Many anglers (both pro and recreational) hit a new body of water, drop their lines and wonder why the bass just aren't striking. This is because they haven't taken the time to familiarize themselves with the water -- both above and below the surface.



There's no luck involved in locating the best bass fishing spots. It really is a science, and you'll need to do some homework. Understand the water, the climate and the season.

There are several important factors to keep in mind when finding sweet spots swimming with hungry bass:

1. Seasonal patterns will naturally affect the success of your fishing expedition. Know where bass travel after spawning, and how they naturally migrate throughout the season. Government resource ministries reflect the natural spawning patterns when they set bass seasons, and every responsible angler will respect their seasonal limits.

2. Have a sense of the season. Your successful bass fishing expedition is absolutely dependant on seasonal climate. Bass are most active in late fall, early spring and just after a cold front. Being able to determine when to fish is as important as knowing where to fish.

3. Deep or shallow water? It depends on the type of bass you're fishing. Some species prefer deep, cold water, while others thrive in shallow, weedy areas. Know the habits of the fish you're hoping to hook, and determine the water depth. Lakebed materials, natural cover and weed beds should be taken into account. Some types of bass are found in shallow water, but only when there is sufficient natural cover. Fish will not stay in shallow, unprotected water on a hot, sunny day. They type of bait or lure you choose will also depend on the depth of the water.

4. Avoid murky, swampy areas. Fish love clear water, because they need to live and breathe in it. Look for clean water and you'll be more likely to find fish.

5. Water temperature is important. When water drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the natural food chain will be affected. If it's too warm, on the other hand, the fish simply won't bite.

6. Locate hidden structures. Bass love to seek shelter among the sunken branches of fallen trees and hide out amid rock beds, under boat docks and around underwater foundations. If you can find structures hidden beneath the surface of the water, you're bound to find bass.

7. Find vegetation areas. Bass tend to be where they'll find natural prey, and that's often amid or alongside a weed bed. Look for areas with lots of vegetation, as these will be home to frogs, insects and other bass treats. Choose a lure made for weed beds, such as plugs or small floating minnows, or anchor your boat near the edge of the bed and cast alongside the weeds. A lure is named as such because it "lures" fish out of hiding.

8. Mind your map. You won't find the bass in the lake if you can't find the lake on a map. If you're fishing foreign territory, the ability to read a map is crucial to your bass fishing success. Sometimes, local tackle shops will have maps available with prime fishing spots marked right on them. Hot spot and topographical maps are two popular choices for anglers. Hot spot maps are made to show anglers where fish can be found, but the natural migration trends prevent accuracy. Topographical maps show the lakes in more detail, with rocks, water depth and other features clearly shown.

The key to using a map correctly is in knowing how to sector the map. Take the map and study it carefully, looking for areas where fish are most likely to be found. Use a colored pen or highlighter to divide the map into sections. Experienced anglers can use the sections to determine where they will fish, dependant on the amount of time they have to spend. The size of the sections will vary depending on structures, contours and how many areas you want to try. Once you choose your spot, don't give up on it too quickly.

Successful bass anglers know that it takes more than dropping anchor and casting bait to hook a big, hungry bass. That's why bass tournaments can be so competitive and exciting. To come out on top, you need to think like a bass and search out those sweet spots that other anglers have missed.

Remember what to look for in bass fishing areas:

* Weed beds and other vegetation areas

* Fish shallow water adjacent to deeper spots

* Shoreline and lakebed contours

* Try your luck at shore points and point drops

* Natural and artificial structures

The key to locating bass is your understanding of the water. If you find a spot that you think is prime for bass, be patient. Bass can be stubborn and slow to strike, and it can take a lot of repetitive action to lure them out of hiding. Try several techniques and different types of bait. Before long, you'll establish a working pattern and land that big bass.