Lake Bass: Catching Big Lake Bass in A Small Lake

Lake Bass: Catching Big Lake Bass in A Small Lake


The first and most crucial point to remember is lake bass, especially big lake bass, are usually the top end predator in a small lake. Lake bass did not grow to a larger stage in life by being lucky. Lake bass are reasonably smart, have good eyesight, excellent sensation to noise and motion, an acute awareness to their immediate surroundings and know a larger predator when they detect it. This is especially true in smaller waters where lake bass are limited by the size, acre and depth wise, and competition for food is high.

Stealth is the first factor that must be implemented. Walk to the small lake as quietly as possible. Preferably with the sun in your face so your shadow stays behind you and does not cast out onto the water. If you arrived in a vehicle leave it at least 100 yards from the water and walk the rest.

If it is near spawning season, or the weather is warming, hit the shallow water first. Approach from the shallowest corner of the water if possible. Pick a spot where you can cast parallel to the bank. You may be able to cast along the bank in more than one direction if the lake is small.

Try a top water lure first, like a frog, floating worm, or something that does not create a lot of disturbance. Make several casts along the bank, but not too many, 6 to 8 perhaps. Alternate casts along different banks if you can without moving from your position.

If the top water approach proves unsuccessful in catching lake bass tie on your favorite lure that will sink or dive 4 to 6 feet. A slowly sinking plastic worm or shallow diving crank bait would be a good choice. Repeat the same casting method you applied with the top water lure, only farther from the bank, remaining in your same strategic position.

Keep applying this method using deeper running lures until you have worked the entire water to it's deepest part from your first position. Lure color is not as much of a factor here as with larger lakes due to the fact the fish have a higher competition for food and have to be opportunists.

When you have depleted all your resources, caught a few lake bass, or whatever the case may be, move to another strategic position like the one above. If you did not catch any lake bass today, do not give up. Come back another day and apply the same technique. Be relentless and keep fishing. Just keep in mind stealth is the key and that big lake bass catch you know is in there,