How to catch your PB Smallmouth Bass this Spring!

When it comes to catching smallmouth bass in cold water pre-spawn, knowing the right techniques and strategies can make all the difference. In this blog post, you will learn what to target, what baits to use, and more to improve your chances of a successful fishing trip.

What to Target

During the pre-spawn period, smallmouth bass tend to move to shallower waters in preparation for spawning. Look for areas with hard bottom right next to steep drops. Those types of areas will be the first place they start to gather. Pay attention to water temperature, as smallmouth bass are more active in slightly warmer waters. When the water is below 40 degrees, slow tactics like blade baits, ned rigs and crawling swimbaits work best. Once the water starts climbing above 40, the smallmouth start getting much more active and moving baits like jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits and alabama rigs do damage! 

Best Baits to Use

The baits mentioned above are definitely the go to tactics I have had the most success with. Lately, crawling a finesse swimbait on a jig head like our F8 head has been the ticket. That and a blade bait are usually my go to baits for ice out smallies since they are easier to cover water with. Once you do find fish, you can slow down with a finesse jig or a ned rig to get some bigger bites. We will be announcing some exciting new about both of those baits very soon here at BAFA...

As mentioned above, once the water gets above 40 you can really start covering some water. Crankbaits and alabama rigs make great search tools. Of course, you always need a jerk bait tied up that time of year as well. 

Techniques for Success

One effective technique for catching smallmouth bass in cold water is to fish slowly and methodically. Focus on making precise casts to targets. Whether your target is an actual fish you can see using live sonar, or a piece of cover that you can see or have found using 2d imaging, it is important to get your bait near the fish since they are slow moving in colder water. Pay attention to subtle bites. Blade bait bites and ned rig bite often feel like nothing in the early spring. Watching your line is also key for avoiding missed opportunities. 

Final Tips

Remember to dress warmly and be prepared for the cold weather when fishing for smallmouth bass in cold water pre-spawn. This may seem like a silly tip, but you fish 110% better when you can feel your fingers and toes!

Stay patient and persistent, as the bass may be less active during this time. By following these tips and techniques, you can increase your chances of landing a trophy smallmouth bass. 

Tight lines this spring!

Bill - BAFA Fishing