Fishing tip of the week

Fishing Tip of the Week

Wednesday, 01 May 2024 09:22

Transitional Fishing for Spawn to Post Spawn Locations
by Mike Gerry

As the bass relocate after the spawn, we get into a period known as transition fishing. Transition fishing means that the bass are relocating from the shallow banks to the deeper water.
When this happens, locating fish on the move becomes difficult and forces you to find a different depth and location, just about every day.
There are many keys to finding these locations as the fish move and stop over this time period on their way to deeper water.
Using your electronics is key as mapping and contours within those maps all add to unlocking their locations.
Areas like points, ledges, drop-offs, isolated cover and secondary points adjacent to the spawning beds all become stopping places for bass. If you were ever trying to justify the need for good electronics, this transition period is the perfect time to make your case as every contour break, drop, inside or outside turn become key spots for bass to locate, too.
Having good mapping that shows these contours and ledges and all in-between are the reason this mapping is so important.

Years ago, we took mental notes and triangled these locations from our boats. Now you have a first-class map with all the contours right in front of you. Make the best of it and utilize this tool to find the transition spots.

Baits are certainly important to finding transition fish, as you need to rig up baits that cover water. Swim baits, crank baits, jerk baits, and spinner baits are all perfect to cover water and find transition fish.
As the post spawn period moves on top, water baits are very good baits to find transitional fish. All you need is to see a little top water feeding, and your top water baits become important pieces of the puzzle.

It’s also the time as the water temperature increases for the shad spawn to occur, and when that happens the post spawn bite becomes hot and lots of fun. We are approaching the best two months of the year, and the best is right in front of us. Enjoy this period – I know it’s the best time for many reasons!
Captain Mike