Bedding Bass

[PondBassin]

Hey guys,

I'm sure this has been discussed a million times, but basically, I'm going through my first spawn bass fishing this year, and I'm kind of clueless. On one shoreline of the neighborhood lake I fish in, I could count a solid 35 fish (at least) up in the shallows. It was one of the coolest things I've seen on the water, seeing pods of 6 plus keeper size bass swimming together in throughout the day. I got VERY frustrated though, between not being able to catch them and losing a 5 plus pound bass right at the boat. The small ones were not skiddish at all, I could walk up to them and they wouldn't swim away. The few big ones I happen to see, the big females, we're surrounded by 3 or 4 smaller males Im assuming, and were very skiddish. I casted to them all day; using plastic worms and a spinnerbait parallel to the shore. I could only get 3 in 5 hours. It was miserable seeing all of the fish there, just look at my baits then go along their way. What do you suggest, how do I get the bigger fish, or even just the smaller ones, to bite? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

PB

[SirSnookalot]

I pretty much leave bedding bass alone. I've seen some bedding this week, threw a few casts and moved on. Since I focus on a number of other species, I have no problem leaving them alone.

[Lund Explorer]

To begin with, I wouldn't consider fish that are cruising the shallows in groups as bedding. When bass are bedded, they will be locked down to a very noticable bowl shaped depression on the bottom and you will see one or sometimes two fish only. From what you are describing, it sounds more like bass schooled up for feeding.

Just like your question being asked a million times, the same answer has been given each time. If you can see the bass, the bass can see you!

The next time you happen to see this type of thing taking place, you need to back away from these fish so that you don't spook them. If you can determine the bass' direction of travel, you will want to place your cast 6'-8' in front of the fish. Use a lightly weighted plastic worm, tube, grub, or even a weightless Senko, make a low angled cast that creates little or no splash, and then allow the bass to approach the bait on their own. If they are in a feeding mood you should get the bites you are looking for.

If the bass change direction after your cast, it indicates that the fish are spooked. You are better off to make a mental note of where these fish are and then move off for a half-hour or so before trying to sneak (very quietly) back to that area. In the meantime, moving down the bank may give you the chance to find other bass doing the same thing.

[Pondboy46]

If they are nesting you wont have muck luck getting them to bite. The best thing to do is try for something else like crappie or catfish instead untill they are done nesting.

[craww]

If they are nesting you wont have muck luck getting them to bite. The best thing to do is try for something else like crappie or catfish instead untill they are done nesting.

Wrong. Get the timing right and its the time when a female is her biggest and most vulnerable. I've caught maybe 75% of big fish I've seen on a bed. Sometimes it takes a while, sometimes not.

[J Francho]

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/dropshot-bedding-bass.html

[angler3]

fish that time of year can be fooled with topwaters, prop baits being the best. just cast it out a twitch and pause. if you can see the fish, you will be able to adjust your presentation to their mood that day. long stealth casts will catch the bigger fish

[bonzai22]

Make sure you make casts aways past the fish then bring it in their bed and i have found a tube to be a really good bait for bedding bass. Something about the tube drives them crazy.

[auburn5]

If you find a fish you want to spend alot of time on dangle your plastics in front of it's face until it gets mad enough at it to bite.

[RazorBassin]

Definitely don't give up on them, bedding bass can be very difficult to get to bite. However, they are more than likely going to be some of the biggest bass you ever catch. I like to use a Green Pumpkin Rage Craw and I pitch it in their bed and just shake it. You may pitch 20 times in there with little or no reaction. But you will hit a certain spot on that bed that will make her mad. Just keep trying. Also, if you catch the male off the bed first, when you throw him back place him on the other side of the boat and try to throw back into the nest before he gets back. The big female will be more likely to bite during this time. I also like to throw a white tube or a white super fluke if the Rage Craw doesn't work. If you find a big female and you scare her off or can't get her to bite, come back and check her later. She still has to eat even though she is spawning. About the only time you WILL NOT catch a spawning fish is if they are actually in the middle of the deed;) Good luck!

[Mountain Angler]

I've seen a lot bedding I work on catching large mouths more than anything but if they ain't wanting to hit on anything I fish for other things. Ive been catch some bass so I ain't complaining haha

[Crestliner2008]

First off, I don't fish specifically for bedding bass. There are always a population still in pre & post spawn to be targetted. However, if I was targeting a specific fish on a bed, the article cited by J Francho above is about the best way to do it successfully.

[Catt]

J Francho is dead on

[Squid4]

you can try to change the size of the plastic bait or lure that you are using. Go from small to big (vice versa). Also as stated above, keep getting that bait in the fishes face and annoy it until it strikes. If it leaves the bed leave the bait there in the bed until it returns. Slow movement (twitches), slow retrieval and patience. lol

fish on!