| In this article I will outline the most effective | | | | eventually to shallow flats. Crawfish imitation |
| styles of crankbaits for catching early season | | | | crankbaits are very effective for catching early |
| bass. Whether you are fishing for large or small | | | | season bass. |
| mouth bass certain styles of crankbaits perform | | | | 2. Lipless Swimbaits - Lipless Swimbaits are |
| better early in the season than others. When I | | | | excellent crankbaits to use in shallow water early |
| refer to the term "early season bass fishing" I'm | | | | in the season. In shallow water the water |
| referring specifically to months of late March, | | | | temperatures rise faster than in deeper water |
| April, May, and early June. | | | | (obviously) which makes shallow water very |
| The three styles of crankbaits that will be | | | | productive when fishing for bass in the spring of |
| discussed should be a part of any serious bass | | | | the year. If you want to catch early season bass |
| fisherman's repertoire. One key to remember is | | | | a lipless swim bait is an excellent crankbait choice. |
| that bass don't become truly "aggressive" until the | | | | Try to use colors that are similar to a crawfish, |
| water temperature hits 55 degrees or more, so | | | | even though the swim bait itself may imitate a |
| keeping an eye on the water temperature is a | | | | baitfish. Red, brown, and black color patterns are |
| must in the spring of the year. The highpoint of | | | | great choices for swim baits early in the bass |
| spring feeding normally occurs when water | | | | season. |
| temperatures get into the 60's, so make sure | | | | 3. Deep Diving Crankbaits - Deep diving crankbaits |
| that you are mindful of this simple fact. Colder | | | | can be very effective for bass in the early |
| water temperatures mean that early season bass | | | | season. A key is to fish in 8-12 feet of water and |
| fishing needs to be done with a slowed down | | | | 'drag' the lip of the crankbait into the bottom as it |
| presentation in most instances. | | | | is retrieved. This 'digging' action triggers many |
| Bass are more sluggish in the early season so | | | | strikes from hungry bass. For example, if you are |
| slowed down presentations seem to be much | | | | fishing in 10 feet of water, use deep diving |
| more effective. The bottom line is that these | | | | crankbait that dives to 16 feet. This will ensure |
| three styles of crankbaits need to be in you | | | | that you 'drag' the bait along the bottom during |
| tackle box when fishing for bass early in the | | | | your retrieve. |
| season. | | | | These three styles of crankbaits should be a part |
| | | | of any serious bass fisherman's early season |
| 1. Crawfish Imitations - During the spring of the | | | | arsenal. If one of these styles of crankbait isn't in |
| year crawfish are a favorite food for bass (both | | | | your tackle box add it sooner rather than later, |
| large and smallmouth) as they move from their | | | | you'll certainly be glad you did. |
| winter feeding area's to staging area's, and | | | | |