The ice is breaking on our Ohio lakes, and Spring is only days away. Pretty soon we will get fishing fever and head to the water in search of early Spring bass. What are the best ways to attract sluggish bass in cold, 40 – 50 degree water? Here are my top choices for areas, lures and techniques for luring hungry early Spring bass to bite.
Lure Selection
For ice-breaker bass fishing, a top choice for bass anglers is a rattle trap, or vibrating bait. These lipless, hard body baits come in all sounds of rattle. These versatile action lures can be used vertically, by lifting the rod straight up and down, or slow rolled like a crankbait. Hungry bass can’t resist the rattle. For a little more flash in stained water, I like to throw a bait with a silver/ metallic side. It provides a visual flash along with the sound. Hold on tight! I have gotten some big bites with rattle traps. I hope you do too!
When searching for shallow, sunning bass, a light swim jig is a great option. I love the 2K Jigs Deposit Swim Jig in Shad for early Spring fishing. White or shad colored baits have been a go to color for me on Ohio’s clear or slightly stained waters. Reel this lure back just quick enough to keep it above the bottom om early Spring to wake up those sleepy sunning bass.
Location, Location, Location
There are two places I always fish in early Spring. The first is where the creek channel swings in close to the shore. This will be one of the first areas to thaw, so if you get the chance to observe the lake as it thaws, take note of where open water forms first. There is current here, so the fish will gravitate here for early feeding. The second place is large, sunny flats – especially in the Northwest bays. The sun will warm these areas first, and bass, bluegill, crappie and all kinds of baitfish will be abundant. Fish the drop off around these flats also to search for bass hovering close by. Both lures mentioned above would work awesome.
S L O W Down
Whatever lure you choose, keep in mind that ice-breaker bass are COLD and will not be fast moving. Slow your retrieval speed down, regardless of what you are casting. Vertical lures can be slowly dragged along the bottom. Slow roll crankbaits, spinner baits and swim jigs. Even pause for a second. Let top water PopR’s sit still between twitches. There will be plenty of time for buzzing along later, but early Spring success means slow and easy. Your patience will pay off with big bites.
Now you have a good idea of where to look, a couple lures to try and how to use them. You are now ready for your first few fishing trips in early Spring. Go find your favorite spot and see how successful you are! Happy bass fishing, Ohio!
