Newsletter Forums Site Index Contact Us
Big Bucks Now!
Fish Float Tubes
Bear Spray Test
Hot Muskie Lures
Make Fish Jerky
Gun Case Test
Photo Contest
Where to Buy
Subscribe Today!
Digital Edition
Going Deep in the Name of Bass Research
<<previous   2 of 13   next>>
photo: Mike Johnson

(1) Never Block the Escape Route
I was surprised by how closely the fish let me approach underwater, especially the male bass guarding beds. As I dove among them, I noticed that surface shadows and motion disturbed the larger females somewhat. But they went into panic mode quickly when I, or the boat above, cut off either the male's or the female's escape route from the shallow bed to deep water. Every time I intentionally cut off this exit path, the bass left the area, even when I was several feet away. If I approached from the side, I could swim to within arm's reach.

The lesson: Block the escape route and your chances of hookup decrease exponentially.

<<previous   2 of 13   next>>
Comment on This Article

At 11:08 AM, 2008-04-18, Jesse Gossett said:
Fishing spawning bed is unethical?! you say. Not fishing is unethical. Quit apologizing for fishing. If your not a predator your prey. Mark comment offensive

At 6:28 PM, 2008-04-16, Mari said:
As you say the tournaments during spawn is not good, but then I want to know when they are ok. I've seen many end of tournments when the bass are released just to die anyway. Not good at any time. Mark comment offensive

At 2:23 PM, 2008-04-16, Bill said:
I live at Lake Havasu, Az. They are having Bass tournaments every week for over a month. I strongly oppose these tournaments during spawn for all the obvious reasons. Mark comment offensive

At 1:20 PM, 2008-04-16, Wayne said:
Fishing the spawn is as natural as hunting the rut. There's not a significant difference if you ordinarily practice cath and release. Mark comment offensive

At 12:13 PM, 2008-03-06, skitter said:
I fished spawning beds ONCE in my life and still feel bad about it!!! This is a bad idea to disturb the spawning fish !!! I know that some anglers dream about catching a lunker but that's definitely not an ethical way o do it. Mark comment offensive

At 11:34 AM, 2008-03-01, Rick O said:
Why on earth would you promote the removal of bass protecting spawning beds when you know full well this leads to predation of the eggs? Very disturbing. Mark comment offensive


Your Name:

Your Comments:
Please keep comments focused on the subject (and profanity-free) or we may delete your post. Do not enter more than 10 lines. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us.

We require all participants in interactive areas to accept the terms of the Bonnier Corporation subscriber agreement. Please read the agreement before making comments. When you click on the button above to submit your comments, you are indicating your acceptance of and are agreeing to adhere to the terms of the subscriber agreement.

Spawning dates vary by region, but they are always closely tied to water temperature. Find out from your local fisheries manager when you can expect the following temps, and plan your days accordingly.

PRESPAWN: Right around when the water reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit, males move to shallows and start making beds. Females are bulking up. Use crankbaits, jerkbaits, and ¿¿¿¿swimbaits.

PRIME SPAWN: When the water hits 62 degrees, especially around the full moon phase, it¿¿¿¿¿¿¿s prime sight-fishing time (assuming the water is clear). Soft-plastic worms and jigs can elicit angry strikes.

POSTSPAWN: As the water warms into the high 60s and low 70s, the females move away from the beds, and the males stick around to guard the fry. Males are susceptible to the same jig or soft-plastic annoying baits. Females get selective¿¿¿¿¿¿¿try soft plastics in natural colors and hard-bodied jerkbaits in slightly deeper water.

POST-POSTSPAWN: The fish are eating, getting themselves back into form. Soft plastics and swimbaits work well on dropoffs and in deeper water. --K.D.

» See all Photo Galleries
Copyright © 2007 Bonnier Corporation.