Chaos on the Rivers

Chaos on the Rivers

The bass fishing industry is at an all-time high; The lakes are crowded, the bass and crappie fisherman are covering up every bend, turn and contour on your lake. Tournaments are everywhere and finding your favorite spot unpressured is nearly impossible. Adding to that high-school teams and increased interest in fishing has doubled the pressure on the lakes all over the country.  The struggle is what can you do as a fisherman to avoid some of these enormous crowds that frequent todays lakes. My answer is simple you just must learn to deal with it.

Unfortunately, there is no other answer, the spot that was yours is no longer a secret, the pure fact you will get cut off day in and out is the norm and finding a place to fish that hasn’t been pressured probably won’t happen. Your fishing in a different world than you did just a few years ago; there is no etiquette anymore, if you catch a fish fisherman with binoculars will see you and come throw at your spot and fishing will be much more difficult than ever before. There are a few things I try to do when I get in this predicament.

First-of-all, if you’re going to catch fish you can’t let this stuff overcome you like road rage. Next, I believe when you find fish more than ever you must stay with them and follow them as they move and roam. Go to the areas of your lake that are not as well traveled as the more common hot spots. “Don’t leave fish to find fish,” getting mad and leaving a spot your catching fish is exactly what the people who come in on top of you want; don’t give in. Sometimes baits really change how bass bite under the pressure of so many lures being tossed at them so be conscious about presentation, change it up consistently.

Downsize your presentation, start working small profile baits, more subtle colors and work the area more thoroughly than ever. Slow down many times when you find fish and they are not competing for your bait, it’s time to slow down, baits dangled in front of them may just be the ticket you need to keep catching them. Be patient, be in command and work smart!