I've only been fishing for about a year and I am having a hard time locating fish. When you go to a lake you have never been to before, where do you start? How do you eliminate all the water and decide where the bass are?

TIMBER

Do you research to find the fish and stick to seasonal patterns and presentations to catch fish. Read up on everything you can get your hands on and build your confidence... Ask the question why everytime you catch a fish... It might not make sense right off the bat, but take note and keep an open mind. Try to fish with other anglers better than yourself if you can. Time on the water really pays off and finally putting some pieces of the puzzle together will make it all worth it. Keep at it!

A wise ol' fisherman and guide brought me a copy of a book one day and it really helped me break it down while getting going and understanding what I was looking at... I highly recommend getting a copy...

Catch Fish with MAPS, by Robert Knops

http://www.amazon.com/Catch-Fish-Maps-Robert-Knops/dp/0939314541

im going tell you its well worth the money to spend on a guide and let them teach you how to use the electronics on the boat to locate bass.

Thanks Evan. I'll order tomorrow.

Going Friday with James Caldemeyer. Plan on asking lots of questions.

Sounds like you you're going to be able to find them soon... That's a heck of a start to the right pathI You'll get a lot of great info from both I'm sure...

Do you basically just look for points, creeks and some type of cover or structure?

i would chime in but you'd be better off to forget anything i had to say and take james' word as the bass gospel.

Thanks for the input. Anymore info is appreciated.

It is pretty simple, find where you launch on the map, then pick a location as far from that ramp as possible...begin fishing there..

learn the seasons first. many good reads about this, and apply it to your home waters. the guide trips will exponentially increase the learning curve. TOW is your best friend. good luck.

TOW?

time on the water.

Think like a Bass. I need to eat to live. Birds will show you where thats happening. Enjoy!