Bass Fishing: Big Bass, Small Bass; Understanding Population Size Structure: VFJ32

[@swimbaitohio]

Best channel on bass fishing period. Your way better off as and angler to learn bass behavior rather than chasing the hype lures, and chatting the hype new products available. Learn the fish and you'll never second guess your lure choice during any fishing scenario. Thanks for your time and effort sir.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, SO. I understand the commercial tack, it pays the bills. I'm not against it, I would just need a different approach; One that wouldn't dilute my content, what I'm interested in, and my time to produce it. My "business model" flies in the face of the stats: Most content and discussions revolve around the gear, compared to the "biology" or behavior. Understandable, since info about the stuff is most accessible, and essentially pays its own way. Versatility in presentation options requires we pay attention to innovations. But buying has been made pretty easy. I find I spend more on stuff when I can't fish than when I can, like it's the next best thing. But when I'm fishing hard, I'm not having to fill that... hole in my soul! Lord knows there aren't many holes left in my tackle boxes. Also, it seems like people begin asking the biology (physiology/behavior/limnology/ecology) questions after a day's fishing. Funny how that is. ;) Anyway, remains to be seen how popular my channel might get, a channel that doesn't chase the gold: the algorithm and strings-attached, time-sucking, sponsorship. Thanks for the like-minded comment. All the Best, Paul

[@swimbaitohio]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 Yes sir, I'm not speaking of commercials or advertising. I'm just saying, allot of fishing channels have lure challenge videos or focus on a specific type of bait. I love how you focus more on the fish themselves, well aware that every lure has a time and place. Also, there are several different types to use for the same type of situation you might be in. Just makes more sense to focus mostly on the bass behavior alone. To me, you seem to cover that very well. Again, thank you.love the videos

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, SO. Agree entirely. Apologies for my skewed response, I've been in channel business mode lately. And not where I want to be spending much of my time. But, been having some hard discussions here on the home front, deciding how much time I can responsibly put into this gig. The "biology" has never been the most popular, or easily supported, tack. I knew that going in, and I'm not in this to be an entertainer. Great comment, right on the money, and well articulated. I take it you've fished some. :) I see the same focus out there too, and have developed little patience for it anymore. A lot of wading to get to an insight, if at all. And rarely the "why's" beneath. I understand that world, but want to, can only, spend my time producing deeper content. Thanks for the encouragement, SO! Love to have more fishing related conversations with you. That's part of the reason for this channel. I can't be everywhere. All the best, Paul

[@swimbaitohio]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 Your doing a great job man, good time management is never an easy skill to have. Yes, I love fishing and go nearly everyday. Keep up the good work man, will be on touch with you again. Tight Lines man. 🤙🏼👊🏼

[@lessonlearnerfishingjordan7264]

Outstanding!!!...now I’m gonna be writing notes all night like I’m studying for a test!!!. I feel like I’m back in college.lol

[@lessonlearnerfishingjordan7264]

Your content and analysis on fishing with professionalism stands above the rest!!!👍🏾👌🏾❤️.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Jordon. Thanks. Yeah, it takes time to learn, really to incorporate stuff into our own view of things. Enjoy the ride cause... we'll never actually "get there". :) Best, Paul

[@lessonlearnerfishingjordan7264]

The Nature of Fishing ...you are so right! Lol, and I think that’s what has kept me into it since(2017)! It’s gives you the drive to continue on that complicated yet hardly ever completed journey, but I still like to take the ride anyway! Lol👍🏾👌🏾.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Again, completely enjoyed and learned what to expect ...sorta when I get to Ft Collins 1st week of Sept. Take a few days to try those gravel pits or quarry. Headed to the Black for some Apache trout fishing! Meeting brother in Alpine, Az. Guide and all! I know how you like to fish for trout...angler that you are! Son is working in Ft. Collins so that's my approach to Rockies. Yep. Fishing through the Virus!! 😷!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Michael. Lotsa small waters up around Ft. Collins from what I hear. Never fished there but they should be pretty much like what you see in my vids. Wonderful plans you've got lined up. Lemme know how things pan out.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Paul, I fully intend to do both! I viewed this video a few weeks ago but been SO wired up to launch after 3 yrs or 4 in making. Wanted to launch last May when I hit 65. But ...now instead and I think itll be better. Certainly better prepared.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Congrats on your new career launch! :) Yeah, the preparation is certainly helpful. Enjoy it! Paul

[@llEverydayCarnivorell]

Paul, you are the reason I am not only an improved angler, but a self proclaimed marine biologist, specializing in Bass fisheries! Thanks for your videos! I learn so much from you teaching the nature of fishing!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, RHF. Thanks! Great to hear. Yeah, although I love it all, the nature part of fishing is the most interesting part for me. All the best, Paul

[@bucknuts8824]

Interesting Paul. This spring at our AEP Recreation land ponds in SE Ohio, I fished a pond that required a one mile hike in the woods. I carted my kayak back to it. That day I caught 18 fish. 17 under 14 inches, most under 12, and 1 fish 26 inches. A 10 pounder and a bunch of dinks.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, J. Wow. Congrats! 26" is one BIG bass. Not many bass, esp N bass, can get that long. And in OH. That's a rare fish. Well worth the haul in. And I'd be going back to see just what that pond has going. Could be Beast or Famine... or... a whole lotta dinks. But a 26 will certainly peak my curiosity. Cheers, Paul

[@joshuagibson2520]

AEP is one of the best kept secrets in the whole country. I remember when it was called Ohio Power.

[@bucknuts8824]

@@joshuagibson2520 not so much of a secret anymore. But you're right it used to be, In the good ol days

[@BWOUTDOORS]

VERY GREAT VIDEOS TO WATCH.

[@jamescorsiglia8997]

Congratulations on the enormous bass!! I liked and shared your video with my fishing club.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, James. Thanks! That was a BIG one. It's tough to break 20" in my waters here. Cheers, Paul

[@badfishingbissanschlagdril3637]

Nice catch buddy💪🏻🎣👍🏼

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks BAD.

[@norcalbassnwithrioblanco4799]

Dude you need to come to Northern California and do some reaserch fishing the Delta... From Salmon at certain times of the year to Bluegill and everything in between you would love it, over 300 miles of fishery and inland marsh teaming with all sorts of things!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Ah yes, so much water, so little time. Great position to be in! ;)

[@striperhunter-ic2wt]

Excellent content, some nice bass...

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, Morty.

[@benniemaxwell2869]

Ben from Michigan, nice outing Paul. As always, love the video. Been eagerly awaiting another one from you. My home lake is stony creek in Washington Michigan. Seems that I catch ONLY 2-3 lbers there. I had a goal to catch a 5+ this year which would be my PB, but so far I’ve come up short. Thanks again

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Ben. Good to hear from you. Yeah, I've been eagerly trying to get one out! Lots of waters have mostly 2-3lbers. Those are the older mature bass in most waters. In most waters, some individuals will reach 4lbs. Few make 5, in most waters, in the N. Then there are a few waters that produce more big bass, due to fertility and sheer amount of food in appropriate sizes for each size class. That's a tall order for most waters. In many waters, the majority of bass will max out at 17 or 18". If you really want to catch BIG bass, you should be spending your time on waters that produce them in some numbers. This is the most probable way. Otherwise, in more average waters, you can try is to target individual bass that were able to "break the mold", and begin feeding on adult fishes that most adult bass cannot handle. These are the truly BIG bass: 5+lbers. Not all waters have them. But most good waters have at least... one or two. Some, more. I once, years ago, did this (well before the big swimbait craze) using musky sized plugs, spinnerbaits, and 12+in worms. And I broke a couple pond records doing it: 4-6lb fish. It takes some dedication, but is fun. I hope to a video on this sometime. I do catch some average fish (2-3lbers) on these lures too, but not as many as I would using more standard bass lures. Good luck in your quest. It helps, though, to get a realistic bead on upping probabailities. Paul

[@benniemaxwell2869]

The Nature of Fishing thanks Paul. I just told my fishing partner las weekend that I was going to start throwing bigger baits to see if I can get a bigger bite. I told him I expect less bites during my outings but the quality should increase if only a little. He disagreed but I knew it made sense. I know there are at least a few Bass in the 5 pound range in my lake. I’ve seen the pictures. I’m having fun either way. I think it will help if I can ever get my little aluminum boat out since shore access is limited here. Hopefully I can get a trolling motor set up some day but the virus really put a lid on buying fishing equipment. My extended family lives in Tennessee. Think I might have to go visit them when work picks back up. Good Bass fishing down there 😁

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Be a bit careful about comparing yourself with "the pics". First, many people aren't very good at estimating fish size, much less actually weigh their fish, much less on calibrated scales. Although this is changing some with good digital scales out there. Second, it's tough to compete with the hundreds of other anglers out there; That's a LOT of casts! :) Ask any pro. If there were only pay-outs for the top 5, or ten, or... places, "pro" tournaments would die. Lastly, enjoy every bass you catch. I sure do. If a big one in your water is 17", that's a big fish! I fish a pond that had yet to show a fish over 18", including on video. That might change, but... it's been 20 years now! A fisher I met, who considers himself a big bass chaser, asked me what he could expect from that particular pond. I told him there are lots of fat 15"ers. But... they just don't seem to put on the length needed to get BIG (by Colorado standards). I told him if he can break 18" in that pond he's well out on that upper tail (statistically). Later that summer he sent me a pic of him standing on the edge of that pond holding an 18-1/2"er. I congratulated him and told him, that's the biggest bass I've seen from that pond in 20 yrs. Well done! Which is something he seemed to need recognition for. Hey, we all would love to catch a "bigger" bass. But, let's be realistic and appreciate every "good"/mature bass we catch.

[@benniemaxwell2869]

The Nature of Fishing advice taken Paul. I do enjoy catching largemouth of any size. My home lake is very pressured and most people don’t catch many. I go at sunrise and sunset when the crowds of casual anglers and pleasure boaters are sleeping or gone for the day. I won’t be disappointed if I don’t catch a biggun’. It’s just a goal to aim for. The pictures I saw were just people holding Bass. They didn’t say the weight but even I could see they were much bigger than the 3 lber I caught. I will be careful not to compare my catch with them or get my hopes too high and set myself up for disappointment. Thanks for all the insight and advice. I will be looking forward to your next video. If you’re ever in Michigan, it would make my day to fish with you. Good fishing.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

I do look at online and tackle shop pics, and talk to fishers on site, when scoping out a lake. It is helpful! Tough though for all the reasons you probably know. It can be tough to tell the actual weight of a bass by a photo, in large part bc older bass take on certain physical attributes, whether they weigh 3#12oz, or 5#12oz. Cold water caught fish, carrying fat and eggs, can be esp misleading. Not that they aren't gorgeous fish in prime condition! But, they most easily pass for 7lbers, when they really weigh 4. So, I'm more interested in length. I'll often ask an angler who tells me they caught a 5lber how long is was. If I hear "18in" I know that's, normally, a 3lb class fish. To break 5lbs most bass have to be around the 21" mark, give or take. Every inch after, they can really pack on the weight. Length is the most difficult for fish to attain. Anyway, enjoy your adventures. And go ahead and get your hopes up! Paul

[@TheFinisher1215]

I really enjoy your segments man. Learn so much. Thanks paul.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Harold. Thanks. Great to hear. Cheers, Paul

[@jesseshumaker2718]

Always amazing to watch/hear your videos Paul. Here in Central Arizona I've heard that bass can reach 1lb in a year making them close to 12" due to the yearly warm temps we see with water temps never dipping much below the mid to lower 50's. We never have a freeze. In regards to the size issue with just catching lunkers this is awesome to hear about because I have a pond just like this which my Dad and I started fishing this year. We have really struggled on this one pond where it's generally feast or famine and when it's feast it's not numbers but close to 7 fish combined which are all 3+ lb fish. It's very difficult to catch 1-2lbers. I have caught one .75lb fish which seemed like an outlier. I know this pond has produced numbers in the past from other youtubers showing video's on the pond around 2016, but we have not had this experience 4 years later. so I'm not sure if this pond went through a serious change or not or if the people who have brought nets to this pond and removed fish have drastically affected re-production and the overall bass population. I've looked at google earth and have not seen a drastic draw down of water, so I don't think think this is a factor. when we have visited the lake, it seems like it's teaming with life. shad are being chased and birds are lining the shores. We have also noticed that it's easier to catch 1-3lb catfish using bass lures (mainly rattletraps) than it is to catch bass, so could the catfish population be overwhelming the bass population, creating an imbalance? conversely, there's another pond we visit which is the opposite and we only catch 1-2lbers all day and can get numbers but nothing over 2 pounds. So what do you think the issue would be with this pond? It's got an overpopulation of 1-2lbers and a predominant thread-fin shad base as the forage.

[@H8er-Maker]

Are you in the Phoenix area? If so, I have a spot for you to try. Treat it with respect even if you see others are not.

[@jesseshumaker2718]

Bruce Simmons I’m always down for new spots and never share spots :) so yeah yur secret is safe with me . Where is it ? Thanks

[@H8er-Maker]

@@jesseshumaker2718 Well you may know of it cuz it's not a little pond. Loop 101 exit McLintock east to Longmore head south park at the end Longmore. It's reservation land but they don't own the basin Dobson Materials does. I have received 2 parking warnings in last 6yrs fishing there. Good luck.

[@jesseshumaker2718]

@@H8er-Maker Yah I know that spot but don't go since it's Reservation Land. tight lines my friend.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Jesse. Yes, bass in the S can grow faster than those in the N. Some growth rates in S waters with tons of prey, have seen 14" over the first year! Most waters don't see this though. Age at maturation seems to follow the latitudes. Sounds to me as though that pond has had a couple poor spawning/survival years. Could be other things, but "hot" fisheries tend to follow esp good spawn/survival years. One thing I look for is high water through the spawn, that floods shoreline vegetation. This added shallow cover provides great cover for YOY fish, bass included, so survival peaks. Of course, for such year classes to continue to survive and grow there has to be appropriate sized prey for each size class. It's a wonder that we get to catch any good bass at all! But, they've been at it a looooong time, and have evolved the wisdom needed to keep the lineage rolling. Keep your eyes open, and wheels turning, out there.

[@Boots67]

Love your videos... definitely the best information, and presentation.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Travis. Thanks! Much appreciated. Wish I could do more of them. Cheers, Paul

[@kylesnowdon8498]

Fantastic! Utterly fantastic, Paul! I found your videos via a comment while reading bass resource. A viewer there suggested your channel and boy oh boy am I glad I checked it out! Looking forward to more!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Kyle. Thanks! Wish I could put more time into this. There's so much to cover. Wish me luck! Cheers, Paul

[@fidangyang1995]

I don't know if I was that viewer who recommended Paul's channel on bassresource, but I have been recommending and preaching about his channel on other fishing channels. I really enjoy Paul's entertaining yet informative videos, would like for others to get in on his amazing videos, so I have been recommending them to others.

[@krookedrazor4219]

This channel is outstanding. Keep up the good work.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, KR. Thanks. I don't have more subscribers, perhaps, bc I do not feed the ravenous YT algorithm enough to get the exposure, an algorithm that favors nearly daily uploads. Also could be that my talking head intros are not entertaining enough. I'm not much interested in diluting my content, much less running a daily vlog. YT and I may simply not be a match. Best, Paul

[@lannyseals2084]

Awesome info! Always enjoy your content and learning! I have to say, pound for pound channel cat is one of the most hard fighting fish I catch! They are very fun to catch when you are fishing for them but can be a pain when you are not fishing for them lol

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Lanny. You and I are in the same boat on channel cats. They are strong, and with a body shape that makes them tough to defeat. I do like them, but they can be a disappointment when I'm hoping for a big bass. :) Paul

[@jonathanjesustien1319]

As always another spectacular video the educational content you provide is second to none, I’ve been rewatching your journals lately tryin to figure out why I haven’t been able to get a single bite in my local drainage ditches and I’m guessing it’s just too hot the water is probably over 80 Im guessing and I haven’t been able to fish during a cold front too and I went fishing at a pond 30 minutes away it was a real treat never before have I seen such crystal clear water and the abundance of wildlife and fish was astonishing didn’t get a single bite though so the temps,water clarity and it being a blue bird sky as you would say probably contributed to the non biters but next time I’ll go during a cold front when it’s super cloudy and in your opinion would fluorocarbon be useful for less experienced angler I use braid for the non memory but it’s highly visible so would I benefit from the flouro or at least until I can get better at not spooking the fish thanks in advance Paul and I wish you luck in your fishing adventures

[@SaulTeebolz]

Jonathan Tien I am in the same boat as you In Virginia as the temps are in the mid to high 90’s. I have the best luck top water fishing in the early morning or the hour before and after sunset

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Jonathan. Yes, hot water, clear water, and blue skies can make things tough. Every summer the bass fishing forums are full of complaints about tough fishing. You are far from alone. As to going to FC... I feel that the ability of fish to physically "see" the line is not the biggest problem with fishing lines. Instead, I feel that the disturbance a length of line makes on or in the water is the biggest culprit. Fish don't know what line is, beyond something that moved nearby. This is essentially what my Line1 video, in the Tackle Know-How playlist, tries to describe. In shallow water, and high vis conditions esp, I like braid bc it is so thin and light that it doesn't disturb water as much. Hope this helps, Paul

[@jonathanjesustien1319]

The Nature of Fishing Thanks for the input Paul so I just need to get better at not spooking them easier said then done,I suppose I need more experience is all keep up the great work Paul I am sincerely grateful for all the great content and if I may ask when we can expect another documentary I understand how difficult and all the work that goes into them but I just can’t wait till your next one and don’t feel pressured to answer it’s more for my anticipation if anything

[@jonathanjesustien1319]

northCALIFA ya with my little experience and tough fishing conditions I can’t expect much more I just need to fish more thanks for the feedback and good luck in your fishing adventures as well

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Maybe see VFJ#1, if you haven't already. Also, not letting the fish see you can yield surprising results on "spooky" fish.

[@weswarden2216]

That 6lber was a beautiful fish, great work bud keep it up 👏 👏 👏

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, Wes.

[@weswarden2216]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 no problem bud

[@maxcole3930]

Before we moved to SC, I had a spring fed old gravel pit fishery close. So I kayak fished it all the time. Water was gin clear, like 10' of vis. It was stocked with rainbow trout annually, had largemouth, black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, carp. Supposedly had pike & walleye left overs from when they used to stock when my dad was a kid. I fished it for years, never saw or cause walleye or pike. I loved that place. Caught alot of bass there!!! But I never caught any bass over 3-3.8lbs? It was about 35-40 acres, so a decent sized. Why do u think that was? They had plenty of food & spawned good every year. Never saw anyone catch a 4 + pound bass? I would think they had to be in there. Just never made sense to me

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Sounds like a fertility thing. Often that’s related to the geological substrate and little influx from outside. 10ft visibility suggests that. Sounds wonderful regardless. Each water offers something different.

[@maxcole3930]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 yes it was absolutely beautiful & good fishery, just never caught any huge bass. There were massive carp & catfish you would think there would b big bass too. Tons of 2-3 pounders & smaller. Just always wondered about it sense I never saw or caught one above that. Now I've moved I don't fish it & will never know. Fortunately I am surrounded by new fisheries with really big bass.

[@gizmocarr3093]

Nature of Fishing I believe you have found an excellent fishery for study. There is a difference from waters holding large bass than ones teaming with smaller ones. The days of lots of bites gets reduced and beating the shore is less productive. Waters that have heavy fishing pressure affect fish the same as heavy traffic on the highway. Wise drivers avoid traffic and big wise bass do too. They can feed all night when all the traffic has gone away. And rest during the day. Granted big bass get fooled during the middle of the day but, far fewer do than in the dark of the cooling night. It is nearly impossible to make a video at night however; bass are built for summer midnight feasting. July and August is the time to sleep during the day and fish in the darkness. Most anglers never caught a fish on a Hula-Popper; because most anglers don’t fish in the dark and that is the reason why. I bet when Mrs. Big jumped off you line it put a little tear in your eye. Channel Cats love chatterbaits more than crankbaits. Big ones will pull your skinny butt around the lake like a motor boat, hope you find that out. Enjoy the ride.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Gizmo. I'm not convinced that bass leave shorelines, or go nocturnal, bc of fishing pressure. I suspect both are part of the life history "strategy" for some many fishes. Brown trout go nocturnal too when water temps break into the 60sF, fishing pressure or not. Nocturnal hunting in bass and browns seems to be more prevalent in big fish, which makes me think it has to do with efficiency in feeding on larger more elusive prey. I think we could call that wisdom, but something deeper set than a reaction to fishing pressure. Fish generally habituate to fishing pressure pretty well, although they can become tougher to approach and to dupe.

[@gizmocarr3093]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 Reply to the Nature of Fishing Channel I fished a lake 11 miles from my door since 1980. I never did a scientific study but, I sure spent a lot of time fishing. The fish commission stocked it with most everything in the warm water species department. But, the secret ingredient was Alewives. The lake got nicknamed The Dead Sea. Picture a lake much like yours with 44 miles of shoreline. The lake was under use for the first 10-years. Then all these big fish started being caught. Alewives make big fat fish and makes tricking them with fake’s, tuff. It was deemed a trophy lake with larger required size limits. Today I arrive at 5am at one of five major boat ramps; I was lucky to find a parking place. That is fishing pressure and it affects fish behavior period. Bass and all predators are night stalkers. Friday night; I fished for Hybrid Striped Bass. You just find alewives splashing any place and wait till the Stripers come a calling. It happened about 1 am; however; what came calling were Largemouth Bass. In an hour and half we caught 8 bass none weighed less than 2.7 pounds and two went over five. I missed 4 others and my partner missed some too. That just doesn’t happen in summer during the day time. Today; I just road around and watched Lowrance TV; I caught couple little bass and few panfish. When you fish in total darkness you need to plan your trip ahead of time. If you think day time fishing strikes are exciting; you wait till you get your rod nearly pull out of you hand in total darkness. You don’t see it but, you hear it and feel it. Fish do what they do; it is not always what we want or think they do.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Gizmo. Sounds like awesome fishing! Congrats! Yeah, alewives are a challenge. They can get the bass, esp SM's, cruising and hard to pin down. I've done some night fishing in the past, and have thought about doing a night video. Hope I can get to one. Best, Paul

[@woefman9467]

This is amazing... Same thing happen to me today... All of it... Losing giant bass... Losing small bass... Jumping... Catching big cats on cranks... My temps were same... Whole reason i searched and found this was looking for info on 80 degree bass fishing and jumping

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, wm. Very cool. Possibly, when we start sharing the same experiences, we are getting closer to the truth? Keep on keepin on. Cheers, Paul

[@norcalbassnwithrioblanco4799]

OUTSTANDING!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, Norcal.

[@Redneckrino]

Thanks man I love facts and observations. I have the bell 🔔 on your videos. Keep it up man!!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, BD. You bet. Wish I could get more time at it. Guess we'll all have to be patient. Hard to do, esp as the seasons roll by. Paul

[@themandolinmaniac]

Love your work!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey tmm. Thanks. Me too! Wish the heck I could do more of it. Paul

[@jmpapucci]

Congratulations on that Colorado Six +❤️😁

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, Bassman! 😁😁😁 Nice to break that 20" barrier every now and then. Cheers, Paul

[@jmpapucci]

The Nature of Fishing you deserve it Paul,😁,Thanks for sharing your journals with us

[@joshuablomer]

Hey Brother! i have two ideas that came to mind and i figured i would comment. i have a pond and a fella had recently stocked it for us. that got me thinking; i wonder what is detrimental in pond management and i wonder how recently stocked fish act. You get anglers thinking in ways they never really have, Thanks so Much Brother and May GOD Bless!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Joshua. Thanks! And you're welcome. Wish I could put more time into it. Lots going on in ponds. Tough to say what outcomes might be, without looking into all the variables. Freshly stocked bass tend to move a lot, getting to know the place, and esp looking for food. After this, how much they move depends on the food they find. Some waters have most prey or best hunting in certain locations and bass may become home bodies. Some waters, bass may continue to be roamers. Small ponds is the same activity but ranges much more limited of course. A very good source for pond management is PondBoss. Google em. There is a discussion forum, too, that's excellent. Cheers, Paul

[@joshuablomer]

The Nature of Fishing Thanks For The Info Man! Tight Lines!

[@SaulTeebolz]

Love your vids!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, northCALIFA.

[@TaroMurata]

Yes!!!!!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Taro. That's what I say when I finally get one out! Yes! and Phew! Paul

[@TaroMurata]

The Nature of Fishing haha. I hear ya. In the grind too!

[@airadaimagery692]

Sweet skipping performance!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, 1k hp. Yeah, it's a fun way to fish. It's pretty easy to skip with spinning tackle, but I've come to be able to skip with casting tackle too. A skippable lure helps a lot too. Tubes are probably the easiest to skip. Have been hoping to do a video on skipping some time. Cheers, Paul

[@airadaimagery692]

The Nature of Fishing love it! Loving your videos... I love the scientific depth in which your videos are based on. If your ever in south Louisiana your welcome to come fish with me, there is a 100 acre lake right out my back door. I caught a 6.5lb bass just an hour ago! Keep up the great work and I’ll continue to support you. Thanks! Have a great day! Britt.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, Britt.

[@maxcole3930]

That was really nice bass! How accurate do you think your scale is? Did u have some way to check it? I have older spring scale & I bought a new digital scale last year. My old spring scale is surprising accurate. I have no idea how they calibrate those things & what keeps them calibrated after using it for few yrs!?

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Max. That’s a 10# Chatillon scale I bought for bass fishing years ago. It’s very accurate and kept calibrated -via a small threaded nut.

[@caliyak_fishing]

In 2014 and 2015, we had our California drought. we saw our bodies of water at their lowest levels in history. We are now 5-6 years removed, can we be seeing the same results? very great stuff to think about.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Caliyak. Great question. Depends. (Of course). Droughts in my ponds tend to create a feeding boom for the bass, by consolidating prey and predators together. My bass have gotten FAT during these periods. But bass reproduction may suffer, as shoreline cover dries up, exposing young-of-the-year (YOY) bass too. Droughts can help in really weedy waters by killing back shoreline weeds, clearing shallows of weeds and creating an inside weedline. In fact, some densely weedy waters, managed for bass, are purposely drawn down to create these open zones that aid bass in hunting and spawning. So, it's a matter of available depth and cover. If droughts are severe water quality issues may arise, esp under high heat, and "summerkills" due to oxygen depletion and concentrated toxins may happen. This is rare up here in the N, but I did have one large but very shallow pond suffer a summerkill. So, you simply have to observe, fish, and make your best guesses. Hope this helps. Paul

[@robjones7410]

Off the wall question: Do you think its better fishing early morning or early evening?

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Rob. Wow. Big question. As I have come to say, "That's what a channel is for." :) I guess I'd start with Conditions & Circumstances 3: Lighting in the Fundamentals Playlist. Bass are pretty adaptable predators and get aggressive when hunting's best. Conditions and prey types and their vulnerabilities, both play a role. Paul

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

All the time I was out yonder and never wet a line on the Front Range...🤨

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

There's some good fishing there. When you visit your son again, throw in a travel rod. Lotsa small water up and down the FR.

[@williamcampbell6589]

Wow, this sounds like my neighborhood pond. I was just telling a friend yesterday that I've caught more fish over 5lbs than I have under 5lbs. Like you said, the big ones keep me coming back. I did find out that the HOA stocks bass and shiners. That may explain why there's so many big ones. It is heavily pressured pond. With so much bait, it's hard to catch quantity. The quality is why I continue to go. I've never seen fish so fat in the summer. FYI, I'm in Central Florida. This pond has no cover, but 15 yards off the bank there is a ledge. The bass sit in the deeper water and use the ledge to ambush bait.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, William. Sounds like you are reading things right. Fat fish in summer, in FL, means there's a lot of food there. And/or, the pond is spring-fed and remains cool. Very cool scenario with that ledge. Structure/cover like that really helps. Interesting that there are more big bass than small. Could be the lures you are using, a strong year class or two, or there is a good population of large shiners that only big bass can engulf. I've too have seen this with Golden Shiners, as well as other prey species. Paul

[@grizzlytabaccy]

You probably get asked this daily but what's your favorite lures? Ones that always produce a bite

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, grizz. No such animal. Lures are tools that fit the conditions & circumstances. Sometimes we end up doctoring a lure to make it fit. The closest thing to an "always" lure is the plastic worm, the "stick" or "cigar shaped ones probably most consistently, the Senko and all its derivatives. But there are C&C when other lures will outfish a worm 10:1. Wish it were easy. Actually no I don't. The complexity is where the fun is, after you begin to understand it. Hope this helps. Paul.

[@guywithagoprofishingshow3011]

Hey Bud!-was wondering over last few days when the next VFJ was coming out,& viola!!I know your on a float tube but want 2 share this w/you anyways.Ive had a few too many heartbreakers lost,so now when I feel them coming up,I just point my rod tip under water &"force them down".It actually works.You are a wealth of knowledge,bud-always gr8 content.I just got my channel up & will be uploading ep003 here shortly."BassFishinBrian" on YT.Cheers,mate!!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Brian. Thanks. Yeah, I've dying to upload! Wish I could put more time toward this YT gig. Yes, snubbing those jumpers down is the thing to do. But I was so tired at that point I just didn't react. Just sort of watched her do her thing. I simply let her go. I suppose if I'd had more energy and she'd got away with that, I would've been pissed. But, I was tired enough to... just be philosophical about it lol. Good luck with your channel. Paul

[@guywithagoprofishingshow3011]

Hey Paul,it's channels like yours & others that inspired me.theres a lot to this!hopefully someday we can quit our jobs and dedicate our time to our fishing channels!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Brian. Yeah, it's a big world out there. I wouldn't have it any other way. Although sometimes it can get a little tough on the ego. :) Good luck with your channel. Paul

[@eyeTHC]

Dude these are just great

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, Joey.

[@mikewaldron388]

What is the make and model of your tube float?

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

It’s a Fish Cat, made by Outcast. An older model, now 15yrs old.

[@arthurdirindinjr1792]

My situation is just the opposite but I am a shore fisherman The lakes I fish most have an in my opinion excellent population of over 2lb but under 5lb largemouth bass. I have already caught more than 100 bass this year so far and fully 10% possibly 12% of those bass were over 4lbs but only two so far were over 5lbs I have caught only one bass this year under one pound and only two or three over 1lb but under 2lbs the average size of bass I catch are between 2.5 and 2.6lbs My average is 4 fish per 5 hours of fishing.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Arthur. Your situation sounds like a well balanced fishery. Lucky you! Fish apparently need 2 main things to get BIG: good rapid early growth (prior to maturation) and then abundant large prey. For me, I'd rather have your situation than the one in this video, or the needle in a haystack I've been currently fishing. Man those strike-less hours grow old!

[@fredthegamerschrarder7716]

Hey do you have a video on how bass react to the presence of humans. One of my friends told me to walk slowly when approaching a spot because he said they can hear the vibrations of your foot hitting the ground I was wondering if that’s true? Also some people I fish with whisper and act like the bass will get spooked if they hear our voices do they even get spooked by voices. I’ve seen them get spooked from my shadows or just seeing me. In some city ponds and golf ponds the bass I see are so accustomed to human activity they won’t spook.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Fred. I don't, yet. Great topic. You are right bass can "habituate" to... almost anything: people, jet planes, heavy equipment, ... . It's what they are used to. The (very) short answer is that bass are automatically afraid of "predators", and attracted to "food", and "social" needs. Their responses to disturbances center around these "hypotheticals". I'd suggest seeing my documentary "Development 1..." in the Documentaries playlist. Also see, Video Fishing Journal #1. Hope this helps, 'til I get something out on fish reactions to fishing. Best, Paul

[@justandy1431]

Amazing content! I am working for an online newspaper in Bulgaria and I'm currently making a small documentary about the invasive species in my country. Unfortunately, the largemouth bass is becoming a problem for the aquatic ecosystem in many lakes around my city. With my documentary I am trying spread awareness about the problem that seems to be ignored by a lot of fishermen. Since you have an amazing close-up shots of the bass, would it be possible for me to use around 1 minute of you amazing footage? Your cooperation would be of much help since I don't possess the necessary equipment to film the fish. Thank you very much for your work!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Yoan. For such a public service effort, yes. But please don't take advantage for commercial interests. First, will you provide me an online address for one of your news pieces. Thanks. Paul

[@justandy1431]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 I am a new intern for the newspaper (it's called "24 Hours") and currently this is my fist project, so I cannot provide you news pieces that I have done for this particular newspaper. However, I have some articles in English that I have done for my university newspaper: aubgdaily.com/40/stories-from-the-flood/ and aubgdaily.com/23/aglen-s-snake-master/ I can assure I have no commercial interests. However, the newspaper, by default, will profit off the content I create because of the ads within the website. If this possess any problems I will understand completely. Thank you for responding so quickly!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Is it “24 Chasa”? Go ahead Yoan. Send me the link when it is ready. I’d love to seen it. Good luck with it. Paul

[@justandy1431]

Thank you very much Paul! Yes, it's "24 Chasa" (chasa= hours in Bulgarian). If the video project goes through I will send you a link here. Unfortunately, it will be in Bulgarian so I am not sure how much you would understand but at the very least the footage in itself will give some idea of what's going on. Thank you for your time and keep on producing awesome content!

[@justandy1431]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 www.24chasa.bg/novini/article/8916124 This is the link. Once again thank you very much for your footage!

[@johnnysays9629]

Been having problems with all ponds and lakes in my area. I was wondering about stocking but we only stock trout. Do you think that can have a problem with other waters? Thanks for the videos.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Johnny. That's really tough to say. It takes some exploring, fishing, to get a bead on populations. Stocking of bass is often not done bc of the cost, and the fact that bass generally do roughly OK reproducing, almost always being able to maintain at least some adult spawners out there. Stocking is an investment for an agency and done in the most popular waters to try to maintain consistently good numbers of catchable bass. A good way to get a bead on populations of mature bass in specific waters you fish, is during the spawn. If visibility is good, direct fish spotting or bed counting can help. A couple spring's ago I checked on one of my "Lab Ponds", a 3acre pond, and counted 30 beds. Knowing male bass might make a second bed that's at least 15 adult males, but more likely 20+. Double that number for the likely number of females in the pond, gives me 40+ adult bass. Then add in non-spawning adults, and beds I missed, gives a guesstimate of at least 50 adult bass in that little pond. Interestingly, frighteningly!, but instructive, is that I don't catch nearly that many individuals on any given fishing day on that little pond. Fishing is only so good a sampling method, on any given day. If you are having trouble finding good fish in all of your waters, it's not likely all due to reproduction issues. This is esp so if you are a shoreline fisher. Many bass and other species commonly move away from shallow shorelines by summer, even in small waters. If good habitat is there, some bass will remain shallow, shoreline oriented. Also, with a lot of prey in the water, after all the spring spawning of prey species, it's been suggested that bass may feed in more compressed time periods, often at low light or after dark. So there are a few "best" options for summer in many waters: Fish offshore structures; Search out good shallow habitat (cover and food); Fish during prime periods when bass might be hunting aggressively (early and late, deep overcast, or at night); Target the bottom; Fish during extended cold front periods when water temps and light penetration become decreased. If you are fishing from the bank, casting further out can actually help. I have a long-casting rigs (longer, powerful, slower action rods) with large spool reels to bomb casts way out there. Topwaters, or near-surface lures, during prime times can get bit out there and still allow strike detection. Hope this helps, or at least helps get your wheels turning. Paul

[@johnnysays9629]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 thank you very very much

[@cwsoutdoors7190]

Do you fish and live in Colorado?

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, CWS. Yes! I fish, and shoot my UW video in, public waters along the front range. Look familiar? I don't openly share my fishing locations, mostly bc I don't want other fishers I share water with to worry that I'm advertising or exposing "their" waters. I know how that feels and want to be respectful. And, quite honestly, my waters are not special. And, in terms of sheer space and time, there's a ton of good fishing to be had out there. On the water, if someone is fishing legally and ethically, I'm happy to share info. What goes around comes around, so I get good info in return. All the best, Paul

[@highjenks3d]

I'm not so sure about your numbers but, I also fish waters far south of you in one year down here we go from fry to 12 inches at about 1and a quarter to a half pound and yeah the water is warmer metabolism is higher in 5 years a pond here if all were stocked at the same time 4lbers all day long and that does depend upon food available but that's average

[@highjenks3d]

You also have bass that have trout as a food source as well but, your season is definitely shorter, what works in a Colorado pond can be extremely the opposite to what works in south texas waters, water clarity does make a huge difference most of your waters are clear where down in Texas it's often murky with rains, really all ponds vary even if they are side by side I've seen 7 bodies of water in one day all fish differently So many factors

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Yes, S bass may grow a lot faster. Longer growing season and greater food production. Many states provide growth data for their fish. Individual waters, some years, and individual fish, can vary though. Interestingly, but not too surprising, that CO and PA (both places I've shot video) have pretty much the same growth rates.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Yes, different waters can fish very differently over the same time period: C&C is not just about the weather. Lotsa variables at play. Keeps us learning.

[@Mufahz]

hey man i have a question what should i do if my pond drops from 5 ft on the banks and drops to 30 ft all the way to the center? what tips can you give me bro?

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Freddy. Sounds like a swimming pool!. :) Some waters that deep may or may not have fish in those depths, depending on whether that place thermoclines, and/or water clarity. Very fertile waters may not have O2 in those depths, at least during mid to late summer. If very clear water, there could be O2 down there, but if there's a thermocline, it may be too cold for bass down there. A thermometer lowered down will tell you. As to O2, the only way to know is via sonar. Is there life below the thermocline? The safest bet is "the shallows", from the bank down to the thermocline. The job is pretty much the same as anywhere: look for bottom irregularities of any type that might attract fish. Good complex cover (weeds, wood, rock) is best. With little of it, you'll have to look that much closer. If you don't have sonar, then it would be worth bottom scratching to ID the structure of the bottom throughout the pond, although bass could be anywhere in the water column, at times, they will often be relating to the bottom. Helps to know prey species present too, where they might collect. Hope this helps. Paul

[@GermanShepherdDaphne]

Is it normal that my bass went from 3 inches to 12 inches within July 1st 2022 to now May 8th 2023

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, GSDC. Not unheard of, for fish that are in good conditions and well fed, esp in the south.

[@Mufahz]

that crank bait is the one you sanded down and painted your self huh bro? so bad ass to see your own imagination come to live action like that

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Freddy. The one in this vid was one I modified the colors on, but wasn't the same as I showed in a previous video. The older one was a Bomber Model A, this one a Cordell Big O. Both were "bluegillized". So many "bluegill" painted cranks portray adult spawn-colored BG's. Most of the 'gills, most of the year, in many of my waters are a a plain, nearly unmarked, golden-olive color. So I have re-colored a number of my cranks to get that look. I really don't know how much it matters to the bass, but I like it. And... I'm the one who's fishing them. :) Paul

[@Mufahz]

The Nature of Fishing god bless you bro

[@highjenks3d]

If there was an always to fish they would call it catching and not fishing the number of unknown variables you can account for often equares to your success

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Yes! A good start is being able to identify the variables and then how fish are apt to respond to them. Heck of a complex playing field we fishers operate in. Fish are complex, bc the world they inhabit is.

[@robertjaynes4322]

I've been waiting for you to upload!!! , you have the most informational content there is on youtube , and I was wondering are you an actual biologist?????

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Robert. Me too!! I've seen dying to upload too. Wish I could put more time toward this YT gig. I am not a professional biologist... although I look like one! :)) My science background was in ecological physiology, or eco-physiology, at a university. This dozen years of experience in rigorous science provided me familiarity with science, and to be able to access scientific literature. Oh, and I was a fisheries, and sometimes wildlife, management major, who also dabbled in evolutionary biology. I've always wanted to know how nature actually works. I blame a rock bass I caught when I was 5. :) Cheers, Paul

[@williamcampbell6589]

The aggressiveness of the fish in this pond may be because of genetics and the amount of food for them to chase.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Genetics is always a part of the equation. But if the system (conditions, circumstances, prey, ...) can't support traits, they are held in check, or culled out. If you are finding large bass, then things are going right there. Awesome!!

[@joshuagibson2520]

The 2 people who disliked have never caught a bass, because they buy into lure hype and not the science. 😂😂😂

[@TacticalJay62]

0 dislikes

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, JMACK. Yes. My vids seem to stay in the high 90% like/dislike ratio. I knew my channel wouldn't be for everyone, but... so far so good. Maybe my talking head segment just scares away, or bores, the dislikers up front?! :) All the best, Paul

[@TacticalJay62]

Wow you seem like a great person Paul definitely a angler I could learn a lot from it would be cool to contact you and talk about my local waters and help me out alittle, yours truly jmack

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, JMACK. Channel email is [e-mail]. Can't promise I can answer all questions but will try to help. Cheers, Paul

[@toohottohoot1260]

May I ask where you got the data on growth rated? I also live in northern Colorado and would like to get a better understanding of my ponds

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Tt. I've been looking at such data for bass from the research literature for many years. And I've been following year classes in my waters for years too. My personal guesstimate has been about 1.5"/yr after maturity (on average for most of my waters), and the literature for northern bass comes out about the same. It can be different in the south, due to sheer productivity there, as well as the preponderance of shad-fed fish in those S data. If you do some Googling you can find some growth rate info and charts. Beyond that you'd need to go into Google Scholar and start digging there. Hope this helps. Best, Paul