Using the Split Shot Rig for Shallow Stream Bass

The split shot rig is likely one of the first presentations used by most anglers as they start the fishing journey. No doubt the split shot rig is one of the simplest rigs to setup and rig. 

Tie a hook on the end of your line; add a small split shot several inches up the line; then thread on some sort of bait (usually a night crawler or some type of live bait) onto the hook and the new angler is on their way to catching just about any fish that swims.

Over time, bass anglers found this rig is also very effective and versatile on shallow bass just by swapping out the night crawler for a variety of small soft plastic lures such as curly tail grubs, small worms, craws and even Ned baits.

As part of their intro promotion for their new soft hellgrammite bait, the folks at Yum Baits produced the following tips video on how to use the bait on a split shot rig for shallow stream bass. 

Take a few minutes and see what they have to say...

Rigging Methods for Soft Plastic Lizards

Fishing with soft plastic lizards can be a great way to catch bass, especially during the spring and summer months when the bass are either looking to protect their beds from intruders or they are just looking for a meal. 

These lures can mimic the movement and appearance of real lizards, making them an attractive target for guarding or hungry bass. To get the most out of your soft plastic lizards, however, it's important to rig them correctly. 

Here are several of the most popular approaches to rigging soft plastic lizards when fishing for bass.

Texas Rig for Shallow Water: The Texas rig is a classic way to rig soft plastics including lizards when bass fishing. To set up the rig, slide a bullet weight onto the line ahead of the lizard; next tie an offset EWG worm hook to the end of your line using a Palomar knot. Thread the hook from the head and through the body of the lizard, bringing the hook point back through the lizard so the bait hangs straight, then bury the point back into the body (Tex-posed). This rig is weedless, making it ideal for fishing in heavy cover. 

One thing to keep in mind when setting up the Texas rig: use the lightest possible weight thus giving the lizard a more natural appearance as it moves through the water.

Carolina Rig for Deeper Water: The Carolina rig is another popular option for rigging soft plastic lizards for bass fishing, especially in deeper water. This rig allows you to cover a lot of water quickly, making it ideal for searching for fish in open water. To set up the rig, slide a bullet or egg sinker and a bead onto the main line then tie a swivel to the end of your line. Next, tie a leader to the other end of the swivel and add your hook to the end of the leader then thread the hook through the body of the lizard as you would on a Texas rig.

If you're looking to use a similar presentation to the Carolina rig in shallow water, consider the down-scaled Petey rig (<- article link) which was created for just that purpose.

Split Shot Rig: The split shot rig is a versatile setup that involves using a light-wire drop shot or offset worm hook and a small split shot style weight providing the most subtle, shallow water presentations for soft plastic lizards. The drop shot hook is inserted into the nose of the lizard in open water areas while the worm hook is Texas rigged when fished around cover. The weight is placed on the line several inches in front of the hook. This rig is perfect for fishing in clear water or when the moody are being finicky or in a negative mood.

Jig Head Rig: Rigging a soft plastic lizard on a jig head is an excellent technique for targeting bass holding near the bottom or structure. Choose an appropriate weight jig head to match the depth and conditions you're fishing. Insert the hook into the lizard's nose and thread it through the body, ensuring the bait is securely attached. The jig head rig offers excellent control and enables you to explore different depths effectively, making it a reliable choice for probing drop-offs, ledges, or submerged cover. When fishing the jig head rigged lizard around heavy, submerged cover, consider using a snag resistant, Texas-style jig head rather than a more common open hook jig head.

Weightless Rig: The weightless rig is a great option for fishing in shallow water especially around shallow cover (grass, rocks, reeds, docks, etc.) during the warmer months. To set up the rig, simply insert a light-wire, offset EWG worm hook through the body of the lizard as you would on a Texas rig but without a weight. This rig allows the lure to have a more natural-looking action in the water or slowly retrieved across the surface of the water, often very effective for enticing cruising, shallow bass.

Though the five lizard rigging methods described above are the most common used by bass anglers, other rigging methods such as the drop shot, free rig, Ned rig, even as a trailer on spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.

No matter which rigging method you choose, soft plastic lizards are a great way to catch bass. They are versatile, effective, and can be used in a variety of water conditions. So next time you are out bass fishing, be sure to give soft plastic lizards a try.

Modification Tips for Open Water Fluke Fishing

Fluke-style soft jerkbaits can be bass slayers anytime the fish are targeting and feeding on any type of baitfish.

Many bass anglers rig soft jerkbaits by Texas rigging the lure using an offset worm hook with the hook point Tex-posed into the back of the bait. When fishing flukes around any sort of cover, the Texas rig helps keep the bait from snagging. Although the hook-up percentage is usually pretty good, there are always several missed fish during a day's fishing with any Texas rigged bait.

If you're fortunate enough to find bass either cruising or chasing bait in open water, however, a simple modification will definitely help increase your hook-up rate as bass pro Terry Bolton explains in the following "how-to" video...

Time to buy some rivets and treble hooks?

Need additional components to modify baits or make your own fishing lures? 

Check out the wide variety of bait making and modifying gear available at Lure Parts Online by clicking on the following image!

A Convertible Mega to Ned Worm Lure?

Is there room in your tackle bag for another soft plastic bait that starts as a 10" mega, ribbon tail worm but can be quickly converted into a Ned or shaky head bait?

Strike King's new worm is segmented at different points along the body of the worm allowing the angler to quickly convert the bait into smaller worms for more finesse style presentations. 

Take a moment and watch as Strike King bass pro Mark Rose introduces their forthcoming segmented 10" ribbon tail worm to the bass angling world.

When to Use a Plopping-style Plug Vs a Buzzbait

Plopping-style lures like the Whopper Plopper or Berkley Choppo and buzzbaits are both topwater lures that are effective for catching bass, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.

Ploppers are a larger, more buoyant lure that creates a big splash and noise when it hits the water. It can be a good choice for fishing in calm to slightly choppy conditions in clear water, as it can attract fish from a distance.

Buzzbaits, on the other hand, have a smaller overall profile and are less buoyant lures that creates a little less disturbance but a higher pitch squealing sound when retrieved across the water. This makes it a good choice for fishing in choppier or stained water conditions when a different commotion may help trigger strikes.

In the following video, MLF/FLW bass pro Matt Stefan explains his thoughts on when to select a plopping bait versus a buzzbait when faced with different conditions while fishing...

Ultimately, the best lure to use will depend on the specific conditions you are fishing in. If you are fishing in calm water with clear visibility, ploppers can be a good choice. When fishing in choppy water or with less water clarity, however, the buzzbait may be a better option. 

Big Worms for Springtime Bass

Generally speaking, the best time to fish with big plastic worms is during the warmer months of the year when the water temperature is higher than 60 degrees.

If you mention big worm fishing to most bass anglers, discussions of hot weather, heavy cover, deep water and summertime usually spring up. During the summer the water is warm; the bass are more active; and big plastic worms can be used to target bass that are holding on deep water structures like ledges and humps or around deeper cover such as weed beds or submerged trees. Snag-resistant, Texas-rigged magnum worms can be just the ticket to trigger strikes from big bass holding in and around deeper water cover.

In the spring, however bass are either preparing to or recovering from the spawn and are looking for food to build up their energy. Big plastic worms are a great choice during this time of year because they mimic the size of slower, larger bass forage and offer an easy meal for hungry bass.

Take a moment and watch this informative video from the folks at Sportsman's Outfitter's on rigging big worms for sprintime bass catching success...

Here's a summary of some tips for fishing big plastic worms for springtime bass:

• Use a medium-heavy or heavy action rod and matching, high-speed baitcasting reel.
• Use a 12- to 20-pound test line.
• Choose a big plastic worm that is 6 to 10 inches long.
• Use a Texas rig with 1/4-oz to 1/2-oz weight and 4/0 to 5/0 offset worm hook; do not peg weight unless necessary.
• Start by fishing the worm slowly and methodically.
• Vary your retrieve speed and retrieve technique to find what the bass are biting on when slow retrieve fails.
• Fish the worm in areas where bass are likely to be feeding, such as around docks, laydowns, and weed beds.

Ultimately, the best time to fish with big plastic worms for bass is when the conditions are right and when the bass are most active and feeding.

Fishing the Ned Rig for Post Spawn Bass

The Ned rig is a finesse fishing technique that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a great way to catch moody bass in a variety of water conditions and it can be highly effective during the post spawn period.

The Ned rig is a simple rig that consists of a small jig head, a plastic bait, and 6 to 8-lb fluorocarbon line. The jig head is typically 1/20 or 1/5 ounce, and the plastic worm is usually 3-4 inches in length though longer baits are sometimes used. The worm is threaded onto the hook so that the hook point is exposed and the line is attached to the hook eye using your favorite fluorocarbon knot.

The Ned rig is fished slowly and methodically around a variety of cover, including rocks, docks, and vegetation. The key is to keep the bait in contact with the bottom, as well as varying your retrieve speed and cadence. Bass will often hit the Ned rig on the fall, so it is important to pay attention to your line at all times.

The Ned rig is a great way to catch post spawn bass because it is a very versatile bait. It can be fished in a variety of water depths and it can be used to target bass in a variety of moods. 

Focusing on cover situated along the first transition break-line from shallow to deeper water is often a productive approach to catching post spawn bass as Lurenet pro Frank Scalish demos in the following video:

If you are looking for a way to catch more bass during the post spawn period, the Ned rig can be a great option for catching numbers of quality bass.

What Is Hover Strolling?

Hover strolling is a finesse fishing technique that is used to target suspended bass. It is a relatively new technique that originated in Japan, but it is quickly becoming popular with bass anglers across the U.S. as well.

Image (linked) borrowed from an Aliexpress Sales Page

The hover strolling also known as the hover shot rig is simple to set up. You will need a few items including a 90-degree hook, a small nail weight, and your favorite soft plastic bait. 

Insert the hook point 1/8-1/4 inch behind the head of the bait and thread it through until the plastic is approximately halfway up the shank of the hook. Next, expose the hook point in the center of the bait's back before you finish embedding the hook completely. This positioning will help to keep the bait horizontal in the water column. Next, slide the nail weight into the nose of the bait below the hook shank, then tie the line to the eye of the hook.

When fishing the hover strolling rig, cast it out and let it sink to the desired depth. Since the nail weight is pushed back into the body of the bait, the weight balance is shifted back as opposed to being front loaded as a jig head would. This position gives the bait a spiraling action while sinking, an action that often triggers strikes. 

If a strike does not occur while sinking, start reeling it in slowly and steadily once it is at the desired depth. As you reel, twitch the rod tip occasionally to impart a subtle swimming action to the bait. This will help to attract the attention of suspended bass in the area.

Hover strolling is a great technique for fishing clear water lakes and reservoirs. It is also a good technique for fishing pressured waters or during the winter months when bass are often suspended in deeper water.

Here are some additional tips for using the hover strolling rig:

• Use light line and a small hook. This will help to keep the bait natural in the water column.
• Use a slow and steady retrieve. This will help to keep the bait in the strike zone for longer.
• Use a variety of small, soft plastic baits. Different baits will work in different situations.
• Experiment with different depths. Bass can be found at different depths, so it is important to experiment to find the depth where they are holding.

Hover strolling is a great technique for catching bass and if you are looking for a new way to catch bass, especially on clear and pressured waters, give hover strolling a try.

Adding Whiskers to Soft Plastics

Have you ever wanted to add your own appendages to soft plastic bait to change its appearance and give the bass a bait with a different look and action?

I know I have, especially around dragon fly hatches when the bass are chomping on these winged morsels and sometimes get very finnicky about what baits they'll bite! 

When this happens I take some 3" and 4" soft stickbaits and add a several strands of jig/spinnerbait skirt matierial a short distance from the head of the bait. This gives it the appearance of wings to an otherwise bland soft stickbait.

It's not that hard to do, you just need a tab of skirt material and a tool like a threader for a fly tying bobbin (see below). 

If you are lacking a threader, you can even take a piece of thin but stiff wire and bend it over to create your own threading tool.

To get a better idea of how this bait hack works, take a moment and watch this short video from the folks at Omnia/Bass Utopia for a quick demo of the few steps needed...

Need additional components and tools to modify baits or make your own fishing lures? 

Check out the wide variety of bait making and modifying items available at Lure Parts Online by clicking on the following image!

Using Topwaters During the Post Spawn

The post spawn is a great time to use topwater lures to catch bass. The fish are still recovering from the spawn and are looking for easy meals. 

Topwater lures can be used to imitate a variety of prey items, such as frogs, insects, and baitfish. Beyond imitating forage, most topwater lures create different sounds and disturbances on the water's surface, ultimately drawing the attention of bass and triggering strikes from otherwise reluctant fish.

Following are several tips to help you improve your topwater fishing during the post-spawn period:

Choose the Right Lure: There are different types of topwater lures, including poppers, ploppers, buzzbaits, and walking baits. Each of these lures has a different surface action, so it's essential to choose the right one for the specific conditions you're fishing. For instance, if the water is calm, a popper or walker might be a great choice, while a buzzbait or plopper would be a great choice for choppy water.

Fish at the Right Time of Day: During the post-spawn period, bass tend to feed actively in the early morning and late afternoon. Fishing during these times can increase your odds of catching more and bigger bass. Although low light hours are often great times for topwaters, don't be afraid to try topwaters in the middle of the day; the results just might shock you.

Use the Right Technique: Different topwater lures require the use of unique retrieves associated with specific topwater types. With a walking bait, for example, you should use a slow, side-to-side retrieve to create a "walking the dog" action. With a popper, you should use short, sharp twitches to create a "popping" response as it moves across the surface.

Vary Your Retrieve: To keep the bass interested, vary your retrieve by changing the speed or pattern. As an example you can pause for a few seconds between twitches or create a "pop-pop-pause" pattern with a popper or change from a steady retrieve with a plopping bait to a stop and go pattern.

Fish over Different Water Depths. Bass will typically be found in shallow water during the early post spawn, therefore look for shallow water areas with cover, such as lily pads, docks, and laydowns. During the latter half of the post spawn, try cover around the first transitional break lines between the shallows and the bass' deeper water summering haunts.

By following these tips, you'll increase your chances of catching more bass and bigger on topwater lures during the post-spawn period. Remember, always be patient and keep experimenting until you find what works best for the waters you fish.

Using Big Baits to Catch Big Post Spawn Bass

Big swimbaits and other specialized lures are a great way to target post-spawn bass. They are big, realistic, and can be fished in a variety of ways to cover water and trigger strikes.

Here are a few tips on how to use big baits to fish for post-spawn bass:

• Use the right gear. Big swimbaits require heavy gear in order to cast them effectively and set the hook on big fish. A 7 to 8-foot heavy-action rod and a high-speed reel with 50-pound braid with fluorocarbon leader are a good starting point.
• Fish in the right areas. Post-spawn bass are typically found in shallow flats and points, around cover such as docks, laydowns, and vegetation. Look for areas where bass are likely to be feeding, such as around baitfish schools or bait spawning areas.
• Use a variety of retrieves. Big swimbaits can be fished in a variety of ways, including swimming, twitching, and pausing. Experiment with different retrieves to see what works best on the day.
• Be patient. Fishing with big swimbaits can be slow-going, but it's worth it when you finally get a big bass to bite. Be patient and keep casting, and you'll eventually be rewarded.

Bass pro Chris Zaldain is considered by many to be an expert in selecting and fishing the right types of big baits for big bass from spring through fall. Take a moment and watch as Chris explains his system for using big baits to locate and catch big post spawn bass...

How to Fish Fast with a Wacky Rigged Senko

Fishing with a wacky rigged Senko can be a highly effective technique for catching bass. 

The wacky rig refers to the way the bait is hooked, which allows for a more natural and erratic action that can entice fish to bite. Though widely considered a slow, finesse-type presentation, a wacky rigged soft stickbait can also be fished quickly in a quasi power fishing mode.

If you're looking to fish fast with a wacky rigged Senko, here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Gear: Selecting the right gear can help you fish faster and more efficiently around shallow cover. A medium to medium-heavy spinning rod with a fast action tip is recommended. This will give you the power and sensitivity needed to detect bites and set the hook quickly. Pair your rod with a high-speed spinning reel and 10-20 lb braided line with fluorocarbon leader to help you quickly reel land your catch.

Cast and Retrieve: One of the keys to fishing fast with a wacky rigged Senko is to cast and retrieve quickly. Cast your bait out and let it sink to the desired depth before reeling it in with a steady lift and drop retrieve. You can also try a twitch-and-pause retrieve, which involves twitching your rod tip to make the bait move erratically before letting it pause to sink again.

Fishing from Shore in the Wind

Fishing from the shore can be a fantastic way to get outside and catch fish, but it can also be challenging, especially in windy conditions. 

Wind creates choppy water, makes casting difficult, plus affects the behavior of bass and other gamefish. When you take the time to prepare and use the right baits and techniques, you can still have a successful fishing trip when fishing from wind-blown shorelines. 

Here are several tips for fishing from the shore in windy conditions:

Check the wind direction and speed - Before you start your trip, take a moment to research the wind direction and speed including gusts. If the wind is blowing toward the shore, it can make casting difficult and your bait may not reach the fish unless you chose the right bait. If the wind is blowing away from the shore, it can help your bait reach further from shore and into deeper water thereby often increasing your chances of reaching less pressured fish.

Don't be afraid to cast into the wind - It may seem counterintuitive, but casting into the wind can actually help you catch more fish in windy conditions. When you cast into the wind, your bait will be moving more naturally with the wind-created current and be more attractive to fish. You can also use the wind to your advantage by casting slightly to the side of the wind, which will give your bait a slightly different drift angle and look to any bass it drifts by during the retrieve.

Use the right baits when casting into the wind - Using the right bait is important in all fishing conditions, but it's especially important in windy conditions. Focus your bait selection on heavier, compact style lures such as jigs, chatterbaits, spoons, and lipless crankbaits with smaller profiles that cast well into the wind. Fish may have a tougher time locating the bait in choppy water, so using a bait that's more visible to the fish or vibrates during retrieve can make all the difference in triggering strikes.

Use heavier weights - In windy conditions, it's important to use heavier weights when fishing Texas rigs, Carolina rigs or with any live bait to help keep your bait from drifting. The wind can can pull your line  causing your bait to move around abnormally. Using heavier weights will help anchor it in place and make it appear more natural to the fish.

Try fishing from the lee shore - When fishing from the lee shore, the wind blows from behind you rather than in your face. This allows you to use baits (larger profile or lighter lures) you could not fish when casting into the wind plus the bait is being retrieved against the current for a different "look" to the fish. I've personally had great success using larger profile spinnerbaits and lightly weighted wacky-rigged soft stickbaits when fishing with the wind at my back!

As always, be patient - Fishing in windy conditions can be frustrating, but it's important to be patient, try different baits/presentations and various retrieves to see what triggers the fish to bite. Don't give up too quickly and keep trying different techniques until you find what works best at that moment. If the wind is too strong, consider moving to a more sheltered spot where the wind might have less impact as you are trying to fish.

Many anglers avoid fishing windy conditions from the bank to avoid the hassles the wind can create. By using the tips provided above and with a little practice, you'll soon be catching fish even on the windy days you used to avoid!

Tips to Better Frog Fishing

Hollow belly frogs are a great way to catch bass in shallow water, especially in the spring through fall months. 

They are weedless, so you can fish them through thick vegetation and heavy cover without getting hung up. And they make a significant disturbance on the water, which helps attract bass from a long way away.

To fish a hollow belly frog, you'll need a 7-foot medium-heavy to heavy power rod and  30-pound-plus braid line. You can use a spinning or a baitcasting, but a baitcaster is easier to control when you're fishing in thick vegetation or heavy cover.

The best way to fish a hollow belly frog is to pop or walk it along the surface of the water. This will create a disturbance that will attract bass. You can also let the frog sit for a few seconds before working it again giving the bass a chance to get a good idea of the frog’s exact location in the cover.

Hollow belly frogs can be fished in a variety of places, including lily pads, grass, around wood, along brush lines and docks. They are especially effective in areas where there is a lot of cover.

Even though many anglers feel the best place to fish frogs is around and over some type of vegetation, there are other situations where hollow belly frogs shine as pointed out in the following video…

Have you rigged up your frog rod yet?

Spring to Fall Buzzbait Tips

Buzzbaits are one of the most versatile and effective lures for bass fishing. They can be used to catch fish in a variety of water conditions and throughout most of the year.

Here are several tips for fishing a buzzbait effectively for bass from spring through fall:

• Choose the right gear. A medium-heavy or heavy baitcasting rod is ideal for fishing a buzzbait. You'll also need a reel with a fast gear ratio to help you retrieve the bait quickly. Braided line is a good choice for buzzbait fishing because it doesn't stretch and allows you to feel every bite.
• Find the right spots. Buzzbaits are most effective in shallow water, typically 1 to 5 feet deep. Look for areas with vegetation, such as lily pads, weed beds, and grass. Bass will also be found around docks, rocks, and other structure in shallow water. Though typically associated with fishing shallow water cover, don't be afraid to throw a buzzbait over deeper water when smallmouth bass are the target.
• Vary your retrieve. One of the best things about buzzbaits is that they can be fished in a variety of ways. You can burn the bait across the surface, slow it down and let it flutter, or even work it in a pulsing motion. Experiment with different retrieves to see what triggers the bass to strike at that time.
• Fish in the wind. The wind can help you fish a buzzbait more effectively. The wind will help to keep the bait in the strike zone and make it more visible to the fish.
• Don't be afraid to fish in dirty water. Buzzbaits can be effective in dirty water, especially when the bass are feeding on shad or other baitfish.

Take a moment and watch to see what buzzbait tips bass pro Greg Hackney shares in this informative video from Sportsman TV...

Fishing High Water Conditions for Spring Bass

Fishing in high, flood waters can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding.

When the water level rises, bass move to different areas of the lake or river in search of food and cover. By understanding where bass go during high water, you can increase your chances of catching them.

Where to Find Bass in High Water

One of the best places to find bass in high water is in the backs of creeks and coves. These areas tend to hold more cover and lower clarity than the main lake, which makes them more attractive to bass. Look for creeks and coves that have plenty of cover, such as trees, rocks, and vegetation.

Another good place to find bass in high water is along the banks of the lake or pond. Bass will often move up onto the banks in search of food and cover. Look for areas with rocks, logs, and other debris that bass can use as ambush points.

Finally, don't forget to check the flooded areas of the lake or river. Bass will often move into these areas to feed on baitfish that have been displaced by the rising water.

What to Use to Catch Bass in High Water

When fishing in high water, it's important to use baits that will be visible to the fish. Brightly colored baits, such as chartreuse, red and orange, are a good choice. You can also use baits with a lot of action and vibration, such as spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, buzzbaits, and crankbaits.

It's also important to use heavier line when fishing in high water. Given the plethora of hard cover in flooded areas, you need to be able to control the bass and get it away from cover quickly. A quality line of at least 15-pound test line is a good choice for most situations.

Take a few moments and watch as the Lindners provide more insight into fishing high water conditions for spring bass...

Think Finesse for Post Spawn Smallmouths

Post-spawn smallmouth bass can be tricky to catch, but finesse soft plastic baits can be a highly effective way to entice them to bite. 

Here are several tips on how to use finesse soft plastic baits to catch post-spawn smallmouth bass.

Use Light Line: Post-spawn smallmouth bass can be finicky and easily spooked, so it’s important to use light line. A 6-8 pound test fluorocarbon line will allow for better sensitivity and finesse when fishing with soft plastic baits.

Choose the Right Bait: When it comes to finesse soft plastic baits, there are a variety of options to choose from. Some popular options for smallmouth bass include drop shot worms, finesse worms, tubes, and grubs. Choose a bait that matches the size and color of the natural forage in the area you are fishing.

Rig the Bait Properly: Rigging your finesse soft plastic bait properly is key to getting bites from smallmouth bass. The drop shot rig is a popular option, which involves tying a hook to the end of the line and attaching a weight a foot or so above it. This allows the bait to be presented off the bottom, where smallmouth bass are likely to be feeding.  Also consider Ned rigs, tube jigs, Texas rigs and Neko rigs for more subtle presentation options.

Catching Finicky Bass from Shallow Cover

If you're an avid bass angler, then you know that fishing around cypress trees in shallow water can be an excellent way to catch finicky bass. 

Cypress trees provide bass with plenty of cover and shade, and they often hold a variety of insects and small fish that bass love to feed on. However, fishing around cypress trees can be challenging because the trees' roots and branches can make it difficult to get your bait to the fish. 

Here are some tips to help you improve your chances of catching stubborn bass around cover in shallow water.

• Use a slow presentation. Bass in stained water after cold fronts are often less aggressive, so you need to give them time to see and react to your bait. Use a slow retrieve or let your bait sit for a few seconds before moving it again.
• Use a bait that stands out. In stained water, it's important to use a bait that will stand out to the bass. Use a bait with bright colors or a bait that makes noise. A jig with bright accents and rattles is an excellent choice for probing cypress tree systems.
• Fish the edges of the trees. Bass often hang out near the edges of the trees, where the water is shallower and there is more cover. Focus your efforts on these areas but remember to work the bait out away from the tree to trigger strikes from following bass.

In addition to jigs, a few other baits to consider when fishing shallow cover for stubborn bass include:

Targeting Bass During the Shad Spawn

Fishing for bass during the shad spawn can be a productive time for anglers to catch lots of bass with a few trophies thrown in as well. 

During this time, shad are spawning in the shallows, and bass are taking advantage of the opportunity to feed on these easy targets after just completing their own spawning rituals. 

What is the shad spawn?

The shad spawn is a period when shad, a small forage fish, moves into shallow water to spawn. The spawn typically occurs in late spring and early summer when water temperatures reach around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The shad spawn usually occurs in the early morning hours, and it lasts for several weeks, making it an excellent opportunity for bass anglers.

Where to find shad spawn?

Shad spawn in shallow water near rocky banks, docks, riprap, sea walls, weed lines or bridge structures that provide cover. Bass will often position themselves near the same structure, waiting to ambush the shad. Look for shallow areas with a hard bottom and plenty of cover, such as brush piles or laydowns, where bass can hide.

What are signs of the shad spawn?

Look for signs of feeding activity such as breaking fish, birds diving, or ripples on the surface of the water. These can be indicators of bass feeding on the shad.

What baits work best?

Is the Tiny Child Rig a Weedless Ned Rig?

If you search YouTube for information on weedless Ned rigs, one of the set ups it returns is the Tiny Child Rig (TCR). 

Unlike a traditional Ned rig however, the TCR does not actually use a Ned jig head but is constructed using a nail or Neko style weight inserted into the head of the bait and the worm hook is the Texas rigged from the tail end as demonstrated in the following video from the folks at TW…

Since the hook is rigged from the tail end of the bait and weight is located at the bottom, the TCR tends to fall more vertically during descent and the tail leads the head during retrieves making it completely different from a traditional Ned rig where the tail of the bait follows the head. 

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that the TCR isn’t a good rig, it’s highly weedless and an excellent fish catching Ned rig alternative. Just to me, it’s not a weedless Ned rig since it doesn’t involve a Ned jig head, plus the bait descends and retrieves differently when being fished.

Quick Tips for Fishing the Post Spawn

Bass fishing can be rewarding but it can also be challenging at times, especially during the post spawn period. 

During this time, the bass are recovering from spawning and may not be as active as can be. However, with the right approach and techniques, anglers can still have a successful fishing trip. 

Following we provide several quick tips for bassing throughout the post spawn.

Look for cover: During the post spawn period, bass tend to seek shelter and cover in shallow cover such as weed beds, logs, docks, overhanging brush, and rocks. Focus your presentations around shallow cover to help increase strikes from lurking bass.

Fish during low-light periods: Bass tend to be more active during low-light times such as early mornings, late afternoons, and cloudy days. Plan your fishing trip accordingly to increase your chances of success.

Use finesse techniques: During the post spawn period, bass can be finicky and may not aggressively bite. Use finesse techniques such as drop-shotting or wacky-rigging to entice a bite.

Downsize your bait: Bass may be less aggressive during the post spawn period, so downsizing your bait can be effective. Use smaller worms, jigs, or crankbaits to mimic their natural prey. Also use finesse techniques such as drop-shotting or wacky-rigging to entice extra bites.

Experiment with different lure colors: Bass may be less aggressive during the post spawn period, so experimenting with different colors can help you find what they are biting on. Try using natural colors such as green or brown in clear water, or bright colors such as chartreuse, orange or red when fishing stained to murky water.

Selecting Soft Plastics for Post Spawn Bass

Once bass finish their annual spawning ritual and enter the post spawn period, their energy levels tend to be on the low side causing them to be in a nuetral to negative mood. 

The result in the eyes of most bass anglers, post spawn bass can be somewhat funky and difficult to catch!

According to fisheries biologist and pro bass angler Mark Menendez however, if you adjust several of your soft plastic presentations, you can increase the number of bass you can entice to strike can be significantly increased!

Take a few moments and watch as MM describes his approach to selecting soft plastics when Texas rigging, punching and Carolina rigging when fishing for post spawn bass...

Best Baits When Fishing Around the Bass Spawn

Fishing shallow water around the spawn is one of the best times of the year to catch bass. The fish are actively feeding to prepare for the rigors of spawning as well as feeding up before summer. 

There are a number of different lures that can be effective during this time of year, but here are a few of the best:

Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits are a great option for bass fishing during the end of the prespawn and through the early post spawn. They can be used to cover a lot of water and are highly effective when fishing around both hard and soft cover. Spinnerbaits come in a variety of sizes and colors, so it is important to choose the right one for the conditions.

Swim Jigs

Swim jigs are a versatile lure that can be used to catch bass around cover when a more subtle presentation is desired. They are especially effective around the spawn when bass are feeding on shad and other baitfish as well as when the are protecting bedding areas. Jigs come in a variety of sizes and colors, so it is important to choose the right size, color and trailer to match the forage around the bedding areas at that time.

Hollow Belly Frogs

Frogs are another great lure to use from the end of prespawn through the early post spawn. They can be used to target bass in shallow water, where they are often either feeding on or being harassed by panfish. Frogs come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can choose the right one to closely mimic local panfish.

In the following video, former Classic champ Jason Christie provides his insight into the best baits when fishing for bass throughout the spawn period especially when not focussed on bed fishing...

Popular Lures for Spring Pond Bass

There are many different lures that can be effective when fishing ponds for bass in the spring. 

Some of the most popular and productive include:

• Lipless crankbaits: Lipless crankbaits are a great all-around lure for spring bass fishing. They can be used to cover varying water depths quickly and effectively, plus they come in a variety of sizes and colors to imitate different types of baitfish.

• Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits are another great option for spring bass fishing especially when fishing stained water or in windy conditions. They create a lot of vibration and flash, which can help to attract bass from a distance.

• Jerkbaits: Jerkbaits are a good choice for bass in clear water that are feeding aggressively. They can be worked slowly or quickly and with different cadence, to match the conditions encountered during each spring fishing trip.

• Jigs: Jigs are a versatile lure that can be used in a variety of situations. Swim jigs are very effective for fishing around shallow cover where football jigs can be used to target bass that are transitioning from deeper water into spawning areas.

• Soft plastics: Soft plastics, such as soft stickbaits, paddle tail swimbaits, and crawfish are popular options for spring bass fishing in ponds. They can be rigged in a variety of ways, and imitate many different types of baitfish.

The folks at Lurenet produced the following video highlighting a two bait approach, one a moving bait (a paddle tail swimbait) and the second more of a finesse technique (soft stickbait) to trigger strikes from spring bass in ponds…

It just so happens that a soft stickbait and paddle tail swimbait always play a big role when I fish ponds for spring bass as evidenced by the images provided in this post!

Ultimately, the best lure to use when fishing for bass in the spring will depend on a number of factors, including the time of year, the water temperature, and the type of cover that is present. Experiment with different lures to find out what works best in your particular situation.