If you’re an angler, April is THE month, right? It’s springtime, the water’s warming up, and the fish are getting more active and there’s a lot going on. But depending on where you are, April can mean different things. That Mason-Dixon line we talk about comes into play. If you’re north of Virginia, you’re probably looking at pre-spawn fish, while if you’re south, you’re dealing with fish that are either spawning or post-spawn. No matter where you are, though, April is an amazing month to catch bass, and I’m excited to share my go-to baits for the season!
1. Lipless Vibration (Rattle Bait) – Perfect for Pre-Spawn in the North
Let’s kick things off with the North. My number one bait for April up there is the lipless vibration bait; my favorite is the Berkley Jack. When those fish are in the pre-spawn mode, this bait is killer.
First off, look at that profile. It mimics a variety of forage species—whether it’s shad, bluegill, or even crappie. This bait is perfect for getting that reaction strike. The sound? Huge factor. It’s rattling, calling fish in from a distance. Then, there’s the vibration. When you reel it in, you’re going to feel your rod tip shaking. And the flash! Even without sunlight, it catches the light and flashes in a way that just drives those bass crazy.
Best part? It allows you to cover tons of water, and since these fish are moving to their spawning areas, a fast retrieve works wonders. Trust me, get yourself some chrome blue or chrome black colors, and don’t forget about the red patterns, they’re huge in April.
2. Big Swimbait – A Must-Have for Pre-Spawn Bass
Now, for my second bait up North, it’s a big swimbait. It might surprise you but hear me out. When those bass are pre-spawn, they’re looking to feed big before they settle into the spawn. A big swimbait, especially in the 6- to 8-inch range, is a perfect match for those bass.
There’s so much forage around in April—shad, herring, and even trout—so these fish are on the lookout for something substantial. Swimbaits like the Berkley Nessie or the Berkley Cull Shad are my go-to’s. The Cull Shad swims straight, which is ideal for imitating forage that swims in a direct line, like herring. The Nessie has a wider “S” motion, which is perfect for imitating gizzard shad. Both are great for covering water, and in April, that’s crucial. The big swimbait is awesome for getting those big bites when the bass are hungry and active.
3. Soft Stickbait – Versatile and Effective in the South
Shifting gears to the South, my third bait for April is the soft stickbait. This is a versatile, all-around bait, and it works no matter where the fish are in the spawn. Whether they’re on beds, guarding fry, or post-spawn, the soft stickbait gets the job done. I’m talking about a 5-inch or 6-inch Berkley PowerBait General, this thing has the scent infusion that drives bass wild. I like to fish it Texas rigged when I’m dealing with heavier cover or if I need to keep it weedless. But don’t forget about the wacky rig for those situations where you’re skipping under docks or getting a little more subtle with your presentation. The soft stickbait really excels in April in the South, especially when those fish are guarding fry or just cruising the shallows.
4. Topwater Popper – A Game Changer for Post-Spawn Bass
Last but not least, my number four bait for April down South is a topwater popper. This bait shines when the bass are on beds, guarding fry, or just post-spawn and looking for something to eat. I love using a popper because, unlike other topwaters, you can slow it down. You can pop it, let it sit, and really give those bass time to take notice. I prefer shad or bluegill colors, like the Berkley Bullet Popper in Ghost Bluegill. The key here is to fish it slower; pop it, let it sit, and repeat. It’s awesome around bluegill spawning areas, and bass just love to crush it in that post-spawn phase. When those fish are feeding on bluegills, this bait becomes irresistible.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my top four baits for April. Whether you’re up North dealing with pre-spawn fish or down South fishing post-spawn bass, these baits are proven winners. Try them out, and I promise you’ll have some of the best bass fishing action of the year.
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