Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations What are they doing?

I'm constantly observing everything that's going on in my lake, it's the best way to really learn what's going on as I'm sure most of you will agree. Often I'll find a shallow area where fish are active and visible and just watch them for 15 minutes or more, staying as still as possible. By doing this I feel I get a better idea of how fish behave, both the bluegill and other forage, and the bass as well. With that in mind, there's one behavior I've noticed on the part of my bass that befuddles me. I've asked others about this and they've seen the same thing and have no clue as to what it is. I'll see a bass just slowly cruising/drifting along, amongst forage fish ranging from 1-4", not particularly showing any interest in them, but occasionally the bass will open his mouth, flare his gills, and then close his mouth, without ever changing speed. He's not eating anything that I can tell, so what the heck is he doing? Anybody know?

ive heard of this and seen it as well when i was aquarium raising LMB. i think it is the famous 'yawn' the bass does. however, i have no clue what the purpose of this is. maybe just stretching. who knows.

It is called the gapeing response. I have heard that bass often do it before eating. I have observed bass in a tank with baitfish, all swimming together. But one bass gapes and suddenly the baitfish huddle together in fear. Then al lthe bass move out together to get a little snack.

If we could determine and forecast what causes this, we could be some awesome fishermen.