You’ve made it through the winter although there were times when you doubted you would. March Madness for bass, has you forgetting about all the cold weather and subsequent falloff in your fishing activity.

March in the southern U.S. is different from March Madness for bass in the northern U. S. And, of course, it’s different all the way in between, as well as different in every other early-season month.

So it’s hard to say what’s good for one person is also good for another. Especially when you consider that spring bass fishing takes place in many varied types of water.

Nonetheless, there are some things about where to fish that hold true for everyone. So here are eight March Madness for bass fishing tips.

Eight March Madness for bass fishing tips

1. Be a temperature watcher. Some areas of a lake or pond warm up quicker than others. When you notice a difference of a few degrees in a particular spot. Remember it may be the thing that attracts bass there to warm up and to feed.
2. Fish late in the day in early spring when the main part of a lake or pond is still cold. Surface water warms up several degrees on a sunny day. Maybe more so in the back reaches where there’s a bay, inlet, marsh, or wetland.
3. If you have options where to fish for bass, try shallow lakes and ponds first as the season progresses. They warm up quickly with warm and stable weather, more so than deeper bodies of water.
4. If you have several rods to employ, always keep one rod rigged with a swimbait. There’s probably no lure type that is more universally successful in early to mid spring than a swimbait.
5. Crankbaits are also staples for spring bass fishing. Try a super-shallow running version in extreme shallows. A slightly deeper running version in 3 to 6 feet of water.
6. Crayfish populations in lakes warrant the use of crankbaits and jigs. Work them along rocky areas, including rip rap banks. If you can, fish parallel along the shoreline rather than perpendicular to it.
7. With swimbaits and crankbaits, a sign that you’re fishing too fast is getting “bumped.” This is what happens when a bass nips half-heartedly at a lure.
8. A lot of spring bass fishing involves searching and covering a good deal of water. That is not what a jig does best, yet jigs catch a lot of spring bass (and other species). First try small-profile jigs that can be worked either along the bottom or up in the water column. Then larger-bodied jigs along the bottom and around cover, such as bushes and stumps.

Six Additional Tips you can use during March.

Pairing the best early season bass lures with the best fishing techniques can hook a bass. But in the fickle March Madness for bass fishing season, a little extra help can never hurt. Here are a few more early spring bass fishing tips to set you up for success this season:

• Cast for repeat results: One of the best tips for early spring bass fishing success is to pay close attention to what works for you and what does not. Because bass behavior will change frequently with the fluctuating weather and temperature in spring, each day on the water may call for a different approach. Once you find a technique that wins you a bite, repeat the same cast and retrieve to catch a few more.
• Fish out the area: Bass will often congregate in the same areas in spring — meaning if you catch one, you may catch a dozen more in the same spot. After your first catch, continue to cast along the same ridge or point. If you do not get a second bite, try fishing the same area from different angles before moving to a new spot.
• Pay attention to water conditions: Fickle spring weather can make it challenging to locate bass, but by paying attention to the water conditions, you can find bass more quickly on each subsequent spring fishing trip. Once you find an area where bass are congregating, take a mental note of the water color, depth, temperature and bottom conditions. Consider the location of the ridge or point relative to channels and flats. These details will help you track down bass more quickly next time.
• Use the wind to your advantage: On spring days when the water is clear, bass may see your bait too clearly and be wary of biting. Wind can help to disturb the surface of the water to attract bass better. If you are not getting any bites on a clear lake, try casting when the wind picks up.
• Fish the mudlines: If you are having trouble locating bass on a spring day, look for mudlines created by wind and waves. Bass will often hide along the edges of mudlines where they have the advantage over baitfish which are drawn there to feed on plankton.

Following ice-out, look for protected shallow coves or bays with dark bottoms, as these spots will be the first to warm up. If these areas contain rocks you’re in good shape, because in these areas insect activity will begin earlier, which will attract baitfish, which in turn, will attract the bass.

See You On The River

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