How Water Temp Affects Spring Bank Fishing

As the weather warms up and we transition from winter to spring, the water temperature in ponds starts to rise. For bank anglers targeting bass, this change in water temp can have a big impact on where the fish are holding and what lures or baits work best. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you hit the banks this spring in search of lunker bass:

Early Spring (Water Temp 45-55°F)

In the early spring when water temps are still on the cooler side, bass will be very lethargic and sluggish. They'll be hanging out in the deepest, coldest parts of the lake or river, often in schools. Your best bet is to fish slow-moving lures like jigs, texas-rigged plastics, or lipless crankbaits that dive to those deeper zones. Live bait like minnows or crawfish can also be productive. Focus on areas with deep water close to the bank.

Mid-Spring (Water Temp 55-65°F) 

As the water warms up into the 55-65°F range, bass will start to get more active and move up onto flats, points, and shallow cover like docks and vegetation. They'll be feeding more aggressively as they prepare to spawn. This is when reaction baits like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, chatterbaits and topwaters can really shine from the bank. You'll also want to try carolina-rigged plastics and square-billed crankbaits that can cover water effectively.

Late Spring (Water Temp 65-75°F)

In the late spring, bass will be in full-on spawn mode with water temps in the 65-75°F range. They'll be up shallow, guarding their nests. This is when you'll want to target areas with dark-bottomed coves, pockets, and other isolated spawning areas. Wacky rigs, small finesse worms, and creature baits can be deadly. You may even spot some beds and be able to target them directly.

Take a few moments and watch as the folks from W2F provide some great insight into simple ways to check pond temps as well as other considerations when bank fishing in the spring...

Paying close attention to the current water temperature and how it influences bass behavior is key to bank fishing success in the spring. Adjust your lure selection, fishing location plus bait presentation and you'll be well on your way to catching more and bigger bass from the bank this spring.

How to Simply Add Rattles to Soft Plastics

Most bass anglers know there are times when modifying a bait leads to more bites while you're out on the water. Sometimes it means adding a different color; others by adding some scent but when fishing soft plastic baits that are quiet by design, adding a noisemaker like a rattle can make all the difference in the world.

Though many rattles are formed with a pointed end, they're sometimes difficult to insert into even softest plastic bait but especially difficult when it is made from an Elaztech type of plastic like those in the ZMan Fishing lineup.

In order to streamline the rattle insertion process into Elaztech and even more traditional types of soft plastic baits, Zman recently introduced the "Rattle-Snaker", a tool to simplify rattle insertion and store extra rattles as well. 

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Joey Nania demonstrates how to quickly use the Rattle-Snaker to create a rattling wacky worm even in the midst of a day on the water...

If interested, you can check out the ZMan Rattle-Snaker and extra rattles by clicking on the images below!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Light Wire Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits are a staple in any angler's arsenal, offering versatility and effectiveness in a variety of fishing situations. However, within the realm of spinnerbaits, there are choices to be made, particularly regarding the wire arms that hold the spinner blade. 

Light wire arms offer a unique set of advantages and disadvantages compared to their heavier counterparts.

Main Advantage:

Increased Vibration: The lighter wire vibrates more readily with the slightest movement, creating a subtle vibration that can attract fish, especially in murky water or low-light conditions.

Main Disadvantage:

Bending and Breakage: The inherent weakness of light wire arms makes them more susceptible to bending or even breaking when encountering large bass and/ornumbers of bass, especially spinnerbaits with r-bend connection points.

Since those anglers who prefer using light wire spinnerbaits also want to catch as many bass on a bait as possible, a cool hack has been developed to help reduce bending and breakage. 

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Justin Lucas demonstrates how to the hack works...

Pretty cool hack, huh!

If you don't have the right size split ring handy however, a small piece of heat shrink tubing or vinyl tubing (the type used for spinnerbait trailer hook keepers) can work in a pinch! 

Consider Changing Stock Trebles on Crankbaits

It's important to note that not all crankbaits require immediate hook upgrades but many less expensive models do. Even though higher-end lures often come equipped with quality hooks; the decision to change those as well depends on individual needs and preferences of the angler.

However, understanding the potential benefits of upgrading hooks can help bass anglers optimize their crankbait performance and potentially increase their catch rates.

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Bradley Roy reveals the reasons why he often changes out the stock trebles on his crankbaits as well as other hardbaits...

I recently purchased several "low-end" crankbaits to use around heavy cover and was quickly reminded why treble hook upgrades are important.

Though the baits did a great job of getting bass to strike, I had a hard time keeping them pinned on the stock trebles. After changing out the stock hooks to higher quality options, my landing percentage rose above 75%. The change was definitely worth the cost for the upgrade!

Why Ditch the Drop Shot Hook for a Straight Shank Hook

The drop shot rig is a finesse technique known for its subtle presentation, and dedicated drop shot hooks, with their short shanks and wide gaps, are often the go-to choice. 

However, seasoned bass anglers know that there are situations where a straight shank hook can offer distinct advantages. 

Here's when to reach for that longer, straight shank hook:

1. Probing Cover: Fishing around heavy cover like rocks, brush piles, or thick vegetation requires a different approach. A straight shank hook, often referred to as a “finesse Neko hook” or “straight shank worm hook”, allows you to Texas rig your preferred soft plastic bait. This increases weedless protection, preventing the hook from snagging and hindering your presentation.

2. Hook Setting Power: While drop shot hooks excel at hooking finesse bites, they can sometimes come up short when fish strike aggressively. The increased leverage offered by a longer shank allows for a more forceful hookset, driving the point home in situations where a shorter shank drop shot hook might struggle. This is especially beneficial when targeting bigger bass or fishing in heavy current.

3. Bait Presentation Options: A straight shank hook doesn't just offer weedless rigging. You can also thread the soft plastic further up the shank, leaving the hook point exposed when fishing areas with little or sparse cover.

4. Versatility is Key: Choosing a straight shank hook doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing finesse. Many finesse-wire models are available, combining longer shanks with thinner wire for optimal action and hook penetration. This allows you to switch between Texas rigging and traditional drop shotting with the same hook, adapting to changing fishing conditions.

Bass pro Cody Huff relies on the effectiveness of the drop shot rig to maintain his competitive standing in the Bassmaster Elite tour. Take a couple minutes and watch as he explains his reasons when opting for a straight shank hook over the standard drop shot version when rigging for a day on the water...

When conditions call for finesse and you don't require weedless protection, stick with the dedicated drop shot hook. 

However, don't be afraid to experiment! A straight shank hook can add an extra layer of versatility and effectiveness to your drop shot arsenal, helping you land more bass in challenging situations.