by Riley Underwood
Spring can be the most difficult season for bass fishing but for anglers who are persistent and have versatile baits, it can also be the most rewarding. Spring weather is very unpredictable which affects the water temperature and ultimately the movement of the bass. As the weather begins to warm, bass begin to migrate from cold, deep waters to sunny flats in shallow water. Anglers must track the movement of the bass if they hope to find fish and get a bite.
The constant changing of the water requires anglers to have a lot of versatility in order to be successful. Anglers looking to make the most of the spring fishing season should opt for baits that cover lots of water and have a consistent look to them. Baits that allow for a long cast are vital for finding bass in bigger lakes. Also, lures with a steady look and slower movement will be more effective in catching bass that are still moving slower in colder water. During the pre-spawn season of spring fishing, the large bass are the most exposed. Anglers who are willing to venture into cold and muddy waters where the larger bass are may be rewarded with one of their biggest catches of the season. However, on spring days that are warmer a quicker moving bait with vigorous motion can entice faster moving fish in warmer waters and gain more bites.
These are some baits that could win more bites than others
- Lipless crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits look like winter-chilled baitfish and can be a fantastic choice to entice spring bass. They are best for pulling across the tops of maturing grasses in lakes but they can also be used along points and in deep channels. Lipless crankbaits allow anglers to cast long distances and are therefore great for covering a lot of water. One of the best features of lipless crankbaits is their ability to give off vibrations and produce sounds which slower moving bass can follow and will attempt to eat. The best colors to choose in the spring are bright red or shiny chrome. These colors catch the attention of spring bass and can produce even more bites for anglers.
2. Plastic worms
Also called finesse worms, small plastic worms are a fantastic choice for difficult fishing conditions. Plastic worms are a proven winner in all seasons and can be used on many different rigs including a drop-shot, shaky head, or California rig. These worms are especially useful in the spring when bass feed in sunny spots on shallow flats.
The other popular way to fish a rubber worm is to target open water structure by casting and retrieving the bait. Structural features like points, offshore humps, and saddles are your target.
Justin Brouillard
The most effective plastic worms to choose are those with a small profile and a tail that does not have much movement. Translucent colored worms are the top choice for spring.
3. Suspending jerkbaits
Like lipless crankbaits, suspending jerkbaits resemble baitfish that are slow-moving from the winter or dying. This feature makes them a great choice for cooler spring days. They can be reeled in at a relaxed pace with small jerks to attract bass that are swimming at a slower pace while they transition to warmer areas. Suspending jerkbaits are most useful around points that are near deeper water and next to areas where fish are spawning. Bass in these areas will quickly bite when food is in front of them. Because of this, suspending jerkbaits are more productive when bass can easily see them.
4. Drop-shot rigs
Drop-shot rigs have a consistent reputation for hooking fish and are very easy to use, making them the perfect choice for spring fishing. These rigs have a weight at the bottom with a hook and bait tied above it. This set up allows the angler to lower the rig into areas where bass school together and pull the bait up quickly to attract the bass to bite the lure.
The beauty of the technique is that small movements from your rod allow for great bait action since the hook is tied in line with your fishing line.
Tyler Brinks
Drop-shot rigs are very versatile. They can be used with many different types of baits and fished anywhere from shallow flats to deep ridges.
5. Jig baits
Jig baits are typically used on warmer spring days when bass have moved to more shallow areas. These baits are moved slowly and can cover a lot of water. Deciding which type of jig bait to throw depends on a few factors. When bass are hungry, they tend to go after bigger prey. Jigs that look like creatures, such as crawfish and grubs, are most effective. In cooler water, smaller crawfish lures usually work better. When deciding the color to throw, consider the color of the water. If the water is clear, it is best to use green. On the other hand, if the water is muddy, it is best to use oranges and browns. For deep water that is dark, it is best to use blue or black jig baits.
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