Location and timing are key factors for improving your chances of catching fish but here are a few more things to keep in mind on your quest for that FAT bass.
Here are six simple tips to help you target the bass spawn more efficiently.
1) Northern Bays
The northern section of lakes receives the most sunlight, which means those areas warm up the fastest in the spring.
Locating warm water is essential when locating spring bass, and there are few better places to look than shallow northern bays.
1)River/Creek Channels
Bass treat river channels like underwater highways each spring as they push from deep wintering holes to shallow pre-spawn locations. Targeting bass as they move from those deep holes to shallow spawning grounds becomes much easier when you follow creek or river channels.
3) Hard Cover That Warm Up From Sunlight
On bright sunny days look for pieces of cover that retain heat. Rocks, metal pilings, and wood will hold heat from the sun. Bass and other fish nestle closely to these areas trying to grasp a little of that added warmth.
When you see a turtle perched ontop of a log in the springtime, you’re in the right spot.
4) Water Inflow (Creek Channels, Discharges)
Creek mouths, warm water discharges and other areas where water is flowing into a lake can be a prime area for prespawn fish. Look for inflowing water in the backs of creeks and bays and you should find the bass.
5) Secondary Points
Female bass often loiter in deeper water near spawning grounds before actually pushing up to start spawning. During this time, male bass will be shallow waiting for the females to arrive while the girls safely sit in deeper water. Look for secondary points near spawning grounds to target big female bass at this time.
The first point inside of a ”main lake point” is known as a secondary point. These are prime staging areas for big prespawn fish.
6) Docks
The shade, structure, and fact that docks are in shallow water make them popular areas for targeting bass throughout the spawning process. Look for docks near shallow flats, or with hard bottom cover.
Using finesse baits and casting from a distance will increase your chances at targeting shallow spawning dock fish.