Ask The Pros

I have a man made area that I fish

Question:
I have a man made area that I fish. It has deep cuts with good drop offs, 2ft drops off to 12ft with every type of cover and structure you can ask for. I have even found where fresh water comes out from rocks in the side of the bank. My question is, myself and everyone else who fish in these deep cuts, banks and so on can never catch any bass. But, I can load up and go to another pond and have no issues. Any thoughts as to why no one catches any fish?

-Mitch

Answer:
As a fisheries biologist, the first part of my investigation would be to evaluate the habitat of the entire pond or lake. Remember this...90% of the fish will only inhabit 10% of a pond at any given time. Even though the cuts and dropoffs seem like perfect structure for bass, the bass may choose to be congregating elsewhere. I can't tell you how many ponds and lakes I have designed where the fish don't like some of the areas I thought they would like best. And, I design lakes for a living. If you can't find fish along those areas you think are perfect, fish other areas of the pond and see what you can find. If the pond doesn't yield any bass, then it's probably a fisheries issue. The second part of the investigation would be to take a look at the fish population and make sure the pond has all the right species. Change baits, change tactics and see what you catch.

Good luck!

Bob Lusk
Fisheries biologist
Editor, Pond Boss magazine