Gear

3 of the Best Post-Spawn Lures for Bass

When the end of the bass spawn comes into view, pay your local tackle shop a visit to load up on these must-have post-spawn baits

Wacky-Rigged Senko-type Plastics

Bass can be fickle during the post-spawn period, and I find there are few things in my tackle box that work as well as a wacky-rigged Senko-type soft plastic does this time of year. I like to fish mine weighted; it allows me to cover more water a bit quicker. These baits will work just about anywhere there's bass. Be careful in heavy cover; the exposed hook can get snagged easily.

Where I throw this bait depends on how far along the bass are into the post-spawn. Early on, I'll try to target flats and shallow points close to spawning areas. If there's a row of docks nearby, that makes the area even better. As fish move closer to summertime areas, I'll try to target bluffs and steep ledges not far from the spawning areas. Fish it slow, but shake it aggressively in place. You will catch bass.

Squarebill Crankbaits

A squarebill crankbait is a great option during the post-spawn because it not only imitates shad, but also a variety of brim. Brim and shad usually spawn shortly after bass and often in the same areas. This makes brim and shad prime targets for hungry bass just finishing their spawn run.

The key to fishing squarebill crankbaits this time of year is to get it to bounce off of cover. I want the fish to react to it out of instinct. Whether it's ripping the squarebill free of grass, making it come into contact with wood or rock, or bouncing it off a dock post, it needs to come into contact with cover. I typically want my squarebill to have some chartreuse in it this time of year, because I feel it gives me the opportunity to mimic both brim and shad.

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