Today I’m going to talk with you about the top four baits for the month of March. You know how it goes, folks. I’m gonna hook you up with two baits for the top half of the country, let’s say from Virginia north, and two for the bottom half, let’s say from Virginia south. But before we dive into those juicy details, let’s talk about March.
In most places across the U.S., March marks some phase of the spawn, specifically the pre-spawn in a lot of regions. Remember our chat in February? We discussed fish migrating towards spawning areas from their winter patterns. Well, March is when things start heating up even more. These fish are transitioning, getting closer to their spawning grounds, and in many places, especially from the Carolinas and Tennessee north, March is pre-spawn central. Fish are either getting ready to bed or already hanging out in those spawning zones.
But as you head further south, say places like Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, or even South Texas, March brings all phases of the spawn. Yep, you heard me right , you’ll see fish spawning, fish done spawning, and even some still heading to the beds. So, in a nutshell, March is an exciting month, with a lot of fish making that push towards shallower waters.
Alright, let’s dive into my top two baits for the North Country in March. First up, we’ve got the trusty tight wobble crankbait. I know I sound like a broken record talking about this one, but hear me out. Especially if you’re in a part of the country where fish are still on the move towards their spawning grounds, you can’t beat a crankbait. It covers water like nobody’s business and triggers those pre-spawn reaction strikes like a champ. Look for a tight wobble, inline wobble crankbait like the Fittside, it’s my personal favorite. Keep it simple with colors…think Reds for crawfish, Shad colors, and maybe some chartreuse for those bluegill or perch imitations.
Now, on to number two for the North; the jig head minnow. This one’s a game-changer, folks. Rig up a 4-inch minnow on a jig head, and you’ve got yourself a winner. I’m a big fan of the MaxScent Flat Nose Minnow or the Berkley Powerbait Power Minnow. With forward-facing sonar becoming more popular, you can target fish you see on your electronics like never before. Cast it past them, bring it to their noses, and watch the magic happen.
Now, let’s head down South where March is still pre-spawn territory for many fish. One bait that reigns supreme in these parts is the skirted jig. Whether it’s the Missile Mini Flip Jig or the Missile Flip Out Jig, you can’t go wrong. Match your trailer to the water temperature: craw trailers for warmer waters, chunk trailers for cooler temps. Fish it around cover like docks, fallen trees, or grass edges, and get ready for some explosive strikes.
Last but not least, let’s talk about my go-to bait for spawning fish, the Berkley Powerbait Gilly. This little beauty mimics a distressed bluegill, and let me tell you, bass can’t resist it during the spawn. Rig it Texas-style around the beds or on a short leader drop shot if you’re feeling fancy. Whether you’re targeting fish guarding fry or those on the beds, the Gilly is your ticket to success.
Whether you’re fishing the pre-spawn up North or chasing spawning fish down South, these baits will keep you hooked and reeling in those bass. Here’s a quick recap for you!
- Tight wobble crankbait (North):
- Ideal for covering water and triggering pre-spawn reaction strikes.
- Look for a tight wobble, inline crankbait like the Fritz Side.
- Effective colors include Reds for crawfish, Shad colors, and chartreuse for bluegill or perch imitations.
- Jig head minnow (North):
- Rig a 4-inch minnow on a jig head for success.
- Recommended options include the MaxScent Flat Nose Minnow or Berkley PowerBait Power Minnow.
- Utilize forward-facing sonar to target fish effectively.
- Skirted jig (South):
- Excellent for pre-spawn territory in the South.
- Options like the Missile Mini Flip Jig or Missile Flip Out Jig are recommended.
- Match trailer to water temperature: craw trailers for warmer waters, chunk trailers for cooler temps.
- Berkley Powerbait Gilly (South):
- Mimics distressed bluegill, perfect for spawning fish.
- Rig it Texas-style around beds or on a short leader drop shot.
- Effective for targeting fish guarding fry or those on beds during the spawn.
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