Consistently Catch Bass, Study Structure & Cover, Part II

Posted: August 13th, 2014 by Bill Dance

(Note to readers: This is the second part of a blog, on the importance of consistently locating structure and cover to catch more bass.)

In the last blog I discussed the importance of consistencies for successful bass fishing. I talked about how there are those among us that seemingly ALWAYS catch fish. And my reasoning for this consistency was this: these anglers are always able to zero-in on bass. How? Well, I think these are the folks that are experts at reading and locating both cover and structure.

Also previously mentioned was the importance of structure and cover to the life cycle of bass. It’s instinctive. The first part of their lives, structure and cover help a bass avoid becoming prey. Later, as they become the predator, they can relate to it as ambush points and places to find food sources.

Now the big question? How to you find structure and cover? Well, fortunately for today’s anglers electronics can put on the map to success (literally) more quickly than ever before. Today’s electronics offer very detailed maps. They also provide and underwater view that’s unparalleled in the history of our sport.

In short, an angler can become very familiar with a lake’s cover and structure much quicker than in the past. Heck, through the right pairing of software and electronics, an angler can learn volumes about a lake before ever getting his prop wet!

But of course, there is still some effort involved. There is still a learning curve of sorts and trust me in that regard, the added effort is always worth it.

Finding good, fish-holding locales can pay off for years to come. I still successfully fish spots in lakes that I may have discovered more than 20 years ago. So finding good places can be rewarding for a long time to come and an appealing spot to a bass is likely to always be such a spot.

Of course, a lot of the success to grasping the importance and knowledge of structure and cover, even with today’s most advanced under-water eyes, is being able to relate to it. We still have to be able use our imaginations to a degree.

I mean look around at our above-water surroundings. What would it look like if it were suddenly underwater? Can you pick places a bass would most likely hang out? Sure, if you use your imagination. One spot might be a ditch, another might be a rocky slope, or even a tree line or bridge. Some fields you see will be flat; some will have hills. Some property will have thickets or trees on it, while some will be wide open.

Always remember in your mind’s eye that the same basic formations are present beneath the water’s surface. Do you see locales of sudden contrasts? Are there edges? Are there places with high spots that suddenly drop off? Again, which do you think would be more attractive to bass?

Over time, through the use of your electronics and days of both success and failure, you will begin to mentally pattern the productive spots. Structure and cover are always going to be cornerstones of a bass angler’s success. Eventually, you will be able to consistently zero-in on the locales bass love to hang out…and rest assured it will make a big difference!

As always, catch one for me!