Locating Fish

Location, Location, Location:

The best areas to find fish are rock piles, sunken islands, gravel bards, weed beds, stumps, logs, etc. These areas are special because they change the depth of the water and the underground terrain.

Back to the Basics:

Remember

1) Seventy to Ninety percent of the water does not contain fish.
2) Fish like humans are creatures of habit, once you learn their specific habits, finding fish will not be a problem.
3) Fish require some sort of cover in which to live and find food.
4) Most big game fish are in deep water greater than six feet deep.
Other Areas to Consider:

Selecting the correct lake, river, pond, or stream is crucial in determining how successful your day of fishing will be. Here is a description of certain locations that you might not think to fish:
1) State and National Parks- Every state has a national or state park that provides its residents the ability to fish. Check your local state department of environmental protection at our state links page.
2) Reservoirs- Many states have created reservoirs for a variety of reasons. These areas provide excellent fishing, but some are off limits. Check with your local area for further information.
3) Strip Mine or Quarry- Strip mines and quarries contain lakes with good fish populations are excellent areas. The reason for this is the bottom of their lakes are made up of shale, sand or gravel with help keep the water clear. However always remember when fishing in areas that have clear water, polarized glass helps you spot great fishing areas.
4) Fish Cribs- Many states build special areas for fish that are made with cement block, hay bales, clay tiles, or brush tires. The purpose for this is they serve as cover and attract fish in areas that do not have any structure.

Keep your Eye in the Sky: while fishing or looking for a place to fish keep watch for any diving or circling birds on a particular area. If you this occurring, most likely they are feeding on bait fish and as a true enthusiast knows where there is bait fish there are some good fish.

Types of Cover:

1) Weeds- Weeds make perfect cover for most species of fish. Fish are usually located either deep-water submerged weed beds or in shallow water weed beds near the edge. Most anglers believe that during the hot summer month’s game fish can be founding weeds because the water is cooler because of the shade. However, the weed beds provide cover for fish as they look for food.
2) Lily Pads- Most anglers consider lily pads a great place to fish but usually do not utilize these locations because they are hard to fish. Once you are able to rig a weed less hook you should be all set since most types of fish populate this area.
3) Reeds- Reeds are excelled areas to fish for bass and pike during the early spring fishing season.
4) Overhanging Trees- Overhanging trees provide shade that many game fish use as cover from the hot sun. When fishing this area, try to cast along the edge of the shade at various angles.