Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! We recently took a dive into the world of spawning bass, but now, let’s get reel about the baits you need to score big when you find those love-struck bedders.
You see, during the spring, bass of all shapes and sizes get busy with their version of Tinder – creating beds and laying eggs to ensure the next generation of bassy delights. This whole process makes them super easy to find, but it’s essential to know what baits to throw their way.
Bed Fishing 101: Sight or No Sight
When it comes to bed fishing, you’ve got two options: sight fishing and blind bed fishing. Sight fishing is like having a front-row seat at a bassy reality show – you can see the fish on their bed. Blind bed fishing, on the other hand, is like blind dating; you’re pretty sure there’s a bass on that bed, but you can’t see it. Each method calls for a different set of baits, so let’s dive into those.
Light Texas Rig – The All-Star Player
The light Texas rig is the MVP of the bedding bass game, whether you’re peeking at them or casting your hopes blindly. Bass get all parental around their beds and won’t hesitate to protect their future offspring. Tossing a Texas-rigged soft plastic into their nest makes them think a bluegill, crawfish, or some sneaky predator is after their mini basses.
For blind bed fishing, go for natural bait colors – it’s like going incognito to fool the bass. But if you’re sight fishing, you can choose between natural and white baits. White baits let you see the action – if the bass takes the bait, you’ll know it!
Gourmet Baits for Bed Fishing
Now, what kind of soft plastic should you slap onto that Texas rig? There aren’t many wrong answers here, but some baits are like a five-star meal for bedding bass. Soft plastic lizards are like the forbidden fruit for them – they can’t resist. Tiny craw-style baits also work like a charm. Tubes are another excellent choice. And soft plastic stick baits are up there in the ranking.
If you’re going for sight fishing and want to keep an eye on your bait, small and white is the way to go. But if you’re more of a blind angler, a lizard is hard to beat, with stick bait being a close runner-up. They cast well, sneak through cover, and can be worked slowly or left in the bed until the bass loses its cool and takes the bait.
Bonus Techniques: Beyond the Texas Rig
Sure, the Texas rig is the star of the show, but there’s a whole ensemble of baits waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Dropshots, wacky rigs, shaky heads, Ned rigs, and finesse jigs – they’re all ready for their close-up. Most of these shine when you’re blind bed fishing, while the Texas rig works for both sight and blind fishing.
A dropshot can be pitched like a pro to where you suspect a bed might be, and it’s patient enough to see if a bass is in the mood. Wacky rigs love to slip under cover and flirt with bass. Ned rigs, shaky heads, and finesse jigs are your go-tos for deeper waters, where spotted bass and smallmouth are hanging out.
Wrap It Up: Patience and Perseverance
In a nutshell, using soft plastic baits to bed fish is like catnip for bass during the spawn. These proud parents will defend their nests, even if they’re not hungry. So, get cozy with your Texas rig, shaky head, dropshot, or any soft plastic lure you fancy. Remember, patience is key – fish slow and use baits that you can leave in the bed. That’s your ticket to reeling in the romance of bedding bass. Happy fishing, folks!
Images/Source: MonsterBass
