Perfect spots but no fish, you ever???

keithdog · 05-12-09, 10:05 AM

Have to share this. No doubt many others in here can relate. There is a lake nearby I have fished for years. On this lake there are three spots I hit every time I go because they are so "perfect". Bass just have to be there. Location #1 is a small bay near a deep dropoff. The small bay is about 3-5 feet deep with some lilly pads. Along the back side of this bay is a small depression that drops down a couple feet deeper. The depression is about 15 foot wide and reaches from shore outward about 8 foot. It's got overhanging branches that keep it shaded and a small ditch connecting another nearby lake empties into this lake nearby. I have never ever even so much as got a strike from this spot no matter what type of approach I use.
Spots 2 and 3 are also very attractive spots. Both are the same. Shaded by large trees along the bank, numerous laydowns, lilly pads and cabage weed mix throughout these two spots. The shoreline is sandy, and it drops off fairly quickly. About 20 yards from shore it's about 10 foot deep. Nearby is deeper water with nice cabage weeds. I have hit spots 2 & 3 numerous times, at all times of the day. Flippin jigs, working a Senko bait, surface lures, spinnerbaits, you name it. Over the years I've done it all in all three of these spots and never ever caught a fish from either location. However I have caught many fish from this lake in other locations which you would not expect. Such as the east basin which is basically just a large shallow section of a bowl portion of the lake with no drop offs or any other great structure. Just a gradual tapering off into deeper water about 200 yards from shore. Situations like this that go against the rules so to speak drive me crazy when I encounter them. It's mystifying to me.

nofearengineer · 05-12-09, 10:12 AM

Yeah...you have to remember that each body of water, and the group of fish in it, are different from all others. I have to sort of wonder about the whole "species" concept when it comes to landlocked fish. Largemouth bass in one lake may technically be the same species as the bass in a nearby lake, but in truth, they will never, ever breed, or even have "six degrees of separation" type of interaction. How long do separate populations have to be apart to start developing distinguishing behavioral traits? While typical fishing tactics will generally work, there are no guarantees.

MississippiBoy · 05-12-09, 10:49 AM

Since those 3 spots are so "perfect," I betcha everybody that fishes that lake and their mama have hit those spots, on a regular basis. They do sound really attractive, so any fisherman that knows even a little about fishing is going to try there. I bet every fish that hangs there has seen and been caught by every lure you can think of, and they've learned their lesson.

Oh, and no, that's never happened to me...

keithdog · 05-12-09, 10:55 AM

I'm sure your right about that Mississippi.

doc · 05-12-09, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithdog

Have to share this. No doubt many others in here can relate. There is a lake nearby I have fished for years. On this lake there are three spots I hit every time I go because they are so "perfect". Bass just have to be there. Location #1 is a small bay near a deep dropoff. The small bay is about 3-5 feet deep with some lilly pads. Along the back side of this bay is a small depression that drops down a couple feet deeper. The depression is about 15 foot wide and reaches from shore outward about 8 foot. It's got overhanging branches that keep it shaded and a small ditch connecting another nearby lake empties into this lake nearby. I have never ever even so much as got a strike from this spot no matter what type of approach I use.
Spots 2 and 3 are also very attractive spots. Both are the same. Shaded by large trees along the bank, numerous laydowns, lilly pads and cabage weed mix throughout these two spots. The shoreline is sandy, and it drops off fairly quickly. About 20 yards from shore it's about 10 foot deep. Nearby is deeper water with nice cabage weeds. I have hit spots 2 & 3 numerous times, at all times of the day. Flippin jigs, working a Senko bait, surface lures, spinnerbaits, you name it. Over the years I've done it all in all three of these spots and never ever caught a fish from either location. However I have caught many fish from this lake in other locations which you would not expect. Such as the east basin which is basically just a large shallow section of a bowl portion of the lake with no drop offs or any other great structure. Just a gradual tapering off into deeper water about 200 yards from shore. Situations like this that go against the rules so to speak drive me crazy when I encounter them. It's mystifying to me.

I know exactly how you feel. On our local lunker lake I know of an "off shore" flat bout 3-4 ft deep, gravel bottom, scattered stumps. Next to some very deep water on 3 sides. This spot just has to have a trophy bass. I try and visit it every time I go, but have yet to catch a fish off of it. My son hooked one on a top-water plug last year their that had to go at least 8, but broke him off beside the boat.

That 1 fish is all I've ever had bite there, I never see anyone fishing it, and the big un just HAS to be there.

stevomac59 · 05-12-09, 02:44 PM

Where do I begin? That happens to me ALLL the time! I always go to the best looking spots, but never catch anything..but in the most random spots... I do?! it's weird to say the least, but that's the beauty of nature...it's random and unexplainable!

stevomac

islandbass · 05-12-09, 05:18 PM

I know exactly what you mean. My problem is that the spot(s) I see that look "perfect" yet yield zero results and the ones I deem "unlikely" visually, produce. Go figure.

Jigger · 05-12-09, 06:55 PM

Keith,
Here's my take on it: I think there IS a fish living there. A BIG fish. Could be a bass, a catfish or something else top of the food chain. If it's a bass, I call them non-biters. They typically won't hit an artificial bait if you never get bit. I know places like you describe.

I have a friend that has a big farm pond that's a real bass factory. There's a really killer spot on it like some you describe that I never got bit on. He and I decided to fish some live shad one day. I pulled up on this spot, anchored a good distance away and pitched a shad up against the stump, waited about 10 minutes and caught the biggest bass I've ever taken out of there, about 8 lbs or so. I'm convinced that fish lived there, kept others away and was too careful to take an artificial. Antecdotal, I realize but that's my belief and I'm sticking to it.

stevomac59 · 05-12-09, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigger

Keith,
Here's my take on it: I think there IS a fish living there. A BIG fish. Could be a bass, a catfish or something else top of the food chain. If it's a bass, I call them non-biters. They typically won't hit an artificial bait if you never get bit. I know places like you describe.

I have a friend that has a big farm pond that's a real bass factory. There's a really killer spot on it like some you describe that I never got bit on. He and I decided to fish some live shad one day. I pulled up on this spot, anchored a good distance away and pitched a shad up against the stump, waited about 10 minutes and caught the biggest bass I've ever taken out of there, about 8 lbs or so. I'm convinced that fish lived there, kept others away and was too careful to take an artificial. Antecdotal, I realize but that's my belief and I'm sticking to it.

That's could be true. A Big 'ol Bass doesn't get BIG if it were dumb. Smart Big Bass, may occupy the area.

bamabassman · 05-12-09, 09:32 PM

every spot i go to just has to have that huge trophy in there. i know it does. but for the life of me and i mean this too. i just can't seem to get it either keith. either i am a little too far to the left with my cast or to the right. cause when i cst to where he SHOULD be, he is on one side or the other. spooks and runs. then i can't get hime from where he/she was at. i leave and come back only to see another boat in the same spot. and yes.... i have seen them catch the very fish i was aiming for. sometimes it is a really nice one, sometimes it is a dink.

Rebbasser · 05-13-09, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MississippiBoy

Since those 3 spots are so "perfect," I betcha everybody that fishes that lake and their mama have hit those spots, on a regular basis. They do sound really attractive, so any fisherman that knows even a little about fishing is going to try there. I bet every fish that hangs there has seen and been caught by every lure you can think of, and they've learned their lesson.

Oh, and no, that's never happened to me...

I thought the same thing, Keith.

hookset on 3 · 05-15-09, 03:29 PM

KD, I have numerous A+ looking spots that haven't given up a thing. I'm wondering, have you seen any prey around there? Is the water in these spots the accepable ph level and oxygen ppm? Remember when Jimmy and Roland used to measure those elements all the time. Maybe it's sterile!

66KingFisher · 05-15-09, 09:50 PM

There is a big ol pine tree laydown in the middle of a feeder creek on this little lake I fish, and its just one of those spots you knows is suppose to hold bass.....i'm always makin sure I position the boat correctly before I start pitchin to it, but i've yet to get a bite on this spot......I don't get it either....lol.

keithdog · 05-16-09, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hookset on 3

KD, I have numerous A+ looking spots that haven't given up a thing. I'm wondering, have you seen any prey around there? Is the water in these spots the accepable ph level and oxygen ppm? Remember when Jimmy and Roland used to measure those elements all the time. Maybe it's sterile!

Actually yes, I do see prey especially out in front of the small bay in the early moring. I'm sure the ph and oxygen levels are good. It's a very healthy lake. In fact, the state of Indiana has it on a short list of lakes you can eat fish from without limitations.

superbass · 05-16-09, 02:16 PM

I alway's think it's a human looking spot rather than a fish looking spot.Remember the angle fish see.We see from top down they see bottom up.I think it makes a big difference.

Basscrazie · 05-16-09, 08:46 PM

You hit the right day and it will pay off.I fish a 25,000 acre lake and it gets confusing to say the least.I know exactly what you mean though.

aikenyounggun · 05-17-09, 01:16 PM

i think it might be every spot has shade and a drop off and fish look for something different..... b/c if a pond is full of standing timber fish are looking for something a little differenct.... like in one pond i fish, if you know where underwater wood cover is you ca catch fish.... b/c there is so little of it......

so that pond might be full of shaded drop-offs so fish go to something different.... just an idea

05-12-09, 10:49 AM	#3
MississippiBoy BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ridgeland MS Posts: 3,923	Since those 3 spots are so "perfect," I betcha everybody that fishes that lake and their mama have hit those spots, on a regular basis. They do sound really attractive, so any fisherman that knows even a little about fishing is going to try there. I bet every fish that hangs there has seen and been caught by every lure you can think of, and they've learned their lesson. Oh, and no, that's never happened to me... __________________ I smell smoke, and I hear sirens. Do you think that's a problem?

05-12-09, 02:44 PM	#6
stevomac59 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Laredo, TX Posts: 455	Where do I begin? That happens to me ALLL the time! I always go to the best looking spots, but never catch anything..but in the most random spots... I do?! it's weird to say the least, but that's the beauty of nature...it's random and unexplainable! stevomac __________________ stevomac59 Always strapped...with a rod

05-12-09, 05:18 PM	#7
islandbass BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 1,783	I know exactly what you mean. My problem is that the spot(s) I see that look "perfect" yet yield zero results and the ones I deem "unlikely" visually, produce. Go figure. __________________ ARX "If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles." Doug Larson (Shimano 2005 Reel Catalog)

05-12-09, 09:32 PM	#10
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	every spot i go to just has to have that huge trophy in there. i know it does. but for the life of me and i mean this too. i just can't seem to get it either keith. either i am a little too far to the left with my cast or to the right. cause when i cst to where he SHOULD be, he is on one side or the other. spooks and runs. then i can't get hime from where he/she was at. i leave and come back only to see another boat in the same spot. and yes.... i have seen them catch the very fish i was aiming for. sometimes it is a really nice one, sometimes it is a dink. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

05-15-09, 03:29 PM	#12
hookset on 3 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North Kingstown, R.I. Posts: 135	KD, I have numerous A+ looking spots that haven't given up a thing. I'm wondering, have you seen any prey around there? Is the water in these spots the accepable ph level and oxygen ppm? Remember when Jimmy and Roland used to measure those elements all the time. Maybe it's sterile! __________________ All you have to be, is a little smarter than the Bass

05-12-09, 10:05 AM	#1
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	Perfect spots but no fish, you ever??? Have to share this. No doubt many others in here can relate. There is a lake nearby I have fished for years. On this lake there are three spots I hit every time I go because they are so "perfect". Bass just have to be there. Location #1 is a small bay near a deep dropoff. The small bay is about 3-5 feet deep with some lilly pads. Along the back side of this bay is a small depression that drops down a couple feet deeper. The depression is about 15 foot wide and reaches from shore outward about 8 foot. It's got overhanging branches that keep it shaded and a small ditch connecting another nearby lake empties into this lake nearby. I have never ever even so much as got a strike from this spot no matter what type of approach I use. Spots 2 and 3 are also very attractive spots. Both are the same. Shaded by large trees along the bank, numerous laydowns, lilly pads and cabage weed mix throughout these two spots. The shoreline is sandy, and it drops off fairly quickly. About 20 yards from shore it's about 10 foot deep. Nearby is deeper water with nice cabage weeds. I have hit spots 2 & 3 numerous times, at all times of the day. Flippin jigs, working a Senko bait, surface lures, spinnerbaits, you name it. Over the years I've done it all in all three of these spots and never ever caught a fish from either location. However I have caught many fish from this lake in other locations which you would not expect. Such as the east basin which is basically just a large shallow section of a bowl portion of the lake with no drop offs or any other great structure. Just a gradual tapering off into deeper water about 200 yards from shore. Situations like this that go against the rules so to speak drive me crazy when I encounter them. It's mystifying to me.

05-12-09, 10:12 AM	#2
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	Yeah...you have to remember that each body of water, and the group of fish in it, are different from all others. I have to sort of wonder about the whole "species" concept when it comes to landlocked fish. Largemouth bass in one lake may technically be the same species as the bass in a nearby lake, but in truth, they will never, ever breed, or even have "six degrees of separation" type of interaction. How long do separate populations have to be apart to start developing distinguishing behavioral traits? While typical fishing tactics will generally work, there are no guarantees.

05-12-09, 10:55 AM	#4
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	I'm sure your right about that Mississippi.

05-12-09, 06:55 PM	#8
Jigger BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 490	Keith, Here's my take on it: I think there IS a fish living there. A BIG fish. Could be a bass, a catfish or something else top of the food chain. If it's a bass, I call them non-biters. They typically won't hit an artificial bait if you never get bit. I know places like you describe. I have a friend that has a big farm pond that's a real bass factory. There's a really killer spot on it like some you describe that I never got bit on. He and I decided to fish some live shad one day. I pulled up on this spot, anchored a good distance away and pitched a shad up against the stump, waited about 10 minutes and caught the biggest bass I've ever taken out of there, about 8 lbs or so. I'm convinced that fish lived there, kept others away and was too careful to take an artificial. Antecdotal, I realize but that's my belief and I'm sticking to it.

05-15-09, 09:50 PM	#13
66KingFisher BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mena,Arkansas Posts: 1,327	There is a big ol pine tree laydown in the middle of a feeder creek on this little lake I fish, and its just one of those spots you knows is suppose to hold bass.....i'm always makin sure I position the boat correctly before I start pitchin to it, but i've yet to get a bite on this spot......I don't get it either....lol.

05-16-09, 02:16 PM	#15
superbass BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 4	I alway's think it's a human looking spot rather than a fish looking spot.Remember the angle fish see.We see from top down they see bottom up.I think it makes a big difference.

05-16-09, 08:46 PM	#16
Basscrazie BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: magnolia,tx Posts: 398	You hit the right day and it will pay off.I fish a 25,000 acre lake and it gets confusing to say the least.I know exactly what you mean though.

05-17-09, 01:16 PM	#17
aikenyounggun BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: aiken, SC Posts: 2,051	i think it might be every spot has shade and a drop off and fish look for something different..... b/c if a pond is full of standing timber fish are looking for something a little differenct.... like in one pond i fish, if you know where underwater wood cover is you ca catch fish.... b/c there is so little of it...... so that pond might be full of shaded drop-offs so fish go to something different.... just an idea __________________ <>< Rather be Fishing ><>

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)