How to fish a new body of water

When fishing a new lake, (I'm fishing from the bank). Where do I begin as far as looking for a "bassy spot"? The other question is: I'm in Ohio, and until last week it had been rather chilly. What is the possibility that this area is still in a pre-spawn mode? Any tips, tricks, fishing methods, etc will be greatly appreciated!

[Bassin_Dude]

what the hell is a ''bassy spot''???? im just kidding i know what you mean(i think :-/) ;D as far as where to start, anywhere you have access to the shore....lol.... and wherever there is good structure or cover. if this lake is lacking structure or cover, fish parrallel to the bank shallow and deep. i would go with a tiki dipstik, and when fishing shallow, fish it weightless, and while deep, fish it with a little weight to it, just so it can get down to those big hawgs. there are alot of lures to try, just find what the bass want. if the weather has been cold for awhile, the water is probally still cold and the bass are probally just getting in pre-spawn, so go with a slower presentation in fairly shallow water. good luck

p.s- join the forum.

[sabass]

do you have access to topo maps for the body of water you're fishing? If so, look for drop offs, ledges, points, underwater channels that are near the shore, since thats where you'll be.

[ryan7261]

you might find this a good read!

http://home.comcast.net/~rkrz/infoarch/fyireading.htm


Robby.

[Rich]

Scott, not knowing the water temp I'd say they are in prespawn based just on where you are located. Looking for that "bassy spot"-look for cover. Weeds, flooded timber, lilly pads, etc. The bass will be in and around cover, whatever kind the lake has.

[bassmania25]

the senko's or tiki sticks are a good idea but also try some good search baits such as cranks and hard jerkbaits, water still too cold for spinner baits or buzzbaits probably. If your comfortable with the techniche try a dropshotted worm, it works well in the cold water and gets into the weeds and through them. Good luck..... Scott R

[stoneman]

I guess I should've logged in before I opened this topic. Sorry. Sometimes my actions run faster than my brain. Thanks for the advise. To answer the questions you all asked..... I do not have topo maps for this lake, and there is some cover and structure in the area-mostly structure. There are some trees and weeds that I can get to from shore, but the easiest area to fish is around the boat docks in the channels. I've had a little success this year with in line spinners, but no real big finds. I have plenty of crankbaits to cover a large area with quicky. I'll take any advise you can give. If anyone is familiar with lakes in West Central Ohio- The lake I'm talking about is St. Mary's. Also Indian Lake.