The bass are geared to spawn in the spring. They are typically moving shallow and can be found along shorelines with a hard bottom. ... Walk those banks to find bass from the shore in the spring. Since the bass are typically shallow this time of year, it’s important you don’t walk on them and spook them off.
What depth do bass stay at?
While productive depths during the early summer are dependent on the lake, I like 6 to 12 feet of water . During the height of summer, bass may move as deep as 15 or 20 feet, especially in clear water. Fishing crankbaits along weed edges is a proven summertime tactic for big largemouths.
Do bass stay close to shore?
That can be shade provided by a dock, aquatic plants or a fallen tree. Cook said bass in clear lakes will often retreat to deep water in the summer to find that shade if they have food and oxygen, but bass living in murky water will often stay close to shore throughout the summer . ... They’ll usually be in shallower water.
Where do bass go when the water is hot?
Look for deeper fish by combing structures like points, ledges, ditches, humps , and brush piles with deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, and football jigs. Bass will often gang up on likely spots to cool off when the water temperature spikes.
Where do bass go when its cold?
Often times the bass in Winter will pull off shore and lay in the lowest, deepest spot they can find off shore. If you’re on a small body of water this probably means the middle of the deepest coves. If you’re on a big body of water this could be the middle of a bay or even the center of the lake, miles offshore.
What month is best for bass fishing?
When it comes to catching bass, every season has its opportunities and challenges. Fishing can come alive in the dead of winter on a mild afternoon, but spring and fall usually present the best action. Generally, I try to avoid extremes of heat and cold and times when the water temperature falls rapidly.
What water temp are bass most active?
Bass spawn in waters that range anywhere from 55 to 80 degrees , which is a 25-degree range of possible temperatures.
What color bait is best for bass?
The most fundamental rule is to fish brightly colored baits in dingy or muddy water and light, subtle colors in clear water . The logic here is that a bass’ visibility is hampered by silt, and colors like chartreuse, yellow and orange are easier to see than bone, pumpkinseed and smoke.
Can you catch bass mid day?
Early and late bass are much more active than midday bass. ... The good news is that bass can still be caught well during the middle of the day , and if you know what you’re doing (and aren’t afraid to change tactics a bit), you can keep the bite going from launch to load.
Can you catch bass at night?
At night, bass will leave their deepwater haunts to hunt in the shallows. The best night fishing locations are transitions where there is deep water close to shore . Bass follow those transitions as they move up to feed. Drop-offs, points, channel bends, and ditches are all excellent night fishing targets.
Can you catch bass on topwater in winter?
Even though you may find yourself on the water this winter during perfect topwater conditions, there’s no guarantee for success. ... “If you have the right conditions (a dramatic air temperature drop after a warming trend), try topwater because the bass are reacting to the barometric pressure .
What is the best bait for winter bass fishing?
Some good examples of winter bass bait include a rapala shad rap , a hair jig, and soft plastic baitfish. If you use a hair jig, remember that you don’t need a trailer. A bit of deer hair will work just fine.
Where do bass go in early winter?
Often times the bass in Winter will pull off shore and lay in the lowest, deepest spot they can find off shore. If you’re on a small body of water this probably means the middle of the deepest coves. If you’re on a big body of water this could be the middle of a bay or even the center of the lake, miles offshore.
Do Bass remember being caught?
We’ve found through our studies that fish do have a memory . “For example, if a bass is caught on a spinnerbait one day, it’s almost impossible to catch that fish on the same lure the next day. ... But once the fish have been exposed to lures day after day, they remember and become warier.”
What time of day are bass most active?
Without question, the best time of day to fish for bass is at night . Bass are known to feed more heavily at night than during any other time of day. Not only is night the best time to fish for bass due to bass being more active, there are often fewer anglers and less commotion on the waterways during the evening hours.
