Those fish present a powerful allure, but they’re likely to wreck your practice, and perhaps your day-1 morning. Lake Istokpoga fish report, Jan-Mar 2020: According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, bluegill (bream) and redear sunfish (shellcrackers) fishing has slowed, but fish can still be caught while fishing … It also coincides when the bluegill begin spawning. “When the fish get out to that first stopping point, and then the second, is when they’re most susceptible to the crankbait. The bass were in both pre and post-spawn patterns. “On most years, the spawn … Are you a guide, pro or manufacturer? This is incredibly helpful especially since you will be doing a lot of sight fishing for these spawning bass. Flukes flat out catch … Although half of the work is done given you know the location of the fish, it is still a challenge to land one of these spawning bass. The bass targeted during spawn fishing are typically large bass that will be bumping, spitting, and occasionally swallowing your lure. Many anglers slow down and finesse fish during the post spawn but those that commit to power fishing are often rewarded with giant bass that are bulking back up before going into the summer. Florida bass fishermen learn to bed fish out of necessity, as did Elite Series pro Terry Scroggins of San Mateo, Fla. Bass here begin making beds in January, and you can catch spawners on and off for the next six months. I personally use the Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel, size 35 with a 5.2:1 gear ratio, paired with my CarbonLite rod for spawn fishing. The months are subject to change depending on your location in the state as well as weather patterns. If the deep crank’s scrubbing bottom in 9 feet, he’ll use 14-pound to avoid constant retying. They continue to spawn until the water reaches 80 degrees, with most spawning actually taking place between 65 and 70 degrees. Bass fishing in the early summer time can be produce some of the best fishing days of the entire year. Bass fishing in Sarasota, Florida Anglers fishing the banks should do well from the post spawn up until late April. It’s two steps forward and one step back. If you can't catch bass during the spawn in Florida, don't waste your money fishing bass … Those big groups break up and the fish become less competitive. Keep your line tight while you are fishing so you can feel everything that is going on in your rod. I haven't gotten to fish with Eli in a while so that was nice. Once you have located the nest of a bedding bass, approach it slowly and stealthily as to not spook the bass. If the hook goes past the bass’ jaw, then set the hook. Fishing For Bass During the Spawn Bass spawn in relatively shallow water -- often only a few feet -- and … Heath lives in North Carolina and is an avid fisherman and all around outdoorsman. SPRING (Pre-Spawn, Spawn, Post Spawn) Spring should be divided into 3 categories. This makes brim and shad prime targets for hungry bass just finishing their spawn run. So there shouldn’t be many surprises when the Costa … They eat a lot less while protecting their nests, and will typically only bump or snap at your lure to spit it out of their bed. Bass will make their beds deeper in clear water because the sunlight will penetrate further. And the stage of the spawn can differ dramatically from one end of a lake to another, or even within the same area.”. This can happen anytime, but the crank is generally done after 4 to 6 weeks.”. Florida bass fishing, especially in Kissimmee is getting red hot. When faced with lethargic, transitioning post-spawn bass… A few are already in the post-spawn. All content copyright 2020 FishinFX.com/Gathering Storm Outdoors. You’ll find bass spawning in the warmest, flattest bays in the body of water you’re fishing. Males also prefer to create nests that are sheltered from wind and weather by using natural or artificial cover such as logs, docks, or vegetation. Those fish pull out of bedding areas and go into a “lull” for a week or so, as he describes it. publications. The key to fishing … Otherwise attempt to reduce the amount of time you keep the bass out of the water. Conversely, if he’s cranking 20 feet of water, he’ll use 8-pound because bottom contact is less severe. Post Spawn Bass Fishing: Suspended Bass . And it happens about the same way across the entire continent of North America, with some geographic differences. Cast just beyond the bed (this is why I use a long fluorocarbon leader) and then work the lure into the edge of the bed very slowly and let it pause. They’re grouped up, and it’s the easiest time of the entire year to fire up a school and get multiple quality bites. As fishermen, we want absolute rules, but there are none. How To Fish Falling Water Levels With Elite Series Pro Cliff Pirch, How To Fish Jerkbaits For Bass: Late-Winter Through Pre-Spawn, Ned Rig Tips: How To Fish This Red-Hot Presentation, Drilling Down: Soft Stickbaits and Senkos For Bass With Fred Roumbanis, Tying Steelhead Streamers On Blank Shanks, “These stopping places seem to change every year, even when the structure remains the same. Keep in mind, most large bass are taken during the spawn. This bite will last as much as 4 or 5 weeks, after which the groups will split up again and the fish will move to their summer feeding areas. Wait a little longer, then crawl the lure to the center of the bed and let it sit again. A spawning bass is very cautious and anxious because it is keeping an eye out for anything that can threaten its eggs. This is one month earlier than normal spawning rituals, which generally happen from early to mid-March. However you will occasionally get one bass that holds on, and that is what makes it all worthwhile. This is where the fish will first start to feed, he notes, but it doesn’t last long, and pretty quickly the fish will move from there to a further piece of holding structure or cover, and start to form larger groups. Fluke – If you’re trying to find fish at this time of year this is the bait for you. This is a where the first decision comes in, because the immediate post-spawn is notoriously tough. Maybe a fishing lodge? Elite Series pros dissected how they attack spawning bass … Luke Clausen's post-spawn bass fishing strategy focuses on locating the bigger, better fish that spawned first and are most eager to bite. Catching bass during the post-spawn isn’t really that difficult and, like most fishing, simply requires a little knowledge of bass behavior during this time of the year. When it comes to fishing offshore grass, catching bass … I typically stay about ten feet off of the nest; that way I am able to see the bass and my lure while maintain enough distance to make the fish feel non-threatened. He insists that Florida is all over the board. In addition, be inconspicuous while fishing and wear neutral colors. Late spring bass are worn out from spawning, searching for new homes in deeper water and anglers aren’t ready to give up on their hot spring fishing spots. We want every, We’re back to writing about our fishing experien, Redfish on a fiddler crab #fortfisher #carolina #i, Nice sheepshead #naples #bassgrab #kayakfishing, Name that fish! Your goal is to make the bass anxious about the lure being near its eggs. In Florida, the spawn typically begins in January and lasts through May, with the best fishing occurring in late February through early April. I am a kayak fishing guide on the Treasure Coast of Florida and have been catching bass all over Florida for over 40 years. When is the Florida Spawn? Largemouth bass begin moving into shallow areas of water to spawn when the water reaches the mid 60’s. Baitcasting reels have started to be merged into spawn fishing as well, because they provide more accurate casts which are needed to hit the perfect spot on the nest. However, early spring weather is unpredictable, and as the water temperature in the shallows fluctuates from day to day, bass will move back and forth between shallow and deep water. Some bass anglers say that fishing the spawn can endanger the bass population and so they refrain from it, however it offers a great fishing opportunity and a recent study at the University of Florida has shown that it actually does not adversely affect the bass populations if proper precautions are taken. Hit the water with a strong trolling motor and a good knowledge of the bass … These are all necessary for instant hook-sets. On lakes with standing timber, you can find post-spawn bass suspended in the timber off of pea gravel banks either in coves or the main lake. I personally use the Bass Pro Shops CarbonLite 6’6’’ M Spinning Rod because it features a carbon fiber construction that transmits vibrations very well. Some bass anglers say that fishing the spawn can endanger the bass population and so they refrain from it, however it offers a great fishing opportunity and a recent study at the University of Florida has shown that it actually does not adversely affect the bass … Post-spawn is more about the length of day, which is different by geographic region.”, “The most important first step in drilling down on a post-spawn bite is to identify the major spawning areas of a lake. You need to visit there to judge the spawn, but also to find the ‘first and second stops’ within the vicinity.” And as you find and explore these spawning areas, you’ll want to identify highways like ditches or drains or channels that will lead exiting first to their stopping places.”, “If you’re fishing smallmouths, try finding a little rock ledge just off the spawning area.”, “The better fish will generally be in smaller groups to start. My buddy Elijah and I head out to the Winter Haven Chain to do some bass fishing. If you find a nest that appears to be abandoned, back off for a while to allow the spooked fish time to move back to its nest. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Look through the water in shallow areas and you will see white or black semi circles or full circles on the lake bed, from one to three feet in diameter. “If I see a few fish left on beds, I’d rather go catch those spawning fish, because the ones that are done won’t really be feeding yet,” Clausen notes. That’s not a rule, just my experience.”. This one is hard to see, but just to the right of the lily pads is a sandy-bottomed bass bed with a bass hanging out right on the border. “About a week after the first spawners pull out is when the real post-spawn bass fishing bite begins,” Clausen says. Pre-Spawn, Spawn and Post Spawn SPRING – you can bust pre spawners on lipless crankbaits around spawning flats early in the season. So this is where to catch post-spawn bass: Clausen takes a hard look to see if there’s any fresh activity, or deeper bedding activity that’s easy to miss. If it is possible, try to remove the hook from the bass’ mouth while it is in the water. One of the main reasons is the largemouth bass spawn. A couple of details from Clausen about where to catch post-spawn bass on these first and second stopping areas: Clausen throws a deep crank almost exclusively when post-spawn bass fishing – Florida again being the lone exception – and only switches as the fish begin to move off their second stopping spot en route to summer areas. People presume the spawn happens really fast, but in reality, in most bodies of water, the spawn happens over a long period of time. The advantage that the spawn provides is large stationary male and female bass that are mating and protecting their eggs in easily distinguishable beds. Let's talk! Plus, the fish aren’t walled up in brush, and they bite fairly softly, so the 8-pound isn’t an issue. Then I slow down with a jig, plastic, shakey-head, big worm – stuff like that. And this is a critical strategy decision. Once the day warmed up, we moved to some offshore structure. You are likely going to catch most fish … As fish exit their spawning areas, they make a first stop on a structure or cover element near the spawning area, where they rest for about a week then begin to feed. A self-proclaimed “power fisherman,” Lane loves to use big, deeper diving crankbaits to entice post-spawn bass … Spring bass … “You have to look at the timing, and when I arrive at a post-spawn lake, I dial in the pattern by asking first and foremost: Is the spawn really over? Most pros are able to determine very quickly if a bass is able to be caught or not by the behavior it exhibits when you approach and cast to the nest. Then, it comes down to actually searching for them and employing a little work, which is something that sight-fishing … Ready for some of the most fun you'll have on the water all year? If the weather warms the lakes, a big population might be spawning early, and then the post-spawn … Tips for Post-Spawn Bass Fishing in the North. Even if he starts to mark big fish just outside the spawning areas, they’re not necessarily catchable. These are the better fish for a few reasons. Soft plastics, specifically creature baits, worms, and lizards, are the most widely used spawn lure by bass anglers, sometimes with a lightweight split-shot or bullet weight near the head of the lure. Or just a fan? It is a good idea to practice catch and release during the spawn. Brim and shad usually spawn shortly after bass and often in the same areas. Jon Storm has been one of the leading writers in fishing for more than 2 decades, and has served as lead or chief editor for such publications as North American Fisherman, Bass West USA, BassFan and more. Always fish in front of the … We started out fishing in the canals and catching bass on beds. Males will pick these nesting sites that have sandy or gravel bottoms which makes the beds easy to spot, however some are not as obvious depending on the lake bottom substrate. However, it all depends on the weather. Fishing the bass spawn is exhilarating! Also, the lower gear ratio will give you more power when fighting bigger bass. Now keep an eye out for what the bass does; it may bump the lure or it may pick it up with its mouth to move it. Bass are biting sparingly and spitting out and moving baits rather than actively striking. Be warned that if you yank the lure from the bass’ mouth without a hook-set, then it will be much more wary the next time. The post spawn period offers some interesting challenges for the bass fisherman. Sharp quality hooks are a necessity for fishing the spawn. You’ll know the crankbait is starting to wane when you see the fish getting into smaller groups, or when you stop seeing follows. Males arrive at the beds first, and then females soon follow to begin mating. A good indicator of a proper spawning ground is when the lake has a high water level, which is indicative of incoming warm spring rains, and provides areas for bass to makes their nests away from other predators. The best colors for soft plastics depend on the water clarity but my personal favorites are June Bug and Baby Bass colors. He wants to scrape bottom, and changes line size (Gamma Edge fluorocarbon from 8-pound to 14-pound) only to help with abrasion resistance. Polarized glasses will cut the glare off of the water and let you see straight through to bottom to locate bass beds. Spring Spawn The Spring brings with it the time for the bass spawn. Top water plugs work well at dusk … (Photo by LukeClausenFishing.com). It is necessary to work the lure excruciatingly slowly in order to entice the bass into biting, because slow bedding bass are not going to actively pursue your lure at this time of year. Where are the Bass Beds? To catch post spawn bass break out your favorite top water baits, a spinnerbait, and a shallow water crankbait. #castnet #baitbucket #saltwater #f, recent study at the University of Florida, Shakespeare Ugly Stik Lite 6’6’’ M Spinning Rod. AND of course there is the post-spawn when the bass have to replenish their bodies after the spawning months. The post-spawn bass will particularly tend to stay in the shallower waters into even the early summer when adequate cover is present in the area. “Really, post-spawn bass fishing can be one of the best times, or one of the toughest times of the year to catch a lot of fish,” Clausen says. He writes regularly for B.A.S.S. The evolution of the post-spawn is never the same in timing or spots. Thought of in another way, bass in lakes with stained water or areas of lakes with stained water will spawn shallower and stay in shallower water longer in the post-spawn period. The bass spawning period is different throughout all areas of the United States depending on when the water reaches the ideal spawning temperature. “You may see some post-spawn fish hanging around spawning areas, but they tend to be scattered, and likely aren’t the quality you’re looking for,” Clausen says. If you want to get really crafty you can arrange some rocks and logs ahead of time in a formation that bass will like to convince them to bed in an area that you like to fish. When selecting line I typically like to use a 20-30lb braid paired with a 10ft fluorocarbon leader. Bigger bass … Jigs are also suited for spawn fishing since they are already designed to be worked slowly, and they present a unique presentation that can be used to bounce along the bottom of the nest. In Florida, bass spawn between January and March, with the southernmost lakes beginning the earliest. Post-spawn bass fishing typically offers the best fishing of the year. Just be sure to take the proper precautions to protect the bass and to ensure future fishing. If you understand this, and fish with a more open mind, you’ll have an advantage.”, “Some of the best stopping places I’ve seen are little breaks, areas of isolated vegetation, ditch and creek-channel swings, and humps.”, “Water temperature doesn’t play a big role for me in judging the stage of the post-spawn, except in Florida. Crawl the lure again, and twitch it very lightly while it is sitting in the middle of the nest. It is also an incredibly lightweight rod, with titanium guide inserts for strength, and has an open handle for increased sensitivity. According to DeMarion, during winter, some fish could be spawning, while most are in the pre-spawn phase. While the East Texas guide understands, he says in post … Polarized glasses help quite a bit. It is best to use a reel that has a lower gear ratio, around 5.0:1, so that you can slow down your lure retrieval without losing any action. In addition, topwater lures and crankbaits can be used slowly, or to buzz over nests and produce reaction strikes, both of which can be effective when no other presentations are working. This does not mean that it is uncatchable; it just may take more time for the bass to strike again. A bass that darts away is less likely to be caught then one that hangs tight to the nest and continues to guard it. During the cooler months and most certainly around full moon phases, largemouth bass begins their spawning … Searching for the beds of spawning bass is relatively easy if you know what to look for. Let’s get a little deeper into the spawning season and how to target bass … I think that most anglers get discouraged when they arrive at the shallows only to find that the bass are no longer there. Speaking of location, most springtime bass anglers are preprogrammed to target shallow water spawning areas, especially locations where bass were utilizing beds only a day or two earlier. They will assemble in groups, then fairly quickly move to their second stop, where they form much larger groups and feed competitively. The key lures for spawn fishing are soft plastics, jigs, and crankbaits. “This allows Florida fish to spawn … In the article below, I will tell you everything that I can think of to help you catch more bass the next time that you go fishing for them in Florida … A Texas-rigged plastic worm is one of the most effective lures for post-spawn bass suspended around or in cover. Some folks offer the concept that this period actually is somewhat akin to the dog days of summer in that the bass tend to get very finicky in their feeding habits. Or as Clausen says, this is when the bite starts to “blow up,” because the bass are hungry, they’re grouped, and they start to compete for food. Break up and on the water lure being near its eggs some fish be... Require a lot of sight fishing for these guys throughout all areas of water, ’. 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