KVD's Favorite Springtime Finesse Baits

When most people think of Kevin VanDam (KVD), they see the preeminent power fisherman plying his skills on the professional bass trails for several decades. Even though he may prefer working spinnerbaits, crankbaits and chatterbaits through the warming spring waters, KVD is one of the most well rounded anglers around. 

Anytime conditions call for finesse, KVD has three preffered baits he leans on when needing to trick finicky springtime bass into biting; Strike King's Ned Ocho, Baby Z-Too and the Bitsy Tube.

Take a few minutes and watch as KVD discusses each bait, when he opts for them as well as the rod combos he uses with each rig...

Does Sinker Weight Matter?

I am one of those bass anglers that lives by the "use the lightest weight possible" rule any time I am fishing a Texas rig, bass jig or any type of jig head.

Typically it's one of two factors that impact the weight size of the rig I am using: water depth or wind; the deeper the cover/structure being fished or windier it is means I use a heavier than normal weight.

From time to time there's another factor that comes into play (when I am in-tune enough to recognize it at least), the best weight size needed to trigger more strikes from bass!

Take a moment and see how selecting the right weight size helped bass pro Luke Palmer catch several huge sacks of bass and propel him to winning a recent (2023) spring bass tournament he was fishing...

Something I definitely have to remember when I see bass following or short striking weighted baits is to up-size and see if it helps trigger more strikes!

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.

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.

Using the Carolina Rig for Prespawn Bass

Carolina rig (a.k.a. the ball and chain) is a popular technique for catching bass, especially during the pre-spawn period. The ideal structure and water depths for using a Carolina rig during pre-spawn bass fishing can vary depending on the specific conditions of the waterbody. 

Setting up a Carolina rig for pre-spawn bass

• Use a medium heavy power, moderate-fast action rod and matching reel spooled with 12-20 pound test main line.
• Use a sinker that is heavy enough to keep the bait on the bottom but light as possible for conditions being fished.
• Tie on a 3-4 feet leader of 10-12 pound test line and tie on a 2/0 to 4/0 worm hook.
• Rig a soft plastic bait, such as a worm, lizard, tubes, brush hogs, or crawfish.

When fishing a Carolina rig, simply cast your rig out across the structure being targeted and allow it to sink to the bottom. Next, drag your rig slowly across the bottom, using a sweeping motion with your rod. Be sure to keep your line tight to feel for any bumps or build-up of weight indicating potential bites then set the hook.

Thoughts on structure, depth and bottom composition for prespawn bass

Cranking Rock Piles for Big Springtime Smallmouth Bass

Fishing rock piles with crankbaits can be a very productive way to target big smallmouth bass in the spring. By using the right gear and fishing the bait properly, you can put yourself in a position to land some great bass.

Here are a few tips for fishing rock piles with crankbaits:

• Use a 7' medium power moderate-fast action rod and medium speed reel;
• Choose the right type of crankbait for the depth of the water and the structure of the rock pile;
• Work the bait slowly and methodically keeping the bait in contact with the bottom;
• Pause the bait occasionally; &
• Be patient and persistent.

Take a moment and watch the video below to see how Frank Scalish with Lurenet approaches crankbait fishing rock piles for big spring smallmouths...

Fishing Squarebill Crankbaits for Spring Bass

Fishing with squarebill crankbaits in the spring can be a great way to catch bass. Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours trigger the bass to become more active and feed more aggressively. 

Following are the basics of squarebill crankbait fishing in the spring, including what gear you'll need, where to look for fish, and how to retrieve the bait.

Gear for Squarebill Crankbait Fishing in the Spring

Before you hit the water, you'll need to make sure you have the right gear. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need for squarebill crankbait fishing in the spring:

Rod: A 6.5-ft to 7-ft medium or medium-heavy power rod with a fast tip is recommended for fishing squarebill crankbaits. This will allow you to cast the bait more accurately and farther to present the squarebill around bass holding cover.

Reel: A baitcasting reel with a 6:1 or 7:1 gear ratio is ideal for squarebill crankbait fishing, as it allows for fast retrieves and quick hook sets.

Line: A 12-20 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament line is recommended for squarebill crankbait fishing, as it provides good sensitivity allowing you to feel the bait and detect strikes.

Bait: A squarebill crankbait in natural color patterns, such as bluegill, shad brown or green crawfish in clear water and  black-back chartreuse, chartreuse or red crawfish when fishing in stained water, is a good choice for fishing squarebills in the spring. A good starting size when fishing squarebills in the spring is a 1.5 size then experiment with smaller and larger sizes and let the bass indicate their preference during that outing.

Where to Look for Fish

In the spring, bass tend to move from their winter haunts in deeper water towards shallower areas where they can feed and spawn. In early spring start your search around points and breaklines closest to main lake wintering areas. As you move deeper into spring, look for areas with shallow water and cover, such as weed beds, docks, fallen trees, boulder fields or rock banks. These areas provide cover for the bass to hide and ambush prey.

Basic Squarebill Retrieve

When fishing with a squarebill crankbait, the key is to make the bait look as natural as possible. To do this, you'll want to retrieve the bait in a stop-and-go motion, with occasional twitches and pauses to mimic the movement of prey.

Using Large Soft Swimbaits for Big Spring Bass

When fishing for big bass in the spring, it's important to understand their behavior as they prepare to spawn. Bass are typically found moving into shallow water during early spring, as they feed more aggressively  and prepare to spawn. One effective way to target these fish is to use a large, pre-rigged, soft swimbait that resembles forage in your local waters.

Large soft swimbaits are lures designed to imitate the natural movement of common baitfish. They typically range in size from 4 to 12 inches; have a soft, realistic body; and are molded to look like a real fish. 

Most brands offer a variety of color patterns to match local forage. In addition to color, the size of the bait should match the size of the fish you are targeting. For big bass, a 5-8 inch soft swimbait is usually a good starting point and some of the most popular brands/models include: Megabass Magdraft, Storm Wildeye Shad, Bull Shad Bacca Burrito, Optimum Baits Rigged Boom-Boom, and Huddleston Deluxe swimbaits.

One of the key advantages of using a soft swimbait is its realistic swimming action. Unlike traditional hard-bodied baits, soft swimbaits are made of flexible materials that allow them to move and shimmy in the water like a real forage fish. This lifelike action can draw bass from their hiding spots and often entice even finicky lunkers into striking.

Quick Tips When Fishing Chatterbaits in the Spring

A chatterbait is a type of fishing lure that consists of a jighead and a blade attached to it along with a skirt made of silicone or rubber to increase the profile of the bait. The bait creates a vibration and a distinct "chattering" sound plus an erratic, rolling action as it's retrieved through the water mimicking the movement of struggling forage thereby attracting bass and triggering strikes.

Though chatterbaits are effective throughout the year, they can be especially productive in the spring. Following are several quick tips to consider anytime you're throwing chatterbaits during the spring:

Choose the right rod/reel combo: Ensure that you have the right combo for chatterbait fishing in the spring including a 6.5-ft to 7.25-ft medium-heavy power, moderate fast action baitcasting rod; 12-20 lb fluorocarbon line; and a high-speed reel. Line size can be adjusted based on cover being fished or to help adjust the depth of retrieve (thinner line = deeper retrieve depth).

Match the hatch: Match the size of your chatterbait to the size of the baitfish that are present in the water. Use smaller/lighter weights when the baitfish are smaller or when fishing shallow water, and larger/heavier chatterbaits when the baitfish are larger or fishing deeper water.

Keep color selection simple: Four basic color patterns are highly effective in the spring: black and blue when fishing stained water or in low light conditions; white or shad pattern when fishing clearer waters and shad-like baitfish are present; green pumpkin in clear water, under low light conditions or when local forage is sunfish or crawdads; and red crawfish particularly in early spring, when crawdads are present, or in tea-colored water.

Use soft plastic trailers: Adding a trailer to your chatterbait can change its action, running depth, and make it more appealing to fish. Try different types of trailers, such as paddle or blade tail swimbaits, fluke-style baits or crawfish imitations matching color to chatterbait and forage present.

Fish in windy conditions: Windy conditions can help break up the surface of the water creating a more secure environment for bass, thereby making your chatterbait attractive to more aggressive bass.

Vary your retrieve: Experiment with different retrieval techniques such as slow rolling, ripping, and hopping the bait along the bottom to determine what works best for the bass during that outing.

Target shallow water cover: During the spring, fish tend to move towards shallow waters to feed and spawn. Look for shallow water areas with cover such as weeds, rocks, stumps, docks, and fallen trees keeping chatterbait close to cover whenever possible.

Fishing Wacky Worms for Spring Bass

Springtime is an exciting time for a little bass fishing after a long. cold winter. Since the days are getting longer and Sun higher in the sky, the fish start to invade the shallows, become more active, and feed more aggressively. 

If you're looking to catch more bass this spring season, then one bait to add to your arsenal and consider fishing: the wacky worm. In this article, we'll explore what wacky worms are, why they're effective for spring bass, and how to fish with them.

What are Wacky Worms?

A wacky worm is a soft plastic bait that is rigged in a unique, almost comical manner. Instead of rigging the worm through the head and down the length of the worm as in a Texas rig, a wacky worm is hooked through the middle at 90 degrees to the worm's length. 

This definitely creates a "wacky" appearance but provides a presentation that mimics the movement of struggling forage, making it an appealing target for bass.

Why are Wacky Worms Effective for Spring Bass?

Spring is a time when bass are starting to move from their winter haunts to their shallow spawning grounds. During this time, they are looking for food and tend be more active and aggressive as they feed-up for the coming spawn. Wacky worms are particularly effective during this time because they offer a slow and natural presentation that mimics wounded or dying bait, which is an easy food source for hungry bass.

Yo-Yoing Lipless Crankbaits for Spring Smallies

Seems Rapala has been busy in their labs again, this time creating their third generation of lipless crankbaits, the Rippin’ Rap.

According to Doug Stange of InFishermanTV, this new design has a different profile than its predecessors (Rattlin’ Rap & Clankin’ Rap) as well as different sound, vibration and fall pattern.

In this instructional video, Doug uses a Yo-Yo type retrieve to connect with quality early spring smallmouth bass and explains the difference between the different Rapala lipless crankbaits…

From the look of the Ripplin’s Rap, it seems like Rapala might be mimicking Strike King’s Red Eye Shad…

What do you think?

P.S.

The yo-yo retrieve is a favorite of mine for bass in the spring and late fall using lipless cranks from several different manufacturers, just sayin’ 

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 …

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...

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!

3 Great Springtime Bass Baits

 What do speed worming, punching & prop rippin' have to do with spring fishing?

Some feel these are some of the best baits to use on southern waters as bass move up on the spawning flats.

Take a moment and see what they mean...

Have to wonder if some of those baits/presentations will work in the north country?

Hmmmm :)