Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 12/21/09: Finding Early Spawning Bass

Bass in Florida can spawn as early as November and new waves of bedding fish can continue well into April. Typically the heaviest spawn is from late February through the beginning of April but savvy fishermen can find them earlier if the weather conditions prevail.

The first sign of an incoming spawning period includes a prolonged warming period after several heavy cold fronts have moved through. This period usually means anywhere from 5 to 7 days of consistently warm weather usually near 70 for the highs. This induces the males to set up beds in their favorite spawning areas and females soon to follow.

If the weather continues as described then start searching for good spawning areas with cover. Typically sandy bottoms near deeper water such as canal edges can be the ticket for early spawners. These areas offer the bass the chance to leave the spawning grounds quickly and move to deeper water if the water temperature dramatically drops. Look for pads and grass along these canal or slow moving river banks and watch for bright sandy areas within this cover. These bright sandy patches are ideal spots or created spots for the largemouth bass beds.

Another area to search for early spawners is either northeast or northwest corners of the lake that offers cover. These areas often warm the earliest in the winter months which induces the spawn much earlier. Sandy bottoms and grass/pad cover in this area will be the preferred cover.

The biggest problem of finding these fish is that they can be severely effected by an incoming cold front. So if you are preparing for a tournament be sure to find fish in deeper water as well in case a front knocks these fish off the beds.

So the next time you are fishing late December, January and early February don't leave out the chance for finding those heavy bedding bass or you just may miss that fish of a lifetime.

The Largemouth Herald