ARTICLES: PREDICTING BASS PATTERNS IN MARIN
By JOSEPH HARGREAVES
March 29, 2006
Every year since I began bass fishing in Northern California, and more specifically Marin and Sonoma Counties, I have tried to pattern our bass fishing one clue at a time until I get it just right. The problem is that by the time I have the fish dialed in the pattern is over and I have to start again.
I’ve been really excited by how well the pattern works once I figure it out and wish I had more time to use it. As years go by I have tried to “schedule patterns”. Fish think they don’t have to do what we say they should, but in general a good solid pattern will repeat itself right around the same time of year if the general conditions and environment remains the same.
So, now I anticipate patterns based on last year’s patterns and while it doesn’t always work, most of the time it will. I have found that the pattern is at its strongest and producing the highest quality size and numbers of fish at the beginning of the pattern, rather than at the end.
Pre-spawn is the best time to catch numbers of big bass. It is also one of the most fickle and difficult times to catch fish. However, with a little luck and a log book from your previous year’s fishing you should be able to do it.
10% of the fisherman catch 90% of the fish because they are willing to keep a log, be aware of their surroundings, and to make regular and consistent entries. A little work goes a long way and during the pre-spawn you have the chance for the best fishing of your life if you hit it right.
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