This is my favorite time of the year for bass fishing. With the ice just recently breaking loose on the Northeast’s freshwaters, small-pond largemouths haven’t seen a lure in close to three months. The weeds have died back over the winter, opening up some prime, shallow-water areas for fishing, and the bass are hungry.
A number of lures will work this time of year—jerkbaits, Chatterbaits, Senkos, lipless crankbaits, jigs—but none better than the shallow-diving crankbait. Crankbaits that run from 1 to 4 feet down will tickle the tops of weeds while sending out wounded baitfish vibrations to winter-starved largemouths. Fish them fast or slow, with pauses or uninterrupted. If they catch the weeds, rip them free – that action is enough to tempt the largest bass in your pond.
Shallow crankbaits work throughout the season, but they are at their best right now.
Went yesterday, pond was still half ice. Didn’t get a bite but it was great being out for the first time this year! Did some great scouting though, and will be going back every couple days.
Went today, 4 decent largemouth with Mepps double blades in Nassau county.
where? I’m in nassau
Where in Nassau county?? tks
4/16/15
5 lbs. largemouth on my local lake. a rainy day paid off.
can I use a shallow crank bait on a small pond in NC right now? If so how long