Spring is a dynamic transition time, and bass anglers must be adaptable to construct a quality pattern. We jumped at the opportunity for Bob Downey to take us through his process of breaking down water in the late spring. As temperatures hover around the mid-60s, it’s prime time for catching a mix of prespawn, spawn, and post-spawn bass. With both largemouth and smallmouth bass active, Downey leverages a diverse set of tactics to adapt to the varied conditions on the lake.
FEATURED PRODUCT (retail links)
FLIPPING SETUP
• PLASTIC – Rapala CrushCity Bronco Bug, color – Green Pumpkin Blue Pearl: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/5gzAeD | Buy at Omnia https://omnia.direct/4Rmw5E | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3OSTBoH
• HOOK – VMC RedLine Series Hybrid Wide Gap Hook, 4/0: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/q4DvXg | Buy at Omnia https://omnia.direct/bjYpVL | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3UjSUaC
• WEIGHT – VMC Tungsten Flipping Weight, 3/16-ounce: Buy at Omnia Fishing https://omnia.direct/l1XvOk | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3PfQM2I
• PEG – VMC Sinker Stops: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/1rRm2d | Buy at Omnia https://omnia.direct/BVlJ0D | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/45OX270
• ROD – : Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
• REEL – Daiwa Tatula Elite: Buy at Daiwa https://bit.ly/3Pjgbs1
• LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 17-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/ZQrJn1 | Buy at Omnia Fishing https://omnia.direct/VgVdMN | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3s5w6RK
SWIMBAIT SETUP
• SWIMBAIT – CrushCity “The Mayor” Swimbait, color – Black Blue Green Pumpkin: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/eKPxGX | Buy at Omnia https://omnia.direct/NyZ76a | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3OLj3hm
• HOOK – VMC Drop Dead Weighted Hook: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/rQYdWR | Buy at Omnia https://omnia.direct/eOyy0O | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/45g4Rn2
• ROD – St. Croix Victory Casting Rod, 7’3” Heavy Extra-Fast (Full Contact Finesse): Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bassproshops.vzck.net/3P6xbd | Buy at Omnia https://omnia.direct/Kqm4a8 | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3xkXSwp
• REEL – Daiwa Tatula Elite: Buy at Daiwa https://bit.ly/3Pjgbs1
• LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 17-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/ZQrJn1 | Buy at Omnia Fishing https://omnia.direct/VgVdMN | Buy at Tackle Warehouse https://bit.ly/3s5w6RK
UNDERSTANDING WATER TEMPERATURE AND FISH BEHAVIOR
The adventure starts with analyzing the water temperature, a crisp 65°F—ideal for bass activity. Downey emphasizes the importance of temperature trends as they influence bass movement and the best fishing patterns. This time of year is about adaptability; visual cues like observing fish behavior and habitat changes are crucial.
TECHNIQUES AND GEAR FOR SUCCESS
Consistently catching bass in the spring requires a versatile approach. He keeps various rods ready, each rigged for different scenarios that the day might present. His approach is methodical: He moves quickly with a weedless swimbait to locate fish and then slows down to thoroughly fish productive spots with a Texas rig. This approach allows him to maximize each area’s potential once he starts getting bites.
INDICATORS OF SPAWNING PHASES
Downey examines each fish catch for signs of its spawning phase. Observations of physical conditions and spawning behaviors provide insights into whether the bass are prespawn, actively spawning, or post-spawn, thus allowing him to adjust locations and fine-tune his tactics accordingly.
BOAT SETUP
• TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST: Buy at Bass Pro Shops https://bit.ly/49npejB | Check out at Minn Kota https://bit.ly/3qFuMVt
• BOAT – Bass Cat Eyra: Check out at Bass Cat https://wired2.fish/3PJ95KC
• MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250hp: Check out at Mercury Marine https://bit.ly/3PeIhVk
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