As the vibrant hues of spring envelop the Southern landscapes, signaling the imminent bass spawn, it’s time to gear up for March angling. Here are five essential baits to have on deck during this lively season:
- Hollow Body Frog (SPRO Dean Rojas Bronzeye Frog 65):
- A versatile topwater option, especially effective during the early pre-spawn.
- Subtle action appeals to aggressive bass without intimidating them.
- Well-equipped with bold twin hooks for a powerful yet finesse approach.
- Spinnerbait (Nichols Catalyst Colorado Willow Spinnerbait):
- Ideal for year-round use, spinnerbaits shine during the spring when bass move shallow.
- Chartreuse and white combination excels in muddy water; adjust blade size based on conditions.
- Generates thump and slows down, making it easy for bass to locate and strike.
- Ned Rig (Z-Man Finesse TRD):
- A reliable “insurance” bait effective in early spring when bass are spawning or preparing to.
- Versatility in bait selection; pairing a Finesse TRD with a Ned head proves highly successful.
- 10X Tough ElaZtech material ensures durability and buoyancy.
- Swim Jig (Dirty Jigs No-Jack Swim Jig):
- Known for power fishing in vegetation-rich areas, perfect for Alabama’s fisheries.
- The “Alabama shake” technique works well with this all-terrain swim jig.
- Effective color choice includes a black, blue, and purple 3/8-ounce swim jig with a green pumpkin Rage Craw trailer.
- Squarebill Crankbait (Bill Lewis SB-57 Squarebill CrankBait):
- An essential workhorse bait for covering water and navigating shallow cover.
- Versatile enough to crawl through cover with minimal snagging.
- SB-57’s proven track record makes it a reliable choice for March angling.
As the water temperatures rise, ranging from the upper 40s to the mid-60s, these five baits provide a comprehensive toolkit for targeting shallow-water bass during the active and spawning month of March.
Images/Source: Wired2Fish
