Bottom Structure

Bottom Structure

It’s no secret that if you fish enough different impoundments or river systems you will find all kinds of different bottom structure. I would venture to say that you could experience different bottom types on your own lake if you just move around enough to find it. On the Tennessee River the common thread is grass, but different types of grass present different bottom types. There is also rock, muck, sand, red clay, shells, stumps and more all of which becomes heaven for bass during different times of the year.

The key is to understand the bottom structure of where you’re fishing; what time of year the bass utilize that structure, what baits are best on this bottom type and how to fish it. When you have this knowledge locked into your memory bank moving around your lake becomes easier and you’ll catch more fish.

Grass is a common bottom in the summer and rock is a common winter structure, you generally find rocky areas next to the bank or causeways or bridges. Rock is an ideal winter location because it retains warmth in the sun of the day and in the winter anything that holds heat attracts bass. Many people put out rock piles for fishing locations during the winter. I like to utilize a football jig around rocky areas it’s a great emulator of crawfish and can be slowly moved, hopped or dragged on the bottom. Grass, however, is common in the summer, forcing you to either flip the heavy grass or find the hole in the grass and fish the openings. Finding the right kind of grass is key in the summer as bass seem to pick the grass that protects them the most from the sun. Flipping jigs, big worms and crawfish emulating baits are my favorites in the grassy time of year. Getting to the bottom or just below into the bottom void is key!

If you become a great analyzer of the bottom structure, you will catch more fish and learn what areas of the lake to stay away from, and it will help you eliminate water quicker and with more knowledge. Time is everything as most people don’t have the ability or time to fish all day for work-related or health-related reasons.