Water Temp

[dvdrd423]

What water temperature does the following baits work best,when to start and when to stop throwing them, spinnerbait,buzz bait,rattletrap,jerk bait,crankbait THANK YOU

[senile1]

Always remember that these lures can be used at any time since you never know with certainty what the bass will want for the day. Having said that, there are always rules of thumb to go by. I have tried to provide a concise description of when and how I use these baits below, but an article could be written on each of these lures so I hope the small amount of information I have provided will at least give you a starting point. Remember, also, that there will be subtle differences in the time and place when each of these are used by different anglers based on their different experiences and bodies of water. (Temperatures referenced below are surface water temperatures. I do not cover all the different ways to fish these baits but you can use the search function to find in-depth threads on these subjects.)

• Spinnerbait - Use when the fish are active and especially when they are feeding on baitfish. Also, these lures are more effective when there is wind creating a chop on the water. They can be used in any season. For example, you can slow-roll or yo-yo them in cold weather and then you can burn them or wake them in warmer weather. The location that you should fish them changes too, based on the weather and the season. There are also different uses for spinnerbaits based on the blades attached to the arm, but you can use the search function to read up on that.
  
• Buzzbait - This is a topwater bait and is more effective when the fish are active. Since fish tend to be more active in the warmer months (Spring through Fall) the probability of success is better in those months. However, they can catch fish at anytime.
  
• Rattletrap - This is another bait that has a higher probability of success in the warmer seasons, Spring through Fall. Rattletraps can be deadly when fished over, around, and through vegetation. They can be fished deep as well.
  
• Jerkbait - This bait is used more often in the transition between the colder and warmer months, such as during prespawn when surface water temperatures are in the 40s into the 60s, and in the Fall when water temperatures are going the other direction. However, they catch fish in warmer weather too. For example, I have had success with jerkbaits in post spawn periods. When the water temperatures are cold, you generally want to make your pauses long between jerks of the bait. When warm, you generally decrease the time of the pauses.
  
• Crankbait - This bait can be used at any time but for me, it is better when the fish are active. However, depending on how you fish the bait you can pick off lethargic fish with pauses after bumping cover.
  

Temperature Definitions are based on my location in northwest Missouri.

Hot: 80s on up

Warm: 60s - 70s

Cool: 50s

Cold: 40s down to freezing

[K_Mac]

I live in So. Illinios, so my perspective is very similar to Senile 1s, and I agree with his analysis.

A couple of my thoughts:

Regarding spinnerbaits-overcast conditions have always been best for me.

Regarding Rattletraps-I have had good sucess with them in cool water, pre-spawn conditions.