When it comes to fishing, one of the most commonly asked questions is when to use certain lures. The truth is that there are no exact answers since fishing is not an exact science. However, there are some general guidelines to follow that can help you choose the right lures and tools for different fishing scenarios.
Seasonal behavior, regional scenarios, and the type of bodies of water are some factors to consider when choosing the right lure for bass fishing. The lure selection will also depend on the temperature of the water since it affects the behavior of the fish.
During the winter and summer seasons, bass tends to stay in deeper water where the temperature is more stable and is not as affected by the weather. In the winter, the coldest water is near the top while the deepest water fluctuates the least. Fish metabolism slows down in cold water, making them less active and eat less frequently. Therefore, using lures that do not move a lot is recommended.
In the summer, fish still stay deep but try to find cooler weather. They will come shallow in late summer and going into fall as oxygen levels get low. During this time, they will group up offshore and will often be competitive, willing to chase big baits.
During spring and fall, shallow waters get to a comfortable temperature, and a lot more bass can be caught close to shore. This is the best time to catch bass, and many techniques work during these seasons. Moving baits, loud aggressive baits, and finesse baits work around the spawn to entice spawning bass. Shallow cover becomes the prime target, and finding bait often puts you in the bass.
Bass are most active from 65-80 degree water temperatures. In this temperature range, many lures will work, and it is more about matching the mood of the fish and the water color and cover.
To help anglers choose the right lure based on water temperature, a template has been created as a guide. The chart breaks down the best applications for certain bass fishing lures based on temperature ranges.
In conclusion, understanding when certain lures work best, where bass are most likely to be, and their mood at those times can help you select the right lures and tools to catch them in various scenarios. Keep in mind that fishing is not an exact science, and sometimes you need to go against the grain to catch a fish.