Three for spring
Category: Tournament
Mar 8th, 2016 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Mar 8th, 2016 at 12:00 AM
Oh yeah, it’s on!!! Spring bass fishing that is. There are a zillion different bodies of water throughout North American all in different stages right now. Down south, the spawn is on. Up north, there is still ice. Regardless, the spring bass bug has bitten and here are three lure choices to try this season.
Swim jig
Well, any jig actually, but the versatility of swimming a jig is truly on display this time of the year. Whether swimming it around cover like laydown, docks and rocks, or along deeper drop-offs, the jig is difficult to beat, especially for larger fish.
If you are focusing on swimming, slip a small swimbait on the back. A boot or paddle tail is ideal.
However, if you need a lure to swim, but also to flip and fish somewhat stationary, consider a small crawfish or twin-tail trailer. Color is entirely up to you, but the old standbys blue and black or green pumpkin are hard to beat for consistent productivity.
Spinnerbait
Yep, the favorite of years gone by for many, but still a staple during the spring. Think Colorado or Indiana blade for slower moving presentations, especially in the shallows if the water is stained or relatively cold. Willow leaf options are excellent if it is a more visual bite.
A swimbait trailer is ideal for this time of the year. A 4-incher should do the trick.
Color choice is once again personal, but if some white, shad, chartreuse or similar colors find their way onto your spinnerbug, you’re probably good.
Square-billed crankbait.
If you are not using these shallow-diving marvels, you’d better get hip to them. They work. Sure, the treble hooks are exposed, but you can work them through a lot of the same cover you can work a spinnerbait, plus you can pause them and dead-stick them to try and trigger reluctant fish.
No color faves here. Some folks love a red crank early, but the shad or panfish patterns excel as well.