Early spring is a great time to go bass fishing as the fish start to become more active after a long winter. However, with changing water temperatures and conditions, it can be challenging to know which techniques and baits to use to catch more fish. In this article, I discuss the top 5 techniques (in my humble opinion) and baits for early spring bass fishing that will help you increase your chances of success on the water.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, it is essential to understand the different techniques and baits that work best during this season. From crankbaits to stickbaits, spinnerbaits to jigs, there are several options to choose from. By using the right techniques and baits, you can target the right areas and catch more fish.

So, if you want to learn more about the top 5 techniques and baits for early spring bass fishing, keep reading. I will provide you with all the information you need to know to improve your fishing game and have a successful spring day on the water.

Technique 1: Jerkbaits

When it comes to early spring bass fishing, jerkbaits are a go-to technique for many anglers. The erratic action of these lures mimics the movements of baitfish, making them a great choice for catching bass that are actively feeding.

One effective way to fish jerkbaits in the spring is to cast them over the top of humps or ridges and reel them in quickly to allow the bait to drop to its desired depth. Another technique is to pause the bait for a few seconds after each twitch to imitate a wounded baitfish, which can entice bass to strike.

“I really like sunny conditions and wind!”

Jacob Wheeler on Jerkbaits

It’s important to choose the right size and color of jerkbait for the conditions you’re fishing in. In clear water, natural colors like silver and gold can be effective, while in murky water, brighter colors like chartreuse or firetiger may work better.

When using jerkbaits, it’s also important to vary your retrieve speed and cadence until you find what the fish are responding to. Experiment with long pauses, short twitches, and steady retrieves to see what triggers a strike.

“My cadence on jerkbaits is 1-2-3-pause; 1-2-pause.”

Jacob Wheeler on jerkbait retrieval

Check out some of the top-rated jerkbaits here

Technique 2: Lipless Crankbaits

Lipless crankbaits are an excellent choice for early spring bass fishing. These lures are versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. They are especially effective in shallow water and around cover, such as weeds or rocks.

One of the best techniques for fishing lipless crankbaits is to use a steady retrieve. Cast your lure out and retrieve it at a steady pace, keeping it just above the bottom. This will create a vibration that will attract bass to your lure. You can also try varying your retrieve speed or pausing briefly to mimic a wounded baitfish.

When selecting a lipless crankbait, consider the water temperature and clarity. In colder water, it’s best to use a smaller lure with a tighter wobble. In warmer water, a larger lure with a wider wobble can be more effective. In clear water, choose a lure with natural colors and a more subtle action. In murky water, brighter colors and more aggressive action can help attract bass.

Technique 3: Jigs

Jigs are one of the most versatile baits for early spring bass fishing. They can be fished in a variety of ways and can mimic different types of prey. Here are a few tips for fishing jigs:

• Use a football head jig for fishing around rocks and other hard cover.
• Use a flipping jig for fishing around heavy cover like brush piles and laydowns.
• Try a finesse jig for fishing in clear water or when the fish are more finicky.
• When fishing jigs, it’s important to pay attention to the bottom structure. Bumps, rocks, and other changes in bottom composition can hold fish. Try to make your jig bounce along the bottom and pause occasionally to mimic a crawfish or other bottom-dwelling prey.

Jigs can also be effective when fishing deeper water. Try using a heavy jig and fishing it vertically, bouncing it along the bottom. This can be effective for catching suspended fish as well as those on the bottom.

If you want to dive in further into jigs, check out this really good article

Technique 4: Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits are a versatile and effective technique for early spring bass fishing. They can be used in a variety of water conditions and depths, making them a go-to option for many anglers.

When choosing a spinnerbait, consider the blade type. Colorado, Indiana, and Willow blades all have different characteristics and actions. Colorado blades are round and produce a lot of vibration, making them a good choice for murky water or low-light conditions. Indiana blades are more oval-shaped and produce less vibration, making them a good choice for clear water or calm conditions. Willow blades are long and narrow, producing a lot of flash and making them a good choice for clear water or bright conditions.

When fishing with spinnerbaits, try different retrieval techniques until you find what works best. A slow retrieve with a lift and drop presentation can be effective, as can a steady retrieve with occasional pauses to let the bait sink. Experiment with different speeds and depths until you find what the bass are responding to.

Spinnerbaits can be fished in a variety of locations, including shallow cover, drop-offs, and weed beds. Look for areas where bass are likely to be feeding and try different spinnerbait colors until you find what they are biting on. Chartreuse, white, and black are all popular choices for spinnerbait colors.

Technique 5: Ned Rigs

Ned Rigs are a popular and effective technique for early spring bass fishing. This technique involves using a small, light jig head with a soft plastic bait, typically a stick bait or worm. The Ned Rig is a finesse technique that allows you to present the bait in a natural, subtle way that can entice even the most finicky bass to bite.

One of the keys to success with the Ned Rig is to use a light line, typically 6-8 pound test. This allows you to feel even the slightest bites and provides a more natural presentation. Ned Rigs are also effective in clear water, where the subtle presentation can be especially effective.

When fishing a Ned Rig, it’s important to keep the bait moving slowly along the bottom. The jig head should be bounced along the bottom, with occasional pauses to allow the bait to settle and entice a bite. The key is to keep the bait in the strike zone for as long as possible, without spooking the fish.

One of the advantages of the Ned Rig is its versatility. It can be fished in a variety of situations, from shallow to deep water, and can be effective in both clear and stained water. It’s also a great technique for catching numbers of fish, as well as big bass.

Overall, the Ned Rig is a finesse technique that can be highly effective for early spring bass fishing. It requires patience and a subtle touch, but can be a great way to catch bass in a variety of conditions.

These are my favorite Ned Rigs

Remember, these are only 5 of many techniques and you may have to try them all and maybe even some additional ones. Spring can be tricky, but the bass are hungry and you usually just need to find them and the right presentation. Good luck!