Finding bass on a new lake.

[ROBZILLA]

Finding Bass On New Lakes

Finding bass on a lake you have never fished before can be a problem. There are several steps you can take to help you be successful. Some you can do before getting to the lake, others work once you are on the water.
How to find bass on a new lake:

• Get a map - studying a lake map will help you identify likely bass holding and feeding spots. Get the best contour may you can find.
• Check the internet - many lakes have fishing tips and current info on sites on the internet so check for up to date information.
• Stop at a local bait and tackle store - you will need some fishing equipment and possibly an non resident fishing license, so stop at a local bait store and talk to the owner and fishermen there. Ask what the bass are doing and what patterns are working. You may bet specific information but are more likely to get general information that will point you in the right direction.
• Go to riprap - when you get on the lake you may put in near a bridge or dam with riprap. zSB(3,3)
  If not, find one nearby. Riprap is excellent bass cover and structure on all lakes so it is a good place to start and try different methods.
• Go to shallow water - bass in shallow water are more likely to be feeding, they are easier to fish for and easier to catch. You can quickly find waht baits are working.
• Go to points - points are another structure that holds bass on all lakes. Look for specific cover like brush, rocks and stumps on points, especially if a channel is nearby, and you are likely to find bass.
• Fish a fast moving bait - cover a lot of water until you find feeding fish. The more water you try the more likely you are to find active fish. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwater lures help you fish a lot of places fast.
• Watch for birds - gulls, herons and other fish eating birds tell you bait fish the bass eat are in the area and they can point you to feeding fish. If you see gulls feeding in open water, go there and look for schooling fish.
• Watch for shoreline indicators - the contour of the shore often continues underwater. Watch for steep banks that drop fast, points, roadbeds that run into the lake, fence lines, tree lines and other things on the shore point to places to fish.
• Look for underwater plants - all kinds of weeds in the water hold bass so look for lily pads, cattails, hydrilla, arrowheads and other water weeds that give bass cover.

These tips should help you find bass on new waters, and can help you find new places to fish on lakes you have been on before. Give them a try the next time you go fishing for bass.