Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 07/06/08: Seasonal habits of the Largemouth Bass

Bass fishing is a fantastic outdoor sport and the biggest challenge is in locating the feeding fish. There are many factors that influence the feeding habits of the largemouth including the time of year you are fishing, the current weather conditions, the type of structure and cover the lake/river has to offer and the prevalent food supply.

The time of year or season is often the most important factor in knowing where to start fishing. Since my bass fishing is in the south, the following list is primarily for the southern bass fishermen, but can be adjusted for the northern fishermen by season.

1- The winter months in the south start in December through February. Although it is a short season for southern fishermen, it is often very difficult to locate the winter largemouth. Through experience I have learned that the bass relate either to relatively deep water (in Florida anything greater than 12 foot deep) or to heavy flippin cover like hyacinth mats, Kissimmee grass, etc. Fish the deep water with deep diving crankbaits or Carolina rigs. Flip the mats with 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce flippin weights with a worm or craw imitation.

2- The spring runs from late February through the end of April. The bass are relating to shallow water this time of year and can be found in one of the three primary spawning stages. a- The pre-spawn- These fish are moving in from the deep water and can often be found in the 4-6 foot depths. Shallow cranks such as Rattletraps, small shadraps are often effective. The hard jerkbaits can also draw reaction strikes. The Texas rigged worm is also another favorite of mine for the pre-spawn fish. b- The spawning fish- These fish are relating to shallow water from 1-4 feet deep often near cover and sandy areas. Use a Texas rigged worm with a light weight (1/8 ounce) or tube lure to entice these fish to strike. c- The post-spawn fish- These fish are the toughest to catch but stage in similar depths to the pre-spawn fish. Reaction strikes from hard jerkbaits is often the ticket.

3- The summer is a very long season in the south and runs from May through the end of October. Fish can be located in a variety of areas depending on the lake. In a non cover lake, the fish relate to underwater humps, drops and points. Use crankbaits and Carolina rigs to cover the water in these type of lakes. In weedy lakes, fish can be found shallow under flippin mats, heavy weeds or similar types of cover. Feeder creeks also present a great opportunity in the summer as they offer both cover and current that often oxygenates the water therefore providing a better feeding mood for the fish. Deeper water weed lines such as peppergrass and hydrilla can be the ticket as well. In the mid morning hours from 8-10 and in the afternoon from 5-7, look for schooling fish on top.

4- The fall is relatively short in Florida and can run from mid October through mid December. The fish often school this time of year and can be found boiling the top. Topwaters, Rattletraps and shadraps can quickly load the boat in water depths from 6-15 foot of water.

If you follow the primary keys that were presented on locating bass during different seasons you will be well on your way to do more catching with less fishing!

The Largemouth Herald