Pre Spawn advice

[BD]

Would I be better just taking out with me smaller traps, some worms, and some jigs?...or just taking worms and sticks?

I am going this weekend and also monday, and just wondering if I should take the whole tacklebox, or just the above?

What's working for you all right now, is helpful to know as well.

Thanks

[basswest1]

You should definently bring rattle traps or other lipless crankbaits, but this is the last time to use smaller ones.  The bait is the biggest it will be all year, even the shad are going to start spawning soon, so the big ones are on the prowl.  Throw other crankbaits that bounce the bottom and throw jigs and stickbaits.

[clooney]

BD,  If you can tell us some more specifics about what part of the country and what type of water you're going to be fishing, I am sure the advice you receive will be better targeted to your needs. Let us know and good luck!  

[BD]

Ok I thought this as well.

Thanks so far for the replies gents.

Clooney, I will be fishing in somewhat clear water, cold fronts off and on past couple of weeks (so I am thinking the fish will be down about 8-25 ft give or take) and I was also wanting to run breaks, if deep got notta.

Here is my pre-judgement on this weekend. I know what the temp will be 55+ all days. I know it will be partly cloudy, and the water hole has good brush, and breaks. It has deeper spots too.  

I plan to slow worm fish early morning. Since it will be cloudy, I plan to use mellon, oil, watermellon, or green worms. If this works well, I will stay with this, if not, I will go to my mini traps next (cray colored).

If success from here and no longer from original idea, stick with this. If traps don't work, try spinner baits (rooster tails smaller ones) or jigs.

Is this a thought out plan for the most part or change it up?

Thanks again

[Chris]

Here is what I do maybe it might help.  I try to figure out where they spawned last year then find places that they might stage on the way to spawn. If you find a pocket or cove that looks good then use that as a starting point and start looking. Sometimes they will stage in the mouth of the pocket or on the first breaks. Points, breaks, and weedlines can be at times highways to the spawnning areas. Sometimes if there is wood, rocks, docks, weed patches or stumps that are out next to the spawning areas fish key in on these places to stage. If the water temp is in the mid 50's start looking in 10 ft or less water for the staging fish. If you have enough cover and bait in the shallows they might even be on the bank so don't rule that out. Early season I try to use search baits like crankbaits,traps, spinnerbaits,or suspending jerkbaits. The idea is to locate and identify staging areas then slow down when needed. The water is still cold so make sure you slow down. After I locate an area I might dig out my carolina rig or jig. A good technique I used a few years ago was fishing a countdown shad rap. I would cast it out then countdown to the depth I saw them suspending at on my depth finder then slowly reel it in making sure I stopped it and let it count back to the right depth.

[BD]

Those are good tips too.

Thanks anymore, gentlemen?

[5bass]

You say you're lake has breaks and drops....grab a 1 oz. LedgeBuster spinnerbait and slow roll each break or drop thoroughly.I am a firm believer that

heavy spinnerbaits fished deep on staging areas is a great way to find fish and also get you the "bigger" bites.Good luck with whatever approach you take.

[clooney]

  Looks like your getting some good ideas!?  I think everyone has hit it right on the head.  Try to find the little channels the bass will use to move around from deep to shallow.  I would try a spinnerbait or suspending crankbait first.  Not too big though!  Keep it on the small size since their appetites are still small from the winter months. With spinnerbaits, I really like the ones with mutiple blades. I prefer the smaller blades, which i think they call willow leaf blades.  A spinner with 2 or three of these blades will make it look like a mini school of baitfish.  If  you get strikes but no hook ups, then try the same area with a tub, small senko or worm.  Like Chris says, go slow and be patient.  Sometimes you have to let your plastic baits sit for a minute or so before twitching again.  Have fun and don't forget the camera! Let us know how it went!

[BD]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I normally fish in the spring, but I hope to land momma this weekend.