Bass are predatory fish that rely on smaller fish, such as shad, as a primary food source. As such, it's not uncommon for bass to follow the shad migrations in search of a ready source of food.
Shad are small, silvery fish that are found in many freshwater systems across North America. They are highly migratory, moving between shallow and deep water as the seasons change. In the spring, shad migrate from their wintering grounds in deep water to shallow, warmer water to spawn. In the fall, they migrate back to deep water to overwinter.
Bass are opportunistic feeders and will follow shad in order to take advantage of the abundance of food. As the shad move into shallower water to spawn, bass will follow, feeding on the shad as they go. In the fall, as the shad move back into deeper water, bass will follow again, feeding on the shad as they migrate.
There are a few key things to consider when trying to target bass that are following shad migrations:
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Pay attention to the water temperature: Shad tend to migrate in response to changes in water temperature, so paying attention to the water temperature can give you a good indication of where the shad (and the bass following them) are likely to be.
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Look for concentrations of shad: When shad are migrating, they tend to travel in large schools. If you see a concentration of shad on your fish finder or in the water, there's a good chance that there are bass nearby, feeding on the shad.
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Use lures that mimic shad: Bass are more likely to bite lures that mimic the appearance and movement of the shad they are feeding on. So, when targeting bass following shad migrations, consider using lures that mimic the size, shape, and color of shad.
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Be patient: Bass can be finicky when it comes to feeding, and it may take some time for them to commit to biting your lure. Be patient and keep casting, and eventually you should be able to entice a bite.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success when targeting bass that are following the shad migrations. #catchmofish