Looking for the best lures for early spring bass fishing? Our guide features the top 5 lures, along with tips for using them effectively and techniques for a successful fishing trip. Learn more now.
Top Early Spring Bass Lures
When it comes to early spring bass fishing, choosing the right lure can make all the difference. Here are the top five lures that have proven to be effective in catching bass during this season.
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are a favorite amongst anglers because they are versatile and can be used in a variety of fishing situations. During early spring, work well in shallow water as they can be retrieved slowly and steadily, imitating the movement of a baitfish. The vibration and flash of the spinner also attract bass, making it an irresistible lure.
Jerkbaits
Jerkbaits are another popular lure for early spring bass fishing. These lures mimic the movement of injured baitfish, making them an easy target for hungry bass. Jerkbaits work best in clear water, as the fish can see the lure from a distance. The key to using a jerkbait is to retrieve it with a series of short, sharp jerks, followed by a pause. This imitates the erratic movement of an injured baitfish.
Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits are a great option for early spring bass fishing because they can be fished at various depths. They work best in shallow water, but can also be effective in deeper water when the fish are suspended. Lipless crankbaits have a tight wobble that mimics the movement of a fleeing baitfish, making them irresistible to bass.
Jigs
Jigs are a classic lure that have been used for decades to catch bass. During early spring, work well in deeper water as they can be fished slowly along the bottom. They imitate a crawfish or other bottom-dwelling creature, which is a favorite food source for bass during this time of year. Jigs can also be fished in shallow water around structure such as rocks and fallen trees.
Swimbaits
Swimbaits are a newer lure that have gained popularity in recent years. These lures imitate the movement of a baitfish and come in a variety of sizes and colors. During early spring, swimbaits work best in clear water and can be fished in both shallow and deep water. The key to using a swimbait is to retrieve it slowly and steadily, imitating the natural movement of a baitfish.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Early Spring Bass Lures
Choosing the right lure can make all the difference when it comes to early spring bass fishing. It’s important to consider a few key factors when selecting your lures, as each factor can impact the success of your fishing trip. Here are some important factors to consider:
Water Temperature
Water temperature is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing the right lure for early spring bass fishing. As the water temperature rises, the bass become more active and will start to feed more aggressively. Thus, choosing the right lure that corresponds to the water temperature can increase your chances of success.
When the water is cold, it’s best to use a slow-moving lure. This is because the bass are less active and won’t chase after fast-moving lures. Some good options for cold water include and slow-rolling . As the water warms up, you can switch to faster-moving lures such as and swimbaits.
Water Clarity
Water clarity is another important factor to consider when choosing early spring bass lures. In clear water, you’ll want to use lures that mimic the natural prey of the bass, such as worms or minnows. In murky water, you’ll want to use a lure that creates more vibration and noise, such as a spinnerbait or a crankbait with a rattle.
Time of Day
The time of day can also impact the success of your fishing trip. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the best times to fish for bass, as they are most active during these times. During midday, when the sun is high, the bass tend to retreat to deeper waters and become less active.
Type of Cover
The type of cover in the water can also play a role in the type of lure you should choose. If there is a lot of vegetation, a weedless lure such as a jig or a Texas-rigged worm can be effective. If there are rocky areas or drop-offs, a crankbait or a jerkbait can be a good choice.
Bass Behavior
Finally, it’s important to consider the behavior of the bass when choosing your lure. In early spring, the bass tend to be more aggressive and will chase after lures that mimic their natural prey. However, as the water warms up, the bass become more selective and may only strike at lures that are presented in a specific way.
Overall, when choosing your early spring bass lures, it’s important to consider these factors to increase your chances of success. Experiment with different lures and techniques to find what works best for you and the conditions you’re fishing in.
Tips for Using Early Spring Bass Lures
Early spring can be a tricky time to fish for bass, but with the right tips and techniques, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips for using early spring bass lures:
Slow and Steady Retrieval
One of the best ways to catch early spring bass is by using a slow and steady retrieval technique. This means that you retrieve your lure slowly and steadily, giving the bass plenty of time to see it and strike. This technique is particularly effective when the water is cold and the bass are sluggish.
Vary Your Retrieve
While a slow and steady retrieve can be effective, it’s also important to vary your retrieve to keep the bass interested. Try using different retrieval speeds, pausing your lure, and twitching it to create a more realistic movement. This will make your lure appear more natural and increase your chances of getting a bite.
Use Natural-Looking Colors
When fishing for bass in the early spring, it’s important to use lures that mimic the natural prey that the bass are feeding on. This means using lures that are similar in color and size to the baitfish that are present in the water. Some good natural-looking colors to use include silver, gold, and green.
Match the Hatch
Matching the hatch means using a lure that closely resembles the type of baitfish that the bass are feeding on. This is particularly important in the early spring when the bass are feeding on small baitfish. Some good lures to use for matching the hatch include small crankbaits, jerkbaits, and swimbaits.
Experiment with Different Lures
Finally, it’s important to experiment with different lures to see what works best in your particular fishing spot. Some good lures to try in the early spring include , , and . Don’t be afraid to try different colors, sizes, and styles of lures until you find the ones that work best for you.
Best Techniques for Fishing Early Spring Bass
Spring is the season when bass start to become more active and feed more aggressively. However, the water is still quite cold, and the fish are not yet in their summer feeding patterns. Therefore, it is essential to use the right techniques to catch early spring bass. In this section, we will discuss the best techniques for fishing early spring bass.
Flipping and Pitching
Flipping and pitching are two techniques that are very effective for fishing early spring bass. The idea behind these techniques is to present the bait as close as possible to the fish’s hiding spot. Flipping involves using a shorter rod to drop the bait straight down, while pitching involves casting the bait to a specific spot. Both techniques require a lot of practice and patience, but they are well worth it.
When flipping or pitching, it is important to use a bait that mimics the prey that the bass is feeding on. This could be a worm, a crawfish, or a small baitfish. You should also use a heavy weight to get the bait down to the bottom quickly. Once the bait is in place, give it a few twitches to make it look alive. If there is a bass in the area, it will likely strike.
Drifting and Dragging
Another effective technique for fishing early spring bass is drifting and dragging. This technique involves using a weight to drag the bait along the bottom of the lake or river. The idea is to mimic the movement of a crawfish or other prey that is moving along the bottom.
To use this technique, you will need a weight that is heavy enough to keep the bait on the bottom but not so heavy that it gets stuck in the mud. You should also use a bait that mimics the prey that the bass is feeding on. Once the bait is in place, slowly drag it along the bottom, pausing occasionally to give it a more natural look.
Drop Shotting
Drop shotting is a technique that is becoming more popular among bass fishermen. The idea behind this technique is to keep the bait suspended off the bottom, where the bass can see it more easily. To use this technique, you will need a weight at the bottom of the line and a hook tied about a foot above the weight. You then attach the bait to the hook.
When drop shotting, it is important to use a bait that is small and looks natural. You should also use a light weight so that the bait moves with the slightest movement of the water. Once the bait is in place, give it a few twitches to make it look alive. If there is a bass in the area, it will likely strike.
Carolina Rigging
Carolina rigging is a technique that is very effective for fishing in deeper water. The idea behind this technique is to use a weight to drag the bait along the bottom while keeping the bait suspended off the bottom. This allows the bait to be seen more easily by the bass.
To use this technique, you will need a weight at the bottom of the line and a leader with a hook tied about two feet above the weight. You then attach the bait to the hook. When Carolina rigging, it is important to use a heavy weight so that the bait stays on the bottom but not so heavy that it gets stuck in the mud.
Topwater Fishing
Topwater fishing is a technique that is very exciting and can be very effective for catching early spring bass. The idea behind this technique is to use a bait that floats on the surface of the water and mimics the movement of a bug or other prey that is skittering across the surface.
To use this technique, you will need a topwater bait that looks natural and moves with the slightest twitch of the rod. Once the bait is in place, give it a few twitches to make it look alive. If there is a bass in the area, it will likely strike.
In conclusion, these are the best techniques for fishing early spring bass. Each of these techniques requires practice and patience, but they are all very effective for catching bass in the early spring. Remember to use a bait that mimics the prey that the bass is feeding on and to keep the bait as close as possible to the fish’s hiding spot. With these techniques, you are sure to catch some early spring bass.
