April Bass Fishing Tips

bass image by Liz Van Steenburgh from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

During April, water temperatures rise to 50 degrees and above. The process is slow, but as water temperatures begin to shift toward warmer weather, bass spawn and then migrate to deeper waters to recuperate. Bass then experience a feeding frenzy--a period in early April when bass recuperate by feeding on lots of forage fish. This behavior usually lasts throughout the spring season, but is most noticeable in April, when it is a productive time to rig your line for bass fishing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Heavy-action reel
20- to 30-pound mono or 50-pound braided line
5/0 and 6/0 hooks
Bass fishing lures
Lead sinkers

Step 1

Rig a medium-heavy to heavy-action reel--baitcasting or spinning is sufficient---with 20- to 30-pound mono or 50-pound braided line to ensure you have the line strength necessary to retrieve a large bass from the bottom.

Step 2

Discard test line that has been exposed to the sun's heat or left underwater for long periods as these conditions can minimize line strength. Coat your test line with a silicone spray to minimize sun and water damage. Apply according to the manufacturer's instructions. Optimum line strength is especially important when fishing for large bass.

Step 3

Hook bait using 5/0 or 6/0 hooks, which are durable enough to hold large bass. Rig top baits for April bass fishing, including deep-diving crankbait, which hold up well against deep break lines; soft jerkbait, which provide lifelike action during a slow cast-and-retrieval pattern; and spinnerbait, which can be dressed with white shad or silver shiner and used for large bass.

Step 4

Drop your line as close to the bottom as possible, using lead sinkers. Choose between rubber core sinkers, walking sinkers, bell sinkers and pyramid sinkers, all of which are effective for bottom fishing, especially walking sinkers, which walk your line across the bottom.

Step 5

Loosen the drag on your heavy-action reel using the drag mechanism on the top or bottom. By increasing the drag, you also increase casting distance. Check that you have sufficient line length to make the additional 10- to 15-foot drop necessary to reach the bottom, where bass dwell in April.

Tips & Warnings

You may need a bass fishing permit, depending on where you are angling.

Always wear gloves when handling fishing hooks.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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