| Now when you think about it, there are really only | | | | because the more you learn about locating bass the |
| two (2) main topics that go hand-in-hand when it | | | | quicker you can start catching them right? And hey, |
| comes to bass fishing. If you understood more about | | | | isn't that half the battle? |
| these two, you would definitely become a much | | | | Let's start by looking at a lake map. There are two |
| better angler, and they are: | | | | general types of lake maps that most anglers will use |
| 1. Knowing how to locate bass. | | | | which are referred to as the; "Hot Spot" and |
| 2. Knowing how to catch bass using all the different | | | | "Topographical" maps. The differences between the |
| techniques, presentations, and baits. | | | | two is that a "Topo" map shows more detail, and the |
| Learning how to locate bass can be somewhat of a | | | | "Hot Spots" map shows more fishing spots (well, at |
| challenge to most anglers because there are so many | | | | least they're supposed to). |
| different factors that need to be determined such as: | | | | The secret (or key) in learning how to use a lake |
| 1. Knowing how to read a map - this is the | | | | map would be to sector the map. What I mean by |
| fundamental skill that you should try to learn because | | | | this is that I will take the map and study it for a |
| through a map it is easier for you to take on the | | | | moment (looking for areas where the fish would |
| appropriate location good for bass fishing. | | | | most likely be.) Next, I will (using a highlighter) divide |
| 2. Knowing the most practical places to look for | | | | the map in sections based on how much time I have |
| Active Bass just after cold fronts and during early | | | | to pre-fish for a tournament or how many days I |
| spring and late fall periods - weather condition must | | | | have to just fish the body of water for fun. |
| be especially considered as well. | | | | The size of the sections will vary depending on |
| 3. Understanding water depth- this is an important | | | | contours, structure, and how many places I may |
| element because the depth or the hollowness of the | | | | want to check out during the course of the day |
| water will serve as a factor for you to know if it is a | | | | based on what the map shows me. I am certainly |
| good location. | | | | not one to just cast bait into the water and work it |
| 4. Water clarity- it could be easier for you to now | | | | for five minutes and leave; I will try an assortment |
| have your bass fishing if you are well-oriented about | | | | of baits if I see signs of fish in any given area to try |
| the water clarity of your location. | | | | to establish a working pattern. |
| 5. Water temperatures | | | | Here are some key elements that you can usually |
| 6. Seasonal patterns- this is in relation with the trend | | | | look for when it comes to locating bass on any given |
| whether bass fishing is seasonal or not. | | | | body of water: |
| 7. Locating structure areas | | | | 1. Vegetation areas |
| 8. Finding vegetation areas | | | | 2. Irregular contours |
| But there is more! Being a consistent bass angler is so | | | | 3. Shallow water close to deep water areas |
| much more than just getting in your boat, hitting the | | | | 4. Points and point drops |
| water, and casting your baits. That's why bass | | | | 5. |
| tournaments are so competitive and exciting, | | | | |