The top ten pre-spawn bass fishing lures will be covered in this post to increase your chances of catching your personal best bass this spring!
The top 10 lures for bass pre-spawn fishing might vary based on the body of water and the weather, but the following are some typical lures that are frequently successful at this time:
Lipless CrankBaits
“Using a lipless crankbait in the pre-spawn is like trying to wake up a teenager on a Saturday morning – you’ve got to make a lot of noise and shake things up to get a reaction.”
Because they can be fished at a variety of depths and simulate baitfish, which are a regular target for bass during this time, lipless crankbaits are a popular choice for capturing bass during pre-spawn. Hard plastic is frequently used to make lipless crankbaits, which include an internal rattle that makes noise and vibration to draw bass.
Cast lipless crankbaits out and allow them to float to the correct depth before casting them back in. The bait should then be promptly retrieved with a consistent retrieve or a stop-and-go retrieval to cause frantic darting and swimming. This mimics the movement of a running baitfish and can cause a bass to strike back in response. Given that strikes might be imperceptible and challenging to spot, it is crucial to pay great attention to the line.
Overall, fishing quickly and unpredictably with lipless crankbaits can be successful for catching bass during the pre-spawn. Anglers can find the ideal combination of retrieves and colors to entice even the pickiest bass by experimenting with several options.
Where To Fish Lipless Crankbaits in Prespawn
Shallow Weedy Areas
Bass will relocate towards weed-covered shallow water areas when the water warms up to feed and eventually get ready to reproduce. One of the best lures for quickly covering water in these situations is the lipless crankbait. Look for vegetation or lily pads close to deep drop-offs, submerged weed beds, or any kind of structure that can provide protection for bass.
It is ideal to cast parallel to the weed edge and retrieve your bait slightly above the weed tops when fishing in weed beds. To replicate the behavior of a baitfish or a shad that is about to die, you may also try a stop-and-go retrieve. Changing up the speed at which you retrieve, or even pausing sometimes, can improve your chances of getting a bite.
Riprap Banks
During the prespawn, bass can also be caught on the rocks or in banks of riprap. These can be discovered near dams, bridges, and even along shorelines.
It’s advisable to cast parallel to the rocks and recover your bait back toward you while fishing near riprap. Lipless crankbaits can make a lot of noise and vibration when they make contact with rocks and boulders, which can draw in hungry bass. Although frequent hang-ups or snagging of rocks can also result in bites.
Creek Channels and Drop-Offs
Bass frequently use creek channels and drop-offs as highways to go to their spawning grounds during the prespawn season. Many fish can be found in these places, especially if they are near cover or structural support.
It is advisable to cast down the middle of the channel or fish your bait parallel to the edge of the drop-off when fishing creek channels or drop-offs. If you want to maintain your bait in front of feeding bass for a longer period of time, consider a steady retrieve or a lift-and-drop presentation.
Points
Points are places where two bodies of water converge, and during the prespawn season, they can hold a lot of fish. Bass generally gather on spots to feed and rest before moving into areas to spawn.
The optimum place to cast when fishing a point is where the drop-off meets shallower water. As you return your bait to deeper water, keep an eye out for any indications of structure or baitfish. Bass can hang on to the structure at times or float just off the break at other times.
Overall, it’s critical to concentrate on high percentage regions where bass are likely to stage, feed, and migrate while using a lipless crankbait during the prespawn season. To improve your chances of success, vary your retrieve, experiment with various colors, and pay attention to seasonal patterns.
Learn more about why lipless crankbaits are great for finding bass any time of year.
The Most powerful lure in prespawn fishing, here’s why
Jigs
“Fishing with jigs in the pre-spawn is like trying to convince a toddler to eat their vegetables – you’ve got to make it look like something they want to eat, and then sneak it in when they’re not looking.”
Jigs can be fished slowly and are successful in deeper water, making them a favorite choice for pre-spawn bass fishing. To make them look like crawfish or other prey, they can be tipped with a variety of trailers.
They are constructed up of a weighted head, a hook, and strands of rubber or silicone for the skirt. Jigs can be tipped with a variety of trailers, such as creature baits or imitation crawfish, to entice bass.
Best Places to Fish A Jig During The Pre Spawn
Rocky areas
Pay attention to rocky outcrops and places with big stones. Bass are searching for locations with good cover near their spawning grounds during the prespawn. To keep the jig near to the bottom and elicit strikes from lazy fish, use a slow, dragging retrieve.
Weed edges
Where bass will be staging, such as secondary points and coves, look for weed borders adjacent to spawning regions. To keep the jig just above the weeds, use a weed protector on it and change the direction of your retrieve. Because prespawn bass aren’t extremely active, be sure to fish slowly.
Drop-offs
Look for drop-offs that lead to spawning regions close to deep-water structures. In these regions, a slow, dragging retrieve is effective; however, consider pausing the jig occasionally to allow the bass a chance to grab the bait. Try hopping the jig down the bottom in brief bursts to simulate prey moving along the bottom if the drop-off is steep.
Docks
Docks are excellent locations to throw your jig since they offer plenty of cover for prespawn bass. Try fishing on the shaded side of docks early in the morning or late in the day. Look for docks that are close to breeding places. Change the size and color of the jig until you discover the ideal blend that causes bites.
Points
These are excellent sites to target with a jig because prespawn bass stage on points as they move towards their spawning areas. Make sure you’re fishing close to the bottom and concentrate on the zone where deep water meets shallow water. In these situations, a slow, dragging retrieve is effective, but experiment with halting the jig occasionally to mimic the actions of frightened prey.
The Best Pre-Spawn Jig and How To Fish It
5 Jig Modifications To Help Beginners
Jigs should always be fished slowly and closely to the bottom when pre-spawning. This is due to the fact that bass are more likely to be located in deeper water and are often less active in colder water. Jigs can be used to target bass that are likely to be hidden around structure like rocks, logs, or weed beds.
Jigs are put out and allowed to sink to the bottom when used for fishing. Next, elevate and lower the jig gradually to have it hop along the bottom. This mimics the motion of a crawfish or other prey and can cause a bass to lash back in response. Given that strikes might be imperceptible and challenging to spot, it is crucial to pay great attention to the line.
Overall, when fished slowly and close to the bottom, jigs can be a successful bait for catching bass in the pre-spawn. Anglers can find the ideal combination of trailers and methods to tempt even the most picky bass by experimenting with several options.
Spinnerbaits
“Fishing with spinnerbaits in the pre-spawn is like trying to impress your crush in high school – you’ve got to make a lot of noise, show off your flashy moves, and hope they take the bait.”
Spinnerbaits may be retrieved at a variety of speeds and are excellent for quickly covering large areas of water. They can be caught in shallow or deep water and mimic baitfish.
Because they can be fished at a variety of depths and can simulate baitfish, which are a regular target for bass during this time, spinnerbaits are a popular choice for capturing bass during pre-spawn. Bass are drawn to spinnerbaits’ flash and vibration, which are made up of a weighted head, a wire arm, and one or more spinner blades.
To get a reflex strike from bass when using spinnerbaits in pre-spawn, you must fish them quickly and unpredictably. This is so that bass, who are more prone to hit at a fast-moving lure in colder water, can be more aggressive. Spinnerbaits can be used to target bass that are likely to be hidden near structure like weed beds, rocks, or drop-offs.
Spinnerbaits are cast out and allowed to sink to the desired depth before being used for fishing. The bait should then be promptly retrieved with a consistent retrieve or a stop-and-go retrieval to cause frantic darting and swimming. This mimics the movement of a running baitfish and can cause a bass to strike back in response. Given that strikes might be imperceptible and challenging to spot, it is crucial to pay great attention to the line.
In general, spinnerbaits are a good lure for catching bass during the pre-spawn, especially when they are fished quickly and erratically. Anglers can find the ideal combination of retrieves and colors to entice even the pickiest bass by experimenting with numerous options.
Best Places To Fish A Spinnerbait During The Prespawn
Shallow flats near spawning areas
During the prespawn period, bass start to move from deep water to shallow flats near the spawning grounds. These flats can be found in areas such as coves, pockets, bays, or near weed beds. The shallow water warms up quicker than deeper water, attracting bass looking for warmer temperatures. Spinnerbaits can be effective in these areas because they mimic a prey fish that’s easy to catch and swallow.
Points and Riprap:
Big bass can be found during the prespawn on points that reach deeper water, especially if they are close to shallow water. Spinnerbaits can be thrown parallel to the shoreline, slowly reeled in, and bounced off the rocks to create a deflection and vibration that may prompt a reaction bite from the bass. Because riprap provides habitat and structure that bass utilize to ambush food, it can also be a fantastic spot to fish spinnerbaits. Riprap is composed of rocks or concrete.
Secondary points close to the main channel
For prespawn bass, secondary points near to the lake or river’s main channel might be excellent holding locations. Along the edges of these points, where the water swiftly drops off into deeper water, spinnerbaits can be used to catch fish. In these locations, bass will frequently suspend while watching for an easy meal to swim past. Good results can be obtained by casting and retrieving parallel to the point or slowly rolling a spinnerbait along the drops.
Submerged grass beds
During the prespawn stage, submerged grass beds will start to sprout as the water warms. These locations can harbor a large number of baitfish and draw hungry bass. Spinnerbaits can be retrieved slowly through the grass or burned over the top of the grass to catch fish. When the bait comes out of the grass, bass frequently attack it, imitating a baitfish that is attempting to flee.
Understanding how and where the bass are migrating and congregating is, in general, the key to successful fishing during the prespawn period. To find out what works for you, you must experiment with various lures, retrieve speeds, and approaches because there is no secret recipe and conditions can change suddenly.
Another advantage to using spinnerbaits is that most people are throwing chatterbaits now instead of spinnerbaits, fish have forgotten what a spinnerbait looks like
How To Target BIG BASS In The Spring With A Spinnerbait
Jerkbaits:
Jerkbaits can be fished gently to mimic a wounded baitfish and are effective in colder water. They can be retrieved by twitching, which will set off a counterattack.
When bass are actively feeding and moving in preparation for the spawning season, jerk baits are a common lure choice for bass fishing. These lures are made to resemble the irregular movements of wounded baitfish, which can cause bass to exhibit a predatory response.
It’s crucial to utilize a slow and steady retrieve when jerk bait fishing during the prespawn to replicate the movements of a struggling baitfish. To further enhance the lifelike appearance of the lure, you can occasionally add pauses or jerks to the retrieval.
The fact that jerk baits can occasionally be challenging to master is one amusing aspect of employing them in the prespawn. It can take some time to master the lure’s jerky, unpredictable movements, and it’s not unusual for amateurs to unintentionally catch their lure on a rock or tree branch. However, if you practice and get skilled at using jerk baits, you can catch some largemouth bass during the prespawn time.
Best Places To Fish Jerkbaits During The Pre-Spawn
Points and Drop-Offs
Bass are frequently seen along points and drop-offs during the prespawn because they may readily move from deeper to shallower water there. When fishing in these locations, cast your jerk bait parallel to the coast and work it back towards deeper water. The jerk bait can also be thrown past the point or drop-off and then worked back towards you, pausing and sinking when you reach the deeper water.
Riprap Banks
During the prespawn, riprap banks provide excellent jerk bait fishing locations because they offer structure and cover for baitfish and crawfish. When fishing in these spots, toss your jerk bait parallel to the rocks and then retrieve it while altering the speed and including pauses to simulate a wounded baitfish.
Creek Channels
Bass frequently ascend into creeks during the prespawn in order to feed and get ready for the spawn. Bass will use stream channels as passageways between deeper and shallower water, so casting a jerk bait along their edges can be quite successful. Try tossing the jerk bait along the channel’s edges before jerking it repeatedly in the direction of the boat.
Weeds and Grass
Weeds and grass start to grow in shallow water when the water heats up, giving baitfish and crawfish cover and habitat. During the prespawn, fishing a jerk bait over the top of these weeds and grasses can be highly productive. Work the jerk bait slowly and steadily, incorporating pauses and twitches to resemble the movements of a wounded baitfish.
Secondary Points
Anglers frequently ignore secondary points, yet they can contain large prespawn bass. When fishing in these places, cast your jerk bait past the point and then retrieve it while altering the speed and including pauses to imitate the movements of a dying baitfish. The jerk bait can also be thrown along the drop-off and then worked up towards the shore, pausing and sinking when it reaches deeper water.
In general, it’s vital to experiment with varied speeds, pauses, and twitches when fishing a jerk bait during the prespawn to see what works best for the conditions you’re fishing in. Additionally, don’t be hesitant to experiment with various jerk bait sizes and colors because bass can be fussy about what they’ll strike depending on the water clarity and weather.
Everything You Need To Know
Swimbaits:
Swimbaits are effective in clear water and can be fished slowly to imitate a swimming baitfish. They can be rigged weedless or on a jighead.
Swim baits are designed to mimic baitfish, and they can be fished at different depths depending on the size and weight of the bait. Here are a few tips for using swim baits in the pre-spawn:
- Choose the right size and color: In the pre-spawn, bass are looking for larger meals to help them bulk up for the spawning season. Choose a swim bait that is the right size for the baitfish in the area, and use colors that match the local forage.
- Fish slow and steady: In the pre-spawn, bass are not as active as they are in the summer months. Fish your swim bait slowly and steadily, and try to keep it at the same depth for as long as possible.
- Use a slow retrieve: A slow retrieve is key when using swim baits in the pre-spawn. Try to keep the bait moving at a steady pace, and vary the speed of your retrieve to see what works best.
- Fish around structure: In the pre-spawn, bass are often found around structure such as rocks, logs, and weed beds. Cast your swim bait around these areas and let it sink to the bottom, then retrieve it slowly and steadily.
- Experiment with different depths: Swim baits can be fished at different depths depending on the weight and size of the bait. Try fishing your swim bait at different depths to see where the bass are holding.
Overall, swim baits can be a great choice for pre-spawn bass fishing. Just remember to fish slow and steady, and experiment with different depths and retrieves to find what works best in your local waters.
Best Places To Fish Swim Baits During The Pre-Spawn
Swimbaits can be quite productive during the prespawn for bass. By understanding the behavior of bass during the prespawn season, anglers can locate the optimal locations to fish swimbaits. During the prespawn season, the following are some of the best locations to fish with swimbaits:
Backwaters
During the prespawn season, backwaters are great locations to fish swimbaits because the water temperature there is typically a little bit warmer than the main body of water. As a result, during the prespawn season, bass frequently migrate into the backwaters to feed and spawn. Finding locations with shallow structure, such as stumps, logs, rocks, or brush piles, is the key.
Gravel Points
Another great location to fish swimbaits during the prespawn season is gravel points. Before moving to their spawning sites, bass gather at these locations to feed. Anglers should target rocks, gravel, and other structure while casting swimbaits parallel to the shore.
Dams and Spillways
Bass feed during the prespawn season in high-current places like dams and spillways. Bass thrive in this area because of the strong stream that brings in baitfish and other tiny prey. To allow them to progressively work downstream, anglers should concentrate on casting their swimbaits close to the foot of the dam or spillway.
Main lake points
Main lake points are recognizable subaquatic features that project from the shoreline into deeper water. During the prespawn season, these locations serve as highways for bass as they travel from their wintering grounds to their spawning areas. Swimbaits should be cast along the edges of these points, with an eye out for any drop-offs or changes in the shape of the bottom.
Shallow flats
During the prespawn season, shallow flats are another excellent location to fish with swimbaits. Before moving into their breeding grounds, bass enter these areas to feast on baitfish and other food. Casting swimbaits over any submerged foliage, rocks, or other structure should be the anglers’ main goal.
In conclusion, locating the best swimbait fishing locations during the prespawn season necessitates some understanding of bass behavior at this time of year. During the prespawn season, backwaters, gravel points, dams and spillways, main lake points, and shallow flats are all great locations to fish swimbaits. Bass tend to congregate around structure and variations in bottom contour during the prespawn season, so anglers should concentrate on casting their swimbaits in these areas.
Don’t Give Up Too Early
“One interesting thing about using swim baits in the pre-spawn for bass is that sometimes the fish can be a bit picky about what they want to eat. You might spend hours trying different colors and sizes of swim baits, only to have the bass completely ignore them. And then, just when you’re about to give up, you might switch to a completely different bait and suddenly start catching fish left and right! It’s almost like the bass are playing a game with you, trying to see how many different baits you’ll try before you finally figure out what they want. So, if you’re using swim baits in the pre-spawn for bass, be prepared to experiment and try different things until you find what works. And don’t be surprised if the fish seem to be messing with you a bit along the way!”
Kevin Van Dam Tells You How
Texas-rigged Worms:
“Using Texas rigged worms in the pre-spawn for bass is that it can sometimes feel like you’re playing a game of hide and seek with the fish. The bass are still in their winter patterns and may not be actively feeding, so you have to be strategic about where you cast your worm and how you retrieve it.”
Texas-rigged worms are a traditional bass fishing lure that may be used to simulate a variety of prey by being fished slowly. To avoid obstacles, they can be wired weedless.
When bass are pre-spawning, Texas rigged worms can be a very successful approach. Texas rigging, a common technique for fishing soft plastic baits like worms, is putting a hook into the worm and then burrowing the hook tip back into the worm’s body. Using Texas rigged worms during the pre-spawn requires the following advice:
- Choose the right size and color: In the pre-spawn, bass are looking for larger meals to help them bulk up for the spawning season. Choose a worm that is the right size for the baitfish in the area, and use colors that match the local forage.
- Fish slow and steady: In the pre-spawn, bass are not as active as they are in the summer months. Fish your worm slowly and steadily, and try to keep it at the same depth for as long as possible.
- Use a slow retrieve: A slow retrieve is key when using Texas rigged worms in the pre-spawn. Try to keep the worm moving at a steady pace, and vary the speed of your retrieve to see what works best.
- Fish around structure: In the pre-spawn, bass are often found around structure such as rocks, logs, and weed beds. Cast your worm around these areas and let it sink to the bottom, then retrieve it slowly and steadily.
- Set the hook quickly: When you feel a bite, set the hook quickly and firmly. In the pre-spawn, bass can be a bit sluggish, so you want to make sure you set the hook before the fish has a chance to spit out the worm.
Overall, Texas rigged worms can be a great choice for pre-spawn bass fishing. Just remember to fish slow and steady, and experiment with different colors and sizes to find what works best in your local waters.
Best Places To Fish A Texas Rigged Worm During The Pre-Spawn
Backwaters
Casting toward any discernible structure or cover is crucial when Texas-rigged worm fishing in backwaters. Bass thrive in the cover, and it can be profitable to target locations with stumps, bushes, and logs.
Points
Cast your line toward the structure and cover close to the drop-off when fishing points. A Texas rigged worm and a systematic, slow approach can be effective in this situation. Try fishing along the contour of the tip where it dips off into deeper water if you’re unsure of where to throw. To find any bites, use a light line and a sensitive rod.
Riprap
Fishing with Texas rigged worms in riprap structure can be difficult since the rocks can snag the bait. Stick to locations with less thorny rock formations and think about using a heavier line to get the worm through the rocks. In this habitat, fan casting, which allows the bait to bump around the rocks, can be extremely effective. For optimal results, concentrate on locations with current or drop-offs.
Docks and Piers
It’s important to throw as closely as you can to docks and piers when fishing. Additionally, pay attention to any shadows or shade under the dock because this is a popular hangout for bass. Change up your retrieval and think about using a more abrasive, twitchy retrieve for biting triggers.
Flats and Weed Beds
Texas rigged worms can work well on flats and weed beds, although they can become tangled in foliage. Do not use worms with lengthy tails or readily snagging appendages. Choose a larger, bulkier worm that will be simpler to maneuver through the vegetation instead. To lessen snags, think about using a weedless hook or Texas-style rigging the worm. Cast the worm around the weeds’ borders, letting it sink, and then hop along the bottom. Keep your feet on the ground and get ready for a quick, powerful bite.
The Trick To Big Bass In Grass In Prespawn
Ned Rigs:
An effective finesse method in colder water is the use of ned rigs. A small jighead and a soft plastic worm or other creature bait make up each one.
A well-liked finesse method that works well for bass during the prespawn is the ned rig. It’s a fantastic choice for fishing in colder water where the bass might not be as active because of the small, compact bait and light jighead.
Prior to moving up to spawn, bass may be staging in certain spots when employing a Ned rig during the pre-spawn. This could include a point, a drop-off, or a structure-filled area like a rock or brush pile. Pre-spawn bass can be lured to bite by slowly dragging the Ned rig along the bottom, especially if you add a tiny piece of bait to the jighead, such as a worm or crawfish.
Best Places to Fish Ned Rigs During The Pre-Spawn
Rocky points and banks
During the prespawn period, bass often use rocky formations as a holding area. In the vicinity of shorelines, search for drop-offs, stones, and ledges and fish them thoroughly with slow-moving ned rigs. Pay attention to the depth and change the weight of your rig as necessary.
Submerged weed beds
Bass frequently pass through creek channels and inlets on their way from deeper water to breeding grounds. Place your ned rig into the current while standing along the margins of these channels. Fish lurking in the current break may be drawn to the falling action of the bait..
Creek mouths and channels
Bass frequently pass through creek channels and inlets on their way from deeper water to breeding grounds. Place your ned rig into the current while standing along the margins of these channels. Fish that are hidden in the current break may be drawn in by the bait’s falling action.
Sunken brush and timber
If you can find sunken bushes or trees in shallow water, chances are that bass are probably lurking there too. Try dragging your ned rig slowly over the limbs and twigs to trigger a reaction strike. Keep in mind that any snagged lure can easily get stuck in the overgrowth.
Rip-rap or breakwalls
Additionally, man-made structures like jetties and riprap can be excellent fishing locations. These structures are frequently used by bass as ambush locations for feeding. Probe the spaces between rocks with ned rigs while attempting to imitate a dying baitfish.
Ned Rigs From The Mothership?
“One interesting thing about using Ned rigs in the pre-spawn is that they can sometimes look like a tiny alien spaceship floating along the bottom of the lake. It’s always amusing to imagine what the bass must be thinking when they see this strange object in their territory!”
Don’t Think The Ned Rig Is Good Pre-Spawn?
Chatterbaits:
Chatterbaits, a cross between a jig and a spinnerbait, can be used to fish at different depths. They can be quickly recovered to elicit a response strike and mimic baitfish.
In murky or stained water, these lures can be quite successful because they are made to make a lot of vibration and noise in the water.
Prior to migrating up to spawn, bass may be staging in certain regions when utilizing a chatterbait during the pre-spawn. This might involve places with plants, points, or shallow flats. The secret is to retrieve the chatterbait gently and steadily, keeping it near the bottom and enabling it to bump against any potential structures or covers.
Don’t be shocked if you catch something other than bass. When using a chatterbait, it’s not unusual to catch a surprise catfish, carp, or even a turtle! Getting these non-target species off the hook might be a bit of a struggle, but it’s always fun and adds some excitement to the day.
Best places to fish a chatter bait during the pre spawn
- Shallow Weed Beds: During the prespawn, bass will begin to move towards shallow areas in search of warmer water and feeding opportunities. Shallow weed beds are great areas to target with a chatter bait. The vibrating action of the chatter bait will attract bass from a distance, and the weed beds will provide cover and structure for the bass to strike.
- Riprap Banks: Riprap banks are a combination of rocks and boulders that shoreline to hold back erosion and protect the shoreline. These areas attract baitfish that provides food for bass during the prespawn. A chatter bait retrieved along riprap banks will generate vibrations that attract bass and trigger strikes.
- Points: Points are key areas for bass during the prespawn because they offer a change in depth and structure. Bass will congregate around points waiting for prey to move through. A chatter bait worked through points will imitate a fleeing baitfish and trigger a predatory response from the bass.
- Creek Channels: During the prespawn, bass will move up creeks in search of warmer water and spawning grounds. Creek channels with deep water access provide an excellent opportunity for bass to ambush prey. Woking a chatter bait over creeks channels will mimic baitfish and offer an easy target for bass.
- Flats: Flats are shallow areas that provide cover for baitfish during the prespawn. Fishing a chatter bait over these areas can trigger a bite from a hungry bass. Work your chatter bait along the flat, imitating a fleeing baitfish, and pause your retrieve when you encounter structure to let the bass strike.
Remember, the best place to fish a chatter bait during the prespawn depends on various factors like water temperature, weather conditions, and time of day. Therefore, it’s crucial to experiment with different areas and techniques to find the best spot that works for you.
The Only Chatterbait Trailer You Need For Prespawn Bass
Crankbaits:
When retrieved slowly, crankbaits can simulate a variety of prey and are successful during the pre-spawn. They can be retrieved using either a steady retrieve or a stop-and-go retrieve, and they can be fished at a variety of depths.
These lures, which imitate baitfish, can be particularly successful in colder waters where the bass might not be as active.
Prior to going up to spawn, bass may be staging in certain regions when utilizing a crankbait during the pre-spawn. This could include a point, a drop-off, or a structure-filled area like a rock or brush pile. The trick is to retrieve the crankbait SLOWLY and steadily, keeping it near the bottom and letting it bump into any potential structures or cover.
When employing crankbaits in the pre-spawn, it’s important to keep in mind that they can get tangled up on underwater obstructions like rocks or logs. Losing a lure might be annoying, but it frequently holds the secret to getting a bite! They frequently bite it when or if it becomes loose; I have no idea what they believe it to be. So, hold on
Topwater Lures:
Topwater lures can be effective in pre-spawn when the water is warmer.
In fact you just might catch your biggest bass if you can catch a warming trend when bass haven’t seen a topwater lure in months!
They are capable of mimicking a wide range of prey, and they can be retrieved using a variety of methods, such as a steady retrieve, a pop-and-stop retrieval, or a walk-the-dog retrieve.
It’s always a good idea to experiment with various lures and tactics because, as said earlier, the efficiency of these lures might vary based on the particular body of water and the weather.
Bass fishing with topwater lures during the pre-spawn can be a thrilling and successful method. Bass are beginning to act more aggressively and actively at this time as they transition from their deep winter habitats to shallower water in preparation for spawning. Topwater lures can imitate the movement of a struggling baitfish on the surface, which may prompt a hungry bass to strike in response.
It’s crucial to consider the water’s temperature and the location of the bass when employing topwater lures during the pre-spawn. Look for areas with structure like rocks, logs, or weed beds because bass are likely to be holding in these places.
Poppers, buzzbaits, and walking baits are a few topwater lures that can be productive during the pre-spawn. Bass can be drawn in from a distance using poppers, which are meant to make a popping or splashing sound on the surface. The buzzing or whirring sound that buzzbaits produce on the water’s surface might draw bass up close. Walking baits are made to move from side to side on the surface, simulating an injured baitfish that can cause a bass to strike in response.
Vary your retrieve speed and cadence when utilizing topwater lures during the pre-spawn until you discover the setting that works best for you. You can also play around with various sizes and colors to see what the bass are chewing on.
Overall, employing topwater lures to catch bass during the pre-spawn may be exciting and successful. Simply keep an eye on the bass’s location and the water’s temperature while experimenting with various lures and retrieves until you find what works best for you.
Conclusion
These are our top 10 pre-spawn bass fishing lures to help you catch your personal best this spring!
Be sure to check out some professional Pre-Spawn patterns and techniques
