Ok. I read alot about the need to locate where the bait fish (shad) are and fishing under the roosting birds, etc, but what are the others ways of locating where the fish are for people without sophiticated fish locators, years of experience and time to explore different parts of the lake weekly? Should we fish points, creek outlets, stumps, boat docks?

We are the type that arrive at daylight select a spot that looks good and fish till 2pm and hope to fill up a cooler with cats. Sometimes we get lucky and sometimes we don't. I am wanting to get a little bit more consistent.

I would appreciate any of your tips on locating fish for a rookie. My boys are I enjoy it alot and are trying to get better each trip but definitley could use some pointers from all you experts on TFF.

Thank youin advance for your feedback.

If you find bait fish will not be far away.With out fish finder use your eyes.Look for birds working the water diveing ,or standing in the shallows eating.Windblown banks ,and points.Look for signs of fish rolling ,or Shad poping the surface.Try diffrent depths till you find the pattern.Use fresh shad...if you post your location(or body of water you are fishing) mabey someone will be able to help you better.

Thanks Hartman. We fish Gibbons Creek mostly.

Looking for channel cat, blues,and or flatheads?