Springtime Grass Fishing

Author: Matt Howerton

Sunday, March 16, 2008

    It may not come as a surprise to you that springtime fishing in shallow fisheries can be challenging.  Add aquatic vegetation and it can be daunting.  The bright spot is to remember that fish are looking to spawn and certain conditions are needed for the spawn.  Bass are typically grouped in the same general area once the proper bottom composition is found and the appropriate cover is nearby.  Locating and mining these areas is what I hope to shed a little light on below.

    In shallow water fishing, bottom changes are very subtle, but can lead you to big sacks if you are able to find them. These contours are critical to finding success during the springtime and usually grass is scattered early in the season, not having mated yet.    I have found some of my best areas for springtime fishing during the summer and fall.  Typically, grass grows in dirt or mud, so shell beds and sandy areas will be void of most grass.  These areas are evident as grass begins to emerge in the early months, and I tend to mark them at that time.  A spinnerbait, lipless crankbait, or even a jig can make great search baits if you are new to a body of water and don’t know where to start.  My preference is a lipless crankbait simply because it is the best tool to locate emergent grass. 

    Often, the fish that are spawning will begin to move into spawning habitat in February-May depending mainly on water temperature.  If you are catching several small bass, don’t leave an area during the spawn in search of larger fish, as the females are typically the last to strike once the buck bass have been caught. 

    Another great pattern to look for are schools of fish within grass beds.  I have found that a good postspawn pattern can be to locate fish in a mixing water situation at the mouth of a creek or canal that has a slight depth change.  Again, a lipless crankbait, or an unweighted plastic will trigger strikes in this situation.

I hope this helps on your next fishing trip, let us know!!