The long-anticipated pre-spawn period has arrived, and it’s one of the most exciting times of the year for anglers! If you’ve been following the latest catches, you’ve probably seen some absolute beauties being pulled in, signaling that the pre-spawn is officially here. This transition can be a game-changer, with some anglers setting new personal bests, while others are left puzzled. Our goal is to ensure you’re among those reeling in the big ones.
Understanding the Pre-Spawn Period
To make the most of the pre-spawn, it’s essential to understand the bass's ultimate goal: accumulating enough energy to fuel them through the spawning period. Food is their top priority during this time, and knowing where to find the best feeding spots can make all the difference.
Bass view the pre-spawn as a journey with several key stops before reaching their spawning grounds. You might find what seems like the perfect spot, but the presence of food is what separates a productive area from a barren one. The distance bass need to travel and weather conditions influence the number of stops they make. Bad weather can cause them to linger longer in one spot.
Key Spots to Target
The first major stop for bass during this period is typically the secondary points closest to deep water with the right structure. These points act as ideal staging areas because they are natural travel routes for baitfish, making it easy for bass to feed as they prepare for the spawn. From here, bass will continue moving along these points until they’re ready to spawn.
Top Baits for Pre-Spawn Bass
To target these aggressive pre-spawn bass, consider using the following baits:
- Jerkbaits: Hardbaits and fluke-style soft plastics
- Lipless Crankbaits
- Squarebills
- Chatterbaits
- Spinnerbaits
- Big Swimbaits: Perfect for enticing the giants
These baits allow you to fish aggressively, which is exactly what you want during the pre-spawn.
Responsible Angling During Pre-Spawn
While it’s thrilling to catch these pre-spawn giants, remember that this is a crucial time for bass as they prepare to reproduce and sustain the fish population for future generations. Please handle each catch with care, and minimize their time out of the water to ensure a healthy release.
Happy fishing, and here’s to a successful pre-spawn season!