Largemouth Bass

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Typical Locations- Small streams/rivers, large freshwater rivers, tidal-brackish rivers, Ponds, Lakes, Reservoirs.
What type of structure is in the water? Fallen Trees, Logs, rocks? Structure is related to the body of water and what is underneath. Points, dropoffs, ledges, weedlines are part of the environmental structure. Is the bottom sand, rock, mud? Understanding the structures you will encounter is key to catching more fish. Focus on all these types of structures and adapt your fishing technique and presentation to whichever environmental structure you encounterwhile fishing. Think about your environment.
What is the Water quality- Muddy, Stained, Clear.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Weedy Ponds: Largemouth bass can be found in the thick weeds, lily pads, and other vegetation that grows along the edges of ponds. They use these areas for cover and to ambush prey.
Shallow Flats: Largemouth bass can be found in shallow flats and other shallow areas of a lake or reservoir, where they can be caught using topwater lures or by sight-fishing.
Points and Drop-offs: Largemouth bass can be found near points and drop-offs, where they can be caught using deep-diving crankbaits or jigs.
Backwaters and Coves: Largemouth bass can be found in the backwaters and coves of a lake or reservoir, where they can be caught using finesse techniques such as a Texas rig, shaky head, or a drop-shot rig.
Submerged Timber: Largemouth bass can be found around submerged trees, stumps, and other types of wood cover. They use these structures as cover and to ambush prey.
Riprap, Concrete, Rocks: Largemouth bass can be found around riprap, rocks and concrete structures, such as bridges, retaining walls, and dams. They use these structures for cover and to ambush prey.

PATTERNS

SPRING

as water temperatures begin to rise, largemouth bass will start to move into shallower waters and begin to spawn.
Spawning typically occurs in the spring, when water temperatures reach around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

SUMMER

most active during the warmer months of the year, from spring to early fall, when water temperatures are between 60-80 degrees

FALL

begin to move into deeper waters as the water temperature begins to drop.
During this time, anglers can target largemouth bass by fishing around deep structure such as drop-offs, ledges, and points. These areas can hold concentrations of baitfish and other forage, which in turn will attract bass. Techniques such as drop-shotting, jigging, and deep-diving crankbaits can be effective in these situations.
Another good location to find fall bass is in the backs of the creeks and coves. As the water cools, the baitfish will move into these areas, and bass will follow. Anglers can target these fish by using finesse techniques such as a Texas rig, shaky head, or a drop-shot rig.

WINTER

As the water temperature continues to drop, the largemouth bass will become less active, and the bite will slow down. Anglers should adjust their approach and try to present a slow and natural bait, that imitates the forage bass are feeding on.

Live baits such as worms, minnows, and crawfish can be very effective for catching largemouth bass.