As daytime temperatures begin reaching the 70's and 80's, the surface water temps also begin to rise. As any "bass minded angler" can tell you, it won't be long until those green creatures of the deep begin their annual migration to the shallows to spawn (lay eggs). It is during this time that most of us dust off our gear and head to our favorite lake. When bass are shallow, they are the easiest to catch. Not only are they feeding, they are also trying to protect their young, as well, thus doubling the chances of getting bit.
Springtime bass fishing brings thoughts of spinnerbaits and soft plastic lizards. Spinnerbaits allow you to cover large areas of water, quickly. When fishing a spinnerbait, you are usually looking for a reaction strike. By this I mean, if you get the bait close enough to a bass, it will bite the spinnerbait out of reaction to it being in it's "zone" rather than just for a meal. In clear or slightly stained water, a white or chartreuse skirted bait tipped with gold or nickel blades, or even a combination of the two, would be in order. In muddy or extremely stained water, I like to use bright colored baits, such as orange or a fire tiger pattern.
Since lizards or salamanders are a natural predator of the bass (they eat the eggs or the young bass called fry) a Texas rigged soft plastic lizard is also a good choice. I like to fish lizards around lay down logs and other cover along the banks of spawning areas. Bass generally like to relate to some form of cover when they move up shallow, build their nest and lay their eggs.
Bass begin spawning when water temperatures start to reach the 60's. The best place to begin looking for spawning bass is on the north banks of a creek on a lake. The north bank is protected from the effects of cold north winds following the passage of a cold front. These areas tend to warm up sooner than other creeks and stay warmer, too. Another good idea is to concentrate on the west side of a north bank since it has all day to warm up from the sun.
When fishing during the spawn, a good pair of polarized sunglasses is a must. It is imperative to be able to see bedding fish and underwater cover in order to effectively fish during the spawn. The polarized lenses eliminate the glare from the water allowing you to see into the water, depending of course, on the clarity of the water.
When bass start shying away from spinnerbaits and lizards, I'll switch to a Zoom trick worm or a Strike King flippin' tube. I use a loud rattle inside the tube and will often spike the tail or tentacles of the tube chartreuse to give it more color. By using a large 4/0 or 5/0 Gamakatsu extra-wide gap hook, I have a lethal combination of bait, rattle and hook to generate strikes from bedding bass or those getting ready to move up onto the nest. The tube has become one of my favorite baits for catching bass during the spring.
When fishing the trick worm, I like to rig it weightless, and bury the 2/0 or 3/0 Gamakatsu wide gap hook when fishing heavy cover, even though I'll usually use light line, such as 8-10 lb. P-Line. The lighter line allows the bait to sink faster than larger, heavier lines. I'll work the bait over aquatic vegetation or flooded bushes on the banks. When fishing hydrilla beds or the edges of flooded brush, I'll fish the bait wacky style. This means hooking the worm through the egg sack allowing the point of the hook to remain exposed, ensuring better hooksets. The erratic action of the wacky worm presentation seems to drive fish crazy, causing them to strike at the bait, even when they are not in a feeding mode.
In most cases I can see a bass hit the trick or wacky worm. When fishing this technique and you see a bass hit the worm, it is important to quickly reel up the slack in your line, feel the pressure from the fish and then set the hook. Setting the hook too soon with result in misses.
Spring is a great time to introduce youngster to the sport of bass fishing, too. You have an increased chance of success during this time of year. If you can catch a pretty day, take a young one with you and introduce them to the sport. It will be a great investment in their future, yours and the sport of bass fishing.
Until next time, enjoy the outdoors.
Tom
