Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 04/28/08: Post Spawn Bass Fishing in Florida

The major months for the post spawn bass fishing pattern in Florida is April and May. The majority of bass have completed their spawning and are in the process of migrating to deeper water. Most fish will be found near the outer edges of cover close to deeper water or even cruising the edges of drops and flats.

Immediately after the spawn, the largemouth will be tough to catch and a large limit will often be difficult. However, once the bass begin to feed look out as you maybe able to get a one of your largest stringers of the year. The fish are often still relatively shallow and can be caught with a variety of methods and lures.

One great pattern that has worked for me on on Lake Kissimmee in May is fishing the North Cove around the pad fields and Kissimmee grass lines. The bass key to the outside pads, no further than 20 yards into the mix. Try casting parallel to the grass lines with a spinnerbait being sure to hit the edge. For the pads, work a spinnerbait (Colorado/willow combo in white/chartreuse) with a trailer through the pads and into openings.

The plastic worm with a large displacement tail can also be very effective. Cast or pitch the worm (Junebug is a great color) into the pad/grass holes and work it out to the edge using a 3/16 to 1/4 ounce weight. Be ready for any line movement you may see and set the hook hard as you'll need to get their head coming toward you to keep them from wrapping in the cover.

If the pads have any floating cover, flip it! Use a craw style bait (I like black/blue) with a 1/2 to 1 ounce weight and go for the middle of the mat. If you don't get hit on the initial fall, jig the bait a few times near the bottom, then bring the bait up to the mat and jig it near the top. Any weight on the rod will require an immediate hook set as a fish may have inhaled the lure and is simply staying stationary.

Let me emphasize that the outer edges are the best and try not to waste too much time in the shallow water. 4-6 foot depths are ideal.

So, the next time you get the post spawn blues, try these tips and be ready for some of the greatest/heaviest stringers ever!