Many bass anglers feel the need to equip their boats with countless tackle, jigs and live baits to suit any condition throughout the year. While using a variety of baits may maximize your chances of catching fish, the proper use of some baits can yield results regardless of the time of year you are fishing. Using these seasonally consistent baits can save you time and money out on the water.
Types
Some of the most popular types of bait that can catch bass throughout the year are spinner baits; plastic jigs; and live bait, such as minnows, frogs and night crawlers. Each of these bait types can be effective at catching large and smallmouth bass in the fall, winter, spring and summer if you learn how to present them correctly to the fish.
Function
Spinner baits are useful regardless of the season you are fishing because they can be used at a variety of depths. Bass, like many other fish, migrate to deeper waters when the temperatures spike or to meet their spawning instincts. Spinner baits can easily flutter down to these depths and create motion that attracts bass. Extra skirts can be added to spinner baits in the spring for more vibrant colors and a better breathing motion from the bait. Plastic jigs and live baits function in much the same way, using both motion and scent to attract large and smallmouth bass at various depths. These baits often replicate the natural prey of bass, making them a natural choice for good results.
Expert Insight
According to Bass Pro Shops, live bait is useful in any seasonal condition, but you should pay close attention to the size of the bait and the area you are fishing. Crayfish and frogs around 4 to 5 inches in length can be worked around thick brush or sandy rocks to lure largemouth bass. Crayfish and large minnows are useful for smallmouth bass at various depths. The website does note, however, that leeches, while effective, should not be used in cold water because they curl up on the hook, thus eliminating their attractive swimming motion.
Considerations
When choosing a year-round bait to fish with, you must understand the underwater structure you will be fishing and the depth the fish are at for the season. Spinner baits not only attract bass but are good for depth finding and feeling out the surroundings of a structure. According to ESPN.com, you may also want to study the topography of the lake or river you are fishing to identify any potential spawning spots for the bass in that season. Dropping attractive bait into a bass spawning area is likely to land you a lot of fish regardless of what the temperature is.
Technique
When jigging plastic and live baits, the key is to simulate the movement of a bass's natural prey, which involves pulling the bait for short intervals to let it swim and then allowing it to settle for the bass to strike. The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide equates this movement to attempting to lure a cat with a piece of string. Tempting the cat with the string and leaving it in striking distance is much more likely to yield a hit than pulling the string away quickly. Spinner baits should be rolled down embankments to simulate a bottom-feeding bait. They also draw bass by fluttering down through thick structures such as tree roots and lily pads.
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