Late Spawning Bass and Post Spawn Bass

Its nearing the end of April. Before you know it, by the end of May, spring will be officially over and the hot summer days will be approaching.

Although many anglers think of late April and early May as spawning time in North Alabama on the Tennessee River System's massive Wheeler Lake, it is really more of a post spawn condition. Many bass have already bed or some (especially smaller male bass) are still on or near the bed by late April.

Not only are these bass there protecting the beds from intruders, but as evidenced by the small dark balls of newborn bass fry seen lake wide, they are now guarding their smaller offspring, until they can get out on their own in their new, underwater world.

Anglers that fish clear to lightly stained water, utilizing a good pair of polarized sunglasses, can discover bass others overlook. Polarized sunglasses help cut the glare off the water's surface, allowing anglers to see what's down below. They are a must for successful bass fishing, especially during the spring.

Although by May, many bass beds can be harder to see. These previously fanned out beds seen on the lakes bottom, are now silted in from the constant exposure to the elements (current, wind and waves) and boat traffic, but you can still spot them. Just look in 1-3 feet of water for a small rounded out circle, on the lakes bottom, used a few weeks ago when bass were bedding.

Or, for late spawning bass (such as in areas of the lake with cooler water), look for bright, rounded out spots on the lakes bottom, indicating a newly prepared bed. Sandy bottoms, areas with small pebbles and red clay bottoms, are the most preferred bottom composition's for bedding bass.

By May, new growing weeds may also show a good spawning location for late bedding bass. This weedy cover is considered "nearby cover" necessary for the newborn bass for hiding, or for the bass itself, for resting, hiding and even feeding when not actually on the bed. Most bass that bed in spring choose a spot with a piece of cover very close by, to retreat to when not actually on the bed. Stumps, laying logs, rocks, boulders and even brush piles, are all also considered nearby cover.

Not only do these bass relate to this cover when actually bedding, but many bass, both male and females, still hang around these temporary homes, long after the spawn is over. Post spawn conditions always show good topwater action on Wheeler Lake, so always consider any cover in bedding areas.

Make all your cast's far past the weed, rock and wood cover and retrieve your lures in a steady rhythm. These are spooky bass, so long cast's and avoiding landing your offerings right in the cover, must be considered. There are many lures on the market to consider when making your topwater lures choice. Far to many to list, but all of them fall in certain category's.

You should always have at least 5 rods rigged with various topwaters or lures that are fished near the waters surface, all throughout the month of May. My favorite?

Walking Type Topwater Lures;
The Zara Spook - of course I'm going to mention my favorite!
These walking type topwaters must be manipulated by the angler and made to walk in a side-to-side walking motion, imparted by the use of the rod tip. Zara Spooks come in 5 sizes and the smaller versions can be fished with a little finesse. Fishing light line and with smaller rod and reel outfits, try the Zara Pooch, or the Zara Pup, or you can fish the original 4 inch version, the 2 hook model zara spook.

My favorite zara spook is the Jimmy Houston Signature series "Zara Super Spook" (a rattling, 3 hook, 4 3/4 inch long model) for it fools both 1 pounders and 10 pounders. It too comes in a smaller version, called the "Zara baby super spook." I would suggest 17-20 pound test Trilene Big Game monofilament line for both of these heavier bodied spooks.

Other topwaters to consider for late April and throughout the month of May on Wheeler Lake are Buzzbaits, Prop-baits, Popping type topwaters, Floating worms, Lizards, Soft Jerkbaits and Frog and Rat imitations.

As on most lakes, an array of plastics fished on bottom, spinnerbaits, floating and suspending jerkbaits, rattletraps and shallow running crankbaits, are all good lure choices this late spring season.

Need help on Wheeler Lake? Or any Alabama Lake? Always call on Reeds Guide Service ... first! "Over 30 years Guiding on Wheeler Lake and all other Alabama Lakes."

Be careful and be courteous to other anglers on our very crowded lakes this spring.

This report provided by:
Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service
Producer / Host "Fishing Alabama" With Reed Montgomery Radio Show
"6 Years on the Radio / Jan 2005"
Radio Station WJOX 690 AM Birmingham, Alabama
Call Reeds Guide Service...First! (205) 787-5133
"Over 40 Years Fishing Alabama for Bass and Stripers"
E-mail: ALABASSGYD@aol.com
Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com

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