Water Temps in the 40's

[Craigums]

Were do you guys start looking when the water temps are still in the 40's. I'm thinking they would still be near any sharp breaks possibly if there is still weeds in the area. Still to early to move shallow I would assume.

As for lures I'd guess Jig & Pig crawled on the bottom slowly, Don't think a reaction lure like a Silver Buddy or Lipless crankbait would shine until we get into the 50's but I could be wrong. Possibly fall back onto some finesse tactics.

Thoughts?

[bassfshin24]

I've nailed largemouth on lipless cranks as soon as the ice is out and water temps are in the mid to upper 40's on some lakes back in South Dakota. In the lake I usually fished first every year in SD, the fish were related to remaining weeds on a drop off. There was a big weed flat in 3-4ft of water with a break that dropped into 10 right by. This lake could be different though because it is full of bass and not all that big.

But I think you are on the right path with the jig/pig combo. Also if the water is some what clear I would be working a jerkbait for sure. Change your pause timing up and see what works.

[Craigums]

I've nailed largemouth on lipless cranks as soon as the ice is out and water temps are in the mid to upper 40's

Steady retrieve or letting it fall into the weeds and ripping it out?

[bassfshin24]

I usually let it run over the top of the weeds and rip it out of them. Couple good twiches and pauses seemed to always work well.

[bemidjibasser]

Get a good suspending jerkbait that dives deeper than most and fish it like a worm or jig...long pauses and pull the bait like you are dragging a jig or TX rig. Most of the bites will be after the long pause when you just start to move the bait again, they will kind of just load up on it and make it feel like mush or weeds.

[BTL]

I like main lake points with suspending jerkbaits or slowly crawled jigs. If the bottom is clean, a silver buddy worked with very small hops is a great option. That's an especially good tactic for lethargic fish during an early spring cold front, IMO.

Lipless cranks work whenever the bass move shallow, even in water under 45 degrees. You have to put it right in their face though.