I have no way of telling where fish are until my lures get bit.

A few days ago I took a relative out on my boat to a local lake that has a good population of panfish. He never caught fish on lures much less knew how to use a spinning rod. As we moved north from the launch, I happened to notice a few top water swirls in open water so I cast to them. Dang if I didn't catch crappie and sunfish! and in open-water /middle-of-nowhere I usually see on this lake in spring. More fish were caught on a shallow flat that came way out from the shore - one that held zero fish the week before.

In fact, the week before, most concentrations of fish were at the north end and along a shaded western bank. Perch were mixed in with other pannies and some nice fish of all species were caught. But that changed maybe because of severe weather coming our way and fish were found in many areas and over different bottoms types.

I was glad to see him catch fish for the first time in his life and in fact he caught two of the largest perch of the day - 12" each along with crappie and sunfish. One was of those perch was caught in 4' of water as he dangled the lure over the side of the boat. (Whether he will pursue the hobby is anyone's guess, but at least he knows one source of information.)

As we all know, location is everything. Using the right lures in the right area is key to discovering those location patterns.

Awesome post with some mighty fine information. Good job.

Yep, you just never know, unless you go. That's why I love going fishing. You mentioned two 12 inchers. Now those may be record setters right there. Would you happen to know if they were Bluegills or Redears?

Another case of being observate that gave another great day of catchn.....

Rick, I believe those were true perch " the green and yellow ones" senkoSam was referring to. I believe he is in New York

Thanks Gar, that makes sense. Just got a bit confused is all. Never caught a Perch before.

I love my graph! Neat post and some good information. Glad you got unto some fish.

I can remember a trip where I was waiting for my buddy to get my truck to pull the boat out. We just finished fishing. While I was waiting I threw a lure by one of the boat parking slips and caught a five pound bass. Your post is right on! Thanks for sharing.

I figured that until I can get back to sleep at 2 am - in NY - I may as well show some photos of the day.
This is Jessie and his first fish ever caught on a lure:

One of two yellow perch he caught:

...caught on this lure made from a segment of plastic worm and a Crappie Magnet tail (note the wire grub-keeper on the jig head):

...as well as this 10" crappie:


I got this bass on a Claw lure I made using the claw of a craw worm and a segment of a French Fry worm for the body. (candle flame joined):


Thanks for all your nice comments. It's always a pleasure sharing with fellow fanatics.

Update: Now his younger brother wants to go. Too bad he didn't fish with me today: 63 fish caught: crappie, nice yellow perch, small bass, sunfish and a catfish. New lure designs and colors were tried and did great!