With warmer, longer days in the near future, anglers should be getting geared up to go after some pole-bending bass.
Though the majority of bass are still in their pre-spawn patterns, they will soon be headed to the beds for the spawning period.
During this pre-spawn period, anglers should key on water that is eight to 20 feet deep and holding shad.
One of the key baits used during this period is a crankbait. A good variety of shallow and deep-running crankbaits, anywhere from eight to 20 feet, can increase the chances of getting a strike when the depth of the shad is unknown.
A proven technique for catching bass on a crankbait during the pre-spawn period is the reel and rest method. The angler must simply turn the reel quickly for a few rotations and then let the lure rest for a quick period. Then repeat the process over and over. This technique is used to mimic an injured shad.
Anglers often ponder which color is best to use during this time. Since large females are looking to put on a few inches during this time, color isn’t much of an issue. One feature that is recommended though, is a lure with a red bottom. This feature can add to the effect of a wounded shad and the bass will look at the wounded fish as an easy meal.
When choosing lure color, fishermen must also consider the color of the water they will be fishing in. Will the water be dark, clear or murky? A good combination of colors will always come in handy when water conditions change rapidly.
After the bass hit their beds during the spawning period, anglers need to pack their tackle boxes with large, tempting baits.
Jigs with trailers, such as pig and frog trailers, are a good choice during this time. Since the female bass don’t want to exert much energy during this time, a slow-bulky meal can be considered ideal during this spawning period.
Larger worms and slow-rolling spinnerbaits can also be effective during this time.
The spawning period brings high hopes from anglers of catching that bass of a lifetime. Considered by many as the premier time to catch larger bass, the spawning period is definitely the time when anglers need to be out fishing.
Beds can be easily seen in clear water, so anglers must be careful not to get too close to the beds. A good pair of glasses can help with spotting bedding areas when the sun is glaring on the water or the water is muddy.
The fall fishing season presents anglers with a prime opportunity to catch some heavyweight bass. Their aggressive, no-nonsense attitude can play into the anglers’ hands during this time.
So anglers, get your gear ready for some big-time action this fall.
Jake Fagan can be reached at [email protected].