Well, we’ve all pretty much experienced our first glimpse at open water here in Massachusetts. The same can not be said for our friends in the Granite State unfortunately! And while the chilly grasp of winter is still clinging to all of us in New England, spring bass fishing is in full gear – especially if anglers choose the right body of water.

Fishing for both species has been hit or miss recently. The weather has been dynamically inconsistent, per usual, for spring time in New England (or any time, for that matter!). It would seem that the best times for finding that spring time toad would be after a period of stable weather, preferably a warm stretch. Transitional fish have begun the slow crawl toward the shallows, and anglers should focus on areas of stark variation – like a steep bank near a spawning flat. And if there is grass present in these areas, that is an added bonus.

So far, it has seemed like the tea-stained waters of Plymouth and Bristol counties have been more consistent. These stained waters tend to be more shallow on average, and warm up quicker as a result. Freak Finder angler and Rapsody Rods Pro Louie Bernardo has been finding his outings in shallow, stained ponds productive. His focus has lied on the banks of creek channels (when present) and flipping grass within close proximity to slightly deeper water.

The tools of the trade for these cold, spring time waters should come as no surprise to the seasoned angler. Although our migratory friends the River Herring or Alewife have not yet arrived in their annual swarm, a jerk bait should be a sure thing on rocky flats and main lake points. However, the two baits with the biggest bang for your buck right now would be a red, lipless crankbait or a jig. The focus of both of these baits should be areas where grass is present. This grass will not only retain heat for these fish, but provide easy ambush points for these still semi-lethargic fish.

We hope you can all brave the cold, wind and snow and catch some good bass these next couple weeks. The spawn will be here before we know it! Tight lines, keep fishing.

-F3