Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Minnesota bass fishing report

START SHALLOW. Once the spawn has been completed, the females head to the shallows to recuperate and feed actively. You can also expect the shallows to be thick with smaller males. This is the best time of the season to really get on the easiest fish of the pre-summer, because they have congregated and are willing to hit anything.
"Shallow" can mean different things in different lakes. Depending on water clarity and boat traffic, spring bass can be in as little as 2 to 3 feet of water. It is imperative to keep the boat as far away as possible from the shallows. These fish can be easily spooked.
LURES. Shallow running spinnerbaits are awesome and easy to creep over the early-emerging weeds. Don't be afraid to run them hard and fast. An hour or so in the shallows with these aggressive baits will tell you everything you need to know. If not successful, switch to a tiny jig and plastic worm. I really like the smallish 4-inch size, because it performs well on a small jig and is easy for the bass to pick up and basically hook themselves.
Surface swimming baits like minnow imitators work extremely well very early in the morning on calm days. Be sure to give the bass plenty of time to see and hear those surface baits. Work the baits slowly, and try to keep that bait in the hot zone as long as possible.
DOWNSIZING LINE. Most bass anglers use monofilament line that is much too heavy for the job at hand. Keep in mind that early season water is very clear, and often dropping down to 8-pound test from 10 or 12-pound test can make a huge difference.

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