Where Do Bass Go In EARLY Spring? And How To Catch Them Before The PreSpawn!

The Fish are on the move! If your fish haven't already begun to transition, its coming! If you're not ready they'll vanish completely and tracking them down again before the spawn is almost impossible without an understanding of their migration. Where are they headed, where will they stop along the way, and how can you catch them when they do? Come along, and we'll show you. 

Different styles of fisheries progress differently. You need to figure out if you are fishing a river, a Delta, a natural lake, a highland reservoir, or a lowland reservoir. Depending which style you're on, the movements will vary. Luckily, we're explaining the movement in each one of these fisheries today. As your fish begin to move, you need to understand their ultimate goal is transition toward spawning flats. With that in mind you can identify the nearest spawning grounds to where your fish have been, then identify the key spots along the way the fish will stop on to feed. 

As you're focusing on fishing the key structures along the migration route there are key baits you should be focusing your time on. Use baits that cover water quickly, have significant drawing power, and can trigger a feed response. Below you'll find links to all of our favorite options for this transition into the prespawn. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


Glide Baits... 

-River2Sea S-Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Lite trout

-Baitsanity Antidote: http://bit.ly/2ztUk9z

Colors: Summer Shad, Trout


Alabama Rigs... 

Rig #1- HogFarmer BFL Flex: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

Rig #2- G Funk Bladed Cali: http://bit.ly/2rZhST7

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v


Lipless Cranks... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Spring Craw

-Strike King Red Eye Shad: http://bit.ly/2fqX1RT

Color: Delta Red 

-Strike King Red Eye Shad 2 Tap: http://bit.ly/2gmACC5

Color: Delta Red


Deep Cranks... 

-R2S Tactical DD75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Blood Craw

-Spro Rk Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN

Colors: Red Crawfish, Phantom Watermelon


Squarebills... 

-River2Sea Biggie Poppa: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, TS Minnow

-Spro Little John 50 Type R: http://bit.ly/3j0GS3a

Colors: Rayburn Red, Nasty Shad


Chatterbaits...

Bait- Z Man Jackhammer 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green pumpkin Shad, Fire Craw

Trailer- HogFarmer Spunk Shad: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Tennessee Magic, Green Pumpkin


Jerkbaits... 

-Rapala Shadow Rap Deep: http://bit.ly/3aerPi6

Colors: Moss Back Shiner

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, Illusion Tennessee Shad


Favorite A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

**The Zodias Rod Can Be Backordered and should arrive soon**

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K (HG): http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB


Budget Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium Heavy Cranking: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


Budget Glidebait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7'9" Medium Heavy Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Curado 300K: https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 Shock Leader 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

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Senko and Topwater - Kayak Bass Fishing A Small Backwater Creek

Let's go fishing! Tim is in a small creek with crystal clear water that dumps into a big murky water lake. He's targeting post spawn bass with a Senko, popper, dropshot, and swimbait. The bass moved into this creek to spawn but now they're feeding along the lay downs and overhanging brush before returning to the main lake. Whether you prefer a kayak, a bass boat, or walking the shore bank fishing, you'll enjoy Tim's tips on saving money while catching fish. 

Tim started the day hoping for a quick reaction bite but it wasn't in the cards. He quickly switched to a wacky rigged senko and caught a ton of fish! The key here is to understand that he was still on the same water. We often push for the reaction bite but when you have limited areas to fish its best to adapt to the conditions. By giving up the topwater and fast moving baits Tim suddenly found himself surrounded with willing fish. While they weren't in the mood to chase, the slow falling senko proved more than they could resist. 

Below is a breakdown of the 4 lures that Tim brought on the kayak. He kept it simple but was still able to cover all his bases and adapt to changing conditions. The links go to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Senko... 

Worm- Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Green Pump/Watermelon Lam, Bama Bug

Hook- Owner Weedless Sniper Finesse 1/0: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

O-Ring Tool- O Rigger:  http://bit.ly/2wtX7M8

O-Rings- O Rigger Rings: http://bit.ly/2h5MhX2

Topwater... 

-Megabass Pop Max (Mat Shad): http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Dropshot...

Worm- Roboworm 6" Straight Tail (Oxblood Red Flake): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Hook- Owner Mosquito (Size 1/0): http://bit.ly/2fqYFCR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 1/4 oz Tie-On Weight: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

GlideBait... 

-River2Sea S-Waver 168/200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Warden Hitch

Senko Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline XPlasma Dark Green Braid 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Drosphot Casting Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light+: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

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Senko and Underspin Tips For Big Bass! Kayak Bass Fishing on Clearlake

I only brought 3 rods! A senko, an underspin, and a swimbait are all tied on. Which will get the biggest bite? Can we build a pattern? Come along for a really fun day of fishing on Clearlake! We're going to put the kayak to work and stick some big bass along the way!

Today really highlighted the value of fishing from a kayak or other small boat. Often times anglers in smaller craft feel like they're at a disadvantage but the big bites today absolutely would not have come if I was on my bass boat. These are highly pressured fish that are very leery of boats but they had no concerns about the kayak! 

The underspin proved to be the hero of the day. Both of the big fish (a 5 and 6 lber) both annihilated the underspin along the edges of submerged trees. The senko also proved to be invaluable. After making a pass through our small area with the underspin we slowly and methodically worked back through the fish with the senko and were able to pick up a few more key bites to finish out the day. These two baits proved to be an awesome pairing as one got the majority of bites while the other got the kicker bites we were hoping for. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits we had tied on and the gear we were using to throw it. All the bait links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see up close photos of each bait and a detailed description. 

Underspin.. 

-Owner 1/4 oz Flashy Swimmer 5/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

-Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Senko... 

-Gamakatsu Superline EWG 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

-Yamamoto 6" Senko (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Glide Baits... 

-R2S S-Waver 200 (Phantom Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

-Gratt Sneaky Pete 7'5" (Hitch): http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Underspin Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2czPlZl

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (Current Model): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- 65 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 20 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Senko Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- 40 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 15 lb Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Gear...

Life Jacket- Mustang Elite Inflatable: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP

Camera- GoPro Hero 8: http://bit.ly/37hVTX4

Kayak- Old Town Predator PDL: http://bit.ly/2WyVQka

**Kayak Link Goes To Manufacturer's Website**

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

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Where Do Bass Go After They Spawn? (And How To Catch Them During The Spring To Summer Transition)

Did your big fish disappear? We can help! If the big bass vanished after they finished spawning you are not alone! Matt breaks fisheries down into 4 categories and explains exactly what is happening and what will happen next in all 4 fisheries. He then goes on to explain his favorite baits for each scenario and how to use them effectively. If you're ready to get ahead of the fish and continue catching bass into the Summer, this video is for you!

Fisheries around the country can be broken down into Highland Reservoirs, Lowland Reservoirs, Streams/Rivers (includes tidal fisheries), and Natural Lakes (includes ponds). All 4 of these water bodies behaves differently but all are predictable. The guys have spent decades following bass movements and are very comfortable predicting their patterns throughout the seasons. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of the baits Matt discussed in the video. He'll begin with the actual bait he was showing in each category but may include an additional bait or two that will work great as an alternative. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up photos and detailed product descriptions. 

Frogs... 

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

-Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill): http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

-Jackall Kaera (Glitter Hasu): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Senkos/Flukes... 

-Zoom Super Fluke (Smokin Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

-Yamamoto 5" Senko (Green Pumpkin Blk Flake): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Muddy Water Colors: Chartreuse Pearl (Fluke), Junebug (Senko)

Spinnerbaits... 

-Damiki TOT Spinnerbait 1/2 oz (Smelt Shad): http://bit.ly/38cxmD6

-Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact Swimbait (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Swim Jig... 

-Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig 3/8 oz (Crappie): http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

-River2Sea D Walker 100/120 (White Ice): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Clear Water Colors: Tactical Shad, Blue Glimmer

Deep Diving Crankbaits... 

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors: Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Sexy Blue Back Herring

-Azuma Z Boss 20,22 and 24: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Colors: Grand Shad, Goldie Lox, Ole Blue

Football Jig... 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Green Pumpkin Craw, Bever Craw, Go To

-Keitech Tungsten Football Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Dark Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Black

Jig Trailers... 

-Netbait Paca Chunk: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Summer Craw

-Striking King Rage Chunk: http://bit.ly/2Hd4MFA

Colors: Blue Craw, Summer Craw

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper

Great All-Around Summer Fishing Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

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