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Look for Fish Hideouts When scouting for a fishing spot, remember that fish spend a large part of their lives hiding under any available cover. Hiding protects the fish from a vast array of predators. When checking for potential good fishing spots, look for fallen logs or other objects in the water, called laydowns , which provide shelter and good spawning locations for fish. Large trees or bushes hanging over the water also provide excellent cover. You can find fish lurking in the shadows beneath docks or bridges, too, where predators can’t see them from above. Another favorite hiding place for fish is under floating vegetation such as water lily leaves, duckweed, water lettuce, or water hyacinths. Plants growing underwater also provide plenty of shelter and protection from predators such as herons or other birds. Lake shores, where rushes, cattails, or tall grass grow, can create more refuge for fish to hide and make great places to try your luck fishing. How Many Fish Are Down There? When approaching a pond, stream, or other body of water, remember to walk softly and slowly. When humans walk on a lakeshore or the bank of a river or stream, their footsteps cause the ground to vibrate. Because of an internal organ called a “ lateral line ,” fish sense these vibrations and will quickly swim away. When you walk softly, it gives you a better chance of sneaking up on fish to observe their location and number. If you don’t see or catch any fish in a new spot, don’t automatically assume there are none in that location.

How to Spot the Best Place to Fish

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