Fishing Boat Docks for Spring Bass

As the weather begins to warm up and ice out occurs, bass anglers get geared up for some spring bass fishing. One of the most popular and effective ways to catch spring bass is by fishing boat docks. 

Docks provide ideal cover for bass, so understanding how to fish them can greatly increase your chances of catching more and bigger spring bass. 

Here are several tips for fishing boat docks for spring bass:

Look for high-quality docks: Not all docks are created equal. Look for docks with more structural features like multiple levels, ladders, or pilings. These features create more cover and increase the chances of finding bass. Additionally, docks that are in deeper water are more likely to hold bigger fish.

Use finesse baits: In the spring, bass are often not as aggressive as they are during the summer months. This means that using finesse baits like finesse jigs, Ned rigs, shaky heads, or wacky rigs are often highly effective in triggering strikes. These subtle baits allow you to present the bait slowly and methodically, making it more enticing to a lethargic fish holding close to posts and other dock elements.

Approach the dock quietly: Docks can be a haven for shallow bass, but they can also be easily spooked. Approach the dock quietly and slowly to avoid scaring any fish that may be lurking below. Using an electric trolling motor when moving around the dock to help keep the noise to a minimum. Try to avoid slamming you bait into the dock as casting at the dock as well since the sudden noise and vibrations can also spook dock-relating bass.

Try different depths: Bass may be holding at different depths depending on the time of day or water temperature. Experiment with a variety of docks with different depth profiles until you find depth range where the bass are biting. A good starting point is to fish deeper parts of the dock first and then gradually work your way back to the shallows.

Pay attention to dock details: Remember! Not all docks are created equal when it comes to holding bass. Paying attention to the details can make a big difference in catching fish. Look for signs of life around the dock, such as baitfish or birds. These are good indicators that there may be bass around that dock. Additionally, be sure to check out any cover such as weeds or brush piles around or under the dock, these can be bass holding magnets since forage also use these as cover.

Change it up: Finally, don't be afraid to mix it up and try something new. If a finesse bait isn't working, switch to reaction baits like buzzbaits, chatterbaits, crankbaits or spinnerbaits. If you're not having any luck at one dock, move on to the next one. Sometimes all it takes is a small adjustment to find the fish and catch more bass.

Take a few moments and watch as the "Flukemaster", Gene Jensen reviews his approach to fishing docks during the spring in this on the water tutorial video: