How To Avoid Fishing Beds During The Spawn

A couple of incidences got me thinking about an approach I often use when heading out to my favorite bass haunts throughout the spring season…

Though springtime and bass equate to cruising the shallows in search of fish around spawning flats for many anglers a few of us take a different approach when starting our trips…

Best part of this approach… it avoids putting more pressure on bedding bass!

What’s so different about my approach?

I tend to start each day on the water by focusing on transitional fish with a buzzbait rather than focusing on those up on the flats partaking in the spawning ritual!

This approach was originally developed when fishing several reservoirs of the Rocky Mountain west and has also been used successfully on lakes in the mid-west and up into New England.

Now it’s time for an example…

Looking at the map of Johns Pond on Cape Cod (Mass) provided below, my day starts by heading to the southeast corner of the pond and positioning the boat over the 10 foot contour.

Using Jerkbaits Throughout the Spring

When many bass anglers think about suspending jerkbaits, the cool to cold water periods come to mind.

Although jerkbaits have their place throughout the entire open water season, spring is one time of year where they definitely shine. 

There is no doubt that one of the best known bass anglers of all time, Kevin VanDam (KVD) is a master when it comes to fishing jerkbaits; one of his go-to baits throughout the spring!

Take a few moments and listen as KVD discusses his approach when fishing jerkbaits from the prespawn right until the end of the post spawn periods...

Jig Skipping Tips for Beginners

Developing the skill of skipping baits under docks, overhanging brush and into lay-downs greatly enhances your bass catching days on the water. 

Though many bass anglers first learn to skip using a spinning combo with fairly light line (up to 12 lb test), the use of baitcasting gear with heavier line is required when trying to skip into dense cover; a much more daunting challenge for many of us.

Though admittedly more challenging, skipping lures like jigs can become second nature with the proper gear and practice as bass pro Gary Klein points out in this W2F video...

Swimming Weightless Grubs for Bass

What do most anglers envision when someone mentions a curly tail grub? Jigheads, tough conditions, and panfish? 

Perhaps but truth is these simple looking baits catch bass of all sizes, under a variety of conditions and have been doing so for decades!

Every angler is probably familiar with the common methods of fishing grubs (jighead, drop shot, split shot). There is one presentation however that is not often discussed ... rigging the grub on a weedless-style hook and swimming it near the surface through shallow cover. 

It can be deadly!

Take a moment as the guys from W2F give a great on the water demo on rigging and presenting a weightless grub for shallow water bass!

Though Kyle mentions Yum curly tails (which I'm not sure is even made anymore) in the video, a few other suggestions would be 5" grubs from Yamamoto, Kalin, Mister Twister or Big Bite Baits. 

If you really want to get fancy and up-size the rig, try Kalin's Mogambo 6" curly tail just remember to up-size the hook too!

Downsize Baits for More Spring Bass

Fishing for bedding bass provides many anglers their best opportunity to catch a trophy bass. Though spawning bass are usually easy to spot against their fanned-out beds, catching them can often be frustrating …

Most bass fisherman revert to standard bass baits (jigs, worms and sometimes topwaters) when fishing for bedding bass and more recently specialized sinking worms and soft-stickbaits.

Depending on the stage of the spawn, bedding bass can be aggravated into striking or moving “conventional-sized” bass lures.  Much of the time, however, bedding bass will refuse most of the normal-sized morsels dropped into their liar.

When encountering those times when bass are reluctant to strike normal-sized offerings, down-sizing your lure selection increases success for bedding bass!

Three Mini-baits To Cure Bedding Bass Blues …

Over the years, I have found these three bite-sized morsels can turn hesitant spawner into an aggressive defender of their bedding territory …

The eighth-ounce jig and trailer combo …

Try using this down-sized version of the jig ‘n pig favorite of most bass anglers.  With it’s smaller profile and slower fall, this mini-morsel can often trigger strikes causing bass to pounce on it once it enters their lair …

A “Fuzz-E-type” grub on a eighth or sixteenth ounce roundball jig head offers not only the smaller profile and slower fall but the added advantage of being far different than most baits dropped into their beds …

Over a decade ago, the Yamamoto Senko re-ignited the bass angler’s interest in sinking worm-type baits after introducing the four and five inch version of this great bass bait.

Boasting both a slow fall rate and enticing wiggle during decent, the sinking worms on the market today are a staple in every bass fisherman’s arsenal. When bedding bass resist the longer sinking minnow offerings, switching to the shorter, stubbier, three-inch version can be just what the doctor ordered for that bedding trophy bass strike!

Other small baits can work equally well on bed fish including a 3.5" hellgrammite rigged on a Ned-style jig head which was dragged through a bedding fish's domain. This bass just couldn't stand the little hellgie invading its turf!

So remember, sometimes downsizing pays off, not only in numbers of bass but quality fish too!

A Different Take on Adding Nail Weights to Soft Stickbaits

Is it a weighted wacky or Neko rig?

Bass pro James Niggemeyer presents a different approach to nail weighting a soft stickbait...

Different, yes but what do you think?

Spring Crankbait Tips

When bass fishing pro KVD takes the time to talk about spring crankin', it's a good idea to listen!

In this on the water video, KVD discusses and demos a number of tips about effectively fishing crankbaits for spring bass...

Try a Finesse Tokyo Rig on Tight-lipped Bass

The Tokyo rig has been one of the "hot" systems for fishing a variety of soft plastic baits during the past few years. Up until recently, many bass anglers have been using the Tokyo rig power fishing larger plastics with great success.

Now with the introduction of VMC's Finesse Tokyo rig, light tackle enthusiasts have a shot at using the Tokyo rig for finesse fishing especially when the bite is tough.

Take a moment and watch as Rapala/VMC bass pro Gerald "G-man" Swindle gives an on the water demo for fishing with a finesse Tokyo rig when the bass have tight lips...

Five "Must Have" Rod Combos for Bass Fishing

Considering the never-ending possibilities when shopping for rod and reel combos for bass fishing, it's easy to see why many anglers are left scratching their heads when trying to make a decision on the best combos to buy.

In this video from MLF pro Edwin Evers, he reviews the five combos he feels every bass angler should have in his order of importance...

Interesting list and reasons though mine might be slightly different. Still a great starting point none the less.

When to Use a Trailer Hook

Bass anglers love to use buzzbaits and spinnerbaits because the not only catch lots of bass but often times larger fish as well

One problem with wired-frame baits like these, bass frequently short strike the bait missing the hook thereby frustrating many buzzbait and spinnerbait anglers.

Is there a way to increase the hook-up ratio with these baits?

You betcha! 

By simply adding a trailer hook in a manner so not to impede any soft plastic trailer on the bait as bass pro James Niggemeyer explains in this how-to video...

G-man's Advice on Springtime Wacky Rigging

Springtime and wacky rigs go together like "soup n sandwich" for many bass anglers. It's often one of the presentations I use each spring to connect with the first bass of the season like this one...

Just give me a 5" salted stickbait and wacky-style hook and I am good to start probing shallow cover with my weightless wacky rig!

Like me, many anglers fall back on a "senko-style" soft stickbait when rigging it wacky!

Bass pro, Gerald "G-man" Swindle has a different approach to springtime wacky rigging as he demonstrates in this W2F video...

Looks like it might be time to break out some weights and trick worms though I may make a few adjustments 😎

Pattern Spring Bass to Increase Fishing Success

Heading out to your favorite bass lake for some early spring bass fishing?

Take the time and learn how to pattern the fish and determine exactly where they are positioned in their winter to springtime transition. If you are fortunate enough to fish a lake with populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass, one thing is certain … each fish reacts differently to the changing environment and utilizes sections of the lake.

Join Al Lindner of Angling Edge TV on one of his first spring trips to a favorite bass haunts and notice how he and his partner carefully pattern each species to determine exactly where the fish are staging in the following video …

I think you will agree spending the time to carefully note where and how you are catching fish definitely results in increasing your bass fishing success!

Finding Ice Out Bass

Do you live in the north country and anxiously await the ice to leave our lakes and ponds plus the chance to get in our boats and on the water?

Ever wonder where the best places to start the search for bass migrating from deeper wintering areas and back to the shallows?

Take a few minutes and watch as the guys from Hook n Look discuss where to find ice out bass...

I know hitting the dark bottom flats works for me each spring immediately after ice out!

Tips for Finding Bigger Fish

Most bass anglers agree, although catching bass is fun, catching bigger fish is a whole lot more fun 😬

When you're out fishing and catching lots of small and keeper-sized, what adjustments can you make to up the quality of the bass?

Take a few moments to watch as bass pro Greg "Hack-Attach" Hackney explains his approach to catching quality bass rather than just a quantity of them!

Change Casting Angles and Catch More Bass?

Identifying transition and staging areas can be the key to connecting with prespawn bass. One of the best man made features on many bass lakes are bridges and associated rip-rap/abutments.

These features not only offer substantial cover, they're also often part of the "map" bass use as they migrate to spawning areas. 

Quickly working each side of the rip-rap or abutments insalmost guaranteed to produce a few fish, but maybe there's a way to get even more bass from bridge systems?

Take a moment and check out this video where bass pro Seth Feider demonstrates a better approach to produce even more bass from these bass magnets:

Change your angle; catch more bass. 

Definitely worth the effort!

Does Spinnerbait Head Color Matter?

There's little doubt that spinnerbait skirt and blade color can be important in certain situations such as when fishing clear water; when chasing smallmouths or when bass are chasing specific types of bait.

But what about the head color of a spinnerbait; is it important as well?

According to the folks at Booyah, it absolutely can be especially when fishing different water clarity as discussed in this Booyah video production...

Do Post Front Bass Relocate?

You've located bass on isolated cover while fishing your favorite hole during stable weather. The next time out however a major front has just past so you start to wonder whether or not the bass will be home or moved off to new locations.

Question is, do post front bass relocate and if so to where?

Well according to Steve Rogers, yes they do and where they move to just might surprise you as he describes in this cool video!

Definitely food for thought the next time I'm fishing after a front!

Using Soft Stickbaits and Spinners in Stained Water

Many anglers avoid using soft stickbaits in highly stained water due to the subtle nature of the presentation. 

Savvy anglers understand by adding a tail spinner to the stickbait, it adds both flash and vibration to the presentation when fishing dirty water. It's also a presentation many bass never see under those conditions.

Take a moment and watch as the folks from Falcon Rods provide an overview on how and why to use "spinner worms" to you stained water bassin' arsenal:

Using Tokyo-rigged Swimbaits for Bed Fishing

Swimbaits on Tokyo rigs for bedding bass... really?

Just before MLF pro Ott Defoe won the 2022 MLF Heavy Hitters event down in Texas, he posted this video with his take on fishing the Tokyo rig. 

In the video, OD admits he has limited experience using the Tokyo rig but also noted he has had great success using the rig in the picture in bedding bass.

Turns out he was right. Defoe credits the Tokyo-rigged swimbait as a major tool that helped him win the Heavy Hitters event!

Take a moment and listen as the "Otter" gives his view on fishing the Tokyo rig...

Here's a link to the other video he mentions where he used the Tokyo-rigged swimbait on bedding bass (watch between 9.5 and 12 minutes)...

Otters Bed Fishing Secrets

Tips on Picking Jig Trailers

Flipping jigs ... Swim Jigs ... Football Jigs ... Structure Jigs .... Casting Jigs ... oh my!

If there are that many different jig types, how in the world do you know which trailer to pick?

Take a moment and let bass pro Ott Defoe describe his approach to matching the right trailer and jig depending on the fishing situation...

KVD on Suspended Bass and the Damiki Rig

Anytime the G.O.A.T. of bass fishing, Kevin VanDam speaks it's probably best to listen!

If you've ever been challenged by suspended bass, KVD has some great insight about one of his approaches to evaluating the mood of the bass and how to trigger them into striking!

Okay, great if you have the modern forward facing live sonar technology. 

How about a way to up the odds with traditional sonar tech?

Post Spawn Ned Rig Tips

There is little doubt that post spawn fish, especially smallmouth bass can be a tad finicky after completing their annual spring reproductive ritual.

There is one simple yet effective bait however that often seems to cure a smallmouth's post spawn blues; the Ned Rig!

Take a moment and listen to some tips the guys from Lindner's Angling Edge reveal in this short video on fishing the Ned rig for post spawn bass...

Very interesting, especially that new craw lure from Big Bite Baits!

Bass Fishing Without a Plan

It's usually a good thing when heading out for a day on the water with our rods rigged and ready to go and a plan to pattern fish your way to a successful trip.

Though that may be the plan for many outings, there are times when we get to our honey hole and conditions aren't what they were expected to be. 

So do we trash the day and head home?

Nope! 

We throwthe plan out the window and start fishing whatever baits seem appropriate for the conditions and cover we end up fishing. In other words, junk fishing 101!

Take a moment and listen to how bass pro Stephen Browning approaches those times when the plan gets tossed out the window and he starts working through the myriad of baits in his box...

Why Bass Love Sand-grass

Most of the time a lure comes back fouled with subsurface vegetation I get annoyed. 

There's one weed-fouling situation that actually brings a smile to my face however; when the vegetation gives off a skunk-like smell... 

I've found a sand-grass patch and bass (both smallmouth and largemouth) love it!

Sand-grass, musk grass, stink weed whatever you call it offers a carpet of vegetation affording both cover and a food source to many fish species including bass as the folks from Hook n Look demonstrate in the following video with an underwater perspective...

So the next time your fouled bait or weed covered bass has a skunky odor to it, "don't worry, be happy" 😎

Spring Bass Fishing Secrets

Most of us have experienced a very long winter and we’re definitely ready for a little spring bass fishing.

One of my favorite times to hit the water is shortly after ice-out when the water temperatures have risen to about 40 degrees F.

The four baits I usually have rigged on these early spring bass fishing outings include: 

1) a minnow-pattern hair jig, 

2) a lipless crankbait 

3) blade baits & 

4) an inline spinner.

Each of these baits allow me to slowly work my way around transition areas from deep to shallow water with a variety of different retrieves.

This approach let’s me identify the key elements such as proper depth and presentation technique leading to spring fishing success.

Oh … and one of my secrets to working the lipless crankbait; cast the lure from the shallow side on a main lake point into deeper water letting it settle to the bottom on a fairly tight line.  Once the lure makes contact, begin a slow yo-yo retrieve up the point and hold on since this method often yields some of my biggest spring-time bass!

Here are a few more tips for preparing for a successful spring bass fishing trip…

Getting Wacky With It During the Spawn

From spring through fall, the wacky worm is one finesse technique that can usually help put bass in the boat. Just like other presentations fished during the spawn however, a few adjustments can help trick cautious bass into striking.

In this video, BPS pro Ott Defoe discusses the gear, presentations and tricks he uses when using a wacky worm to coax spawning bass into the boat...

Spinnerbaits for Prespawn Smalmouths?

When someone asks when's the best time to fish spinnerbaits, one of two situations pop into my mind; 

1) burning the spinnerbait over rock and grass strewn flats during the warmer months or 

2) slow rolling rock and gravel areas when night fishing.

When bass pro Miles "Sonar" Burghoff described this prespawn situation it got the gears grinding in the ole brain...

Interesting...

How Visible Is 20 lb Fluorocarbon in Clear Water?

What line do you choose when flipping or pitching heavy cover in clear water: fluorocarbon or braid?

Is there really a significant visibility difference between the two?

Take a couple of minutes and see what the guys from Hook n Look discovered when filming from the bass' perspective...

 

 

Would you trust fluorocarbon line in those conditions? 🤔

Fishing the Shad Spawn

It's spring, one of your favorite lake's main forage types is shad and each morning there's all kinds of commotion and thrashing in the shallows...

It's that time of year folks... the shad are spawning!

And do you know what also happens when the shad are spawning?

Many bass are eating!

Take a moment and listen to Strike King pro Andy Montgomery as he approaches one of his favorite times of the fishing season, the shad spawn:

So let's see, the baits of choice are...

• spinnerbaits
• walking baits
• chatterbaits
• swim jigs & 
• buzzbaits

As long as their white I guess though I'm partial to limetreuse when bass are on shad at times...

Just saying 😁

Is There Really a Best Springtime Bait Color?

Is there a "best" lure color for springtime bass fishing?

Many people seem to think so and it seems it's the same color type Ike discusses in the following video...

I know lots of folks gravitate to that color in the spring but for me it all comes down to water clarity plus the dominant forage base in the waters I fish but if it has green in it, it's probably good 🤣

That's not to say I might try a red trailer on a green pumpkin chatterbait from time to time however...

Pond Fishing Tips from a Pro

Pond fishing...

Most anglers grow up probing the ponds from the bank both cutting our bassin' teeth and honing our skills at the same time.

Where some anglers may stop pond fishing once they "evolve" to a boat, kayak or canoe, many of us continue pond fishing throughout our lives (2/3 of my fishing trips each year happen on the bank at some local pond).

Bass pro Greg Hackney is another who never gave up on the allure of pond fishing and offers his thoughts and some great pond fishing tips in this next video...

I love hitting the bank with light tackle too and sometimes even connecting with a really nice bass or two :)

Selecting Crankbaits for Specific Depths

Have you ever walked through the crankbait section of your local tackle show and felt just a tad bit intimidated by all the possible choices?

I know I have! 

Never mind all the possible color patterns, the shape, size and angle of the diving bill can leave many of us mesmerized by the options and "dive to" depth for each.

Looking for a little insight and clarity, then take some time and watch as crankbait guru and bass pro Ott Defoe explain his system for unraveling the nuances in crankbait bill design and application...

Swim Jigs and Trailer Tips

Swim jigs are great baits anytime of the year, especially in the spring when the bass move into the shallows.

Pairing and rigging the right trailer with an appropriate swim jig will greatly increase the number of bass you attract and catch when fishing swim jigs.

Take a few moments and see how pairing different swim jigs and trailers can increase your catching success

Remember to K.I.S.S. During the Bass Spawn

No I am not suggesting that you "Jimmy Houston" each bass that crosses the gunwale during the spawn. 🤣

But I do agree with bass pro Stetson Blaylock that at times we make bass fishing more complicated than it needs to be!

Take a moment as Mr. Blaylock gives his thoughts on why it's best to Keep It Simple Stupid when fishing for spawning bass...

Understanding Differences in Fishing Sunglasses

All anglers realize the benefit a good pair of polarized sunglasses provides in both eye protection and in spotting objects beneath the surface.

Beyond the different frame styles, the next obvious difference in the world of sunglasses is the coloration or tint of the lenses. There's grey, green, brown, amber, copper, blue and the list goes on...

The question is ... are all those different lens tints just for aesthetics or is there a special characteristic/use for each tint?

Well it seems there is...

Take a moment to look over the following graphic and see I mean!

Source: Fix.com Blog

Pretty cool info!

Ten (10) Tips for Spring Bass Fishing

In the spirit of sharing useful insight from other bass anglers, here is a great summary article by Ron Kurucz recently posted on Ezine Articles:

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10 Tips For Spring Bass

By Ron Kurucz

Spring may be the best time of the year to catch largemouth bass, but lots of fishermen don’t make the most of it. Far too many of us tend to fish the same way day after day, randomly casting along shorelines in a hit or miss fashion. If the bass don’t cooperate, we figure they just aren’t feeding and let it go at that. Sure, we manage to catch a few bass, but that’s because even a blind hog will find an acorn occasionally. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to make some changes. This means giving more thought to things like weather, water temperature and the changing patterns bass adapt to as they go through their long spawning cycles. 

The following tactics can get you started on the right track. Use them and you’ll not only catch more bass this spring, but you’ll also have a much better shot at hooking into a lunker.

1. Get Started Early:

One thing that bass have in common with us is that they think about spawning a long time before they get around to it. That means largemouths – and especially the biggest females – often begin making forays into shallows to check out spawning areas weeks, even months, before the first leaves appear on the trees. During this prespawn period, it’s not unusual to make outstanding catches in March and April, even February or earlier from the mid-Atlantic states on south. One key is to fish during warm spells in the early spring, especially if these periods last several days. It doesn’t take a heat wave to launch big bass on a feeding spree. Often daytime highs in the upper 50s will do it. Look for two distinct patterns. If it’s still early in the spring, fish points and deeper shorelines in water four to eight feet deep using spinnerbaits, rattling minnow lures, jig n pigs or diving crankbaits. Bass use these mid-depths as transitional staging areas before they move shallow into the shallows. Don’t neglect the shallows, however. Even early, big bass often move inshore, but a cold snap will quickly force them back to deeper water. When you find bass in shallow areas, they’ll be hungry. Try them with spinnerbaits, rattling lures or shallow diving minnow imitations.

2. Fish the Weather Fronts:

Those warm periods in the spring are frequently followed by bitter, fast moving cold fronts. Knowledgeable bass fishermen learn to look for these patterns because the best fishing is likely to occur on the last warm day before that sharp cold front passes through. Sometimes fishing peaks as the wind begins to rise and the weather deteriorates. Ideally, you’d like to start fishing in your shirt sleeves and finish in a goose down jacket. Slow moving fronts that don’t create sharp and rapid drops in temperature aren’t usually as reliable, but they may still provide decent fishing. After a cold front passes you’ll almost invariably have very poor fishing the first couple of cold, clear days.

3. Keep Track of the Water Temperature:

Top Search Bait Choices?

Ask a dozen anglers what their favorite baits are for any situation and you're likely to get 13 answers 🤣

And when it comes to favorite search baits, it's no different!

Watch and see what bass pro Alex Davis lists as his three favorite search baits...

Chatterbait .... check ... though to me it's a toss-up with the spinnerbait

Swim jig .... maybe ... but my choice is a soft swim bait or swimming grub

Drop shot .... not so sure about that one 😁 ... some sort of crankbait or topwater depending on season for me

How about you?