Does Bed Fishing Impact Bass?

Here we are, smack dab in the heart of the spring bass fishing season and many are getting ready to face a sometimes highly debated question:

Does bed fishing for bass impact populations and survival?

Ask 100 bass anglers this question and you’ll likely get an equal number of respondents with either a Yes or No viewpoint.

Though many anglers are eager to express their opinion, truth be known, most have no scientific basis to support their position.

Based on a recent study by fisheries researchers at the FWRI, the answer may very well be … no it does not … well at least in Florida anyway.  During their study the FWRI research group found no evidence that catching bass during the spawn depleted bass populations. Another group from the University of Florida summarized several recent studies that indicate more mixed results via their report; Bed Fishing for Florida Bass.

Admitting there may be cases in more vulnerable waters where different results may be experienced, the Florida group is teaming with another research group at the Illinois Natural History Survey to expand the study.  During the next phase of the study, bass will be caught from two lakes in Florida and four Canadian Shield lakes to assess possible impacts.

If the results are the same on waters in both areas (one where high growth rates exist (Florida) and the other far more sensitive (shorter growing seasons, etc.) this may cause many regulatory officials to rethink their positions on fishing during the spawn …

We may finally have scientific data to answer the question.

Does bed fishing impact bass population?

Use a Creme Scoundrel for Shallow Bass

Still looking for new approaches to catch shallow bass during the spring?  Here is another technique to help put reluctant bass into the boat!

The method involves using an “oldie but goodie” bass bait that many bedding bass find irresistible … Creme Lure’s Scoundrel plastic worm in their “Live Color” pattern. Creme’s Scoundrel worm has been on the market since 1949 and still produces fish when other baits fail.

As a matter of fact, the “Live Color” Scoundrel was one of the first plastic worms I fished dating back to … well let’s just say more than a couple of years  …

Though I often switched between this worm and Mann’s Jelly Worms, I almost always fished the Scoundrel when fishing for bass in the shallows throughout the spring.

Most of the time, I opted for the 6″ Scoundrel in the “Live Color” pattern rigging it one of five different ways depending on the mood of the bass:

1. A weightless Texas Rig
2. A weightless Wacky Rig
3. Texas Rig with a 1/16 oz. or 1/32 oz. bullet weight
4. A light (1/16 oz. or 1/32 oz.) jighead or
5. A split shot rig.

Once the rig was selected, the two weightless rigs along with the weighted Texas rig were fished slowly, sometimes literally dragging the bait across the shallow flats and the split shot and jighead rigs were usually fished somewhat faster.  

Always remember, experimenting with the retrieve helps identify the presentation preferred by the bass under prevailing conditions.

So the next time you hear out during the spring, be sure you pack a few “Live Color” Creme Scoundrels to help entice those reluctant bedding largemouths …

Bassin' During the Bluegill Spawn

As the bass are winding down their time on the spawning beds, bluegill and other sunfish are just starting theirs.

That's great news for bass recuperating since bedding 'gills mean an easy meal and energy source!

Knowing the right baits and presentations to coax bluegill-focused bass into chomping your bait will put more and bigger bass in your boat during this part of the season.

Watch and see what I mean:

Male Bass Bedding Behavior

Fishing for bedding bass can be frustrating…

Many times you can see bass sitting on the bed but then find they avoid almost everything you throw at them…

The video below shows how bedding bass react under different situations…

Definitely some things to think about!