :

On 4/3/2019 at 10:07 AM, kenmitch said:

The circled icon is a time slider. Click on it.

If I find a way to download it I'll try that. Thanks.

Allen Der reply :

On 4/2/2019 at 11:39 AM, clemsondds said:

So when you come to a lake for the first time (or first time in a long time), how do you find bass? I know there's the traditional ways (time of year, points, structure...) but just curious how you go about finding your initial spots to focus in on. I just bought my first boat and have a humminbird and not sure how to utilize it. I've seen great fishermen on youtube doing various things...going around looking for signs of life (baitfish, birds..) and others scanning shoreline with sidescan or structure scan. I went out today on a new lake and just felt torn as to what to do. Do I fish places where I think there would be fish, or do I cruise along at the depth I think they are at and use my electronics to find structure or fish and then go after those? Just trying to learn how to utilize my electronics the most. Thanks all!

Since you have a hummingbird, I'd suggest getting the reference cards and DVD from this guy. Really helps you get the settings dialed in

https://www.technologicalangler.com

FishTank reply :

I just picked up a Lowrance Elite 7ti and it made me realize how much I don't know. I think this device will take me to school.

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/4/2019 at 8:23 AM, FishTank said:

I just picked up a Lowrance Elite 7ti and it made realize how much I don't know. I think this device will take me to school.

Either that or out behind the wood shed.

813basstard reply :

Time of year

Weather

Water temp

Depth

Wind

Activity (not just bait fish, ANY signs of life. Birds, gators, raccoons anything)

These play a huge factor and listen to them.

Dont chase one fish. For that matter, don’t chase anything less then a bunch off shore.

If you want to fish ‘offshore’ (doesn’t always mean way in the middle) then commit to it. Don’t tie up shallow baits because you’ll move to the bank and end up throwing them.

Having a graph DOES NOT make you a better fisherman. Knowing how to use it, does.

Now put some time in and fish.

Shifty06 reply :

Wow a lot of great info here! As someone who is just getting back into fishing in general I appreciate all the information here. @a-jay there were a lot of nice little nuggets of information on your post thanks!

gimruis reply :

Clemsondds, if you have a gps equipped device, I would mark a waypoint every time you catch a bass. Bass are a schooling fish and there is often more than one in an area. Over time, you will accrue waypoints on each body of water so you can come back and try those spots again.

clemsondds reply :

On 4/10/2019 at 7:35 AM, gimruis said:

Clemsondds, if you have a gps equipped device, I would mark a waypoint every time you catch a bass. Bass are a schooling fish and there is often more than one in an area. Over time, you will accrue waypoints on each body of water so you can come back and try those spots again.

Great idea! Thank you!!

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