Talk to any serious bass anglers and the conversation frequently centers around what "pattern" the bass are on. Unfortunately, a lot of bass anglers believe the "pattern" refers to the particular type and color bait which has been catching bass. Close, but no cigar!

When bass pros refer to the term "pattern" or "pattern fishing" they are talking about the elusive and ever changing combination of two factors: bass location and the type presentation needed to trigger strikes. Simply put, a "pattern" refers to what the bass are doing and where they are doing it at a given time on a given body of water.

Correctly identifying the "pattern" is predicated on a BASICS knowledge of general bass behavior. The first step is acquiring a simple understanding of bass movements between shallow and deep water based on the season, time of day, weather conditions, and water temperature. For example, on a bright summer day bass will probably feed in the open shallows early in the morning but will no doubt move to deeper water or shaded areas as the sun gets higher and water temperatures increase. In contrast, an overcast fall day will most likely find bass roaming and feeding in the shallows throughout the day.

The BASICS has taught me that the key to locating bass is water elimination. Thus, the first place I look for bass is on a good contour map of the body of water I am going to fish. Sure you say!

Fact is, every lake has hundreds of places where the bass might be and thousands of places where they will not be. Since none of us has the time (or patience) to fish every possible location, the first step to discovering a "pattern" is to locate the right type area to be fishing around. By using a good contour map you can easily eliminate areas where, depending on the season, the bass will not be. Doing so saves time and allows you to concentrate your fishing efforts on the areas where the bass should be.

Understanding the instinctive seasonal movements of bass is key to the process of water elimination as well as water concentration. A good map is an invaluable tool in helping you identify the most likely spots the bass will be moving to or from as they stage and feed their way through the various seasons.

Since not all areas of a lake warm or cool at the same rate, different "patterns" may simultaneously exist on the same body of water. Bass in one location on the lake may be just beginning their migration to pre-spawn locations while bass in another location on the same lake may already be on the bed. Water temperature and clarity, weather patterns, available cover, type structure, and the season are all critical variables which must be factored into your search for a successful "pattern".

Once I determine which area of a lake I intend to concentrate my fishing efforts around, I prefer to begin my search for active bass with a bait which allows me to cover a lot of water quickly. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, Carolina-rigged lizards, and buzzbaits are all good choices. Active bass will strike just about anything, so covering a lot of water is the key to locating concentrations of bass. Once I do, I slow down and thoroughly work the area with an assortment of different baits and presentations.

I have often mentioned that it is important to listen to what the bass are telling you. If you do not, attempting to discover a "pattern" ranks just above impossible. When you catch a bass pay strict attention to the existing conditions: exact water depth, clarity, and temperature; type cover or structure; speed of retrieve; type presentation; etc., and then try to duplicate them. Additionally, note how the bass is hooked. Doing so can tell you a lot about whether the color and size bait you are using is the best.

If you catch several bass in a given area and the action slows down or stops; switching to a bait with a different action, size or color will often trigger additional strikes. When the location no longer produces bass it is time to move to another location with similar characteristics. For example, if you are catching bass off a point with grass and scattered structure in 6 to 8 feet of water, chances are real good you will find bass on similar points elsewhere. This is what a "pattern" is all about.

The problem with discovering a successful "pattern" is the fact that "patterns" constantly change and more than one "pattern" may exist at the same time in the same lake. Why? Because all the bass in a lake are not doing the same thing all the time. If the weather and water conditions remain stable, the "patterns" which work one day will probably work the next. However, even the slightest change in conditions can result in a totally new set of "patterns".

So as not to mislead you, I must also share the fact that at times there is no definite "pattern". You may catch a bass here and a bass there, but seldom more than one on a given spot. When this occurs my advice is to keep moving and cover as many areas as possible. The catching may be poor but the fishing is always great. Remember it only takes one cast to catch the bass of a lifetime - maybe it will be your next one!

As always, if you have any questions just give me a call. Better yet let's get together and put the BASICS OF BASS KNOW HOW to the test out on beautiful Lake Gaston. Just give me a call at (252) 586-2770 to reserve your bass fishing date or to order a Gift Certificate for that special angler in your life.

Till next time, have fun fishing, be safe and courteous on the lake, and please practice catch and release so we all can enjoy bass fishing for many years to come.


 

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