I'm not new to bass fishing. I've been doing it on and off for 30 years. However, I'm very aware that a lot of people in this forum are better at it than I am. So here's my question:

 

 If you go to a new lake and want to get a limit, what tactics are you using? I know weather and time of the year will play a part, and I'm not overly concerned with catching trophy-sized bass, just a limit of 12"ers or so. What would you do? Thanks guys.

If you're not concerned about size - finesse (Ned, Dropshot, etc) or Wacky (weighted or weightless)

 

31 minutes ago, KSanford33 said:

I'm not new to bass fishing. I've been doing it on and off for 30 years. However, I'm very aware that a lot of people in this forum are better at it than I am. So here's my question:

 

 If you go to a new lake and want to get a limit, what tactics are you using? I know weather and time of the year will play a part, and I'm not overly concerned with catching trophy-sized bass, just a limit of 12"ers or so. What would you do? Thanks guys.

 

First I google the lake, then watch YT videos on it. Folks just can't help themselves. Watch videos from the same time of year as you will be fishing. 

Get a chart of the lake to get an overview, and develop a plan A, B,C, etc.

And most importantly, once you get there fish your strengths, and listen to the fish.

 

Castnet.

  Being bass like to hang around stuff I'll look for visible cover  and fish it . 

T rig. Wood and weeds. The thicker, the better.

If I am going to a new lake the prep starts at home. 

 

1). I'll go on Google Earth and look at the lake looking for streams coming in, and water release points.  Then look for visible vegetation, rip rap, boulders, down wood,  docks, any standing timber, funnel points between grass islands.  Look for free topo maps on line.  U of Florida used to have them for all Florida lakes.

 

2).Then I will go to web and look for recent catch rates, and any talking points about the body of water.

 

3). upon arriving at the lake I will visually follow the lay of the land, steep banks usually mean deep water banks, flat banks usually  mean shallow water.  Talk to guys at the ramp if you can stir up a conversation.  Always ask about danger points to avoid.  They will give that info up, but not favorite fishing spots.

 

4). Look for visible vegetation. isolated clumps are often better then large expanses.  Clumps will be magnets for the surrounding area.  Expanses will have bass scatter throughout.  Summer time, the greener the better, clumps with two types of veggies combined are better then just one type.

 

5). Look for bird activity, a dead giveaway for active feeding fish.  Look for happy water, within casting distance.  Don't run to happy water, the big motor will always disrupt and disturb, I learned  that the hard way after wasting much fishing time.

 

6). Look for current, active bass will position in the eddies adjacent to current.  If the wind is blowing it will cause current, especially between clumps of veggie islands, or between types of structure.

 

These are a few things I do when going to new waters.  Always fun trying to figure out a pattern on virgin waters.  Good luck!

10 hours ago, geo g said:

If I am going to a new lake the prep starts at home. 

 

1). I'll go on Google Earth and look at the lake looking for streams coming in, and water release points.  Then look for visible vegetation, rip rap, boulders, down wood,  docks, any standing timber, funnel points between grass islands.  Look for free topo maps on line.  U of Florida used to have them for all Florida lakes.

 

2).Then I will go to web and look for recent catch rates, and any talking points about the body of water.

 

3). upon arriving at the lake I will visually follow the lay of the land, steep banks usually mean deep water banks, flat banks usually  mean shallow water.  Talk to guys at the ramp if you can stir up a conversation.  Always ask about danger points to avoid.  They will give that info up, but not favorite fishing spots.

 

4). Look for visible vegetation. isolated clumps are often better then large expanses.  Clumps will be magnets for the surrounding area.  Expanses will have bass scatter throughout.  Summer time, the greener the better, clumps with two types of veggies combined are better then just one type.

 

5). Look for bird activity, a dead giveaway for active feeding fish.  Look for happy water, within casting distance.  Don't run to happy water, the big motor will always disrupt and disturb, I learned  that the hard way after wasting much fishing time.

 

6). Look for current, active bass will position in the eddies adjacent to current.  If the wind is blowing it will cause current, especially between clumps of veggie islands, or between types of structure.

 

These are a few things I do when going to new waters.  Always fun trying to figure out a pattern on virgin waters.  Good luck!

Excellent reply!

 

 

 

Mike