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. Spawn Fishing Techniques Spawn fishing will require a lot of repetition and patience in the technique. Wait a little longer, then crawl the lure to the center of the bed and let it sit again. 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 … SPRING (Pre-Spawn, Spawn, Post Spawn) Spring should be divided into 3 categories. 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. 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. “About a week after the first spawners pull out is when the real post-spawn bass fishing bite begins,” Clausen says. Once you have located the nest of a bedding bass, approach it slowly and stealthily as to not spook the bass. If you have these three in your arsenal, then you can’t go wrong. The bass were in both pre and post-spawn patterns. This time of year promotes some of the best fishing to be had. “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. One other helpful piece of advice is to rig your lures weedless since you will be pulling it through vegetation and into beds; but remember to barely pierce the rubber lure so that when the bass picks it up the hook will pop out easily. This is incredibly helpful especially since you will be doing a lot of sight fishing for these spawning 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? My buddy Elijah and I head out to the Winter Haven Chain to do some bass fishing. Ready for some of the most fun you'll have on the water all year? 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. Those fish pull out of bedding areas and go into a “lull” for a week or so, as he describes it. Conversely, if he’s cranking 20 feet of water, he’ll use 8-pound because bottom contact is less severe. To catch post spawn bass break out your favorite top water baits, a spinnerbait, and a shallow water crankbait. Elite Series pros dissected how they attack spawning bass … They have the urge to feed, they feel the need to compete, and the crankbait is by far the best tool to both find them and fire them up.”, He adds: “As the fish are out there longer, they start to get beat up and the groups start to split. Spinning reels are typically best to use for this situation because they feature better drag systems, which you will definitely use. Targeting bass during the spawn can offer some of the best fishing of the year especially during the pre-spawn and post-spawn time frames. Fluke – If you’re trying to find fish at this time of year this is the bait for you. 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. 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. Let's talk! The post-spawn bass fishing season in the North typically begins when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees. Luke Clausen's post-spawn bass fishing strategy focuses on locating the bigger, better fish that spawned first and are most eager to bite. Polarized glasses help quite a bit. Heath lives in North Carolina and is an avid fisherman and all around outdoorsman. 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. Polarized glasses will cut the glare off of the water and let you see straight through to bottom to locate bass beds. 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. Bass spawning season presents great opportunities to catch trophy-sized bass with a particular emphasis on sight fishing. Bass will make their beds deeper in clear water because the sunlight will penetrate further. That’s why Luke Clausen’s advice about where to catch post-spawn bass is so clear and straightforward: It works across the continent, and it can help all bass anglers catch more fish during this exciting and highly productive period. 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. And the stage of the spawn can differ dramatically from one end of a lake to another, or even within the same area.”. However, it all depends on the weather. 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 … In Central Florida female bass were loaded with roe in January and started bedding during mid-February. Keep your line tight while you are fishing so you can feel everything that is going on in your rod. 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. So there shouldn’t be many surprises when the Costa … Those big groups break up and the fish become less competitive. The bass spawning period is different throughout all areas of the United States depending on when the water reaches the ideal spawning temperature. 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. “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. Crawl the lure again, and twitch it very lightly while it is sitting in the middle of the nest. I haven't gotten to fish with Eli in a while so that was nice. Brim and shad usually spawn shortly after bass and often in the same areas. Along with water temperature, spring largemouth location is driven by spawning behavior, so fishin… One of the main reasons is the largemouth bass spawn. Otherwise attempt to reduce the amount of time you keep the bass out of the water. “On lakes where boat docks are the primary cover, post-spawn fish can also be found holding in the shady areas of the docks,” he added. I’ve seen fish spawning in the upper-70s and the upper-50s. When faced with lethargic, transitioning post-spawn bass… 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. The fish are hungry, grouped up and on the feed. You’ll find bass spawning in the warmest, flattest bays in the body of water you’re fishing. 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. 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. The months are subject to change depending on your location in the state as well as weather patterns. #castnet #baitbucket #saltwater #f, recent study at the University of Florida, Shakespeare Ugly Stik Lite 6’6’’ M Spinning Rod. I am a kayak fishing guide on the Treasure Coast of Florida and have been catching bass all over Florida for over 40 years. 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. It also coincides when the bluegill begin spawning. 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. He keeps bait color simple – Megabass sexy shad in cleaner water or bright sun, matte-chartreuse/blue in stained water or lower light conditions. 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. It is best to have both setups on hand if that is possible. Maybe a fishing lodge? It is a good idea to practice catch and release during the spawn. Fishing the bass spawn is exhilarating! In addition, be inconspicuous while fishing and wear neutral colors. During the cooler months and most certainly around full moon phases, largemouth bass begins their spawning … Fishing For Bass During the Spawn Bass spawn in relatively shallow water -- often only a few feet -- and … Bass fishing in Sarasota, Florida Anglers fishing the banks should do well from the post spawn up until late April. Plus, the fish aren’t walled up in brush, and they bite fairly softly, so the 8-pound isn’t an issue. As fishermen, we want absolute rules, but there are none. 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. Techniques for Schooling Post-Spawn Bass. A self-proclaimed “power fisherman,” Lane loves to use big, deeper diving crankbaits to entice post-spawn bass … Therefore you should take every advantage you can get and purchase sharper hooks that will increase your chances of penetrating the bass’ mouth when it subtlety bumps your lure. Bass fishing in the early summer time can be produce some of the best fishing days of the entire year. A few are already in the post-spawn. Bass are particularly vulnerable and can die more easily which would leave an unattended nest for predators. These are the better fish for a few reasons. 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 … Those fish present a powerful allure, but they’re likely to wreck your practice, and perhaps your day-1 morning. This can happen anytime, but the crank is generally done after 4 to 6 weeks.”. Some anglers prefer to use 10-20lb fluorocarbon as the main line; however, I like the advantages that braided line offers in terms of smooth casting, no line memory, high strength to diameter ratio, and lack of stretch. 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. 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. Are you a guide, pro or manufacturer? 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. A quality and well maintained reel is important for spawn fishing because this is the time when most large bass are taken. He throws the Deep Six on a Megabass Orochi XX F5-711XXG Launcher cranking rod, which is a graphite/glass composite. All content copyright 2020 FishinFX.com/Gathering Storm Outdoors. 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. According to DeMarion, during winter, some fish could be spawning, while most are in the pre-spawn phase. Just be sure to take the proper precautions to protect the bass and to ensure future fishing. They continue to spawn until the water reaches 80 degrees, with most spawning actually taking place between 65 and 70 degrees. All rights reserved. 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. Invest in some of the more quality hooks including Lazer TroKar, Owner, or Gamakatsu. “When the fish get out to that first stopping point, and then the second, is when they’re most susceptible to the crankbait. A bass that darts away is less likely to be caught then one that hangs tight to the nest and continues to guard it. Spring bass … Post-spawn bass fishing typically offers the best fishing of the year. His crankbait of choice is a Megabass Deep Six, which he’ll throw in water from 9 to 20 feet. Most spawning beds are made in less than five feet of water because it warms up the quickest and can provide sunlight and warmth for the eggs. 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. As Spring comes to an end and Summer begins, the shad begin to spawn. And this is a critical strategy decision. (Photo by LukeClausenFishing.com). 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. The evolution of the post-spawn is never the same in timing or spots. Bass start spawning once the water reaches a temperature in the mid 60’s and is consistent for about a week. If the bass can see your line then it will most likely get spooked or ignore your lure so it is necessary to use a fluorocarbon leader. Even if he starts to mark big fish just outside the spawning areas, they’re not necessarily catchable. 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. Florida is a familiar place for FLW competition, and Lake Okeechobee is probably the best-known fishery the Sunshine State has to offer. Hit the water with a strong trolling motor and a good knowledge of the bass … They’re grouped up, and it’s the easiest time of the entire year to fire up a school and get multiple quality bites. A Texas-rigged plastic worm is one of the most effective lures for post-spawn bass suspended around or in cover. We started out fishing in the canals and catching bass on beds. If the deep crank’s scrubbing bottom in 9 feet, he’ll use 14-pound to avoid constant retying. 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. 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. Also, the lower gear ratio will give you more power when fighting bigger bass. A spawning bass is very cautious and anxious because it is keeping an eye out for anything that can threaten its eggs. Therefore, the best rod to use is a sensitive and lightweight rod with a high graphite content so you are able to feel subtle bumps and strikes. I think that most anglers get discouraged when they arrive at the shallows only to find that the bass are no longer there. He wants to scrape bottom, and changes line size (Gamma Edge fluorocarbon from 8-pound to 14-pound) only to help with abrasion resistance. However, this all depends on the clarity of the water. This does not mean that it is uncatchable; it just may take more time for the bass to strike again. 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 … This makes brim and shad prime targets for hungry bass just finishing their spawn run. While the East Texas guide understands, he says in post … 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. So by April, depending on where you live in Florida, spawning … If the hook goes past the bass’ jaw, then set the hook. In Florida, bass spawn between January and March, with the southernmost lakes beginning the earliest. Then, it comes down to actually searching for them and employing a little work, which is something that sight-fishing … “On most years, the spawn … After ice-out in late winter or early spring, bass begin moving from deeper areas where they spent the winter toward rapidly warming shallow waters. If it is possible, try to remove the hook from the bass’ mouth while it is in the water. Bass Considerations Bass are under much greater stress levels during spawning and therefore need to be handled with more care than usual. 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. Then I slow down with a jig, plastic, shakey-head, big worm – stuff like that. The advantage that the spawn provides is large stationary male and female bass that are mating and protecting their eggs in easily distinguishable beds. Post Spawn Bass Fishing: Suspended Bass . These are all necessary for instant hook-sets. He writes regularly for B.A.S.S. Largemouth bass begin moving into shallow areas of water to spawn when the water reaches the mid 60’s. Early season, pre-spawn bass action can be phenomenal — by far the best of the year. Clausen likes a steady retrieve with a 5.1:1 reel, but does reel with quick bursts as he contact the bottom or cover to trigger bites. Much post spawn bass fishing florida stress levels during spawning and therefore need to be handled more... 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Fishing so you can bust pre spawners on lipless crankbaits around spawning flats in! Release during the spawn can offer some of the more quality hooks a! Let it sit again up and on the Treasure Coast of Florida and have been bass. Are under much greater stress levels during spawning and therefore need to be caught then one hangs. Water from 9 to 20 feet of water, he ’ ll 14-pound! Bass just finishing their spawn run bass… Ready for some of the water but!
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