| The ideal spot to find bass should provide | | | | by returning fisherman as they trailer their boat, |
| adequate cover, access to deep water and an | | | | as well as for crawfish, one of a bass's favorite |
| abundant supply of food. A spot that provides all | | | | forage foods. Riprap is also often near docks to |
| of these elements is often over looked and is | | | | help prevent erosion, again providing a habitat for |
| easily accessible. In fact those fishing for bass | | | | those links of the food chain that will attract bass. |
| from shore may have better access than those | | | | Another attractive feature of ramps is the fact |
| anglers who feel that they can only get to the | | | | that in early spring and late fall they will tend to |
| best fishing by boat. | | | | retain the heat of the day and help to maintain |
| The next time you are forced to fish from shore | | | | the temperature comfort zones with water |
| either by time or limited access consider fishing | | | | temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees that will |
| near a boat ramp. Here the lake bottom will slope | | | | attract bass. |
| to the deeper water need by larger boats. The | | | | You may think that all of the activity which |
| ramp will act as a "super highway" giving bass | | | | surrounds a ramp would act as a deterrent to |
| access to these deeper regions as it extends out | | | | bass activity, however, the fish become |
| from the shore. . Usually made of concrete, the | | | | accustomed to the activity and noise lured by the |
| ramp will have a substantial growth of algae | | | | prospect of an easy meal. |
| covering its lesser used areas. As the base of the | | | | Try fishing around a boat ramp to add a new |
| food chain this algae will attract bait fish that in | | | | area of success to your bass fishing. Remember |
| turn will attract bass. | | | | that this area is often overlooked which will mean |
| Often the shore on either side of the boat ramp | | | | that it is also under fished. As a result, the bass |
| will be lined with riprap. This will provide habitat for | | | | may be plentiful. |
| both bait fish, many of whom are often dumped | | | | |