Baits For Hot Spring Days?

[CentralFloridaBass]

Hey bassresource just wondering if you guys knew any good baits or known baits that are good on a hot spring day. Today seemed to be the hottest day yet and I was wondering what I should throw.

[Knightiac]

All depends where and what you are fishing. Today I fished a small pond, maybe the length of two football fields by 60 ft. I threw a fluke, lipless crank and a jig - caught nothing. I caught two bass, one on a rage craw rage rigged on a moaner hook and the other a Berkley chigger craw on a strike king roundball jighead.

That was at 5:30 pm and the sun was beating down. They wanted it slow and compact today.

[papajoe222]

I really don't want to go off topic here, but I see a lot of questions like these from anglers new to the sport.  I'll give you some recommendations, but hear me out first.  Fish location is THE most important part of the fish catching equation. It's a simple fact that you can't catch them if they ain't there.  Lure, line, rod reel, lure color, knot used, etc. are unimportant if all of them are perfect selections and you aren't putting that bait in front of fish.  On the other hand, the wrong bait, rod, reel, etc. will catch some fish if presented where the fish are.  Just ask any crappie fisherman that has tied into a muskie on a wimpy rod and tiny jig.

Don't get me wrong, the 'right' lure will produce more fish than the 'wrong' one if the fish are present.  That is why many anglers put a lot of effort into choosing a bait.  Research the fish you're targeting and the forage it mainly feeds on. That insight will lead you to, not only the type of lure that should be most productive, but more importantly where that fish will likely be in the body of water you're fishing under the current conditions.

 

Rising water temp. in the spring will get the fish moving toward their spawning grounds and that spells shallower water. That is provided they haven't already spawned, which may be the case in your area.  A minnow imitating lure is hard to beat and there are different types. Hard or soft Jerkbaits are likely the best imitators for lethargic fish, but after a few warm days of rising temps. a spinnerbait, or lipless crank can be a better choice. If you know the fish are targeting crawfish, a jig and craw trailer is a great choice and will produce even if the fish are keying on shad or minnows. 

 

Hope that helps.