Springtime Bassin' Is Just Around The Corner by Tom Lester

As daytime temperatures begin reaching the 70's and 80's, the surface water temps also begin to rise. As any "bass minded angler" can tell you, it won't be long until those green creatures of the deep begin their annual migration to the shallows to spawn (lay eggs). It is during this time that most of us dust off our gear and head to our favorite lake. When bass are shallow, they are the easiest to catch.
Not only are they feeding, they are also trying to protect their young, as well, thus doubling the chances of getting bit. Springtime bass fishing brings thoughts of spinnerbaits and soft plastic lizards. Spinnerbaits allow you to cover large areas of water, quickly. When fishing a spinnerbait, you are usually looking for a reaction strike. By this I mean, if you get the bait close enough to a bass, it will bite the spinnerbait out of reaction to it being in it's "zone" rather than just for a meal. In clear or slightly stained water, a white or chartreuse skirted bait tipped with gold or nickel blades, or even a combination of the two, would be in order. In muddy or extremely stained water, I like to use bright colored baits, such as orange or a fire tiger pattern... read more