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Every kind of gamefish has its own unique habitat requirments. Even closely related species, like
small-mouth and largemuth bass have a slightly different set of preferences. In order to target a particular species
of fish, you must understand its habitat. For game-fish, this includes the right kind of cover, spawning conditions,
water temperature, oxygen levels and efficient supply of food.
One of the most important pieces of survival for a fish is cover. Fish need cover not only
to escape from the sun, but for oxygen and for feeding.
Ambush cover - conceals predator fish so that they can hide in them an attack smaller fish as the
come by. Thickweeds (hydrila) are a very common form of this on Lake Gaston. When fishing for bass, throw a spinnerbait
or shallow crankbait along the edge of a weed bed to attract fish out towards your bait. When fishing a submerged weed
bed, throw a similar bait over top of it to attract bass upward.
Overhead cover - conceals fish from the hot sun and keeps the water slightly cooler. Can be
undercut bank, fallen trees or other structure, any type of floating vegetation and the most common type, boat docks.
Boats docks, the most common form of overhead cover on Lake Gaston, is a very effective place to fish. In June, July,
August and early September are the best times to fish boat docks. As the water warms, bass and many other species
will go under them to get shade. You can use a crankbait or Rat-L-Trap to fish in the shady spots around the dock or
any variety of soft plastics like worms, lizards, or tubes.
Current cover - the current can be very beneficial when fishing for all different species.
Since fish do not want to fight the current 24/7, they find places where the current is blocked. Rocks and blouders,
points, bridges and islands are all forms of current cover. When this is found, fish on the calm side where the fish
will be holding.
The Super 5
The Five Main Reasons why Bass Strike
- Hunger is the number one reason why bass strike a lure. Hunger based strikes account for about a third
of all lour strikes in a year's time.
- The reflex strike is the second most reason why bass strike. Reflex strikes account for about 25 to
30 percent of the bass we catch.
- The third most important reason why bass strike is out of anger. The first cast may not trigger a bite,
but several cast near the same fish ofter triggers a strike.
- Protective instinct accounts for several strikes during the spawning period. For the short time that
they are sitting on beds, they will viciously attack anything that comes by.
- Some bass strike out of sure curiosity. That is why the most random colored baits get strikes because
bass are curious about what it could be.
Water Temperature for Lake Gaston Fish
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| Caught March 24, 2007. Lizard Creek |
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