Winter in Texas is coming to an end and Spring is about to kick into full swing! Bass fishing in the early spring can be a great experience for anglers as the fish are actively feeding and preparing for the spawn while others may already be on beds depending on the body of water.
The following are some important factors to keep in mind when fishing for bass during this time:
- Water temperature: Water temperature is a crucial factor to consider in early spring, as it influences the activity level of bass. As the water temperature rises, the bass will become more active and begin to move into shallower water. Look for water temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit.
- Depth: Early in the spring, bass can be found at a variety of depths, from the shallowest part of the lake to the deeper drop-offs. Look for areas with a mix of deep and shallow water, such as points, drop-offs, and creek channels. I can tell you from recent anecdotal experience from several professional fishermen I know, they have been having tremendous success with large bait mimicking baits up in the shallows of 5 feet of water or less.
- Cover: Bass will often use structure, such as rocks, logs, and weed beds, to ambush their prey. Look for areas with plenty of cover and fish near or around these structures. Conversely, pay attention to areas where a bass will fan a bed. Bass typically like to make spawning beds in areas with soft, sandy, or muddy bottoms in shallow water, usually near shore.
- Lures: In the early spring, crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics are all effective lures for bass. Match the hatch by using lures that mimic the type of forage the bass are feeding on, such as shad or crawfish. My personal favorites are the Monster Mike’s 5” Disco Shad and the smaller Decaf Shad. Both offer an excellent baitfish mimic. Also, the Monster Mike’s bluegill glidebait that we’ve been testing has proven to be a real killer in bodies of water where chunky bluegill are the preferred forage
- Presentation: Pay close attention to your retrieve speed and technique. In the early spring, a slow and steady retrieve is often more effective than a fast and erratic one. Also, try to make your lure mimic the action of injured or vulnerable prey, as bass will often be more aggressive during this time. If you’re using our Disco or Decaf Shads, I’d recommend rigging up a Donkey Rig, otherwise known as a double fluke rig. We will be publishing some how-to videos in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to our YouTube and Social Media channels!
By taking into account these factors, you can increase your chances of having a successful day on the water during the early spring. However, it’s important to remember that bass fishing can be highly unpredictable, and no two fishing trips will be exactly the same.