xxreact

I am still fairly new to this. Is there anything you could tell me about establishing a pattern? Should I be covering a lot of different spots with different baits and see what is working at that particular time? The bass have been much trickier to catch lately (with the introduction of pike into the lake), so it is difficult to establish any type of pattern when I am not frequently catching them. In a whole tournament I might catch 5-7 bass at most, and my success obviously depends on the size that bites.

Hi all, I will provide a little background info to make this an easier question to answer. I've been fishing tournaments on a series of lakes for a few yrs now. Last year we came in 2nd (17lbs over 5 fish). However, this year we ended up only boating 9lbs over 5, and am in need of some help for another upcoming event. There are two lakes. One lake has some really deep points in the middle, and a lot of bays/inlets on the outsides with lily beds. The other lake is 8-12 feet deep and has scattered dispersed cabbage/milfoil beds throughout. The only two types of cover that have seemed to hold bass are the scattered lily pad beds in 4-5 FoW, and scattered cabbage/milfoil beds in 8-12 FoW, with the occasional rock shoal. How might you guys approach fishing this lake in a tournament? Recently fished a tournament and had little luck in the 4-5 FoW (where we usually have success, but this time the water temp was 80 degrees, and it's clear water) I have tried a 3/8 texas rigged salamander and brush hog, a 1/2 ounce jig, and weightless senkos in and around the deeper weed beds and didnt land any fish (in that way). If the fish are for-sure in these 8-12 scattered beds, what would be the best way (with lure and weight) to find out where they are holding and how to catch them? And how should I be fishing in the early morning (7am-9am) when the sun is just rising. -------------------------------------------- Thanks in advance, I appreciate the help.