The prespawn period is the best time of the year to catch loads of quality bass if you hit it right. Jacob Wheeler provides a detailed look into his favorite prespawn tactic — targeting deeper bass before they move to the bank. Forward-facing sonar has opened up a new world of offshore prespawn tactics before bass push shallow. As Wheeler notes, these are feeding fish, and provide some of the most consistent action of the year if you know where to look.
FEATURED TACKLE (retail links)
SWIMBAIT SETUP
- SWIMBAIT – CrushCity “The Mayor”: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- JIG – VMC Neon Moon Eye Jighead: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- GLIDING JIG – Jigging Rap Magnum: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- ROD – Duckett Fishing Wheeler Series Spinning Rod, 7′ Medium-Fast: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Academy Sports
- REEL – Duckett Fishing Paradigm Spinning Reel: Buy at Amazon
- LINE (braided mainline) – Sufix NanoBraid Line Aqua Camo, 12-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
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NED SETUP
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CASTING SETUP
- ROD – Duckett Jacob Wheeler Signature Series Casting Rod, 7′ Medium Heavy / Medium Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at Academy Sports
- REEL – Duckett Jacob Wheeler JWC 100 Casting Reel, 7.5:1: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 12-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
CAPITALIZING ON THE PRESPAWN
As temperatures flirt with the 50s, prespawn bass start setting up for the spawning ritual, making it an optimal time for anglers. Wheeler emphasizes the importance of targeting traditional staging areas close to spawning pockets. This strategic approach focuses on bass feeding patterns, which are primarily concerned with stocking up energy reserves before the spawn.
OPTIMAL LOCATIONS FOR PRESPAWN BASS
Wheeler points out the significance of transitional banks and creek arms as prime locations for prespawn bass. He underscores that while anglers might be eager to fish spawning areas, deeper staging fish focus more on feeding than spawning activities. Understanding the gradual warming of water temperatures and the depth at which bass position themselves is crucial for successful prespawn fishing.
TECHNIQUES FOR DEEP PRESPAWN BASS
Wheeler stresses the need for versatility during this timeframe. Get a variety of baits in their faces, from finesse swimbaits to Ned rigs and heavy gliding jigs, to determine the best technique for the conditions. While traditional prespawn tactics such as jerkbaits and crankbaits produce, Wheeler relies heavily on small swimbaits rigged on ball head jigs in the prespawn.
THE ELECTRONICS FACTOR
Modern electronics play a pivotal role in locating and targeting prespawn bass. Wheeler actively scans deeper areas, such as pockets and channel swings near spawning grounds, to find and target actively feeding fish. However, he reminds us that while technology like forward-facing sonar is invaluable, you shouldn’t overlook traditional fishing techniques. Instinct and experience through “just fishing” will always reveal bass that evade fish finder technology.
