As winter gives way to spring, many anglers eagerly await the prespawn period when bass begin to move from their deep winter haunts towards the shallows in preparation for the spawning season. This is a prime time to target big bass, as they are feeding heavily to build up energy for the rigors of spawning. In this article, we'll explore three effective baits for prespawn bass fishing, including the versatile jig.
- Jerkbaits
Jerkbaits are a great choice for prespawn bass fishing because they imitate the baitfish that bass are feeding on during this time of year. These lures can be worked in a variety of ways, but one of the most effective methods is to use a twitch-pause retrieve. Cast your jerkbait out and give it a sharp twitch with your rod tip, then let it sit for a few seconds before twitching it again. This mimics the erratic movements of a wounded or dying baitfish, which can trigger a reaction strike from hungry bass.
- Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits are another great bait for prespawn bass fishing. These lures have a tight wobbling action and can be fished at different depths by varying your retrieve speed. They are especially effective when fished over grass beds or along drop-offs where bass are transitioning from deeper water to shallower feeding areas. The key to using lipless crankbaits is to fish them aggressively, making long casts and ripping them through the water with a steady retrieve.
- Jigs
Finally, jigs are an excellent bait for prespawn bass fishing because they can be fished in a variety of ways and can imitate both crawfish and baitfish. A popular technique is to use a football jig, which has a flat bottom and weed guard that makes it ideal for fishing over rocky or gravel bottoms. Cast your jig out and let it sink to the bottom, then give it a few short hops along the bottom before letting it sit for a few seconds. Repeat this process as you work the jig back to the boat.
Another effective method is to use bladed jig in a similar manner to the lipless crainkbait. These too have a tight wobble with added vibration making them very effective in all water types especially murky waters.
In conclusion, prespawn bass fishing can be an exciting and productive time of year for anglers. By using these three baits - jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits, and jigs - you can increase your chances of hooking into some big pre-spawn bass. Experiment with different retrieves and presentations until you find what works best for the conditions you are fishing, and be sure to take advantage of this prime time to catch some trophy fish. You can find many great jigs like the Sardis Craw, or a Black & Blue Seeker at www.motionfishingco.com.