Pattern

Pattern, or “Fishing Pattern” or “Dialed in a Pattern” is a common term to describe an angler figuring out how to catch bass that day or at least part of the day. Patterns typically include a lure type with the corresponding fishing speed and depth plus targeting a particular type of structure or cover.  It is called a pattern as it is repeatable in different areas.

Why is Pattern Important?

Identifying a Pattern is important to:

  • Repeatedly Finding and Catching Bass:  Once a pattern is established going to different areas or target spots in an area that support that pattern to find and catch bass.
Pattern Options

Identifying a Patterns it is common to include two or more:

  • Testing Structures:  Some suggest testing different types of structures in one area or multiple areas to find fish. 
  • Testing Covers: Some suggest testing different types of covers in one area or multiple areas to find fish. 
    • More Granular: Some suggest going more granular when testing cover, for example testing different types of grass.
  • Testing Depths: Some suggest testing different depths in one area or multiple areas to find fish. It is common to go beyond simply testing shallow or deep(offshore) and test more granular depths for example 1 to 2 ft, or 15 to 20 ft locations. 
  • Testing Water Clarity: Some suggest testing different types of structures in one area or multiple areas to find fish. 
  • Testing Fishing Speed: Some suggest testing different fishing speeds.

Also, a key consider for a pattern is:

  • Lure Type: For example a flipping jig. 
  • Lure Color: For example, an overcast day with stained water, so going with a blue/black color.
Additional Considerations
  •  Finding a Pattern:
  • Slight Lure Adjustments: Identifying a lure type that is near working as observed by followers or blowups by making minor lure adjustments for example: color, size, profile retrieve speed and others to further refine the pattern and/or to target the larger bass.
  • Water Column Adjustments – Bottom vs Suspended: Have ready one or more horizontal presentations, and bottom contact lures to quickly search for a pattern based on where the fish are in the water column and how active they are.
It's About the ALLURE™

Lure Type is a key component of a pattern and finding a pattern.

Horizontal Presentation Lures

Vertical Presentation Lures

MLF Videos and Articles by Experts
Major League Fishing (MLF) produces videos and articles including:
  • Search “Pattern” or “Top Ten Baits & Patterns” for hundreds of articles on pros finding successful patterns. Include the name of the lake to find patterns for a specific body of water. 
Videos by Experts
Articles by Experts
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