Jeremy Smith and Ty Sjodin enjoy a spring day targeting South Dakota Bass, power fishing shallow, warming, windswept bays locates and catches active, loosely-schooled fish.
Spring fishing can be a productive time of year, but it’s important to use the right baits to maximize your success. One key factor to consider is the movement of the bait. Baits that move horizontally tend to be more effective in the spring, especially when the water temperature is below 50°F. In this article, we will explore the advantages of using baits that move horizontally and cover a lot of water. We will also discuss the best lures for a multi-species trip in the spring.
Advantages of Horizontal Baits
When it comes to spring fishing, baits that move horizontally have several advantages. First, they tend to trigger more fish than baits that move vertically. This is especially true when the water temperature is below 50°F. Second, horizontal baits allow you to cover a lot more water and fish faster. This can be crucial in the spring when fish are spread out and in loose schools. By using horizontal baits, you can increase your chances of finding and catching more fish.
Top Lures for Spring Fishing
- Rattle Baits: Rattle baits, such as the Rapala Rattlin’ Rap and Storm Rock and Shad, are excellent choices for spring fishing. These baits have a high-pitch sound that attracts fish from a long distance and they hook extremely well.
- Spinner Baits: The Terminator T1 spinner bait is a go-to bait for spring fishing. It is versatile and can be used to target a variety of species.
- Swim Jigs: The Terminator swim jig with a big bite curly tail boot tail or craw is another effective bait for spring fishing. It works exceptionally well for a variety of species.
- VMC Moai or Darter Head Jig: This multi-species lure can be slow rolled, burned fast, or even ripped off the bottom to trigger strikes. It is a versatile bait that can be used in various fishing situations.
- Jerk Baits: Jerk baits are a must-have lure for spring fishing. The X-Rap and Shadow Rap are two great choices for cold water fishing. The X-Rap is neutrally buoyant, while the Shadow Rap has a slow sink that imitates a minnow.
The Importance of Presentation
When it comes to fishing, it’s important to make the right choice of presentation based on efficiency and what the fish are willing to bite. If you can catch fish on a lipless crankbait or a spinner bait, you can make more casts and catch more fish than if you were fishing with a jerk bait. However, there are times when a jerk bait is the most effective lure, especially for species like smallmouth bass.
Using the Right Equipment
Having the right equipment is crucial for spring fishing. For throwing lipless crankbaits, a lightweight reel like the Tour MG is recommended. It is a super lightweight reel made of magnesium. Spool it up with 12 lb mono line, like Suffix Siege, for a nice stretchy line that can handle the heavy baits and small hooks. The stretch in the line is important when fishing for smallmouth bass, as it allows for a nice give when they jump and shake their heads.
For spinner baits, the Terminator spinner bait with a power pulse skirt is a great choice. The titanium wire is durable and can withstand bending without breaking. These spinner baits are built to last and can be fished with for a long time.
The Importance of Speed and Retrieve
When fishing in the spring, it’s important to pay attention to the speed and retrieve of your bait. Sometimes, you may need to adjust your retrieve speed to entice more bites. Slowing down the retrieve can make a big difference, as it allows the fish more time to strike. Pay attention to what you’re doing out on the water and be willing to experiment with different speeds and retrieves to find what works best.
Multi-Species Fishing
Spring is a great time for multi-species fishing, as many different species are active and feeding. Using baits like rattle baits, spinner baits, swim jigs, and jerk baits can help you target a variety of species. It’s important to be versatile and adapt to the conditions and preferences of the fish. By covering water quickly and efficiently, you can increase your chances of catching more fish.
Spring fishing in South Dakota can be a productive and exciting time. Using the right baits and techniques can greatly increase your chances of success. Baits that move horizontally and cover a lot of water are particularly effective in the spring. Rattle baits, spinner baits, swim jigs, and jerk baits are all great choices for targeting a variety of species. Remember to pay attention to your presentation and adjust your retrieve speed as needed. Having the right equipment, such as a lightweight reel and durable spinner baits, is also important. Spring is a great time for multi-species fishing, so be versatile and adapt to the conditions and preferences of the fish. By following these tips, you can have a successful and enjoyable spring fishing season in South Dakota.
The Webster area is renowned as an excellent early season destination for bass fishing due to several key factors. Firstly, bass in this location tend to experience lower fishing pressure compared to other species, making it an attractive destination for anglers seeking a less crowded experience. Additionally, the geographic features and conditions of the area contribute to the early season appeal for bass fishing, providing favorable habitats and conditions for the bass population to thrive. Anglers also appreciate the accessibility and ease of reaching the Webster area, making it a convenient and enticing option for those looking to kick off the fishing season with success. Overall, the combination of limited pressure on bass, favorable environmental conditions, and convenient accessibility make the Webster area an excellent choice for early season bass fishing enthusiasts.
When planning a bass fishing trip to the Webster area in late April, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s advisable to check on the potential presence of ice on the lakes during this time, although it’s usually not a major concern. For targeting smallmouth bass, lakes like Horseshoe, Roy, and Pickerel are recommended due to their features such as weedlines, riprap, flooded timber, and old road beds that provide ideal fishing spots. Additionally, accessing certain areas like the House or Barn can offer unique fishing opportunities. For those looking for a more fast-paced and exciting fishing experience, visiting Waubay Lake to fish for White Bass is highly recommended. The bite can be rapid, and the fight on lighter tackle is exhilarating. Trolling with Rapalas to locate the fish and then switching to casting is a successful strategy. Sportsman’s Cove is a valuable resource for obtaining current local information to ensure a successful and enjoyable bass fishing trip in the Webster area.
In addition to the abundance of Bass, Reetz Lake in South Dakota is home to a variety of other fish species. Anglers can also reel in monster-sized Walleye, Crappie, and Perch during their fishing trips at the lake. Previous visits have yielded impressive catches, including Walleyes over 28 inches, Crappies over 14 inches, and Perch over 13 inches – all caught in a single outing. These additional species, along with the special harvest regulations in place, contribute to making Reetz Lake a prime destination for those seeking great fishing opportunities beyond just Bass.
