As far as patterns go for Largemouth bass. We are still in a late winter pattern. Deep basin areas near structure and cover. Things will change quickly as the water warms. Fish will begin to move toward the back of creeks and bays and will generally follow the creek channels. This movement will take a month or two for most of the bass to get to their spawning grounds. So look for major points that hit the creek channels or creek channel banks near main lake basins first, then midway back into the creeks and coves, and then all the way back as it warms up. The fish will move further into the creeks and bays as it warms and drop back when a cold front comes through. They will not all move at once or at the same time is all areas of the lake. Once the bass spawn, they will generally reverse the path back out to main lake areas, especially ledges and humps along the old river channels. That is the best summertime pattern.
Since you have a boat. Guess where they will be based on water temp. Closer to 45 start near main lake basins, closer to 60 start in the back of the creeks. If they are not where you start, then move to the next closest area on their pathway. Repeat until you figure out where they are and then work on similar areas trying different baits until you zero in on the fish.
Sounds easy, but it is not. That is the practice and experience part. If you pick good bass baits. Crankbait, spinnerbait, jig, and worms, donʻt worry about changing lures as these definitely catch bass. Just keep moving until you find them. Then slow down and see what they really want.
If you find the bass during a prespawn run, you can really catch a bunch. And if you find the big females, you can put a huge stringer of fish together fast. Just remember to carefully release all big fish in the spring as they are heading in to spawn and the big females produce the most babies.
I hope that helps and good luck,
Jim
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