| After the female bass has deposited hers eggs in | | | | reduced feeding during spawning. The color of the |
| the nest prepared by the male he will stay near | | | | bait used should be determined by the clarity of |
| the nest to protect it for approximately one | | | | the water. Understanding how bass view colors |
| week after spawning. During this time the male is | | | | will give you insight on how water clarity can be |
| not a feeding fish, however, he can be provoked | | | | used effectively. |
| into attacking a lure which is presented very close | | | | Hard or soft plastic jerkbaits also work well during |
| to the nest in a defensive effort. After spawning | | | | from spawning into early summer. Rig a soft |
| both the male and female become active feeders | | | | bodied lure weedless and it can be used in the |
| again. | | | | thickest of covers. This bait will also create less |
| An abundance of minnows and crayfish combined | | | | noise as it enters the water and can be used in a |
| with sufficient cover will keep the adult bass near | | | | drop bait technique. |
| the spawning area for an extended period of | | | | While the fish are in shallow water after spawning |
| time. With adequate food and habitat there is no | | | | topwater baits will produce well. When using a |
| need fro them to leave rapidly especially if there | | | | topwater bait during late spring and early summer |
| is deep water close by such as a creek channel | | | | a smaller sized lure should be used. This is |
| or a sharp drop off. After spawning is complete | | | | because the food supply which the topwater bait |
| the individual fish begin to shift into their summer | | | | mimics is still small during this time of year. |
| rhythm. They begin to gather into schools and | | | | The techniques presented here will be effective in |
| move from individual feeding to foraging as a | | | | any body of water. However, it should be noted |
| school to benefit from the advantages school | | | | that with greater clarity the fish will be found |
| feeding provides. During this time of transition a | | | | slightly deeper than in water with less clarity. |
| variety of bait or lures will be effective. | | | | During the time following spawning until the fish |
| As the fish move away from nesting their | | | | move into deeper water and adapt their summer |
| appetite will be increased and as a result the zone | | | | behavior fishing can be quite exciting. It will be |
| in which bait will be effective will be enlarged. This | | | | necessary to spend a little more time formulating |
| is referred to as an enlarged strike area. Both | | | | your fishing strategy and refining your bait |
| spinnerbaits and buzzbaits can be quite effective | | | | presentation. Depend upon the bass themselves |
| during this time since the bass are more inclined | | | | to dictate your fishing technique by being aware |
| to "chase" than at other times of the year. This | | | | of the varied behaviors that have been presented |
| again is the result of their increased appetite after | | | | in this article. |