Bed Fish

[Boett43]

Well I never thought i would do any sight fishing until today , when i was heading to the river i decided to check out the canal right above it. What do you know beds about every 20 feet. Ive never fished like this but i heard that tubes work fairly well so i threw a white bloody tube out. Alot of them showed intrest but i only got one. Man its awesome watching the bass suck the tube up haha. I was wondering if someone could kind of describe what the kind of body language i should look for from the fish to know its interested? And on one of the beds there was a male gaurding the nest and a Big female about 15 feet out just swimming back and fourth. what is that? Sorry for the length just trying to learn a few things Lol.  

[Gatorbassman]

Here's an old thread I started a few years ago that might help.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1114412305

[Paul Roberts]

I read an article recently, F&S I believe of a guy diving with spawning bass and he mentioned bass coloration changes indicating receptivity to lures. I've seen some of the same colorations/pattern he described, but cannot attach receptivity to them. Here's the link:

http://www.fieldandstream.com/article_gallery.jsp?ID=1000014272

The female you saw I call a "hanger on". Since your males sound like they are locked onto their beds, they have eggs already in them. I don't know if these females will lay more eggs, or if she's just hanging around, with hormones raging. Anyway, I've found these "hanger's on"  females to often be quite catchable. Get a bead on the direction she is traveling (her circuit) cast way ahead  (she's likely spooky) and when she approaches the bait (tube is good), wiggle it gently so she can see it. Hopefuly she'll tip up and suck it in. Another way is to swim a swimming tail worm over her -about a foot above her.  A straight swim -not too fast!

If this doesn't work, move away, then rest her (5min) then approach so she doesn't see you. Stay behind a bush, or if no cover, you may have to pitch from a distance -using the high straight swim.

Good luck.

[Catt]

I believe the female often moves on and off of the bed to deposit more eggs (hatchery studies support this claim). Few females drop all of their eggs at once. Instead, they expel a portion and then move off to a near by break line, bush or grass edge.

It is this sporadic purging of eggs and the ability to spawn with different males on several nests that keeps the annual spring bedding season from being severely impacted by large tournaments. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department biologist Clarence Bowling says studies have shown that a female (when handled properly) will simply locate a bed and an available male in the area where she is released and complete spawning.

[Paul Roberts]

Catt, Your probably right. I've read that too -that females drop eggs in several beds. And also, that females, with enough food, can even produce more eggs and spawn again.

In my small observation ponds though there are not that many eligible male bass, and it seems without another choice a ready female just loops around an already occupied bed. Not sure if the male will allow her to add more eggs. Thus the "hanger on" idea. Not sure if it's valid. Will have to watch some more.

[Gatorbassman]

Typically the spawn up north is very short. Usually a week or two.

[Boett43]

That sucks..expecially since it rained today and i know that water is gonna be really murky next time i get out. Is there anyway to fish bed fish if you cant see the beds?? that might be a dumb question not sure haha

[Gatorbassman]

Yep, Make lots of casts.  ;D