Bass Fishing: Conditions & Circumstances 3: Lighting

How much do sky and water conditions affect the water, the fish, and our fishing? A LOT! Sky and water conditions may just be the single most important of conditions that affect our fishing results. Let's delve into lighting, and see why it's so important to our fishing.
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[@jonathanillig2656]

Outstanding as always professor!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Jonathan. I've wanted to get this stuff covered, or touched on, for some time now. Paul

[@bucknuts8824]

Thank you so much for this series. It's just fantastic. This is the most informative series I've seen in any media or forum.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, J. Awesome! Great to hear. Hope it will be useful in your fishing. Be sure to share with friends for me. All the best, Paul

[@jonathanhardin8075]

TNF posts a video, time for our graduate class in bass. Thanks, as always, for your excellent content.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Jonathan. :)) Glad you enjoy such content. Paul

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Angling is asymmetrical hunting/stalking. Says the New Guy...learning just how critical Stealth is to catch the older experienced big ones. I was leaning into laptop closer and closer to the bait then, "depending on conditions.." ...i had to replay a few moment of journal i missed while i was laughing...Excellent Presentation!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

:)) You actually are following. My wife says, "Depending on conditions? Why is that so amusing". "It's not!" I reply. :)

[@milesdunbar9523]

20k subscribers is nothing to scoff at, but still... ONLY 20k subscribers? How is this dude not huge?!?!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Miles. Thanks. Yeah, it could be that most people are less interested in the biology/ecology side of fishing. And/or it's just plain tough to grow a YT channel under an algorithm that requires content uploads several times a week, essentially, a vlog. My content takes time to put together, yet, it's the way I've always approached my fishing, starting with written fishing journals that date back to the 70's (!). Good to hear you are someone who likes the details. Or, maybe, are as tired of wondering why I'm not catching fish whenever and however I want to. All the best, Paul

[@tahoe829]

Excellent presentation ! Thank you so much for this series.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, tahoe. Thanks. Glad you like it so far. Hopefully it'll make sense in your own fishing. Paul

[@andrewk.l1887]

You deserve a course of your own. Amazing content!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Andrew. Thanks. Yeah, sometimes... ya' just gotta do stuff yourself. :) All the best, Paul

[@westhomsen1156]

Excellent! Thanks for keeping up the most educational fishing videos on the web Paul.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Wes. Thanks. Remember to share with friends. Cheers, Paul

[@chronicawareness9986]

ima go watch this series from the beginning.. i almost dont wanna watch them yet i want to save it... love it great video / information

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, CA. Again! :) Spoke too soon I guess. Guess you're making it around the channel. Take your time. Plenty there to chew on. Cheers, Paul

[@phillipirvin]

The best available! Thank you!!!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Phillip. Glad you enjoy the... underneath stuff to the sport of fishing. And can sit through the details. Best, Paul

[@commander058]

Top notch as always.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, Jacob. Paul

[@mustafaalbouali]

Can't wait for the next video in this series! Just watched 3 in a row, I want you to know that i watch all your videos and find you to be the most informative on youtube. I love bass fishing and I am happy to have found your channel among all the bass fishing youtubers who just show you the 10 pounder they caught, with out really teaching you anything so you can catch one your self. Keep up the good work.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, MGG. Thanks! I guess what interests me is the 'why' that underlies the catching... and not catching too! So, not all of my of "fishing time", was not spent fishing. ;) Thanks, again. Don't forget to share with friends. Cheers, Paul

[@1chefbr]

Excellent video, very informative as usual appreciate what you do you remind me of Doug Hannon the Bass professor! 👍

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, 1chef. Thanks. Appreciate your appreciation! :) Cheers, Paul

[@Bri99r1]

Absolutely incredible, as always!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, B. Thanks! Appreciated. Cheers, Paul

[@davidray3558]

Great presentation Paul! Thank you so much for the work you put in to bring these valuable lessons forward in such a clear and easy to follow video. Your editing skills are improving!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, David. Thanks! Good to hear. Yeah, there's a learning curve to video production. My biggest concern was how to be a talking head and not just muddle things. Might be why my audience is older than much of the rest of YT. Thanks for the encouragement. Cheers, Paul

[@bcp5296d]

Far and away the best bass channel on youtube. Thanks again sir.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, bcp. Thanks! Great to hear. Don't forget to share with friends. Cheers, Paul

[@dominickzappola2429]

Great video. I live in New England I've been catching fish from January all the way through to now your information helps a lot thank you.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Dominick. Great to hear. Sure extends the season when you can follow them around. Cheers, Paul

[@godzilla633]

Love your videos. Keep them coming

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, godzilla. Thanks. Working on it. They take some time to produce. Don't forget to share with others. Cheers, Paul

[@caryjapp9149]

Another great video, Thank you

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Cary. Thanks. Glad you liked it. Paul

[@charlierisch33]

Have really enjoyed the C&C series. Look forward to the next. Thank you.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Charlie. Great to hear. C&C 4 will hit current, and oxygen. Then... I'm hoping to get a VFJ in. Been home with a minor cold/respiratory thing, and taking no chances with it. But, I'm watching the pre-spawn slip away! Best, Paul

[@bass_lander]

Great video, thank you!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks again, KB.

[@proteusxavier9477]

A superb overview of the essentials!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, PX.

[@daddymcsnacks_561]

Good choice on that spinnerbait! I didn't know this in a technical sense but I was applying that reeling style. Very informative and well explained. 👍🎣

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, DMcS. Yeah, a bulged SB is a serious bass catcher. And it just happened to allow me to keep the line off the water. Cool experiment. Thanks. Best, Paul

[@neilstevenson7518]

Another excellent video as usual and extremely helpful in understanding importance of light to a fish's visibility

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Neil. Glad you liked it. Hope it turns out helpful here and there. Cheers, Paul

[@billlorenz6623]

Excellent videos! Your research is definitely made me reevaluate the way I look at Bass fishing.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Bill. Great to hear. Lots to see and think about out there. Adds to the fun, the more of the fundamentals we know. Best, Paul

[@billlorenz6623]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 I fish a pond very similar to what you describe. Very little shoreline cover but yet it holds monster bass. 2 years ago I had a large mouth take a swat at a spinnerbait that I know would have went 10 lb. This pond is incredibly tough to get a bite in. I honestly cannot remember the last time I caught a bass out of that pond that was less than 5 lb. Absolutely not joking about this. Although I'm not fishing for average bass. I'm hunting the giants. Sometime I would like to discuss with you in detail what your thoughts are on this pond that I fish.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

@@billlorenz6623 Would love to have that conversation. But right now I am swamped. Hoping to get back to business as usual.

[@davidrensi737]

Great vid! You tackle all aspects .

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, David. Thanks. There's lots more of course. Trying to hit the fundamentals, esp the "why's" beneath, info that can "travel" wherever we go. Paul

[@striperhunter-ic2wt]

I enjoyed this and learned a lot from it. Thank you for putting it together. I especially like the shallow clear water tips. Thats my main pond i fish that holds some big ones. I will try some of these tactics.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Morty. Great to hear. Eventually, I will be doing a video on fishing high vis conditions specifically. For now, see VFJ#1. Be sure to see the "Blue-pers" at the end. Best, Paul

[@stillcity9830]

Incredible videos, I really appreciate all the work that must've gone into making them. Thanks a lot

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, stillcity. Can’t wait to get back to it. Best, Paul

[@eastwoodccj]

Thank you soo much Profe! I love your work and videos! These are by far my favorite bass fishing videos, I appreciate your work so much Paul! Sincerely Clinton

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Clinton. Thanks! Glad you are not afraid of the question "WHY??!" :) Don't forget to share with others. Cheers, Paul

[@eastwoodccj]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 that's my favorite part of bassing! Neverending journey, if it wasn't for books and some of the KZbin pages like yours plus my own internal argumentation I would skunk everyday! Thanks for all the videos again and I'll definitely share with friends and other fellow anglers

[@edgroves233]

Awesome video, Paul!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Ed. Thanks. Hope all is well with you and your family. Best, Paul

[@stephenporter322]

Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into these videos. I’m in Texas but it doesn’t matter where I would be, I can and do learn so much regardless of where I am from your efforts. Thank You sir. Keep it up!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Stephen. Great to hear. Glad you can make use of them. Yes, water is water everywhere. And there are things shared everywhere. But, it's often the details that make the day. Lots to keep track of, and every water body, day, and hour are different. We're chasing a complex critter in a "fluid environment". We have to piece an understanding together, gather probabilities. What an awesome game! Cheers, Paul

[@user-xh3ld3wx4s]

Good knowledges thank you from Japan !

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, ????????. Welcome! Thank you. I enjoy some watching some Japanese fishing channels. Wish I could understand Japanese! Cheers, Paul

[@jesseshumaker2718]

To sum it up. Fish at dawn and dusk and low light conditions for the most fishing success and avoid ultra clear water :) . Thanks Paul. good stuff

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Jesse. Stacking a few probabilities there for sure. If we can, and the fish are willing. But there's quite a mix of variables out there. My interest, and tack in this channel, is to understand those variables so we can weigh them as we confront a fishing day. I've never been a 'why ask why' kind of guy, since... age 2! Guess my parents never told me to be quiet! :)) Cheers, Paul

[@benniemaxwell2869]

Hey Paul, great video as always. This is Ben from Michigan. Don’t know if you remember me but I took your advice again and again it worked. Water temp at dam was 44but I we around the lake and found shallow bays at 47.5 so I fished on main lake point by mouth of bays and I’ll be darned, caught some Bass. 2 and 1/2 pounder. Thanks for your insight. I will be watching for more videos and waiting for that 50 deg water and the spring binge

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Bennie. I do remember. Awesome! Oooooo... you are getting close! Wishing you luck in finding a true carnage zone. For now, they are moving up. Be sure to keep checking for fish up in those coves, even in "cold" water. Comparatively, it ain't all that "cold" anymore. Even check real shallow, esp if there is cover up in there. In my waters, I tend to watch for bluegills as they are pretty easy to see being little heat pigs. Bass are not far behind. Paul

[@paulenglish1741]

Paul Roberts is the new Bass Professor!!!!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Paul. Or Bill Nye, Bob Ross, Mr. Rogers, Freddie Mercury, Yanni, Sam Elliot, and … Daniel H. Plainview's brother? :)) I'm guessing that Doung Hannon and I share a few traits. Cheers, Paul

[@gizmocarr3093]

I especially love bright sunny spring days for fishing small Clearwater ponds, even when the water is ice cold because fish love to bask in the warm sun. Yes, they are spooky and are a challenge to trick. However, if you use small natural looking lures and ultralight tackle you can have some real fun. Small diameter line will land seriously big fish if you pay close attention to details. Sound can be your friend as much as your enemy. Small two-inch Balsa wood Rapala’s makes a sound hitting the water that makes fish come a running. Small weightless ribbon-tail worms make a perfect little splash and do the same trick. If you stick to small diameter line and downsize to micro size lures expect success. Two-inch paddle tail swimbaits and 1/16th ounce jig heads catch bass, bluegill, and crappie. You might get away using bigger lures but you will not get away with using heavy line. You want to make your lure land in front of the fish and not on top of them. Just pretend you are Bone fishing or casting to spooky Permit, because it is exactly the same. Do not forget to take a net and the best polarized sunglasses you can afford. Reel only as fast as it takes to make the lure work and do not add any eradicate action to the lure. You want your bait to look natural and present an easy meal. If you are fishing a weightless ribbon tail worm do not move it at all and let it sink slowly to the bottom. Bluegills often peck at it, pull it around, and alert a big bass of its presents. Then mister Bass eats it and swims off. Then just reel in the line until your rod loads up and set the hook. The only thing I change fishing colored or stained conditions is using lures that produce sound. Micro cranks, Micro Chatterbaits, Lipless lure flashy spoons, inline spinners, spinnerbaits, and the trusty Beetle Spin. You can use BFS casting tackle or ultralight spinning tackle, whatever works best for you.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Gizmo. My experiences exactly. Hey, are we fishing on the same planet? :)) Cheers, Paul

[@gizmocarr3093]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 You may live in a far different part of the country than I do. However, Fishing for Salmon and Steelhead in Alaska is no different than fishing for them in spawning streams in Lake Erie waters. Fishing for trout in Kettle Creek or Spring Creek Pennsylvania is no different than fishing for trout where you live. Bass fishing in Florida or many other places are all related. The only real difference is the weather, the view of the landscape and animals you might prefer not encountering. Alaska Salmon are much tastier however. I enjoy your videos and like to hear your opinions on fish behavior and fishing techniques. Watching your videos is far more interesting than watching most other things. I know the work you do is no easy task and you are truly dedicated to informing others. You do a great job and hope you become as successful as you certainly deserve.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, Gizmo.

[@weswarden2216]

Nice!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, Wes.

[@johnmango6056]

caught 30 rainbow trout today it was insane!!! great vid per usual !

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, John. Awesome day! Congrats! Days like that keep us coming back. Cheers, Paul

[@virginiacopeland108]

Thumbs up!!! Clark

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hiya, Clark. Awesome! Paul

[@maxcole3930]

I just recently found your vids/ channel. I'm a avid angler not into tournament thing but I've been fishing my whole life & kayak fishing going on my 7th season. I really like learning about fish species, habits, food sources ext.. these vids are awesome!!!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Max. Thanks! Yeah, I never needed competition or socializing to go fishing. Besides, neither works well with my head under the water! :)) My wife and I have recently moved and are in process of setting up a new home, and studio. Can’t wait to get to producing videos again. So much to explore, and cover. Cheers, Paul

[@maxcole3930]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 that's cool good luck on the move. I hope it goes well for you!We just moved about 6 months ago from Cincinnati Ohio to southern SC very close to Clark's Hill Lake, Lake Russell & Savannah River. The fishing down here is great, lots of big largemouth , crappie & stripers! I'm still learning the new fisheries & always trying to increase my knowledge. I like spending time with mother nature, being on water in my yak & fishing of course. I try stay away from crowded areas. So tournaments, with many other anglers close doesn't do it for me. Just not interested in that. I still have finish watching rest of your series & looking forward to them

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

@@maxcole3930 Nice! What a wonderful world we get to explore. Never lost on me.

[@benburton6609]

Good stuff as always paul, put your info to good use this year already and have really stepped up my game, caught one last friday on northeast shoreline (incidence shoreline) after wind had been blowing west to east all day, piling up that warm surface water, just as hard cloud cover moved in and the light seriously dropped, was at least 4.5 pounds.... football jig with a craw trailer. Appreciate the info man, post that donation info you mentioned and I'll contribute. Tight lines bro

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Ben. Awesome! Now that's the true measure of success for my channel. Anglers out there putting 2+2+2+... together! Yes... the makings of a true carnage zone. Some of my best transition season days have been when clouds roll in late in a good heating day (not uncommon when the sun angle is high enough to produce cumulus clouds). Add a few key ingredients and BAM! Congrats on a big, and satisfying, catch. So, my Patreon page is at: www.patreon.com/The_Nature_of_Fishing There's an active Patreon logo at the very end of each video. And the link is also in the description of each video. People have been asking how to contribute, so I guess I'm going to have to say something in the video intro's. Probably, like me, everyone clicks away as soon as the meat of the video ends. Cheers, Paul

[@kenweinacht7099]

Excellent as usual Paul. Been waiting for #3. Imagine a guy that turns his computer on every day and checks to see if you have put up something else. Thank you again for the hard work. Fortunately if a good chop on the water is advantageous then spring fits the bill. We won't see flat water till June. Ken

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Thanks, Ken. :)) Thanks. Hey, you should subscribe, and click the bell icon to get notified when I get one out. I can't get videos out at the rate YT favors. Don't want to run a vlog here. So, they come out as I make them. Sounds like you are on big water? Or... on the plains? A good chop can be good or poor, depending on where on the lake you are. Good luck with, whatever nature dishes out! Cheers, Paul

[@kenweinacht7099]

Hey Paul. I am subscribed but did not know about the bell thing. Am not really a very good high tech guy so not sure how all this works. Your stuff is top quality and that is always far better then quantity. Don't let the world suck you up into what they want. Massive prairie Reservoirs and lakes is the norm here. Some days you just sit on shore and watch the whitecaps that are keeping you from launching the boat. We are surely not the ones in charge. Thanks again. Ken

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Ken. Most of my viewers are older, less tech oriented. I find that interesting, and maybe not surprising. Anyway, I'm not big on self-promotion. It's just not my focus. But, to be fair to followers, as my son has put it (yeah, he's a techy), I should at least be more helpful to people who want to follow and perhaps support my efforts. "We are surely not the ones in charge." :)) So, so true. Feels good when we get a touch of that god-like feeling though. If there's a saving grace, or something that should make us feel a little better on those tough days, the fish aren't either. Paul

[@3thingsfishing427]

Weightless wacky rig senko good for me on calm sunny days. Just cast close to weeds/cover. Spinning gear and mono.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, 3TF. Yes! They are one of the best options for sure. I like them best for the inside weedline. I like a jig-worm ("Shaky") for the deeper outside. Curious... do you find certain colors better on bright days? Paul

[@3thingsfishing427]

The Nature of Fishing I almost always try to ‘match the hatch’ and use natural colors. A dark green pumpkin or motor oil color. Hits the water softly/quietly. A good finesse option for tough conditions imo.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

I do too, in high vis esp. I like the translucent "ghost" finishes in hardbaits too, and go so far as to modify colors and finishes some. But, I really don't have a good handle on how much it really matters, There are plenty of fish caught on wild color schemes. I use some of them too, but reserve them for low-vis, or high aggression, conditions. At least I feel like I'm making a good decision. Paul

[@jamescorsiglia8997]

Hi Paul, thoroughly enjoying your work. Was that your shadow pictured at the end of bass’s predators sequence?

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, James. Thanks. Yes, that was me, being my best predator. :) Paul

[@jonnboimuhfucka]

Shame on u for whoever gave the thumbs down....how dare u....hater. keep it up paul!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Jonathan. :)) -P

[@alanfrye2706]

Love the info youre doing with this series. Very well done and very informative. I was a diehard bass guy until i moved to florida and switched to brackish and saltwater. Obviously tides will also play a role in my c and c. My question for you is how much of this info transfers over to other species. Im usually out into enough salinity to only catch salt water species, red drum, flounder,speckled trout. But have on more than one instance caught a bass. On a few occasions on back to back casts. You mention trout several times,so clear you fish multi species.have you found that this intel is more or less across the board for all species, or is it strictly for bass?

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Alan. Yes, I'm a multi-species guy. And yes, in general, this stuff holds for every fish I've pursued. There are differences of course, but much of this stuff is shared by all many fish. I haven't got to know them all by any means. The "why's" underneath fish behavior is shared across nearly all fish. Tides are very important where they exist. But current flow is equally important in non-tidal waters too, for the same reasons. I'll be hitting current in C&C 4. What's interesting about largemouth bass is how adaptable they are as predators, able to make use of so many types of prey in many types of habitats. I think if one fishes for bass over diverse waters and you'll be in a good space to tackle other species. Cheers, Paul

[@richclark7475]

Hi Paul - another great video. I wanted to ask you about your rod holder for your float tube. Did buy that or build it yourself? Thanks

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Rich. Good timing! Editing here. I made it, and for my kayak, with 1-1/2" ABS tubing. The one for my tube is one-piece and fits wedged (and strapped) into the gap behind the seat in that V-tube design boat. Works very well. I'll be doing a video on rigging a tube, and one for a yak too... someday! Paul

[@chevyboyforlife4234]

Maybe because I'm fishing the Florida bass I live in Northeast Florida and that's some of my best fishing is high Sun Blue skies Clearwater and I can see them

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Chevy. Yes, same here. Makes sight-fishing a lot easier, but blind fishing can be tougher, bc those fish can be so darn spooky. I've found that bass are still happy to feed under bright sun, provided they can get close enough to surprise prey. But, man, getting a lure to those fish can be tough too!

[@northerngrit9656]

40 degrees north lat. you must be somewhere near me, I'm in Calhoun co. Michigan.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, NG. I'm in N CO. In Calhoun, you are at nearly 43N. Your photoperiod changes will be more intense yet! Get on em! Windows open and close fast! Cheers, Paul

[@nicksorrow4710]

Thanks Paul.....mmmmm how do you heat the plastic lip on a hard bait lure?

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Nick. I use a lighter, the tip of the flame. Just want to soften it, not burn it. Easy to do, esp on thin lipped plugs like Rapala's. Paul

[@sincitycapital]

Here I am...again

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, Steven. :) Re-visiting eh? That's pretty much the idea here. Hope it helps. Paul

[@johnmango6056]

7:30 exactly. that's why the monsters sit under docks

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Yes! Docks make great overhead cover. Overhead cover is probably the LMB's #1 "cover" type.

[@hhprotectivecoatings5612]

This seems to be the most in-depth video I have seen on this type of stuff. Just wondering, out of the thousand videos I have watched on conditions, why doesn’t anyone cite where they got their information from? Is yours all just your own research? If so, how do we know these behaviors don’t change from state to state? Have you checked multiple states at multiple seasons? Just trying to wrap my head around this topic. Thanks

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, H&H. Good question. Big question, or big answer required. First, I do not put together citations simply bc... it's a heck of a lot of work. I've had many research articles published in science journals and they require it; Each statement has citations. But, we had staff to handle the referencing of them. My statements and speculations are derived from the science literature from many fields of research, from angling literature, many discussions with anglers from all over, from divers, and from my own experiences. I've only fished extensively in the north however, so I carry some natural bias there. Since I have science training I am aware of and careful about bias, and...running off the rails on ideas. That said, speculation and drawing conclusions is part of the process of learning and understanding. I've done my best to base my understandings on "best information". It's truly been a lifelong pursuit. I've tried my best to look at LMB (in this case) from a national, even global, perspective: What's shared and and what might be different across locations, including latitude. There are differences across latitudes, but there is a surprising amount shared, esp in terms of basic physiology. That said, species are made up of populations that adapt to the environs they live in, and bass are an amazingly adaptable species, esp in terms of being able to make use of a wide range of prey types. Despite this, LMB behaviors are recognizable everywhere they they are found, or have been transplanted. There is a LOT of science literature out there that few anglers delve into, and more on the way all the time. It's a whole different...library. Understandably as it's not easy reading, in which each term or statement represents entire bodies of work, being built on over time. When I started much of this literature was only available in print in university libraries. Now, a lot of it can be searched and much accessed through Google Scholar. It used to be, just a few years ago, that only abstracts were accessible. Now, more and more, full articles are accessible. Hope this helps. All the Best, Paul

[@hhprotectivecoatings5612]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 thanks for the speedy reply. I had no idea that “google scholar” even existed. That’s a big help. Is there anyway to find your citations on this work? I really wish there was a biology text book or something that really focused in on this stuff. Thanks!

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

There are textbooks. I'd start with a Limnology text. For starters it doesn't even have to be a recent edition. New textbooks are expensive. There are also Ichthyology texts, and fish physiology texts. And there are websites and YT channels for these fields. Some are from universities and colleges, from university professor's laboratories, others from graduate students associated with universities, and just interested wonks. Then there are state fisheries agency sites. Once YT starts feeding you this stuff, you may think the whole world is all about fish biology. Then there are the professional journals where original research is published. Worth diving in, but be ready to consult your texts, or more fundamental sources to backtrack through the bodies of work that are referred to in each article. It's a process. It's a huge world out there. "Science" ends up being, in practice, more about searching out more refined questions, than for pat answers. The latter makes us feel good, but... beware of that feeling! What I've put out is my synthesis from decades of... curiosity. I can expect to alter things as I learn more. You may or may not notice how often I use equivocations, like, "possibly, likely, it appears that, ...". But I will also pound my fist to the table and say something pretty definitive. These are things I feel pretty confident about, and my wife reminds me that I can sometimes come across as too sure or definitive. That's bc I consider caution the default, and assume that people (or peers) will know my exuberance has rails -confidence/error bars- in place. That's an assumption my wife is reminding me not to take for granted. Will all this kind of work make one a better, more successful angler? Not at first, that's for sure. The one thing I can almost guarantee is that, eventually, it will make things more interesting. What it does have some power to do is alleviate some of the cluelessness that makes fishing, at times, deeply frustrating. It’s not always our fault we are not catching. It helps to know the limitations inherent in the world. Fish have them too.

[@hhprotectivecoatings5612]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 thanks I really appreciate the text book recommendations. The head start on the jargon helps a lot. I can tell this will probably be a life long endeavor

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Oh yes, there are the In-Fisherman book series focusing on species that are all good, even the earlier editions. Critical Concepts is what the more recent ones are called. These are more directly focused on fishing but are based on pretty good foundations. The IF folks synthesis.

[@nicolasechevarria3869]

I would love to hear your thoughts on this scenario I have come across this latewinter/early spring. I am from NY and live on a small shallow lake most would call a pond. It is always clear in the spring and turns more stained/turbid come late spring thru summer and into the fall. This past year I found fishing behavior to be very different then past years. Probably due to grass carp reducing the amount of vegetation they are used to having around. In the past I could still have plenty of success on days during bluebird sky conditions. However this year when bluebird skies occur it often shuts down the bite to an almost stand still. With fish of every species fleeing for the lives from the site of my kayak. Where past open clear/cold water situations with a jerkbait used to provide success, it again now almost completely shuts down. In the beginning of this years blue bird challenge, I seemed to only catch bass off a beaver lodge and docks close to shore. However I discovered situation I lay before you that is working to great success. I have always heard cold muddy water is the worsts conditions and definitely agree with that. However this year on the most wind disturbed section of the lake I found the bass to be most active under bluebird sky conditions in cold muddy water. I presume they feel more secure in the low visibility. It really is a case were cold low 40 degree water on a sunny day they will barely hit any lure/tactic I present to them in the clear water sections. But when the wind churns up the silt I found the bass willing to literally crush my both my bulky jigs and small jig/swimbait combos. I have lately been fishing the mud line to great success with no bites in the clear water and strong activity in the muddy water. What could they be doing in there. Obviously they are feeding but on what? The main prey source for the bass are bluebills. Though their are golden shiners. Other prey items are yellow perch and black crappie. No pike species for them to worry about. Only other large predators are a small population of channel catfish. Though eagles do frequent the lake. What do you think about this?

[@nicolasechevarria3869]

@FalconerPhoto I do agree with you, but up until recently this was definitely a cold water situation with pretty much no temperature difference between the clear and windblown muddy water.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hey, Nicholas. Thanks for sharing what you are seeing. It's a details oriented game. 'With fish of every species fleeing for the lives from the site of my kayak." Man do I know that one. In my mind, our job is to sort out, and prioritize, the variables. And we do what we have to do. Wherever there is an advantage, our job is to recognize them, gather as many up as we can into our corner, and execute with the tools we have at our disposal. It doesn’t always pan out. Luckily, the consequences aren’t dire in our fishing! But it seems apparent to me that we’re programmed to do this. Welcome to the food chain! :)) As to your “muddy” water… First, I’d say there is muddy water and then there is muddy water. I’m always curious to know just when fish are actually at their limits or just “laying low”. And this will vary across populations too. I’ve had similar experiences to what you describe, taking advantage of roiled water, even intense ones like mud-lines. Roiled water is huge in stream trout fishing too, bringing big light-sensitive browns out of the woodwork, quite literally, following rain freshets. But really cold water adds another, often powerful, variable. How the fish in front of us respond is always an open question. Again, we are weighing variables, and figuring things out as we go. Without knowing what the visibility actually is there, I can only speculate. In the low 40’s you are talking… not far from ice-out. Those fish are acclimatized to really cold water -probably not long out of 38F water. What you are describing sounds like what I’ve seen too: how tough high-vis conditions can be, and how a break from that is a huge help in terms of our fishing attempts. This does not mean that bass aren’t in those clear water areas, but they would likely be darn tough to catch -that is, not spook- esp with standard chuck-n-wind fishing as so many only know to do. To test this, you could try night fishing those areas. Wait for serious clouds. Go to really light tackle. Do you Drop-Shot? Advantage there is, after the bait and line settles, you can move a bait with minimal further disturbance. I’ve had this fail too though! Bass can see darn well and I’ve had days in which they would not be fooled. All they’d have to do was get 3feet away from my translucent finesse worm and they’d turn away. Fish after fish. My bent on C&C may make it seem as though I am only suggesting fishing is worthwhile under certain C&C. Instead, I’m calling out advantages and disadvantages. What we do with them is the game. I’ve tried to balance this with statements that fish can be caught in a variety of C&C, even the “tough” ones; That’s what versatility is all about. I haven’t got there yet, in my instructional videos -except in my on-going VFJ’s- bc I feel the fundamental variables need to be addressed first. So I don’t have to say, “…uh… depending on conditions”, and not explain what they might entail. This channel is a work in progress and it’s going to take some time to get there. Hey, let me know what you discover. The “tome” has not been written. May never be. It’ll be a mighty big book if it ever is. Paul

[@nicolasechevarria3869]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 Hey Paul, Thanks again for your insight. Some other details I have come across for 2020 are these. I have been fishing during heavy over cast days. The bass have been much more aggressive in the slightly deeper clear water areas(where im used to throwing jerkbaits on bluebird days). Even on cold weather down trends as long as it is cloudy the seem to be willing to bite. I am catching them on 1/8 jigs with paddle tail type trailers and swim jigs while slow rolling along the bottom. I have caught decent 4-5 lb class fish on both presentations. I tend to switch to the swim jigs once I find a school to weed out the smaller guys. On cloudy days the bass follow the lure right up to the kayak. Oh also in regards to the muddy water which is in the silty bottom portions of the lake the visibility when the water is roiled is only about 3-4 inches at best. I would say over 95% of the lake is clear right now even when windy. But that 5% that gets stirred up on sunny days seems to be the key for me for the easy bite. lol I just never really thought they would be in the messy stuff in low 40 degree water temps. I should try a drop shot in the clear sections and see if they react better to that during bluebird conditions. Also im not sure about how the winter was on your side of the country. But for NY it was pretty mild. The lake I live on only had safe ice on it for about 2 weeks in January. It opened up mid February which only happened one other time in my life. For the rest of the month into mid march it was a battle of some ice and open water. Never getting to cold to completely freeze over and not to warm enough to keep the ice at bay. Was weird catching bass on jerkbaits in Feb. I usually put a hurtin on them under the ice most years around that time. Nico

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Nico, it looks like you found a nice scenario in that roiled water. Awesome you found it, awesome you have it! Very cool. As to the clear water, you could also drop down into the UL range, if cover allows. In cold water we can often get away with it, since the fish tire quicker. DS is certainly worth a shot, and I've done well in such water with jig-worms ("Shaky") in translucent colors. Oh yes, and the venerable 4" stick-worms (Senko-esque) weightless wacky'd, and "Ned". "Even on cold weather down trends as long as it is cloudy the seem to be willing to bite." My experience too. "On cloudy days the bass follow the lure right up to the kayak." Ditto. Or, instead of bolting at every cast, they come running! Chasing lures that are still in the air. Lighting is... huge. Opposite weather here. We had a cold spring. Ice-out here can be February or March. This year it was March. Weak ice is common too. I never did get out on safe ice this year. So, your February/ late season ice fishing: You are catching bass? How deep? Usually mid-winter is a quiet time out there. Are you talking late-ice? Late ice varies depending on the water body. BTW, I'm originally from NY: Rochester area, and Ithaca.

[@nicolasechevarria3869]

@@thenatureoffishing7591 I was debating throwing the tried and true senko. The lake I live on is similar to the Jungle video series you did. With the deepest parts getting to maybe 10-12 ft but most being 6ft. In regards to ice fishing yes I usually do get to ice fish into late February early March. This year ice out was early to mid February this year. The bass on the my local body of water seem to be active all throughout the ice season. I use a aquavua camera and watch them come into investigate my lure. Crazy to watch them. Sometimes they bump the bait to inspect and swim away. Other times they suck in my micro plastics without even noticeably opening their mouths. Almost like someone sipping tea! Sometimes they come in fast and crush my ice fishing jigs. During the ice season I can catch bass in all depths from super shallow 2ft!! To the more deep 10 foot sections. I noticed with my camera they surprisingly swim around a lot. When my local lake is half frozen I like to to get out and fish. I usually can catch bass on my crappie set up. Using both slip bobbers with small soft plastic set up (1/64 ounce jigs and Reins bubbering shaker palsitcs) and ultralight suspending rapalas. (panfish size baits) I one time caught a bass over 6lbs on a tiny ultra light shad rap. I am down in Orange county right on the Shawangunk mountain chain. Originally a kid from the Bronx. Would love to discuss more with you about ice season bass/ ice out bass.

[@613BASS_N]

Shared to 613BASS'N

[@BradyMcLean]

you think you'll ever do any vids on smallmouth or is it virtually the same

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

I would like to. Being back in SM country I'll get the chance to fish them again. Physiology data suggests they are very similar in terms of temperature requirements, although they can initiate spawning a bit cooler. There are other differences that affect how they use habitat. Been collecting info over time. We'll see what comes.

[@samfiadrangus9188]

Comic Sans is perhaps the absolute worst choice for captioning. Unless you're opening up a daycare or some shit.

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

Hi, SD. If a font, which I like, bothers you that much, or you think my content is "daycare" or "some shit" then you should just click away. Lots to choose from out there. All the best, Paul

[@racinggrayson-kw6fj]

Please stop with all the explanations and please sho the video

[@thenatureoffishing7591]

LOL. This is not going to be your channel. Click away.