Why is it some bass fishermen have a good catch every time they go out? A variety of sports fishing columnists offer some interesting observations. They should know, for not only are they avid fishermen, they interview a lot of anglers and pros who know how to bring in fish. Many of them say the key is keeping mental notes, a diary, or a journal of four things:

* Weather Patterns
* Time of Day
* Electronic Results
* Seasons

End result is they come to know when the bass are actively feeding and where. Here’s a summary of their comments:

Weather Patterns

Largemouth are sensitive to bright light. That’s why overcast days produce better than sunny ones. Rain also affects light because it creates an overcast day. Thunderstorms and extremely heavy rain may result in poor fishing, for the bass become spooked and run for heavy cover. But normal to light rain creates an overcast day, and some other interesting effects. Rain of that type usually results in good fishing. The reason is the normal cycle of nature. Rain knocks more bugs into the water. The baitfishes then start feeding heavily. And the bass, seeing this baitfish activity, leave their cover and go chasing this easy to catch free meal. Think about it; makes sense. Wind causing light choppy water also causes them to feed, one source notes, while no wind or heavy wind has a reverse effect. And cold weather drives them deeper, where you might pick up a few, but they also become sluggish. Bass are warm water creatures, and cold weather evidently does not make for heavy feeding.

Time of Day

For the right time of day to fish, main point is bass seem to strike more during low light periods, so early morning and evening chases can be very lucrative. If you are electronic fish finder knowledgeable, try to find humps and points in your waters. If you get out early morning or late evening, you will find bass around the top of this structure, in the shallow part. Also fish the shady side first. By noon, most bass will go deeper, and be found down the side of the hump or point.

Know Your Electronics

Really getting to know how your electronic equipment works is one big key to big largemouth. It will tell you when to abandon the bank fishing and go deep. But keep this in mind. “Deep” means different things to different bass in different waters. Why? Bass adapt to their environment. What may deep for them in one lake, may not be as deep in another. Usually deep is anything 20 to 25 feet. But it’s really up to the angler to determine what deep is in the waters he fishes. Electronics these days includes the Internet. You can research a lake before fishing it. You might learn everything about it from large coves and bays, river arms, and creek channels, to contours and structures that could yield big bass.

Seasons Count

Some sources report fall as a prime fishing time for bass, in deep water. This is when lakes cool down with cold nights. So the bass start gathering in groups, and using the outside deep water as a comfort factor. Keep in mind the term “fall” depends on where you live. Your fall might start in September, but might end in November, December, or January. Others state fishing right after the spawn provides good yields, in deep water, but it depends on the fishery. By early June in some of these, the big fish can be caught in the deeps, as they haven’t moved into their summertime habitat. Deep here again is defined as 20 to 25 feet.

Tips Summary

The above are some basic patterns, and there is definitely more than just these. But you have to find them for yourself, because many other, more subtle patterns change from month to month and lake to lake. Keep track of these patterns, and next time you go out angling with your friends, you may surprise them.

Key is either have a good memory, or keep a journal or diary. Dividing it into sections might be a good idea.

“Overcast Days” might be one section. There you can note what worked, on what days, and even on what lakes. Bass fishing is becoming a science, and is not just about bass fishing techniques.

By: Wes Browning