Spring Bass Fishing (Finally) Heats Up! | Jerkbaits + Cranks!!
Hello, everyone! Today, I’m out on the big lake for the 1st time this year….well, it’s not that big (300 acres)…but it’s not a little puddle either! Anyway, it’s my 1st time out on the “big lake” this year, so I have to figure them out. I’ve been waiting for warmer day-time temps (& especially warmer overnight temps) to heat up the water & it’s (finally) happening. They could be shallow or deep, offshore or inshore, or somewhere in between. I started out throwing a jerkbait to locate some fish…and then quickly switched to a flatside crank which allowed me to cover more water and stick some more fish. So, come along with me, as dial in a bite on the “big lake” for the 1st time this year.
Today’s fishing gear…
*Boat Set-up*
Boat: Coleman Crawdad (buy used locally)
Bed Extender: Darby Extend-A-Truck w/ roof rack pads
Motor: 55 lb Minn Kota Endura C2 (similar)
Inflatable Life Jacket: Onyx TW AM-24 All Clear (similar)
Battery: Dakota Lithium 12V, 54 Ah
Net: Tackle HD Telescopic Landing Net
Gloves: NRS Gloves (XL, they run small)
*Milk Crate Set-up*
Crate: Black Milk Crate + black 3-rod rack (attach w/ screws + zip-ties)
Pliers: 6.5″ P-Line Adaro Jr. Aluminum
Forceps: Dr. Slick 6″ curved forceps (similar)
Lanyard: Black coiled fishing lanyard (2 for tools above)
Tackleboxes: Plano Waterproof Stowaway 3440
Soft Bait Pouch: SPRO Mesh Soft Bait Pouch (Large, Gusset)
Towel: Booms Microfiber Fishing Towel
*Jerkbait Combo*
Rod: 6’10” Shimano Expride Casting (Medium, Mod-Fast)
Reel: Shimano Curado 71 MGL K Casting Reel (HG, 7.4:1)
Line: 30 lb Berkley X9 braid (Green)
Leader: 12 lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid (lighter line would be best, but pickerel have sharp teeth)
Lure #1: Berkley Stunna Jerkbait 112 (Northern Lights)
Lure #2: Megabass Ito Vision 110+1 (Elegy Bone)
*Crankbait Combo*
Rod: 7’0″ Shimano Intenza Glass Casting (Medium, Mod-Fast) [new model available]
Reel: Daiwa Fuego CT (Lefty, 8.1:1)
Line: 30 lb Berkley X9 (low-vis green)
Leader: 15 lb Maxima Ultragreen
Snap: Decoy Egg Snap (Size 2)
Lure #1: SPRO John Crews Little John MD 50 (Green Pumpkin)
Lure #2: Strike King Hybrid Hunter Jr. (Chart. Perch)
Lure #3: Yo-Zuri 3DB Series Squarebill Crankbait 1.5 (Prism Chart. Perch)
Hook Upgrade: Mustad KVD Triple Grip 1x Strong, 2x Short (Size #4)