Need some advice new to Midwest

[Joedodge]

Hey everyone! I’m new to Iowa. Recently moved here from the southeast. Our temps are getting warmer. And I was curious what some good early spring baits are to start with. I have 3 decent sized stocked ponds in my area. Just curious as I’m used to the baits and patterns in Florida. Thanks!!

[Texas Flood]

Welcome to the land of 10 lakes. I usually start with a jig, Cbait and wacky or trig worm. 

[Joedodge]

Thanks! I appreciate the help. Definitely a soft plastics guy. Always have been. I’ve just never had luck on jigs and chatterbaits and  such. I’d imagine the weather and water temps are still a tad cool but I may give it a shot tomm morning 

[DaubsNU1]

10 hours ago, Texas Flood said:

Welcome to the land of 10 lakes. I usually start with a jig, Cbait and wacky or trig worm. 

 

@Texas Flood, HA!

 

Whelp, if Iowa is the land of 10 lakes, Nebraska must be the land of 5 lakes : )

 

I'm no good with jigs...usually start with chatter baits, wacky or t-rigged worms.

 

Good luck @Joedodge!!

[Texas Flood]

11 minutes ago, DaubsNU1 said:

 

@Texas Flood, HA!

 

Whelp, if Iowa is the land of 10 lakes, Nebraska must be the land of 5 lakes : )

 

I'm no good with jigs...usually start with chatter baits, wacky or t-rigged worms.

 

Good luck @Joedodge!!

At least you have a bunch of ponds on I-80 I get to look at on the way to Colorado. 

[Joedodge]

lol! Well even in Florida my go to for years were soft plastics. And what I’m finding here in the urban ponds is ya gotta be weedless lol. So soft plastics is my strong suit. 
 

is different here from Florida. Every drainage ditch or pond had bass lol. This is a fun new challenge and a lot prettier area 

[Pumpkin Lizard]

On 3/10/2025 at 7:37 PM, Joedodge said:

Hey everyone! I’m new to Iowa. Recently moved here from the southeast. Our temps are getting warmer. And I was curious what some good early spring baits are to start with. I have 3 decent sized stocked ponds in my area. Just curious as I’m used to the baits and patterns in Florida. Thanks!!

 

Jigs, Chatterbaits and a 4 inch Swimbait on a jighead have been the ticket so far.

[Joedodge]

Thank everyone. I got out this morning for. Couple hours. Put a snap on the line ( I know I know) so I could switch lures out quick. Threw a red eye shad, a chatter bait, and a spinner bait. Got two on a xrap jerk bait tho!