THE PROS think 'big picture' in practice
Due to technology, we live in the great era of the waypoint. Just like the vacuum cleaner salesman who has your GPS coordinates, he also has access to your home address–but that doesn’t mean he’ll make his sales quota.
In a similar fashion, I see this great memory and mapping device, which clearly reduces “return time,” is creating some fallout. Where you’d think having such a tool would encourage the expansion of an angler’s scope, it seems to have the reverse effect. Like gathering bottle caps, for some anglers, GPS has turned bass fishing into a hobby of collecting waypoints or spots, instead of developing the more valuable skill—of finding fish.
And here’s why. Bass live or “operate” within areas. They are not tethered to the bottom like a mooring buoy. And even if they were, wouldn’t it be better to know where the marinas were located rather than hunting for isolated bricks on the bottom?
Don’t get me wrong. I want the modern bass angler to utilize every lawful tool at his or her disposal. On the other hand, the best fishermen aren’t the guys with the most waypoints anymore than the editor of the unabridged dictionary is the world’s best writer. Sure, the team with 50 spots logged at Diamond Valley may have some kind of edge in that deepwater reservoir. But if he draws out 49th in a weekend tournament, will he be more or less competitive?
The best bass fishermen probe areas and that is where they find spots. And truly, if you follow the Bill Siemantel theory, you can then take it even further, recognizing the even more specific “spot on spots.”
But there is an order to how it happens.
First, there are physical features to consider. Topographical maps and sonar are often the first tools to rely on, although sometimes you can find clues at Google Earth or even a simple outline map.
Topography, geology and local flora may each play a roll, especially on the big waters in the West. From these we find elevation changes, bottom make-up and plant life, the latter contributing from everything from shade on the water to stimulating the food chain.
Second, there are environmental issues. Wind direction, forage species (aquatic and terrestrial), current, water clarity, seasonal and daily sun angles may each play a role. Wind direction sets up certain daily feeding patterns as fry, sunfish or shad all occupy certain portions of the water column as dragonflies, lizards, bird hatchlings, frogs or other creatures may be unique to the littoral zone.
Add moving water from tributaries or wind action and bass will position accordingly, utilizing a riffled surface or turbidity to cover their shallow forays, in addition to the reliable benefits of shadow. The combination of physical and environmental elements are what make up a spot—but each is a product the physical features and environmental characteristics of an area.
But even that may not be enough. You still have the issue of timing. Although it is arguable that bass use a specific “place” as a jumping off point to feed, cruise or suspend, at some time, the issue is: “When does that happen?”
Tidal fishermen have an advantage in knowing local fish behavior because it’s on a table. But in reservoirs, fishermen need to ascertain when bass are most often or likely feeding or, at least, reacting to baits in an area (and the spots therein) otherwise, he will waste valuable time.
Understanding the timing associated with spots within those areas is the key to success—not merely having endless spots to choose from.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Hey George, Great list of variables. Add water skiers and resource managers dropping the water out of the lake. Everyday can be a new challenge. Sometimes we solve the puzzle and sometimes a few pieces seem to be missing. Then sometimes the pieces seem to fall together by themselves and all we had to do was show up.