Bass Fishing this Weekend?

Here are some tips for Pre/Spawning L Bass:

#1. Very important! Slowly drive around your lake looking for the warmest water in 3-6FT of water. Typically, the warmest water will be in the North - North/West corner of most lakes. Why? In the Spring, the position of the Sun warms that side of the lake first. In many cases the water temperature from the South to the North side of any given lake can be 4-6 degree's different. 85% of the time Bass will start their spawn in the North/North West corner.

The only time the North/Northwest corner won't be warmer, (or READ warmer on your Fish Finder) is when wind action causes the warmer water to be filtered to the windy side of the lake.

STILL, you should always START on the North/NorthWest corner of any Bay or section of lake. It receives the most Sun and weed growth will always be more prevalent in the North.

2. Pre-Spawn- If (and that's a big IF) the Bass are still in pre-spawn try Rattle Trap type lures, Manns 1-, and other shallow water Cranks. But, in my opinion, you've probably missed the "move-up".

3. Spawning fish are usually pretty spooky. They CAN be caught with Cranks and the like, but typically Texas-rigged Soft Plastic's work best.

Try 4" Beavers, 6" Salamanders, 6" Lizards, and Frogs.

Why?

A Texas-rigged soft plastic can be allowed to sit inside a bed, (whereas, a Crank cannot). A texas-rigged Lizard is a very common Bedding Bass lure. Colors?? Green Pumpkin/flake, Black, Moccasin or Red Shad....

3. USE FLUOROCARBON leaders or line. Why? Again, bedding Bass tend to be "spooky" and "line shy", and usually lake water is the most clear during the Winter and early Spring. Clearer water means fish are able to see better. That's also why more realistic looking soft plastics work well this time of year for bedding fish- they can see it WELL.

If you follow these 3 basic rules/tips you'll do fine. Good luck!

if the bass are spawning they're going to be laying on the beds protecting the eggs. Use a suspending crank bait over the flats near the shores, that's where their nests should be. Also, something that rattles and had good vibrations will entice their predatory reaction to strike at a possible threat.

As for the color, that depends on water clarity. This time of year, color isn't crucial. If the sun is out, use something that will reflect off the sun (such as a "glittery" lure). If the water is murky, try using chartreuse or bright orange.

Remember to catch and release during spawning season, this is crucial for continued good fishing.

Good luck and have fun.