How to Locate Big Bass in a Lake

Bass is a gamefish that includes freshwater and marine species.

Many individuals love to bass fish. Finding the fish, however, can become frustrating, which forces many would-be fishermen home early. Bass are freshwater and saltwater fish that include a variety of species such as the black bass and Chilean sea bass. Water temperature, the level of water, food availability and cover are all factors that go into finding bass. Locating these popular fish becomes a little easier when their favorite hiding places are revealed.

Things You'll Need

• Boat
• Fishing pole
• Bait

Instructions

1. Row a boat to the middle of the lake or fishing area. Look at the surrounding area for fallen trees, stumps, logs or wood structures such as docks or fencing. Bass like to hide in wooded areas, so this type of cover is a good place to start looking.

2. Search in the weeds if the brush and wooded areas have not provided any results. Bass like weeds because of the oxygen that is produced. The more oxygen, the longer life expectancy of what lives in the water. Common types of weeds that bass like to hide in are grasses, moss, hydrilla and reeds, according to Bass Resource.

3. Watch for movement among weeds such as lily pads. Bass will move quickly through the pads if they become spooked. Wait a few minutes after seeing the movement, and the bass will return to the area.

4. Look for bass in areas with small rocks or gravel. Although these areas do provide a hiding place for bass, it is not as common as wood or weeds. Rocks do not oxygenate the water and do not allow fish to hide deeply. What attracts the fish are the tiny minnows and other fish commonly found among the rocks.

Tips & Warnings

• Special lures and tackle might be needed to fish in weeds.

• Look for green weeds, rather than weeds with a brownish color.

• Scent and sound added to a piece of bait will sometimes attract bass better than not using any aids at all.

References

• Bass Resource: Fish Biology