This Week @ Bass Edge

Dealing with stress

Bass require food, habitat and reproduction for survival, and experienced anglers use this knowledge to put more fish in the boat.  Still, there are times when bass elude even the best of anglers like a much-needed rain on an August day.  Right after the spawn can be one of those times.

Elite B.A.S.S. anglers Kurt Dove and James Niggemeyer depend on consistently catching limits of bass under such conditions to pay the bills.

Recovery room
“It is important to realize bass have used an unbelievable amount of energy during the spawn, and now they are opting for some rest and relaxation in order to recover” Dove explained. 

He compares the spawning of bass to the birthing process of humans citing tremendous physical, emotional and mental stress as a result.  Bass will continue to feed, he maintains, but do so less aggressively.

“If a steak is given to us while sitting on the couch we are likely to eat it,” Dove said. “But if we have to go to the store, purchase the steak and cook it, we may choose an easier mea.l”

Niggemeyer points out that post-spawn fish need to gain weight.

“They are trying to regain it without having to expend what little energy they have left.” 

Following the spawn, bass move from one area to another in search of food and comfort.  Niggemeyer says this period of movement temporarily reduces concentrations of bass due to the timing preference of each individual bass.

Where to look
The best way to attack post-spawn bass is to understand how the fish behave after the spawn.  Dove recommends starting at the outside of a spawning pocket or a secondary point, and then focusing on long, tapered points.  He has found most of his success in the 8- to 12-foot depths.

Niggemeyer’s strategy highlights pockets, which can provide ambush points for bass still guarding fry and feeding on bream and minnows as they attempt to recover from the rigors of the spawn. Niggemeyer also likes primary points as the post-spawn period matures because they receive the first wave of bass staging before they move into summer patterns. 

Regardless of the lake, Dove and Niggemeyer agree that bass are going to stage at the first place they feel secure. For lakes that provide diversity beyond topography, James recommends using that fact to your advantage. If a lake has docks, look for points with docks on them. 

“Post-spawn bass will suspend under the docks,” Niggemeyer said.  “Likewise, if the lake has standing timber, focus on pockets or points featuring native structure.”

As the spring warms, increased fishing pressure and pleasure boat traffic can also be a factor in where fish feel comfortable.

Post-spawn baits
Small and slow, is Dove’s approach to post-spawn bass fishing.

“Instead of throwing a 10-inch worm, I will often use a hula grub.” 

He also throws a Carolina-rig to methodically cover his key spots.

Niggemeyer believes fish are looking up a little more, so topwater baits are viable choices.  His arsenal also includes a soft stick-bait rigged wacky-style as well as square-bill crankbaits to mimic bluegill and bream. 

Water clarity is a key element in choosing a color. Which will entice a lethargic bass to bite from the greatest distance? This can be a challenge when the water is muddy, as is so often in spring.

When targeting post-spawn bass, appreciate their current stress level, identify staging areas and alter your presentation so that you can deal with the stress.