The Art of Finding Fish
by Capt. Mike Gerry
In this busy world we all live in, time on the water becomes tougher for the working class fisherman; they go to a lake for a day of fun and don’t know where to start to find some fish. I believe although not by any means a perfect science, there are some keys to finding fish when you hit the lake.
The most important thing you can do is understand the seasonal patterns like what should the fish be doing for this time of the year? Bass are seasonal freaks. They move like clockwork as we go from one season to another, and they change in groups; whatever their buddies are doing they do! In addition, I believe that big fish hang with each other just like we all find friends of similar age. The important point is that fall, summer, winter, and spring moves the fish to certain patterns and knowing those patterns shortens your day from searching for fish to catching fish.
Next is the water color, no doubt in my mind the more stained the water is the shallower the bass are. The bass do not like the sun and if the water is clear they react by moving deeper. It may be a subtle change like from a four feet to a seven feet move, but water color will trump many beliefs as to where they are located.
Although more prevalent in other lakes than Guntersville, water levels also move the fish sometimes several times a day. As so many lakes are backed up by dams and constant water level change to produce power is a normal part of most river systems, this equally affects the depth of where the bass are staging. High water pushes them shallow; lower water pushes them deeper.
Bringing all the factors together, although complex in nature, can make your day more productive even though it is not an exact science. It does, however eliminate water and can turn a day of fishing into a day of catching!
About the author: Captain Mike Gerry
Living in the North Alabama Area since the 70's and fishing Lake Guntersville for over 35 years. I have many published fishing articles world wide in magazines, newspapers and on-line magazines. I offer the most comprehensive information for Lake Guntersville, fishing tips, reports, and featured articles. I challenge you to utilize my Professional Guide Service and compare the knowledge, friendliness and good time on the water to anyone. Captain Mike Gerry can be reached at his website for Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service at www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com or by phone at (256) 759-2270. Email bassguide@comcast.net
