Here are some tips to locate them in a variety of situations.
Finding Fish In Ponds
Anywhere there is a pond; it could be a hidden hotspot for fish. The bottom line is, no matter how small the pond may be, it is only a matter of time until the fish find it. If you live near farmland, a great way to scout around for these hidden hotspots is to schedule a flight over the area and map out any bodies of water you may have missed.
Use Hay For Attraction
If it is legal in your area, buy some spoiled hay from garden supply stores under the label "mulch hay". Dump a few bales in the water. Grubs and insects will fall out, and will provide fish food to keep fish in your spot.
Locate Fish In A New Body Of Water
If you are going to start fishing a newly created body of water (like a reservoir), here are some things to keep in mind.
For the first 2 years, it will be very easy to catch the fish, though they will be smaller (t though about 50% larger in the second year). The 3rd year will prove more of a challenge, as the fish are larger and savvier. It is important to move around the lake and watch where the experienced anglers are getting action. Also keep tabs on where and when each species is feeding. Also, make a note of the moon phase when you record this information, so that you can refer to it during the same phase in following years.
You will probably discover that the bass feed best at dawn and dusk, bluegills during midmorning and midafternoon, crappies under lantern light at night, and white bass at high noon.
After this third year, these proven tactics will really start to pay off. For bass, remember to give a variety of offerings. Lay out one of each; plastic worm, overhead spinner, surface noisemaker, crankbait, and weedless spoon.
Finding Fish In An Established Lake You've Never Fished Before
Fish in older lakes are very savvy because they have been approached by "every trick in the book" by experienced anglers. Largemouth bass, in these areas, have been shown to move as much as 10 miles in one day in search of food. To target them, troll some deep running lures that just nudge bottom cover.
Bluegills are much more relaxed, and stay around cover. However, crappies tend to roam just like the bass.
Keep on the lookout for moving bubbles it usually indicates bass feeding towards the bottom.
Charting Underwater Structure
Many fishermen would just love to strap on scuba gear and map out the underwater structures in their favorite body of water.
There is a method of doing this that will not require all the effort of getting diving gear, certifications, etc. Simply wait until the water level is at its lowest (usually during the spring and summer. If the water drop-off is in the double digit range, you will be able to stand on high ground and look over the areas that you fish.
Using a pencil and paper, sketch out every rock, stump, and drop-off. These structures and the bottom they rest on should be charted then when the water goes back up you won't have to guess what structure your locator has picked up.
Fishing Behind Waterfalls
Try fishing behind waterfalls. They naturally collect food behind, and this attracts small minnows and game fish. Bait is typically better than lures in these situations. Keep the bait there long enough to give fish a chance.
Fishing With The Wind
You will do better in a lake or pond on the windward side. The wind will cause floating insects to collect at the end, and the wave action will churn up food form the bottom. At the least this will attract forage fish that will attract larger fish such as bass or pike.
The Trees Will Attract Fish
Overhanging trees are sometimes bastions for fish. If you notice any of the following things about the tree you are considering, chances are you will get some bites:
- Flowering trees insects will be abundant for the pollen, and will make their way into the water fish love this. - Defoliated tress indicate presence of moths, sawflies, and beetles (same idea as the above) - Trees cracked by lighting or winds provide housing for insects - Woodpeckers signal presence of insects
Cherry, horse chestnut, apple, dogwood, hawthorn, and catalpa usually have more insects.
Hopefully, you've got some good tips for locating fish on your next trip with these evening secrets - no matter where you go fishing.
Things come alive at night, especially most species of fish because they are noctornal feeders.
Here are some evening secrets to help you get the most out of your late evening and night fishing excursions.
1. The first thing you want to make sure you do is to scout out the body of water during the day. You want to look for underwater structure, and popular daytime spots. Get the lay of the area, and take a piece of graph paper and plot out the areas you will target at night.
2. If it's legal, drop some chum down to the bottom of some spots you plan on fishing. A productive way of chumming is to take a gunny sack and fill it with sour grain. Drop it down into a few spots you plan on fishing so when you get there at night, there are plenty of fish to catch.
3. Make sure to have adequate lighting above the water so you can see what you are doing. Many fishermen use blacklights which don't attract bugs, yet still allow you good vision above the surface.
4. Complete night time preparation with first aid kit, lights, extra batteries, high visibility clothing, and a full knowledge of body of water you are fishing on.
5. Pre-rig your lines, and also have some extra riggings, and extra poles ready. You don't want to be in a situation where you are fumbling around trying to tie knots, rig weights, etc. You want to have that all set up, along with a system of easy replacement using a dropper loop off your main line. There are also little plastic things called "Carolina keepers" that work well for this.
6. Make sure you leave with more than enough bait on hand. You don't want to run out of bait and have to spend time catching more, or quitting all together. The less things you have to do at night, while out fishing, the better. You came there for one thing...to fish... and catch fish. So get all the prep out of the way first so you don't have to focus on anything else.
These 6 steps will make your night fishing trips extremely productive. You'll be finding the fish (or attracting them to one of your chummed spots), and targetting them with pre rigged baits.
Next, you've got to get out there and actually fish. Enjoy!