Old man winter loosens his grip across the US, and the days are getting longer, and the nights are staying warmer. This means one thing to bass enthusiasts across the nation, pre-spawn bass fishing is amongst us. As some fisheries may already be experiencing this annual transition, many others are eagerly waiting in anticipation.
Bass angling enthusiasts know that the pre-spawn bite can be challenging yet exciting when pursuing bass in unpredictable conditions. Early spring brings an array of weather conditions and uncertainties, making this time of year one of the most challenging bites to pattern. Cold-water temperatures, dirty water conditions and fluctuating water levels are just a few factors to add to the conundrum.
With every great challenge comes the reward to those that can pin down the constant moving target. Pre-spawn bass will move into an area in waves, and once the pattern and location are identified to intercept them, the rewards can be monumental.
MLF & Bass Pro Tour Mike McClelland attributes much of his pre-spawn success to the SPRO Aruku and Wameku Shad. These are two similar baits in the sense of both being lipless crankbaits, but they both have their place in certain conditions where one will excel over the other.