Bass fishing in March! Let’s talk about my top baits! March is a crazy month because depending on where you are in the country, fish are in totally different phases. Up north, the water is still cold, and bass are in the pre-spawn phase, while down south, fish are either spawning or already post-spawn. So, I’m going to break it down for you; two killer baits for the north and two for the south. Let’s get into it!
Northern Baits: Pre-Spawn Tactics
1. Tight-Wobble Crankbait
Starting in the north, we’ve got pre-spawn bass that are just starting to move from their winter spots towards their spawning areas. When fish are transitioning, you need a bait that moves, and my number one pick is a tight-wobble crankbait.
My favorite? The Berkley Frittside. This crankbait has a super tight wobble, a natural buoyancy, and best of all, a silent version, perfect for cold water. I like to fish it along break lines, targeting isolated cover like stumps, rocks, or patches of new grass. I’ll rotate between all three sizes, the Junior, the Standard, and the Biggun, to match the depth and fish activity. This bait is a must-have in March up north!
2. Lipless Crankbait
The second bait for the north is a lipless crankbait, also known as a rattle trap. While the Frittside is great for specific structure, the lipless crankbait shines when you’re covering big flats or searching for scattered fish.
This is my go-to when bass are on large, featureless areas with sparse cover, especially if there’s new grass growing. It’s an awesome search bait that lets you find active fish fast. My favorites are the Berkley Warpig and the new Berkley Jack 6 Series. Just chuck it out, rip it through the grass, and hold on!
Southern Baits: Spawn & Post-Spawn Strategies
3. Swim Jig
Now, let’s head south, where bass are in full spawn or even post-spawn mode. My first must-have bait for March in the south is a swim jig.
A swim jig is perfect for covering water while keeping a natural, subtle profile. I love the Missile Mini Swim Jig because it’s compact and non-threatening, perfect for spooky bass on the spawning flats. I’ll pair it with a swimbait or a craw-style trailer to give it just the right movement. Whether bass are guarding fry, locked on beds, or just cruising, a swim jig gets it done!
4. Popper (Topwater Lure)
Last but not least, the ultimate bait for March in the south, a popper! When bass are spawning or post-spawn, a popper is deadly because you can keep it in the strike zone for a long time.
Unlike a buzzbait or walking topwater, a popper lets you pause it right over a bed or in an ambush spot. I love the Berkley Bullet Pop Popper for open water and sparse cover, but if I’m fishing around heavy coverlily pads, grass, or flooded bushes, I’ll go with a Molix Pop Frog instead. Either way, it’s a killer bait for triggering big bites from territorial bass.
There you have it, my top four baits for March! Whether you’re up north chasing pre-spawn bass or down south fishing the spawn, these baits will help you catch more fish.
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