COVER vs. STRUCTURE

For a beginner, when fishermen speak of fishing STUCTURE or COVER, it can be extremely confusing. However, it is very important to know the difference because they are as different as night and day! The Bass Resource defines "Structure" as changes in the shape of the bottom of lakes, rivers, or impoundments, especially those that influence fish behavior. This is probably the most misunderstood word in bass fishing. Structure is a feature on the bottom of the lake. Some examples of structure are creeks, humps, depressions, sandbars, roadbeds, ledges and drop-offs. Some examples that are not structure: a stump, tree or brush pile (these are cover).

"Cover" is defind as natural or manmade objects on the bottom of lakes, rivers or impoundments, especially those that influence fish behavior. Anything a fish can use to conceal itself. Examples include stick-ups, tree lines, stumps, rocks, logs, pilings, docks, weeds, boathouses, duck blinds, bushes, etc. (not to be confused with structure).