Where to catch bass? The old-timers will invariably tell you the best bass fishing is "where the fish are". That doesn't do you much good & figuring out where the bass hang out is about the most challenging & time consuming task for any bass fisherman. We have some tips, tricks & ideas for finding out where the bass are; on strange waters and, just maybe, even some bass hiding places you never considered on your familiar waters.
What is "structure"?
Typically, fishermen consider "structure" to be anything that isn't water. That's a simplistic definition. Stump & timber stands, docks, rock outcroppings and the like are obvious visible structures. Shoals, submerged stumps, rocks & other major sub-surface projections are also examples of structure( you have to know where these are, of course).
More to the point, structure is any abrupt change within the waters you fish...
Thermoclines for instance. Another example is the quiet water just off a turbulent section where bass forage will often drift in for an easy meal.
How to find bass structure.
There are lots of ways to find the structures of a body of water. Some are obvious to the eye. Stumps, rocks & timber stands, as we mentioned. But what about the unseen structure that may well hold the lunker largemouth or smallmouth bass you've been dreaming of? How do you find those drop-offs, shoals, submerged stumps & the like on strange bassing waters?
The Eye Test for Bass Structure
Look around! Look closely. Often the tell-tale signs of important bass structure are right in front of your eyes. A smoother stretch of water amidst the chop may prove some bass lair lurking beneath the surface. A patch of lilly pads in the middle of a larger section of open water yields a rise the bass will visit for a meal.
See those other bass fishermen in their boats fishing an invisible line? Think they might have some insight into the waters new to you?
And how to find a thermocline by eye; tie on a simple aquarium thermometer along with the appropriate weight. Start probing specific depths. Discover the temperature at 2 feet, 5 feet, 10...
If the surface is warmer than your target bass likes, look for those cooler spots where bass are likely to congregate, waiting for an opportunity to strike at your bait.
The Feel Test for Bass Structure
Think you've found a promising bit of bass structure but can't see more than a hint? Tie on a jig or
crankbait(and try to mimic some of the local favorite bass food ~craws, shad, perch or whatever forage is relevant) and plug away at it. We recommend a quick radial or grid search with your casts to feel out the structure you think is below. With a little luck, you'll have a strike quickly, letting you concentrate on catching bass now!
Ask the locals
This can be a double-edged sword; if you find the right bait shop, the right marina or the right old-timer who doesn't mind sharing information with an "out-of-towner", you can get some quality leads as to where the bass hang-out, BUT...
You can easily end up with mis/disinformation, too. Still, you may find some useful information to quickly guide you to tress stands and the like, saving you time & gas.
Use Technology
There's nothing like a good depth/fish finder for doping out unseen structure. There are lots of quality fishfinders, available at great prices, so if your wallet can afford it, invest in one.
There's also "old school" technology. Break out maps of the local area. Here you can find bays, inlets and other areas that will provide a lead to varying water structures where the knowledgeable angler will always find fish.
Topographical maps can be an invaluable tool for planning an approach to unknown waters & they're widely available.
We hope you've found some worthwhile hints to finding bass structure on strange waters &, perhaps, even giving you some insight into the structures you may have overlooked on your own favorite lake, river stream or pond.
We'll be back soon with some proven tips & techniques for fishing the wide variety of bass structures you might find.

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