Fish Nest?
 

The water is very calm this morning on Merrymeeting Lake. About 40 feet out from the shore I can see two shallow bowls that have been created in the sand, about two feet across and 2 feet apart. There is a small fish circling around in each bowl. Is this some sort of nesting activity?

Most likely a nesting bass. They will sit there until their babysitting is finished then seek cooler haunts like under docks or boats. The cold winter has the spawning cycle a bit later than normal.

Likely fish nest
 

Sunfish and bluegills also do the same.

More than likely they are bluegill or sunfish this late in the year. Those nest were once occupied by bass though.