The pre-spawn period begins when water temperature reaches 55 to 58 oF. Bass are headed for the spawning areas. Often, the pre-spawn bass will follow migration routes to the spawning areas and may group up in staging areas. Migration routes are usually creek channels, ditches, or depressions that lead from deep water to shallow spawning areas. Staging areas that concentrate a lot of fish tend to be close to spawning areas and usually have a structural component-a sharp depth change (a ledge), a pronounced point on the main lake or in a large cove, a ridge extending from shore towards deep water, or a hump or underwater island. Add cover--like stumps, brush, or aquatic vegetation-and you may have the proverbial honey hole. The Spawn
The bass spawn is dictated by water temperature, and local weather conditions can advance or retard the spawn by several weeks. On any body of water, it is a pretty safe bet that some bass will be spawning when the water reaches 62 oF. Bass pawning is largely over when the water temperature climbs to 70 oF. In general, look for spawning bass in 1 to 5 feet of water over hard sand or clay bottom, either close to the bank or on large flats. Yes, largemouth may spawn as deep as 12 feet in lakes with very clear water. The male bass builds the nest and, after the spawning ritual, tenaciously guards the eggs and fry. If available, the bass will build the nest next to a stump, log, or rock, possibly to reduce the perimeter that the guarding parent needs to patrol. Always give extra attention to isolated cover in spawning areas.
I need a new tackle box as well... I think I am going to get a little Zebco one with 4 trays... I really like the trays for organizing my fishing gear.
