Tip of the Week 3-29-10

[TR21HP]

Springtime bass tactics,

To most people Springtime bass means spinnerbaits and jerkbaits. Although I use these quite a bit ,my favorite springtime bass bait is the jig and pig. As bass start their way into the shallows thay will make a few stops on the way before they get to their shallow destination.Points and drop offs are the spots I throw at as they start to move.If I had to choose one I would favor points first then drop offs.As the temps of the water increases bass will start to use the shallows more, spreading out once they hit the shallows and covering more water as they search for food.If the weather holds they will remain there, if a cold front hits they will retreat to the drop offs. Of course, vegetation plays a part here as well. Green vegetation that is, if you can combine green vegetation with a point you have something.Once you have established a location always try a quiet approach and upon casting, a soft cast. Never come into an area hot and start flinging as that will alert the fish and very little success will come of that. A slow drop and hop technique produces the best reults this time of the year. Always let the jig hit bottom before you start the hop as usually the fish will hit it on the drop.Play with your jig sizes, color and technique as this allows your jig to change its profile as well as offering a slower or faster drop to trigger that strike. Line watch, if you have to, as most jig strikes are subtle and set hard. In summary, good use of your electronics, temp gauge and a quiet approach will yield good fish this time of the year.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Good stuff TR!!!!!