Let’s dive in! We’re diving into a timely topic that’s sure to make your next fishing trip a success, the shad spawn. If you’ve ever wondered about this phenomenal event that happens wherever there are bass and shad, you’re in the right place. First off, what exactly is the shad spawn? Well, it’s more than just shad spawning; it’s nature’s way of replenishing the bass population by filling their bellies with delicious shad after the bass finish spawning. Timing-wise, it typically occurs from April through June, varying slightly depending on where you’re located. Keep an eye out for water temperatures […]
The Top Baits for May!
Now, before we get into the specifics, let’s set the stage for May. We’re talking about the transition from spring to summer, and this month is all about spawning fish and their post-spawn recovery. Up north, think places like Virginia and beyond, you’ve got fish on the beds, fish guarding fry, or just about to spawn. Even in upstate New York or Canada, you’ll find some pre-spawn action. Down south, places like South Carolina, Alabama, and Louisiana, it’s more about the post-spawn phase as the fish start moving towards deeper waters for the summer. Alright, let’s kick things off with […]
Forgotten Finesse Technique That Will Catch You More Fish
The Mojo rig isn’t one that gets the spotlight it deserves anymore—the Mojo rig, also known as the PD rig or split shot rig. Now, if you’re an angler who’s been around a while, these terms might ring a bell, but for many of you tuning in, you might be scratching your heads wondering, “What on earth is a Mojo rig?” Well, let me break it down for you. The Mojo rig is essentially a finesse version of the Carolina rig, perfect for scenarios where the traditional Carolina rig setup feels too heavy-handed. Picture this: you’re out on the water, […]
April Top Baits
Alright, folks, here we are, diving into the nitty-gritty of my top four baits for the month of April. April is that time when the fish wake up from their winter slumber, stretching their fins, and gearing up for some serious action. Now, depending on where you’re located, April could mean a variety of things for those fish. Up north, we’re talking about pre-spawn action, with those fish making a beeline for their spawning grounds. They’re staging, getting ready for the big show, and most importantly, they’re hungry. That’s right, in April, those fish are packing on the pounds before […]
Mastering the Dropshot
The dropshot is without a doubt one of the hottest finesse techniques. I don’t care whether you’re fishing in shallow, dirty water or deep, crystal-clear water, there’s a time when it can outproduce just about anything else. Why is it so good? Well, it presents the bait off the bottom and keeps it horizontal. There are not many other presentations that accomplish that. It’s a very natural representation of a baitfish. To use it to its maximum effectiveness, though, you need to choose the right leader length. It’s a critical part of making it work. You need to know when […]
March Best Baits
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 […]
Prespawn Bass Fishing Techniques – Spinnerbaits
While a crankbait is a great choice for transient prespawn bass, it’s not the best option in every circumstance. Another lure that just about never leaves my deck this time of year, especially if I’m around big fish in stained to dirty water, is a spinnerbait. We tend to have a lot of rain early in the season and the water gets color quickly, so this is one I can’t live without. It’s been cold, but now water and air temperatures are creeping up. The days are longer, with more daylight. Those fish want to be headed toward their spawning […]
Unlocking February’s Winter Fishing Secrets: Top 4 Baits for Success
Let’s talk about my top four bait picks for bass fishing during the cold winter month of February. February can be a tongue-twister to say, but trust me, picking the right baits for this month can be even trickier. I’ve got you covered with two killer baits for the colder northern regions, and two absolute gems for the warmer southern states. But before we jump into the baits, let’s chat a bit about why February is such a challenge. February marks the transition month for our bass friends across the country. It’s the pre-spawn period, where bass are bidding farewell […]
Unveiling the Ultimate Panic Box
By popular demand, I’m going to tell you about a tackle box that never leaves my boat. Twelve months out of the year, from New York to Texas to California, it’s always with me – it’s my panic box. It has saved my butt over the years and that’s why I always want to have it accessible, in the compartment behind the driver’s seat of my boat. It’s kind of like a bright red or bright white fire extinguisher. When I’m in situations where I’m struggling, it’s obvious and ready to help me salvage the day. Why do you need […]
Top Four January Lures
January is typically among the coldest months of the year. Depending on where in the country you live, that could mean ice, or the water temperature could be as high as the low 60s. It’s a relative thing, but my starting point is to look for deeper, more vertical areas. Up north, that could be a bluff where the depth drops from 10 feet to 30. Down south it could be a deep-water canal that is 8 feet deep. In either situation, expect the fish to be relatively lethargic. As always, I’m going to give you two baits for up […]