Some observations from my bass fishing recently

[fishytales]

Just thought I would make some comments regarding bass over the last couple of weeks. I have yet to chase bass anywhere except North Pine Dam so these comments relate to my findings at that Impoundment. Athough I seem to be catching my share ( I have averaged about a dozen a trip in a couple of hours fishing recently) their behaviour has certainly changed.

During spring and summer I found the bass quite often hammered the lure or SP as it sank to the bottom, and counting down lure gave a good indication of where bass were sitting, and I often commenced my retrieve at this depth when I worked out where fish were sitting in the water. And btw, my fishing is land based as no craft are allowed presently on NPD.

But recently, over 3 trips and about 6 hours fishing, I have only had the lure nudged once on it's descent. All fish I have caught have taken lure on it's retrieve and lately I have found a more aggressive and faster wind has had the best results. The water I fish has nice steep banks and good depth, and I use crankbaits and the odd spinnerbait and Slider SP. I would be interested in hearing from others to hear if they are experiencing similar findings to mine, or otherwise.

Oh- and I love my bass fishing and am always trying to work em out.

Chris

[Bearclaw]

Chris good to hear your still getting good results. What's your PB now.

[fishytales]

Chris good to hear your still getting good results. What's your PB now.

Hi Myles,

My PB is still 54cm to the fork, and I have caught a couple at early 50's lately. I lost a fish yesterday that I suspect was a Yellowbelly and fair dinkum, I seen it on the surface just before it spat the lure and it would have easily gone 70cm. The reason I suspect Golden was the way it just hung deep without the antics that bass get up to.

And the rod you built for me is going great guns, it pulled that abovementioned fish from the depths after a heap of work on my part and a lot of retrieving of lost line. Definately a " one that got away" story".

Chris

[Leigh77]

To put a 'not too specific' touch about my reply, but maybe something for you to look out for next time you go fishing...

In the warmer months Bass are generally more active...which equates to them being more aggresive. When the water temp starts to cool (as winter approaches) the fish start to feel a little lethargic...making them less inclined to take a lure without provacation.

The high speed retrieve gives the Bass less time to think about it...so they react the only way they know how...attack first...taste later! By then the hooks are set, and the battle is on. But, sometimes they dont react at all and just wave their fin as your lure swims by.

But after saying that, it could be that due to the slight change in water temp maybe their prefered eating time has changed. It may become an earlier or later bite.

Oh the joys of trying to work out the Aussie Bass...Its what makes us keep going back.

[Hardb8]

Hi Chris,
I have found the location you fish to have quietened a long time ago,With only the odd dozen or so fish (As you mention) to be in the area at the start of a session.We have scince moved to greener/Bassier parstures.And the exploring has paid devidends.

I'm not sure if it is the lake turning over (Oxygen levels moving up and down within the water collumn) that has caused this.This is a major factor that contributes where in the collumn the fish will be the most comfortable.This will effect your strike rate on freefall simply because the fish won't be midwater to make that strike due to a lack of oxygen in that section of water.They could be either on the bottom,Or have moved to a shallower location altogether.

Or as mentioned above by Leigh,Water temprature.This will definantly effect how the fish react to your presentations in shallower conditions.

There is also seasons,This relates to when the fish school,Competition is naturally increased by the sheer numbers of fish in the immediate vacinity.It's eat or miss out to the fish right next to it,So feeding can be very aggressive.When they are swimming solo,Paired or in smaller schools of 6-12 fish competition is nowhere near as fierce as compered to 200 fish in the same place.

So many variables in conditions,That change from day to day.

Thats' fishin.

[fishytales]

Hi Hardb8,

Good to hear from you again, and I have taken this on board. I basically just wanted to air my thoughts, and find how others have been fairing.

I too have been doing some exploring and these comments are based on 2 different localities. I am certainly not complaining though and will keep looking for other places to try my luck. Pretty hard though with the limited areas we are allowed to fish at this dam.

I have certainly had great fun chasing bass since my first effort last August, it now seems like years ago.

Chris