I can’t stress enough to angler friends on how important this channel is to us! I’ve began to notice myself recommending this channel to anyone I’m fishing with. Too often, during fishing trips, we all end up in conversation about why fish feed and act the way they do. Although, we’ll never know for sure, the studies done here can almost guarantee either success or better your chances! Thanks a ton! -D
Hi, D. Great to hear! Appreciate your sharing with friends. As you said, we can't guarantee success but we can certainly chip away at those variables and, at very least, make our time out there a bit more interesting. All the best, Paul
Hey, Andrew. Wow! Now that's some focus! :) Lots to digest. Luckily, certain things come up again and again across videos. But it takes a lifetime, and then some, to experience all the variables. That's what I enjoy about the VFJ''s: Where we get to put what we think we know, to the test. And always find new wrinkles. What the heck. What else are we going to do on this little planet of ours! :)) Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 You helped explain many of the life-long inquiries that I have in fishing. Thank you sir for all your valuable insights, information and clarification!
Paul - You leave me wanting more... The problem is, I don't know if there is more! :) Tremendous work you have put together. Please keep it up; And I wait with anxiety for your next video. Thanks!
Hi, Josh. Thanks! And yes, there is more. A lot more. It's all a lot larger than I am. :) Every day is a puzzle. We apply what we "know", take guesses, chip away at probabilities. I guess I've followed Thoreau's idea (paraphrased): "There's only as much beauty available to us (in nature) as we are prepared to appreciate. And not a grain more." This "Fundamentals" playlist (for lack of better) just helps us all speak similar language and share (my) current understanding. Subject to change! :) Hey, I'm actually fishing this week! Wish me luck! Which appears to mean keeping that wind at bay. Cheers, Paul
Very impressive and it is a pleasure watching you take what can often be complex and confusing and bringing us into how the fish may perceive these changing conditions and circumstances.
Hi, Greyhunter. Thanks. Glad you can sit through a lecture. :) Yeah, I had to get a bead on how those C&C affect fish. Otherwise, it would all be... a roulette wheel. Best, Paul
Hey, David. Thanks. Good to hear. When I started I wasn't sure how many people could sit through a info-heavy lecture type format. Still not sure! :) Here's to TNF catching on. Best, Paul
Thanks, Ed. Lots to forget. I guess we could say we're headed for the point in our fishing where we've forgot more than newer anglers remember. :) Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 I should have added that I learned some new things too, especially regarding spooky bass. The information about the skittish bass on the light side of a tree as opposed to the bass in the shadow of the tree was eye opening.
Ed, realize that's just conjecture on my part. As we know, fish do appreciate shade. But the telemetry observation made by Mike Lembeck, despite no formal science journal publications I could find was indeed interesting. His suggestion was that bass did not appear to be too concerned about being in sun, even with shade nearby. I wonder if his fish simply felt secure, say at a secure depth? My attempt at an "explanation" puts 2 and 2 together: His observation and my experience with how catchable fish can be when in shade compared to open sun. I could see adjusting tackle, presentation, and approach to puck off some of those open sun fish. But, I'll take the shade, a chop on the water, or a dark bottomed cloud any time! Paul
I can't thank you enough for such great information on this sport we love. You know that you are good when my wife will stop what she is doing and pay attention. You make it easy for us to understand. Thanks again!
Hi, Motoholic. :)) When I started this channel I wasn't sure how interested fishers would be in the nitty gritty details out there. But, it looks like I'm not entirely alone. What's neat is that walkers, and birders along my public waters will stop to ask what I'm doing when I'm shooting underwater video. They are amazed at what is going on down there, where we can't see, and they walk past every day. When I'm fishing, few stop to inquire. They've seen "fishing" before. My wife enjoys my videos too, but not when she's tired. :) All the best, Paul
Hey Paul, Ben from Michigan again. It’s been a while coming here. My lake just wouldn’t heat up. FINALLY some warm weather and light rain pushed the temp to the low 50’s and it happened. I got on a carnage zone!! Saw bait fish swimming at the mouth of a shallow bay and the bite was on. Caught 6 bass in 2 hours on a lipless crank. Had a blast. Thanks for the education. Looking forward to more videos. Be safe
Hey, Ben. Yeah, it's been a cold spring all across the N. That, and CV-19, put a bit of a damper in my spring plans. My next two VFJ's, I'm editing now are, in part, addressing this spring's unseasonable weather. Awesome find! "That's what I'm talking about!" (I hate that worn out utterance LOL. But it's appropriate here. ;) Well done. But I don't have to tell you that, the bass did. :) Stay safe, and get some more fishing in. Paul
The Nature of Fishing Can’t wait for the videos. I’m no expert, but it seemed almost as if even the fish were confused. Like their biological clock was telling them it was time to go with the sun angle and the longer days but the water temp was saying hold on. But when it hit, it really hit. The 6 I caught doesn’t count the ones I missed landing and the guy that was with me that caught about the same. All from the same spot. Right at point of the main lake at the mouth of a shallow bay
I can't wait to get them out. Yeah, that's about it. They are ready to go; As soon as the weather says GO! (and it will), they'll be there. What I like about spring cold fronts are the re-heats afterwards. The later in the spring season, the more intense the re-heats can be. Very cool you've got your finger on the pulse. And a good location down. Awesome bit of fishing there. More to come I'm sure, as you follow your fish up, and then back out. Spawn itself is a bit different in terms of the fish's focus though. Am hoping to do some stuff on the post-spawn this year. Paul
@Bennie Maxwell I saw your comment come in, but looks like you may have decided not to ask. That 19.5" was probably 4.5 to 4.75lbs. She was not exceptionally heavy, which made me wonder if she was more a crayfish eater, than a shad eater. Or if she was older and starting to decline. Dunno what the growth rates are for most bass in that water yet. Paul
Thanks, William. I'm actually just settling in to my new home here and am getting the channel back up and running. Can't wait to get back to it. Cheers, Paul
I've enjoyed and more importantly I've learned so much probably more than I can remember but like you said they can be referred to every year and eventually I'll get know it like the back of my hand. I being an ditch fisherman from New Mexico I can still use alot of what your teaching and have now caught thanks to you a handfull of bass and hopefully plenty more to come I've watched alot of fishing channels and this one is the most informative channel I've seen it gets a little technical for a beginner but I would and have recommended this channel to people I know. I hope to see more wonderful videos in the future keep up the great content!
Hi, Jonathan. Thanks so much for the wonderful comment. Happy to hear my videos may be helping you in your fishing. Yeah, they are technical in content. I try to keep the jargon down, but not avoid good words/concepts either. Hopefully, as you learn more they'll become easier to follow. And, you can always ask questions to help clarify things. Cheers, Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 Oh I've grown to love the technicalities of it and hey man don't change nothing for the world you have a very balanced personality smart and comedic and you care for the fish like no other I greatly respect you and try to mirror that respect for wildlife and never the less I have hurt fish because I set the hook to late and I felt so bad and was angry with my inexperience but hey I have to start some where and in time I will be able to greatly distinguish bites from other things such as snags and not hurt fish at all and your documentaries are something else, so in depth and interesting even for some casual fisherman I've been drawn down the rabbit hole and I thank you for that and again keep up the great content!
Awesome. You've got an exciting and fascinating road ahead of you. As to hurting fish... We all have to learn, and fishing is a predatory act. No shame in that fact; We come by it honestly. The first step... no, leap, is that you care. That's you, and it's a LOT going in. You'll learn to distinguish bites, how to handle fish, pick appropriate hooks, etc... as you go. Don't beat yourself up. And you can always take a fish home to eat, or... it'll never be wasted out there where it came from. The decomposers will thank you! A tip on bites... It's easiest to learn on soft plastics, bc the fish will hold them a bit longer for you to feel "life": biting and movement (that isn't you). Purposely cast to weed clumps, sand, gravel, muck, rock, wood, ... . If at risk of snagging, use a hookless lure, or just a sinker. This seeming waste of fishing time will actually allow you to learn WAY quicker and take the pressure off. Just play. Good advice this one: If in doubt, just play. ;) Paul
I once work on the job site where the owner was draining a 100 acre pond that was over 100 years old. It had a lot of fish in it. About the time it was half-empty the bass started biting so well that you could catch them almost on every cast
Hi, Rory. Yes! Pretty cool to see. Happens during droughts too, when water gets really low. Habitat consolidates and carnage ensues. See Video Fishing Journal 34. Cheers, Paul
Wow! Lots of great info here. Thank you for putting this out. I fished a wind induced current channel this morning, no luck but I was drawn to it. Thanks again, Be safe.....
Hey, Morty. Thanks. Not sure where you are in the season, but you might want to avoid direct current if the water's cold. But, those eddies and current breaks could be worth spending some time on. Thanks. You stay safe too. Paul
I fish in an overflow pond adjacent to the Erie Canal in Pittsford, NY. It's the exact scenario you described; the canal locks would open and close triggering a huge ebb and flow into this retention pond.
Hi, Eddie. I wondered if someone would recognize it. :)) Yes, that's it. Man, that was... 40 years ago! Is it still ebbing and flowing? Lemme guess, the smallies and walleyes are still pounding those silversides when it flows?? As I said, it's an ages old process. 40 yrs is nothing! :) Cheers, Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 Yeah it still happens like clockwork whenever they open up the canal lock nearby....that rush of water going through that tunnel is violent! I've caught walleye in there throwing a chatterbait. Glad to know you were once a local! I grew up fishing Mendon Ponds Park.
@eddie d Very cool. Of course it is. 40 yrs is... nothing. :) I grew up fishing MP too! I'd say my bass fishing bug started there. I lived in Fairport and, at 10rys old, if my parents couldn't take me, I would ride my bike there and back. That place still lives in my soul. I wonder how much it's changed. 40 yrs is a lot for some places. :)
@@thenatureoffishing7591 That's awesome to hear. I learned how to fish at MP with my Zebco rod/reel about 40 yrs ago also...happy to report Mendon Ponds Park is still as pristine as you probably remember. Looking forward to your next video, stay safe and healthy!
Paul I wanted to thank you for providing fantastic information about Bass fishing. I am an Obsessed Bass Fisherman and I watched every one of your videos. I like to learn as much as possible about the fish and techniques. You provide comprehensive information. I actually learned a technique from you today and can't wait to update my Bag to include it. Thanks again. Keep the content Coming. I can't get enough Bass information. I have a belly boat also and just purchased a kayak too. I make my own lures for fun and I've become quite skilled. What was so special about the Lucky Strike Spinner Bait. The Colorado Blades?? You've also made me rethink my tactics with heavy cover. It has overwhelmed me in the past. I don't know why, I have all the tools and now the complete know how to be deadly in thick thick vegetation. I think I was overwhelmed because I was in my Float Tube and mobility was low and a little scary.
Hi, David. Awesome to hear you are so inspired. I plan to keep plugging away on in depth content. I have no interest in running a YT channel otherwise. The Strike King Grass King SB is special bc it has a spoon body that gives it a wide wagging motion. That body and tandem CO blades makes for a slow surface bulging SB. Quite weedless, it is still my favorite broken weed cover SB. I suspect the reason SK is not willing to reintroduce it is bc is has a habit of pancaking in the air, making also one the best reel backlashers, if you aren't careful. Float tubes take a bit to get used to. A little awkward at first and so low to the water. However, once acquainted they offer precise boat control. Jungle warfare is made a bit more challenging, esp being so low to the water, but is quite doable. I might be a bit careful if you happen to have a cheaper, thinner walled, tube that might be punctured by stickups. Not necessarily dangerous, esp in warm water, but certainly inconvenient. Really happy to hear you are enjoying what I'm putting out. Be sure to share with friends. All the best, Paul
Well Done,once again, Paul! You mentioned Conditions...what flashed through my mind was i dont separate the conditions. I had to look at that some...and will later. Concerning lunar...i gain confidence at night if i have moon light, theory being they can see my lures better. Like yourself, i have little data to support anything i say..hahaha. Great to see your video! I failed to turn on notifications...wondered so i looked. Hope you and yours are healthy and safe...
Hey, Michael. All the moon data and "data" I've seen has fallen short of "magic". I can see moonlight, or lack thereof, being a lighting condition though. I've done a fair amount of night fishing, but never paid attention to the moon, except to enjoy it. I did however try to keep some records on full moons, walleyes, and the shad spawn. That one fell short too, although the biggest school of shad I saw on that water body came on a full moon night. Fishing was only so-so that night though. Tough nut to crack, trying to single out almost any single possible factor. We are all well here. Thanks. Wishing the same for you and yours.
Hi, Robert. Yes it does. But apparently not enough to have notable effects on behavior. Or at least, no research has found that. Does not mean that it can't, or doesn't, but I've come to put more confidence in sky and water conditions, and circumstances that affect behavior. Still waiting for that smoking gun though. Best, PAul
Amazing video and explanation Paul . I have a question for you today.Could you perhaps point out a few cues on a day to day basis that may signal a healthy O2 concentration in a water body ?. Sometimes i find that fish are highly active in the mornings and this, as you pointed out can mean a healthy o2 concentration being sustained overnight . Would this also apply to a large water body like the sea ? . The places I fish are basically a mountain range meeting the sea , lots of rocks at shore where water is crashing onto them and some places hold a lot of seaweed too. Any insight would be appreciated. Cheers , Russell.
Hi, Russell. Thanks! Oxygen depletion is essentially, rare. Far from the norm. It takes special conditions, usually involving organic pollution, to cause it. Signs that a water body has healthy O2 levels looks like... almost every water body. Signs of the possibility of poor DO levels were mentioned in the video. A morning bite is VERY common everywhere. The lack of it, might indicate O2 depletion. I only suggested looking for it if other signs of possible depletion exist. For most waters, most of the time, you can ignore oxygen levels completely. Green vegetation, esp during daylight, and waves crashing on the beach would be adding DO. Hope this helps clarify. Best, Paul
RoLo (Roger & Lois) I’ve known Paul for many years, but after viewing this world-class video, I really didn’t know Paul. I’m not aware of another treasure trove of information with the same accuracy and depth.
Hello, Roger. Welcome aboard! Really good to hear from you. Yes, we've been at this a while. You've been a great mentor and sounding board. It's a never-ending job, but someone has to do it! :) Appreciate your chiming in here. Paul
Hey Paul just finished watching all your videos, now I want to do some research on my own just want to know exactly what cameras you use for underwater footage
Hey Paul and crew, great in depth info... especially since I'm also in the Colorado front range and fishing for bass here is just a little bit different then the rest of the country😉. Thanks 👍
Hi, Luke. Glad you like in-depth content. Cause that's all I know how to do. :) FR bass fishing is not bad, and pretty much the same as it was in NY where I originally hail from. Best, Paul
Hi, Luke. I haven't broken 6lbs here. A number in the 5's. I'm not targeting BIG bass though, instead concentrating on nearby waters that offer interesting scenarios for ecologically-focused video content. A friend I fish with occasionally is a bigger bass chaser and has caught some in the 6 range. I have fished BIG lures in the past, but not in CO yet. Was actually planning to do a bit of it this year. Best, stay healthy, Paul
Paul what's your thoughts about a fishery that the feeder Creek inlet flows against the wind direction 99% of the time. It predominantly blows hard enough to change the direction of water flow, atleast on the surface. The water flowing in is just a trickle, the creek is probably 4ft across at most. Here's another challenge, the water flowing in is always a few degrees cooler since it's snow runoff from up. I've witnessed a lake that developed golden algae, it was a sad sight to see to say the least. Trophy Bass 6-10lbs swimming into shoreline starving for O2. Monster catfish & carp littered shorelines. Catfish have always been my "parakeet", if they can't survive odds are nothing survived. Thanks for your thoughts & great videos. Tight lines!
Hiya, Bruce. Inlets tend to be great spots, as they bring in nutrients, as well as current. The bigger the better often, unless there is little else to compete. I know some very small trickles that draw bluegills and bass with regularity. Wouldn't worry too much about the cooler temps, esp it being a trickle. It'll mix in and nutrients are still there. It'll really depend on whether there are better options in the area for fish. The wind won't be a problem I would expect. If it blows warmer water in, it'll slide over the cooler incoming flow. And the eddies alongside may hold fish. If it really is much colder than the surrounding water, then maybe you'll need to fish a bit away from it, to find the zone. Ideally, cover pieces in the area could be helpful. You could even plant a few, if allowed. Good luck with it, Brucer! Stay healthy. Paul
Hi Paul really enjoy you're videos! What are you're opinions on fish pain and consciousness? I really enjoy bass fishing but never eat what I catch and have been struggling with the idea that they feel pain... I Value you're opinion. Thanks
Hi, Matt. Thanks! The state of the science of pain in fishes seems to come down to best info conjecture on how pain is experienced. Some have argued that fish do not possess the brain structures to “feel pain”, at least in the same way we do: In an emotional way that is meant to attract social concern. I am not qualified to weigh in on the subject too deeply, but I can offer my opinion, from what I believe “pain” to be in the broad sense, and from what I’ve seen in my fishing/hunting/wildlife research/veterinary work, and life experience. Pain is something that tells a creature that something is wrong, and the cause avoided. This sounds like “pain” to me at some level, “discomfort” at the very least. Can fish feel “pain”? I believe they do, and at various levels. Many hooked fish show little more than fear, the attempt at escaping. Others, hooked with large hooks through certain tissues, have appeared to react more violently. It sure looks like physical discomfort to me. Questions then are: -How traumatized are they? The obvious one is physical trauma from hook damage. So, I do my best to choose appropriate hooks in the first place, and then to un-hook fish atraumatically. I do this for my own personal ethical/aesthetic reasons, as a matter of respect for a creature trying to survive and prosper in a challenging world. Most hunters I know, and I’m one of them, have great respect, admiration for wild creatures. I’ve actually been planning a video on fish handling and unhooking. I hate to see damaged fish in my fishing waters. -Are they emotionally traumatized? This, I do not believe so, mostly bc while all creatures are social to some extent, very few are as social, and socially emotional, as we humans are. An injured fish is more apt to be eaten by other fish, even conspecifics, as nurtured. Finally, “morally”, I take an ecological view of the living world. And I did not make those rules. I recognize that part of me is a predator, built to take advantage of other living creatures for sustenance. It’s so much a part of us that it is both metabolic sustenance as well as emotive sustenance -what many might call spiritual sustenance. But, being a socially emotional human, capable of mirroring/projecting those emotions on other creatures as well as other humans, I have morals/ethics I must reckon. Best I can do. And I’ve thought about this a lot, having had to come to terms with it, esp as a predator. As to “consciousness”… I’ll refer you to my Documentary on development in LMB, "Coming Into The World”, where I delve into how fish perceive and “make sense” of the world around them. I was cautious of the language I used (consulting experts in the field), since “consciousness” and “thinking” are not precise terms, that lend themselves to assumptions about how cognitive systems work. I took it as a major theme, beginning in that documentary, bc just knowing what wavelengths of light or frequencies of sound fish can perceive, does not tell us how that input being usable information for those fish. Or, as anglers are apt to put it, “how fish think”, in particular about lure/bait presentaition. My own conjecture is that yes fish are conscious of the world around them, through certain functional filters they possess, having evolved, and fine-tuned through learning. I would say they are certainly self-aware. Whether they “think”, though, is a much more difficult thing to get at, in part bc we don’t have a solid handle on what thinking actually is, much less how to compare it across life forms. Hope this helps, Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 thankyou you have given me a lot to think about. There is so much biased information out there I really respect you're perspective on the subject. I've always tried to handle the fish I've caught carefully but at the same time realize I am driving a hook into them. I even use to debarb all my hooks but haven't been doing that for the last year or so. Looking forward to youre future content!
I have to acknowledge that fishing is, foremost, a predatory act. No shame in that fact; We come by it honestly. The first step... no, leap... is that you care. Don't beat yourself up. Not only are other people looking over your shoulder, but the entire ecological system is as well. You can always take a fish home to eat, or, if you are not a fish eater, or have a dead fish that is not palatable... it'll never be wasted out there where it came from. The decomposers will thank you! My take on a subject you need to reckon with for yourself. Most of us aren't directly killing and harvesting for a living anymore. We have choices. We can always take up... pickle ball! Which is fun btw! But... not as deeply challenging, awe inspiring, or satisfying, as fishing. My take. Paul
Great stuff as always Paul, Having spent 30 years on the Front Range I can attest to afternoon storms. Actually never thought much about Barometric Pressure but we used those storms like clockwork. One of the best tools in the box. Do the lakes that are heavy snow and ice covered actually produce oxygen in the depth of winter, or do the fish just live off of the previous seasons open water produced oxygen? Ken
Hey, Ken. The waters that are at risk to oxygen depletion are usually shallow waters that are over-nutrified, from organic pollution. All that plant production during summer dies each year, and then decomposes. Ice cover stops gas exchange at the surface. Some plants do survive over winter, and clear ice will allow some photosynthesis to occur. Especially effective at this is Elodea (Waterweed). Others, like milfoil, are less effective as they tend to grow dense, then dying as light reduces in fall, leaving a lot of decomposing material. Put a snow cap on the ice, and O2 production essentially ceases. There is no exchange at the surface, so what DO is in the water is all there will be until the snow clears, or better, ice-out comes. Less fertile waters are generally at low risk. Infertile waters esp, thus trout can thrive in high country lakes with snow on them. But, little tiny ponds in protected basins up there can fail to hold fish. Paul
Hi from Australia again Paul. Fantastic info in this series. My local river has a couple of aerator installations which pump oxygen into the water from a subsurface pipe. I believe these were installed to combat algal blooms. Do you have any thoughts on the best methods to fish these, i.e. up at the surface where the water is "fizzing" with oxygen, or deeper where the riverbed is being disturbed, throwing up food items? Looking forward to more great video content.
Hey, Pete. Hope all is well with you and yours. Interesting. Always something new out there, isn't there? :) Gosh, I dunno. I had an aerator experience once. A "trout pond" was overheated at a fishing resort I was running a fishing camp at. The trout ended up crowding up into the surface current produced by the aerator. It wasn't enough as the water was already at saturation. It simply wasn't a "trout pond". If you have fish in such need of O2, to need to be up in the bubbles, rather than feeding, I'd look for another place to fish. Experiment with it. I guess I'd fish the bottom, probably downstream of the ruckus. Possibly a prey species is needing to be up for the additional O2, which could make them vulnerable to whatever predators you might be fishing for. Experiment with it, and lemme know if you discover something there. Best, Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 Hi Paul, thanks for the ideas, I'll be fishing up there today. Here is a link to a study done on these installations. It's got lots of big words and numbers in it, so you may it interesting :-) www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925857418304798
Thanks. Estuaries are often at risk to DO depletion, mostly because of the heavy deposition of fine substrate, laced with organic material, and organic pollutants. I see why there may be aerators in place.
Hi, Boon. I get asked about other species a fair amount. A lot of what I'm putting out actually pertains to water and water bodies so a lot is helpful with other species too. But, I'm concentrating on largemouth bass for now, and it's all I can handle right now. I'm still making a living and running a household here. We'll see what the future brings. I'd love to do some coverage of other species. Best, Paul
Hi, Matthew. I didn't include tidal waters bc there are none near me, and I've never fished one. However, I've read plenty about them, from both fisheries research and angling perspectives. LMB can handle some levels of salinity, but there is a limit. Salinity fluctuations are most apt to affect bass at the lower end of tributaries. The largest effector is current, and it affects them much as it does elsewhere. The big difference is that it is periodic, influencing fish locations, positions, and feeding expectations. Tidal bass tend to be shallow water fish. They make use of backwater areas out of main flow, convoluted shorelines, shoreline cover, and large cover/object pieces. All this is in relation to how current affects them, and their prey. At low tide (low calm water) some tidal bass are know to move into the main river channel, to suspend at or near the same shallow depths they feed in during flow periods. Hope this helps get some wheels turning for you. Best, Paul
I suppose without testing water oxygen levels it would be difficult to know if rain and rises in water flow from flooding increase or decrease oxygen content of water. I would guess cold rain might contain more oxygen than warm rain. I guess a cold downpour of rainwater could improve water quality by adding more oxygen and cooling the water temperature. I am curious to know but guess some lakes have better water conditions in certain areas than other areas. Cold water slows Bass activity during peak oxygen water levels. Bass can move shallow and feed in warm water then could also retreat to cool deeper water that provides more oxygen at their convenience. Oxygen is quite ample in deep water because bass do fine in deep clear water lakes and shallow rivers with little to no plants making oxygen. So, you could use water temperatures to predict oxygen levels without buying a $500 plus oxygen-testing device by using your handy dandy chart. However, for some reason I still would like to know for myself what the oxygen levels are. The more videos you make the more questions I want answers for. The maximum amount of dissolved oxygen saturation is good data. But what if the water never reaches maximum oxygen saturation levels.
Oxygen depletion, enough to stress bass, is a pretty darn rare event. Largemouths esp are well adapted to low O2 levels as well. Also, fish seasonally adjust to conditions. Even though cold water may have more O2, it is also colder, which may be the more important factor. Bass probably can't use deep cold water after feeding in shallow hot (enough to affect O2) water, bc they cannot make great depth changes the way, say, trout can. Different gas bladder type. Some areas can definitely have better or worse water conditions than others in a given lake, even on a pond. These areas become esp important if and when conditions take a serious nose dive. We really can't predict O2 levels by temperature. That chart is only to show that temperature does affect DO levels. That chart shows ideal DO levels, that is, water at saturation with O2. Things that deplete O2, esp respiration, is taken off those ideal numbers. Yes, waters are not often at saturation. This is most likely to happen at the surface, esp with some wind chop, from a good hard rain (preferrably cold I suppose), and where there is turbulent current. Turbulent streams are most apt to be at saturation. Yes, the more we learn the more we realize it's more about better questions, then pat answers. Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 My local lake has over 40-miles of shoreline it deepest water is 40-feet. However I never caught any fish deeper than 18-feet. It has lots of roadbeds, small creek channels, and numerous shallow bays. It fishes like a bunch of different small lakes because it of its diverse shape. During the open water season you can catch bass in weed mats and Lilly pads and off shore if can find them. Most often bass live in water 16’ and less. I worry about bass when water temperatures pass 80° degrees. I never caught any fish with an extended swim bladder that needed fizzing. But I noticed larger bass, need help recovering when caught in high water temps, I revive them in my live well in cool treated water and put them back where they came from. I regularly catch them again and some are like pets to me. If I know more about the water they live in I think it would give me more places to look for more pet bass. Bass must pick places they live in for a reason and I want to understand why they do what they do. One thing you do better than anyone is explain important facts. I watch your videos numerous times trying to fully absorb your ideas. Oxygen levels of water that relate to fish are never approached and I always wondered why. I am shopping for a censor and trying to pick the best one at the lowest cost. It is likely I will not find oxygen is an issue. But it might be fun to play with while finding out. Thank you for being kind and helpful.
@@thenatureoffishing7591 The water in my live well doesn’t get colder than 65° degrees and as soon as I put a fish it starts to warm. It holds 15 gallons and I add two one-quart plastic bottles that are frozen. I add a cap full of catch and release to the water and couple ounces of hydrogen peroxide to the water too. Doug Hannon the bass professor tip. I lined my live well with foam pool noodles because after the fish are in there a while they get frisky. The soft foam keeps them from injuring themselves. Sometimes they jump clear out of the live well when I’m trying to get them out. I am pretty sure, the water isn’t too cold. Don’t laugh; I bought a combination Color Selector it reads PH, Water temperature, and suggest the best color lure. The probe cable is marked in foot increments. I keep the probe clean and I use distilled water to check its accuracy. I had some PH Litmus paper strips and have lost track of where their hiding. They advertise if you found the perfect PH and water temperature, it would be the best depth to fish. Good luck with that theory, it is interesting to know where you catch fish what is the water temperature and PH is. I used that thing in little native trout streams and many places and truthfully, the water PH quality is never at perfect levels anywhere. More than likely if, I do buy an oxygen meter it will make no significant difference either.
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This whole channel has the most amazing in depth bass content online. Simply a masterwork!!
Hi, Chad. Great to hear. Don't forget to share with friends. Best, Paul
I can’t stress enough to angler friends on how important this channel is to us!
I’ve began to notice myself recommending this channel to anyone I’m fishing with.
Too often, during fishing trips, we all end up in conversation about why fish feed and act the way they do. Although, we’ll never know for sure, the studies done here can almost guarantee either success or better your chances!
Thanks a ton!
-D
Hi, D. Great to hear! Appreciate your sharing with friends. As you said, we can't guarantee success but we can certainly chip away at those variables and, at very least, make our time out there a bit more interesting. All the best, Paul
I can't believe I watched all of your video in one day! That's amazing content you got there!
Hey, Andrew. Wow! Now that's some focus! :) Lots to digest. Luckily, certain things come up again and again across videos. But it takes a lifetime, and then some, to experience all the variables. That's what I enjoy about the VFJ''s: Where we get to put what we think we know, to the test. And always find new wrinkles. What the heck. What else are we going to do on this little planet of ours! :)) Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 You helped explain many of the life-long inquiries that I have in fishing. Thank you sir for all your valuable insights, information and clarification!
The best videos in bass fishing right here.
Hi, nm. Thanks. Great to hear. Don't forget to share with friends. Best, Paul
Every video from this channel is like a free college lecture. It's amazing
Hi, JB. Glad you like the "devil's details" too. Be sure to share with friends for me. The more the merrier is the way YT works. All the best, Paul
Keep up the good work. I learn a lot from your videos.
Hey, GMF. Thanks. Don't forget to share with friends. Cheers, Paul
Paul - You leave me wanting more... The problem is, I don't know if there is more! :) Tremendous work you have put together. Please keep it up; And I wait with anxiety for your next video. Thanks!
Hi, Josh. Thanks! And yes, there is more. A lot more. It's all a lot larger than I am. :) Every day is a puzzle. We apply what we "know", take guesses, chip away at probabilities. I guess I've followed Thoreau's idea (paraphrased): "There's only as much beauty available to us (in nature) as we are prepared to appreciate. And not a grain more." This "Fundamentals" playlist (for lack of better) just helps us all speak similar language and share (my) current understanding. Subject to change! :)
Hey, I'm actually fishing this week! Wish me luck! Which appears to mean keeping that wind at bay.
Cheers, Paul
Excellent series…thanks. So much factual data.
Thanks, Mike. Tough to cover such big topics, but gotta start somewhere! And build from there. Cheers, Paul
Have to say your an expert in the field of bassanomics. I salute your work and time, sir.
Hi, Josh. :)) Bassanomics is an apt term lol. Thanks. Best, Paul
Very impressive and it is a pleasure watching you take what can often be complex and confusing and bringing us into how the fish may perceive these changing conditions and circumstances.
Hi, Greyhunter. Thanks. Glad you can sit through a lecture. :) Yeah, I had to get a bead on how those C&C affect fish. Otherwise, it would all be... a roulette wheel. Best, Paul
I enjoyed the Conditions and Circumstances Series Paul, some of your nicest work.
Can't wait for what comes next...
Hey, David. Thanks. Good to hear. When I started I wasn't sure how many people could sit through a info-heavy lecture type format. Still not sure! :) Here's to TNF catching on. Best, Paul
This was a great series, Paul! It definitely gave me some reminders of things that I shouldn't forget.
Thanks, Ed. Lots to forget. I guess we could say we're headed for the point in our fishing where we've forgot more than newer anglers remember. :) Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 I should have added that I learned some new things too, especially regarding spooky bass. The information about the skittish bass on the light side of a tree as opposed to the bass in the shadow of the tree was eye opening.
Ed, realize that's just conjecture on my part. As we know, fish do appreciate shade. But the telemetry observation made by Mike Lembeck, despite no formal science journal publications I could find was indeed interesting. His suggestion was that bass did not appear to be too concerned about being in sun, even with shade nearby. I wonder if his fish simply felt secure, say at a secure depth? My attempt at an "explanation" puts 2 and 2 together: His observation and my experience with how catchable fish can be when in shade compared to open sun. I could see adjusting tackle, presentation, and approach to puck off some of those open sun fish. But, I'll take the shade, a chop on the water, or a dark bottomed cloud any time! Paul
I can't thank you enough for such great information on this sport we love. You know that you are good when my wife will stop what she is doing and pay attention. You make it easy for us to understand. Thanks again!
Hi, Motoholic. :)) When I started this channel I wasn't sure how interested fishers would be in the nitty gritty details out there. But, it looks like I'm not entirely alone. What's neat is that walkers, and birders along my public waters will stop to ask what I'm doing when I'm shooting underwater video. They are amazed at what is going on down there, where we can't see, and they walk past every day. When I'm fishing, few stop to inquire. They've seen "fishing" before. My wife enjoys my videos too, but not when she's tired. :) All the best, Paul
These videos are amazing - thanks so much for putting together!
Hi, Rhys. Glad you liked them. Best, Paul
Hey Paul, Ben from Michigan again. It’s been a while coming here. My lake just wouldn’t heat up. FINALLY some warm weather and light rain pushed the temp to the low 50’s and it happened. I got on a carnage zone!! Saw bait fish swimming at the mouth of a shallow bay and the bite was on. Caught 6 bass in 2 hours on a lipless crank. Had a blast. Thanks for the education. Looking forward to more videos. Be safe
Hey, Ben. Yeah, it's been a cold spring all across the N. That, and CV-19, put a bit of a damper in my spring plans. My next two VFJ's, I'm editing now are, in part, addressing this spring's unseasonable weather. Awesome find! "That's what I'm talking about!" (I hate that worn out utterance LOL. But it's appropriate here. ;) Well done. But I don't have to tell you that, the bass did. :) Stay safe, and get some more fishing in. Paul
The Nature of Fishing Can’t wait for the videos. I’m no expert, but it seemed almost as if even the fish were confused. Like their biological clock was telling them it was time to go with the sun angle and the longer days but the water temp was saying hold on. But when it hit, it really hit. The 6 I caught doesn’t count the ones I missed landing and the guy that was with me that caught about the same. All from the same spot. Right at point of the main lake at the mouth of a shallow bay
I can't wait to get them out. Yeah, that's about it. They are ready to go; As soon as the weather says GO! (and it will), they'll be there. What I like about spring cold fronts are the re-heats afterwards. The later in the spring season, the more intense the re-heats can be. Very cool you've got your finger on the pulse. And a good location down. Awesome bit of fishing there. More to come I'm sure, as you follow your fish up, and then back out. Spawn itself is a bit different in terms of the fish's focus though. Am hoping to do some stuff on the post-spawn this year. Paul
@Bennie Maxwell I saw your comment come in, but looks like you may have decided not to ask. That 19.5" was probably 4.5 to 4.75lbs. She was not exceptionally heavy, which made me wonder if she was more a crayfish eater, than a shad eater. Or if she was older and starting to decline. Dunno what the growth rates are for most bass in that water yet. Paul
Your approach to fishing videos are totally different and you really got my attention with this stuff here thank you man
Thanks, William. I'm actually just settling in to my new home here and am getting the channel back up and running. Can't wait to get back to it. Cheers, Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 I subscribed also 💯💪🏿
Great to have you aboard, William.
I've enjoyed and more importantly I've learned so much probably more than I can remember but like you said they can be referred to every year and eventually I'll get know it like the back of my hand. I being an ditch fisherman from New Mexico I can still use alot of what your teaching and have now caught thanks to you a handfull of bass and hopefully plenty more to come I've watched alot of fishing channels and this one is the most informative channel I've seen it gets a little technical for a beginner but I would and have recommended this channel to people I know. I hope to see more wonderful videos in the future keep up the great content!
Hi, Jonathan. Thanks so much for the wonderful comment. Happy to hear my videos may be helping you in your fishing. Yeah, they are technical in content. I try to keep the jargon down, but not avoid good words/concepts either. Hopefully, as you learn more they'll become easier to follow. And, you can always ask questions to help clarify things. Cheers, Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 Oh I've grown to love the technicalities of it and hey man don't change nothing for the world you have a very balanced personality smart and comedic and you care for the fish like no other I greatly respect you and try to mirror that respect for wildlife and never the less I have hurt fish because I set the hook to late and I felt so bad and was angry with my inexperience but hey I have to start some where and in time I will be able to greatly distinguish bites from other things such as snags and not hurt fish at all and your documentaries are something else, so in depth and interesting even for some casual fisherman I've been drawn down the rabbit hole and I thank you for that and again keep up the great content!
Awesome. You've got an exciting and fascinating road ahead of you. As to hurting fish... We all have to learn, and fishing is a predatory act. No shame in that fact; We come by it honestly. The first step... no, leap, is that you care. That's you, and it's a LOT going in. You'll learn to distinguish bites, how to handle fish, pick appropriate hooks, etc... as you go. Don't beat yourself up. And you can always take a fish home to eat, or... it'll never be wasted out there where it came from. The decomposers will thank you! A tip on bites... It's easiest to learn on soft plastics, bc the fish will hold them a bit longer for you to feel "life": biting and movement (that isn't you). Purposely cast to weed clumps, sand, gravel, muck, rock, wood, ... . If at risk of snagging, use a hookless lure, or just a sinker. This seeming waste of fishing time will actually allow you to learn WAY quicker and take the pressure off. Just play. Good advice this one: If in doubt, just play. ;) Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 thanks for the advice Paul I appreciate it I will definitely use your tips in the future
All these videos are Very helpful, and increase my knowledge..Thank you.
Hi, gtflyer. Great to hear. Don't forget to share with friends. Cheers, Paul
These videos teach you a whole lot! Well done and enjoy watching! Thank you.
Hi, Joel. Great to hear! Feel free to share with friends. Cheer, Paul
I once work on the job site where the owner was draining a 100 acre pond that was over 100 years old. It had a lot of fish in it. About the time it was half-empty the bass started biting so well that you could catch them almost on every cast
Hi, Rory. Yes! Pretty cool to see. Happens during droughts too, when water gets really low. Habitat consolidates and carnage ensues. See Video Fishing Journal 34. Cheers, Paul
Incredibly priceless, as always. Thanks again, Paul.
Hey, B. Thanks. Great to hear. Share TNF around! Best, Paul
Wow! Lots of great info here. Thank you for putting this out.
I fished a wind induced current channel this morning, no luck but I was drawn to it.
Thanks again,
Be safe.....
Hey, Morty. Thanks. Not sure where you are in the season, but you might want to avoid direct current if the water's cold. But, those eddies and current breaks could be worth spending some time on.
Thanks. You stay safe too. Paul
Very well done!!! Learning a lot and enjoying your channel thoroughly!👍
Thanks, CgeO.
I fish in an overflow pond adjacent to the Erie Canal in Pittsford, NY. It's the exact scenario you described; the canal locks would open and close triggering a huge ebb and flow into this retention pond.
Hi, Eddie. I wondered if someone would recognize it. :)) Yes, that's it. Man, that was... 40 years ago! Is it still ebbing and flowing? Lemme guess, the smallies and walleyes are still pounding those silversides when it flows?? As I said, it's an ages old process. 40 yrs is nothing! :) Cheers, Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 Yeah it still happens like clockwork whenever they open up the canal lock nearby....that rush of water going through that tunnel is violent! I've caught walleye in there throwing a chatterbait. Glad to know you were once a local! I grew up fishing Mendon Ponds Park.
@eddie d Very cool. Of course it is. 40 yrs is... nothing. :) I grew up fishing MP too! I'd say my bass fishing bug started there. I lived in Fairport and, at 10rys old, if my parents couldn't take me, I would ride my bike there and back. That place still lives in my soul. I wonder how much it's changed. 40 yrs is a lot for some places. :)
@@thenatureoffishing7591 That's awesome to hear. I learned how to fish at MP with my Zebco rod/reel about 40 yrs ago also...happy to report Mendon Ponds Park is still as pristine as you probably remember. Looking forward to your next video, stay safe and healthy!
Paul I wanted to thank you for providing fantastic information about Bass fishing. I am an Obsessed Bass Fisherman and I watched every one of your videos. I like to learn as much as possible about the fish and techniques. You provide comprehensive information. I actually learned a technique from you today and can't wait to update my Bag to include it. Thanks again. Keep the content Coming. I can't get enough Bass information. I have a belly boat also and just purchased a kayak too. I make my own lures for fun and I've become quite skilled. What was so special about the Lucky Strike Spinner Bait. The Colorado Blades?? You've also made me rethink my tactics with heavy cover. It has overwhelmed me in the past. I don't know why, I have all the tools and now the complete know how to be deadly in thick thick vegetation. I think I was overwhelmed because I was in my Float Tube and mobility was low and a little scary.
Hi, David. Awesome to hear you are so inspired. I plan to keep plugging away on in depth content. I have no interest in running a YT channel otherwise.
The Strike King Grass King SB is special bc it has a spoon body that gives it a wide wagging motion. That body and tandem CO blades makes for a slow surface bulging SB. Quite weedless, it is still my favorite broken weed cover SB. I suspect the reason SK is not willing to reintroduce it is bc is has a habit of pancaking in the air, making also one the best reel backlashers, if you aren't careful.
Float tubes take a bit to get used to. A little awkward at first and so low to the water. However, once acquainted they offer precise boat control. Jungle warfare is made a bit more challenging, esp being so low to the water, but is quite doable. I might be a bit careful if you happen to have a cheaper, thinner walled, tube that might be punctured by stickups. Not necessarily dangerous, esp in warm water, but certainly inconvenient.
Really happy to hear you are enjoying what I'm putting out. Be sure to share with friends.
All the best,
Paul
Well Done,once again, Paul! You mentioned Conditions...what flashed through my mind was i dont separate the conditions. I had to look at that some...and will later. Concerning lunar...i gain confidence at night if i have moon light, theory being they can see my lures better. Like yourself, i have little data to support anything i say..hahaha. Great to see your video! I failed to turn on notifications...wondered so i looked. Hope you and yours are healthy and safe...
Hey, Michael. All the moon data and "data" I've seen has fallen short of "magic". I can see moonlight, or lack thereof, being a lighting condition though. I've done a fair amount of night fishing, but never paid attention to the moon, except to enjoy it. I did however try to keep some records on full moons, walleyes, and the shad spawn. That one fell short too, although the biggest school of shad I saw on that water body came on a full moon night. Fishing was only so-so that night though. Tough nut to crack, trying to single out almost any single possible factor.
We are all well here. Thanks. Wishing the same for you and yours.
Paul, only Constant I've found is they bite best when they are wet....
Yeah... but sometimes they don't! What's that about??? :))
@@thenatureoffishing7591 that the Nature of Fishing!! Hahahahaaa
Thumbs up!!!
Clark
Thanks, Clark.
Barrow metric pressures affect their swim Bladder .
Hi, Robert. Yes it does. But apparently not enough to have notable effects on behavior. Or at least, no research has found that. Does not mean that it can't, or doesn't, but I've come to put more confidence in sky and water conditions, and circumstances that affect behavior. Still waiting for that smoking gun though. Best, PAul
bro never misses
Amazing video and explanation Paul . I have a question for you today.Could you perhaps point out a few cues on a day to day basis that may signal a healthy O2 concentration in a water body ?. Sometimes i find that fish are highly active in the mornings and this, as you pointed out can mean a healthy o2 concentration being sustained overnight . Would this also apply to a large water body like the sea ? . The places I fish are basically a mountain range meeting the sea , lots of rocks at shore where water is crashing onto them and some places hold a lot of seaweed too. Any insight would be appreciated.
Cheers , Russell.
Hi, Russell. Thanks! Oxygen depletion is essentially, rare. Far from the norm. It takes special conditions, usually involving organic pollution, to cause it. Signs that a water body has healthy O2 levels looks like... almost every water body. Signs of the possibility of poor DO levels were mentioned in the video. A morning bite is VERY common everywhere. The lack of it, might indicate O2 depletion. I only suggested looking for it if other signs of possible depletion exist. For most waters, most of the time, you can ignore oxygen levels completely. Green vegetation, esp during daylight, and waves crashing on the beach would be adding DO. Hope this helps clarify. Best, Paul
RoLo (Roger & Lois)
I’ve known Paul for many years, but after viewing this world-class video, I really didn’t know Paul. I’m not aware of another treasure trove of information with the same accuracy and depth.
Hello, Roger. Welcome aboard! Really good to hear from you. Yes, we've been at this a while. You've been a great mentor and sounding board. It's a never-ending job, but someone has to do it! :) Appreciate your chiming in here. Paul
May I show your videos at out fishing club? We usually have 100 members in attendance each month.
Hi, Jerry. Of course. Encourage them all to subscribe! That would help me out. Thanks for asking. Cheers, Paul.
Great info bro!!
Hey Paul just finished watching all your videos, now I want to do some research on my own just want to know exactly what cameras you use for underwater footage
Hi, Gerald. I'm happy you're inspired. I'm using GoPro Hero4's: Silver's and a Black. They've been good little cameras. Have fun with it. Paul
Awesome thanks, also thanks for all the information you’ve provided for everyone
Hey Paul and crew, great in depth info... especially since I'm also in the Colorado front range and fishing for bass here is just a little bit different then the rest of the country😉. Thanks 👍
Hi, Luke. Glad you like in-depth content. Cause that's all I know how to do. :) FR bass fishing is not bad, and pretty much the same as it was in NY where I originally hail from. Best, Paul
Oh ok, just curious what's your Colorado PB? do you throw any of the bigger swimbaits around?
Hi, Luke. I haven't broken 6lbs here. A number in the 5's. I'm not targeting BIG bass though, instead concentrating on nearby waters that offer interesting scenarios for ecologically-focused video content. A friend I fish with occasionally is a bigger bass chaser and has caught some in the 6 range. I have fished BIG lures in the past, but not in CO yet. Was actually planning to do a bit of it this year. Best, stay healthy, Paul
you're the man bro! Ever heading to Vegas please hit us up! Would love to do a video on our waters here!
Hi, RB. Thanks for the invite. Stay healthy. Paul
Paul what's your thoughts about a fishery that the feeder Creek inlet flows against the wind direction 99% of the time. It predominantly blows hard enough to change the direction of water flow, atleast on the surface. The water flowing in is just a trickle, the creek is probably 4ft across at most. Here's another challenge, the water flowing in is always a few degrees cooler since it's snow runoff from up. I've witnessed a lake that developed golden algae, it was a sad sight to see to say the least. Trophy Bass 6-10lbs swimming into shoreline starving for O2. Monster catfish & carp littered shorelines. Catfish have always been my "parakeet", if they can't survive odds are nothing survived. Thanks for your thoughts & great videos. Tight lines!
Hiya, Bruce. Inlets tend to be great spots, as they bring in nutrients, as well as current. The bigger the better often, unless there is little else to compete. I know some very small trickles that draw bluegills and bass with regularity. Wouldn't worry too much about the cooler temps, esp it being a trickle. It'll mix in and nutrients are still there. It'll really depend on whether there are better options in the area for fish. The wind won't be a problem I would expect. If it blows warmer water in, it'll slide over the cooler incoming flow. And the eddies alongside may hold fish. If it really is much colder than the surrounding water, then maybe you'll need to fish a bit away from it, to find the zone. Ideally, cover pieces in the area could be helpful. You could even plant a few, if allowed. Good luck with it, Brucer! Stay healthy. Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 Likewise Paul, stay healthy. Thanks for your correspondence.
Hi Paul really enjoy you're videos!
What are you're opinions on fish pain and consciousness?
I really enjoy bass fishing but never eat what I catch and have been struggling with the idea that they feel pain...
I Value you're opinion.
Thanks
Hi, Matt. Thanks!
The state of the science of pain in fishes seems to come down to best info conjecture on how pain is experienced. Some have argued that fish do not possess the brain structures to “feel pain”, at least in the same way we do: In an emotional way that is meant to attract social concern. I am not qualified to weigh in on the subject too deeply, but I can offer my opinion, from what I believe “pain” to be in the broad sense, and from what I’ve seen in my fishing/hunting/wildlife research/veterinary work, and life experience.
Pain is something that tells a creature that something is wrong, and the cause avoided. This sounds like “pain” to me at some level, “discomfort” at the very least. Can fish feel “pain”? I believe they do, and at various levels. Many hooked fish show little more than fear, the attempt at escaping. Others, hooked with large hooks through certain tissues, have appeared to react more violently. It sure looks like physical discomfort to me. Questions then are:
-How traumatized are they? The obvious one is physical trauma from hook damage. So, I do my best to choose appropriate hooks in the first place, and then to un-hook fish atraumatically. I do this for my own personal ethical/aesthetic reasons, as a matter of respect for a creature trying to survive and prosper in a challenging world. Most hunters I know, and I’m one of them, have great respect, admiration for wild creatures. I’ve actually been planning a video on fish handling and unhooking. I hate to see damaged fish in my fishing waters.
-Are they emotionally traumatized? This, I do not believe so, mostly bc while all creatures are social to some extent, very few are as social, and socially emotional, as we humans are. An injured fish is more apt to be eaten by other fish, even conspecifics, as nurtured.
Finally, “morally”, I take an ecological view of the living world. And I did not make those rules. I recognize that part of me is a predator, built to take advantage of other living creatures for sustenance. It’s so much a part of us that it is both metabolic sustenance as well as emotive sustenance -what many might call spiritual sustenance. But, being a socially emotional human, capable of mirroring/projecting those emotions on other creatures as well as other humans, I have morals/ethics I must reckon.
Best I can do. And I’ve thought about this a lot, having had to come to terms with it, esp as a predator.
As to “consciousness”… I’ll refer you to my Documentary on development in LMB, "Coming Into The World”, where I delve into how fish perceive and “make sense” of the world around them. I was cautious of the language I used (consulting experts in the field), since “consciousness” and “thinking” are not precise terms, that lend themselves to assumptions about how cognitive systems work.
I took it as a major theme, beginning in that documentary, bc just knowing what wavelengths of light or frequencies of sound fish can perceive, does not tell us how that input being usable information for those fish. Or, as anglers are apt to put it, “how fish think”, in particular about lure/bait presentaition.
My own conjecture is that yes fish are conscious of the world around them, through certain functional filters they possess, having evolved, and fine-tuned through learning. I would say they are certainly self-aware. Whether they “think”, though, is a much more difficult thing to get at, in part bc we don’t have a solid handle on what thinking actually is, much less how to compare it across life forms.
Hope this helps,
Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 thankyou you have given me a lot to think about. There is so much biased information out there I really respect you're perspective on the subject. I've always tried to handle the fish I've caught carefully but at the same time realize I am driving a hook into them. I even use to debarb all my hooks but haven't been doing that for the last year or so. Looking forward to youre future content!
I have to acknowledge that fishing is, foremost, a predatory act. No shame in that fact; We come by it honestly. The first step... no, leap... is that you care. Don't beat yourself up. Not only are other people looking over your shoulder, but the entire ecological system is as well. You can always take a fish home to eat, or, if you are not a fish eater, or have a dead fish that is not palatable... it'll never be wasted out there where it came from. The decomposers will thank you! My take on a subject you need to reckon with for yourself. Most of us aren't directly killing and harvesting for a living anymore. We have choices. We can always take up... pickle ball! Which is fun btw! But... not as deeply challenging, awe inspiring, or satisfying, as fishing. My take. Paul
Great stuff as always Paul, Having spent 30 years on the Front Range I can attest to
afternoon storms. Actually never thought much about Barometric Pressure but we used
those storms like clockwork. One of the best tools in the box.
Do the lakes that are heavy snow and ice covered actually produce oxygen in the
depth of winter, or do the fish just live off of the previous seasons open water produced
oxygen? Ken
Hey, Ken. The waters that are at risk to oxygen depletion are usually shallow waters that are over-nutrified, from organic pollution. All that plant production during summer dies each year, and then decomposes. Ice cover stops gas exchange at the surface. Some plants do survive over winter, and clear ice will allow some photosynthesis to occur. Especially effective at this is Elodea (Waterweed). Others, like milfoil, are less effective as they tend to grow dense, then dying as light reduces in fall, leaving a lot of decomposing material. Put a snow cap on the ice, and O2 production essentially ceases. There is no exchange at the surface, so what DO is in the water is all there will be until the snow clears, or better, ice-out comes. Less fertile waters are generally at low risk. Infertile waters esp, thus trout can thrive in high country lakes with snow on them. But, little tiny ponds in protected basins up there can fail to hold fish. Paul
Hi from Australia again Paul. Fantastic info in this series.
My local river has a couple of aerator installations which pump oxygen into the water from a subsurface pipe. I believe these were installed to combat algal blooms. Do you have any thoughts on the best methods to fish these, i.e. up at the surface where the water is "fizzing" with oxygen, or deeper where the riverbed is being disturbed, throwing up food items?
Looking forward to more great video content.
Hey, Pete. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Interesting. Always something new out there, isn't there? :) Gosh, I dunno. I had an aerator experience once. A "trout pond" was overheated at a fishing resort I was running a fishing camp at. The trout ended up crowding up into the surface current produced by the aerator. It wasn't enough as the water was already at saturation. It simply wasn't a "trout pond".
If you have fish in such need of O2, to need to be up in the bubbles, rather than feeding, I'd look for another place to fish. Experiment with it. I guess I'd fish the bottom, probably downstream of the ruckus. Possibly a prey species is needing to be up for the additional O2, which could make them vulnerable to whatever predators you might be fishing for. Experiment with it, and lemme know if you discover something there.
Best, Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 Hi Paul, thanks for the ideas, I'll be fishing up there today. Here is a link to a study done on these installations. It's got lots of big words and numbers in it, so you may it interesting :-) www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925857418304798
Thanks. Estuaries are often at risk to DO depletion, mostly because of the heavy deposition of fine substrate, laced with organic material, and organic pollutants. I see why there may be aerators in place.
Have you considered eventually addressing other species such as crappie?
Hi, Boon. I get asked about other species a fair amount. A lot of what I'm putting out actually pertains to water and water bodies so a lot is helpful with other species too. But, I'm concentrating on largemouth bass for now, and it's all I can handle right now. I'm still making a living and running a household here. We'll see what the future brings. I'd love to do some coverage of other species. Best, Paul
The Nature of Fishing Well, whatever you do, you’re doing a great job. Excellent content.
what about a video on the bass that live in rivers and canals that flow into saltwater how they mange in mixed water
Hi, Matthew. I didn't include tidal waters bc there are none near me, and I've never fished one. However, I've read plenty about them, from both fisheries research and angling perspectives. LMB can handle some levels of salinity, but there is a limit. Salinity fluctuations are most apt to affect bass at the lower end of tributaries. The largest effector is current, and it affects them much as it does elsewhere. The big difference is that it is periodic, influencing fish locations, positions, and feeding expectations. Tidal bass tend to be shallow water fish. They make use of backwater areas out of main flow, convoluted shorelines, shoreline cover, and large cover/object pieces. All this is in relation to how current affects them, and their prey. At low tide (low calm water) some tidal bass are know to move into the main river channel, to suspend at or near the same shallow depths they feed in during flow periods. Hope this helps get some wheels turning for you. Best, Paul
I suppose without testing water oxygen levels it would be difficult to know if rain and rises in water flow from flooding increase or decrease oxygen content of water. I would guess cold rain might contain more oxygen than warm rain. I guess a cold downpour of rainwater could improve water quality by adding more oxygen and cooling the water temperature. I am curious to know but guess some lakes have better water conditions in certain areas than other areas. Cold water slows Bass activity during peak oxygen water levels. Bass can move shallow and feed in warm water then could also retreat to cool deeper water that provides more oxygen at their convenience. Oxygen is quite ample in deep water because bass do fine in deep clear water lakes and shallow rivers with little to no plants making oxygen. So, you could use water temperatures to predict oxygen levels without buying a $500 plus oxygen-testing device by using your handy dandy chart. However, for some reason I still would like to know for myself what the oxygen levels are. The more videos you make the more questions I want answers for. The maximum amount of dissolved oxygen saturation is good data. But what if the water never reaches maximum oxygen saturation levels.
Oxygen depletion, enough to stress bass, is a pretty darn rare event. Largemouths esp are well adapted to low O2 levels as well. Also, fish seasonally adjust to conditions. Even though cold water may have more O2, it is also colder, which may be the more important factor.
Bass probably can't use deep cold water after feeding in shallow hot (enough to affect O2) water, bc they cannot make great depth changes the way, say, trout can. Different gas bladder type.
Some areas can definitely have better or worse water conditions than others in a given lake, even on a pond. These areas become esp important if and when conditions take a serious nose dive.
We really can't predict O2 levels by temperature. That chart is only to show that temperature does affect DO levels. That chart shows ideal DO levels, that is, water at saturation with O2. Things that deplete O2, esp respiration, is taken off those ideal numbers.
Yes, waters are not often at saturation. This is most likely to happen at the surface, esp with some wind chop, from a good hard rain (preferrably cold I suppose), and where there is turbulent current. Turbulent streams are most apt to be at saturation.
Yes, the more we learn the more we realize it's more about better questions, then pat answers.
Paul
@@thenatureoffishing7591 My local lake has over 40-miles of shoreline it deepest water is 40-feet. However I never caught any fish deeper than 18-feet. It has lots of roadbeds, small creek channels, and numerous shallow bays. It fishes like a bunch of different small lakes because it of its diverse shape. During the open water season you can catch bass in weed mats and Lilly pads and off shore if can find them. Most often bass live in water 16’ and less. I worry about bass when water temperatures pass 80° degrees. I never caught any fish with an extended swim bladder that needed fizzing. But I noticed larger bass, need help recovering when caught in high water temps, I revive them in my live well in cool treated water and put them back where they came from. I regularly catch them again and some are like pets to me. If I know more about the water they live in I think it would give me more places to look for more pet bass. Bass must pick places they live in for a reason and I want to understand why they do what they do. One thing you do better than anyone is explain important facts. I watch your videos numerous times trying to fully absorb your ideas. Oxygen levels of water that relate to fish are never approached and I always wondered why. I am shopping for a censor and trying to pick the best one at the lowest cost. It is likely I will not find oxygen is an issue. But it might be fun to play with while finding out. Thank you for being kind and helpful.
The vast majority of bass live their lives in
@@thenatureoffishing7591 The water in my live well doesn’t get colder than 65° degrees and as soon as I put a fish it starts to warm. It holds 15 gallons and I add two one-quart plastic bottles that are frozen. I add a cap full of catch and release to the water and couple ounces of hydrogen peroxide to the water too. Doug Hannon the bass professor tip. I lined my live well with foam pool noodles because after the fish are in there a while they get frisky. The soft foam keeps them from injuring themselves. Sometimes they jump clear out of the live well when I’m trying to get them out. I am pretty sure, the water isn’t too cold. Don’t laugh; I bought a combination Color Selector it reads PH, Water temperature, and suggest the best color lure. The probe cable is marked in foot increments. I keep the probe clean and I use distilled water to check its accuracy. I had some PH Litmus paper strips and have lost track of where their hiding. They advertise if you found the perfect PH and water temperature, it would be the best depth to fish. Good luck with that theory, it is interesting to know where you catch fish what is the water temperature and PH is. I used that thing in little native trout streams and many places and truthfully, the water PH quality is never at perfect levels anywhere. More than likely if, I do buy an oxygen meter it will make no significant difference either.
Talk about getting fresh fish from the grocery store
first. :-P
WTG Patrick! I'm second! :))