How do you know when to leave a spot?
We hear it asked all the time and it’s usually by those who are looking for certainties in the game. Unfortunately, there really aren’t very many of those.
I can say with pretty good assurance that I know in my mind when it’s time to move. But trying to translate why I feel that way is tough. I can say this, though. How long I stay is based on my own expectations. If I think I should get a bite–and I don’t–then I tend to move. If I think it’s going to be tough, I give it a little more time: more casts, more lure types.
I use some logic, of course. If the water is warm, and especially if it’s fairly clear, I’m probably thinking two or three topwater casts should draw a strike from a compressed spot. If the water is murky and cool, it might take me longer with “slower” lure types to feel like I’ve done my part.
Since I may not know the best depth, if fishing a point or a cut on the bank, I have to hit all the related depths to make sure I haven’t fished over or under the bass. After that, if the fish give me a clue with a strike, a swirl, or boil, I can make fewer casts on upcoming, similar “stuff” concentrating on the depth or cover type where the bites have come.
But a fishing trip is an expedition of sorts and you are collecting info all the time. It may be that an hour in and four spots from the start, you hit on something that works. Maybe it’s a bait, color or technique that wasn’t part of your initial approach. You can still go back to those other spots that you passed quickly through–for you may have found the key for the day–or part of the day.
One other thing. The difference between shallow spots and deep spots is not just depth. The difference is time. The time the lure takes to sink, to be worked and then retrieved. All that takes more time than short casts to the bank at visible cover. In other words, on structure spots, don’t base your decisions to move on how long you stayed, but more on how many “good” presentations you made.
Then, over time, you’ll develop your own good idea of how long is long enough.
Anyone else with a suggestion on when to move or stay?