The bass move to shallow water where the water is warmer to spawn. The big males move into the areas first followed by the females. Although they will spawn in many different areas, they seem to like a shelf that is located next to a drop-off. In a lake with a lot of islands, I like to circle the spot of land looking for that little point that gradually disappears into the surrounding deep water, especially if that point has trees that overhang creating shadows.

The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides for you Latin fans) or small mouth bass (micropterus dolomieui) are actually members of the sunfish family. The females will grow to an average size larger than the males. Largemouth will eat a variety of live fish and crawfish. It takes about five pounds of live forage to add one pound of gain to a bass. Bass do not do well in muddy or unclear water as they are sight feeders. Water clarity should be at least 12 inches for feeding.