RIVER PATTERN FISHING
(With tips on fishing the Red River.)
by Capt George Medders

Rivers are no different than other bodies of water when it comes to pattern fishing. To be successful you'll need to determine the most productive way to catch bass. It could be argued that patterning bass on a river is much harder than other bodies of water like lakes and reservoirs but just like any other body of water we all know that bass are structure (cover) oriented creatures. So finding the type of cover they are relating to is a big part of solving the puzzle.

A local Tampa Florida sports writer Frank Sargeant wrote in one of his fishing books that a wise angler knows that catching fish is 10% - know how and 90% - knowing where to fish. I'm not sure if the percentage is that high but it drives home the point I'm trying to make about pattern fishing. No matter how good your tackle is or your techniques are, if you're not where the fish are you'll more than likely strike out!

This is where river pattern fishing comes in once you develop a successful location (structure pattern), you'll tremendously improve your odds (percentage) of catching fish. The challenge is being able to develop a successful river pattern based on all the different conditions and circumstances on a particular day with a limited amount of time. Then, being able to duplicate the same method to catch bass at similar areas with similar baits. This is the master key to any type of pattern fishing anywhere you go.

One particular river that will become very important this October is the Red River when the American Bass Anglers National Tournament Trail will be holding their National Championship. They will be launching on the river where it divides the cities of Shreveport and Bossier City, La. I'll let you know up front that I've never been on the river but I was asked to write a article on how someone who has never fished this body of water might approach this beautiful colorful river.

I've did a little home work and read as much as possible about this river. It is very similar to other rivers that I've fished years back while competing in the US Bass, FLW, and the BASS trail. One river that comes to mind is the Brazos River in Grandbury, Texas where the US Bass World Championship was held.

Rivers like the Red River have lots of different types of cover that will produce fish. These areas will really challenge the skills of these ABA anglers. From what I've read about this great fishery there are lots of different types of structure. Some of these areas are very productive and will produce fish, but will it be enough to win the tournament? The river has everything an angler could want when looking for bass. Lots of different kinds of grass, standing timber, stumps, log jams, rock jetties, backwater bays filled with lots of grass, lilly pads, hyacinths fields, oxbows off the main river channel, sand bars and under water points with current flowing, curves in the river with blow downs and hidden brush piles. Wow it seems overwhelming, unfortunately for most of the ABA anglers that are heading to the national championship, some for the very first time, they'll only have a limited amount of time to come up with a successful pattern with the river being off limits before the tournament.

There are areas located on the Red River that are always fish producers, just like on most rivers. One is hidden rocks and brush piles off the main river points or drop offs. These areas are usually very productive but the only draw back is they are much harder to find than the more obvious visible cover. Carolina rigs cover a lot of water fast on this type of cover. If you find fish on these types of areas, you may need to find other similar areas. Like I said, it's no secret that these areas could be very productive, but trying to located these honey holes and refine the pattern could be very time consuming unless you already know where to look.

Here is where the choices of where to practice and try to find fish becomes very important. Should you take the time to try and located these areas, or should you concentrate on the more obvious types of structure? It may be more productive to hit the visible cover. Lord knows there's plenty of it to go around and any of these areas can produce the numbers and quality of fish needed to win a tournament.

For those of you who are looking for that little edge make sure you read local pro and fishing guide Homer Humphreys tips. This guy has been around and he's a seasoned pro. Pay close attention to the colors he describes in his tips.

Color means a lot on the Red River, it sounds like a very colorful place. " I'll add a little pun to describe what you might see". Lots of beautiful green grass, numerous brown, gray, and black standing timber, stumps and lay downs, Jetties with red and yellow limestone extending out into the water, Sand bars with gold, silver, and red hues reflecting through clear water. Not only are the many different types of structure colorful, but the baits you'll need will be in a wide variety of colors like watermelon red worms, red and white crank baits, chartreuse and white spinner baits, any color buzz baits, black blue jigs and tube baits, green frogs, and everything in between.

*My tip is this*
My favorite color when fishing for bass is GREEN. Healthy green grass usually means bass are somewhere nearby. My favorite pattern and presentation is slow pitching and flipping along the edges or in the holes in the grass. The best areas should be along the main river system where the current is moving. Remember I've never seen or been on this river, but you have to start somewhere, So this would be my choice after everything I've found out about this river.

During practice on any river system with so much different structure you can't afford not to give the other patterns a try but you'll have to make a decision pretty fast with the limited time you have to prepare.

It's ironic that colors will play such a big role on this body of water called the Red River. So good luck fishing the ABA National Tournament. Choose wisely so you won't be singing the Red River blues this October.

GOOD LUCK + HAVE FUN!

God Bless!
Capt George Medders ><>

George Medders fished on both the Bass Masters Tournament Trail and FLW Pro Tour circuit. He is now a full time guide sharing his experience and knowledge with his clients on the water. You can enjoy either freshwater fishing on Tarpon Lake for largemouth bass, or Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Snapper, Shark, and Jack Crevalle in the backcountry flats in and around Tampa Bay and Clearwater. If you would like to book a trip with George, you can reach him by e-mail by phone. georgemedders@webtv.net. Phone-727-863-4646