I like to fish in the wee small hours--starting around five-thirty--but this is usually during the summer through late fall. Here, the water temp is significantly higher (low 80's in backs fo coves) in late afternoon sun. Does that mean that a lower temp in a shaded cove at sunrise leads to less active fish? I'm tready for the early morning bite--but does shade effect them?

I would say early in the spring when the water temp is lower there may be an effect, but if you are saying the water temps are in the 80's then Im sure that the shade provided is used as cover for an ambush point.

That's what I figured. And if I don't have luck until sun is on the water then I guess I know what the bass want. Thanks.

I'm just like you.I'm an early morning(5:00 AM on the water) basser by nature.It's like pulling teeth waiting for the water temps to get high enough to do any good.Frequently,I go anyway and fish up to and through the warmer part of the day.You'd be surprised how many topwater bass I catch early in the morning when experts say that they just won't bite.

I went out this morning and caught ~12 bass on topwater before 08:00 (sunrise at 07:00).  Then the bite died; topwater and otherwise.  Water temp was 65 degrees at 06:15 when I got there and warmed to 69 by mid day.

I went out this morning and caught ~12 bass on topwater before 08:00 (sunrise at 07:00). Then the bite died; topwater and otherwise. Water temp was 65 degrees at 06:15 when I got there and warmed to 69 by mid day.

Outstanding!!!

Nothing is in stone though, this is fishing.  I've had more than my fair share of 2am topwater bites.  Larger fish will roam the edges of reed beds, partially submerged islands,etc in the depth of night.  Larger fish find safety in travelling during the low light, low pressure hours and if your lure is in the right place,....at the right time,...........