3 Bait Approach to Spring Kayak Bass

The weather is warming, the trees are starting to show some life, and the bass are starting to become much more active. Spring time is my absolute favorite time to bass fish. I enjoy this time of year most because you can catch quantity and quality all in the same day.

Depending on where you are in the country, spring time is when the bass move up shallow for their annual spawn. Typically, it’ll be around 55 degree water temperature and up when they start to make this move. The big thing for me this year is targeting areas where fish will be moving into to spawn. Depending on the body of water, you’re looking for shallow flats or coves in about 3-5 foot of water with areas of clean and hard bottom. This environment sets up ideal conditions for bass to lay their eggs and begin the spawning process. Additionally, if you can find pieces of hard cover in these areas such as wood, rock or even manmade structure such as docks or posts, you’ll likely be around the fish.

When I find areas like this, I like to have a 3 bait approach. I will move into the area and blind cast towards targets with a chatterbait. I like a chatterbait with a boot tail trailer that can mimic a bluegill or baitfish. A lot of the time spawning bass will see this as either a threat or an easy meal which can entice a bite. The second bait I like to throw if they’re not hitting something moving is a wacky rigged senko. I’ll still make casts towards high percentage areas where they should be spawning like wood or man made structure, but I will let it slowly fall, twitch it a few times, reel it back and make another cast. It’s something I like to call “power-finesse fishing.” It’s a finesse technique but you’re fishing it fast and hitting a lot of targets. And the third bait I like to have tied up with me this time of year is a creature or bluegill style bait. I’ll rig this like a drop shot on a wide gap hook and sight fish with it. What is really helpful this time of year is the ability to stand up and visually see the fish on beds. This style bait works best making direct casts onto spawning beds where you can entice fish to bite out of pure agitation.

This is a great time of year to go out on a successful fishing trip. I can promise you that if you target these areas and throw these style baits you’ll put more fish in the boat, and who knows… the next cast may even be the fish of a lifetime.  As always, stay safe and tight lines!

-Greg Blanchard

About Greg Blanchard: Greg has taken the YouTube kayak fishing community by storm over the past few years. His approach to kayak fishing technique is unique and powerful.  Greg fishes from a Native Watercraft Titan Propel 10.5 as his primary craft. You can subscribe to Greg’s YouTube Channel by clicking the button below.