Object Oriented Bassin

Bass are object oriented. If you plan on taking your share, you had better set your strategies in the object mode. In most waters, bass are at the top of the food chain. But, they do have enemies from above. This is one of the reasons such flat objects, like boat docks, hold so many fish. They prevent attack from large birds, cats and other animals. Something overhead prevents this problem. The overhead object also shelters the bass' eye from penetrating rays. They do not have the same type iris as we, shutting out light is dependent upon avoiding it. They also don't have eyelids. This permits a wide range of vision. They must move to deep water if bright light is to be avoided. The overhead object solves this problem. The dock not only blocks out light, but stops the heat from penetrating the area. This keeps his body on the cool side in the heat of a summer's day. Not only is an object a heat shielding device in summer, it acts as a generator for a fish in the fall and spring. Certain materials absorb heat faster than water. Any substance on the dark side will conduct a certain amount of warmth to the surrounding water. This could keep a bass in the shallows when it should have headed for deeper water. The cooler months are periods you should fish the sunny side of an object as well as the shaded. The crawfish and minnow populations in any given lake are also object oriented. They sulk about in the seclusion of the shadows. This is another reason bass like to relate to objects. They have all the creature comforts needed to make life as gentle as possible. Spawning time also finds bass looking for something to put over his head. They prefer some out of the way area where three sides can be blocked and the entrance way easily protected. A piece of rotted stump is a dandy domicile for a bass planning for the spawn. Logs, fallen timber, and large rocks are other locations which should be checked while searching for bass. Piers used to brake wave action are also bass holders. These give the bass protection from more than visual enemies. They also slow the movement of the water and make life a little easier. The fish doesn't have to fight so hard to keep his place. When working these concrete objects, make parallel casts to cover more ground. Bass will be holding tight. A crankbait shines in these holding zones. Bridges are frequently overlooked by bass anglers. They are shirked because of the heavy traffic passing under and above. This doesn't mean the fish find them offensive. In fact, it may make them desirable. The constant wave motion forces little critters loose from the cracks and crevices. This will bring a feeding response from the fish and turn thing on. A properly placed jig, crankbait or spinnerbait will cause a commotion down under. The bridges should be covered in much the same manner as the piers. Parallel casts get to fish fast. Make sure all of the shaded areas are pitched to. A bass will hold off the concrete as long as shade is present. Another manmade object attractive to bass is a concrete wall. These may be found around houses, industrial zones, or simply sections of a lake or river where bank erosion has been a problem. The big rivers are loaded with places like this. These walls have cracks and crevices which hold food for hungry bass. These cracks can also be backed into by a wary bass looking for a meal to pass. Either way, a fisherman should be ready to cover all bases and score. A diving minnow type bait will brush the edges well. A yoyoed spinnerbait will also coax many a strike from the walls. These solid objects are also fine jigging territory. Other remnants of mankind found attractive by bass are old pilings. There may have been a dock near by at one time, but the years have removed most of it. Such a locale is a fine place to try for object oriented bass. A plastic worm is suitable for tempting bass into action. Pinpoint accuracy is a must. Fish using the shadows cast by these lonely uprights won't venture far. The bait should also be pitched past the intended target so the bass isn't spooked by a noisy splashdown. Last on the list of manmade features which bass find appealing is the duckblind. Bass will back up into their shadows and lurk in wait. Spinnerbaits are fine teasers to tempt strikes. Manmade objects aren't the only holding area for bass. Nature has supplied bass chasers with variety of visual targets where fish find attractive hideouts. The lake floor is usually covered with one form of leftover wood or another. Stumps, logs, branches and sticks abound in most manmade lakes. These find bass hiding about the tangles. These tangles may be piled up in one area of the lake or scattered about. Take the time to find them. It will be well worth it. Wood is a favorite breeding ground for bass' favorite food. Crawfish colored crankbaits work well around wood. Jigs with a piece of pork or plastic added to the back will closely resemble the wiggling action. Other natural features bass call home are rocks. These come in all sizes. Any one will hold fish. They provide cover and a place to hunt. The biggest rocks in a lake are usually the best for smallmouth. Lily pads and cattails also offer object oriented bass a place to hide. These need weedless lures to coax strikes. Spoons and spinnerbaits are favorite lures to arouse a strike from fish hanging around such objects. Bass love to have objects near by. They are no different than any other wild animal. Just be sure you understand the psyche of the beast and provide him with what he wants and you'll catch him.