| Bass spawning doesn’t happen all at once. It unfolds over time depending on weather patterns, water temperature, and geographic location. As a result, different bass in the same body of water may be in different phases of the spawn at any given time. This staggered process often begins when water temperatures rise into the 60s and can stretch over several weeks or months. Successful anglers understand that bass can be caught before, during, and after spawning, often within the same outing. Knowing what stage the fish are in is key to adjusting your strategy and increasing your chances of a productive day. This overlap between phases means you’ll often need to experiment with different depths and presentations throughout the day. Some fish may still be staging just outside the spawning flats, while others are actively guarding beds or already transitioning into post-spawn patterns. Observing water temperature, shoreline activity, and fish behavior can provide helpful clues. It’s also important to remember that the spawning phase can vary significantly even within the same lake, especially in larger or more complex bodies of water. Adapting to these nuances will make you a more consistent angler throughout the spring.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. We’ve recently dropped a new HellaMite Pro Pack that is loaded with 60 total baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also recently restocked our popular Ghost, Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown Bug, Electric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility. |
| Before bass move up to spawn, they stage in slightly deeper areas and feed heavily to prepare for the energy-demanding spawning process. This is a prime time to catch large, aggressive fish that are less cautious than usual. Focus on transition areas near spawning flats, including points, deeper grass edges, or the last drops before shallow zones. Soft plastic lizards, insect larva, and cray-styled baits worked slowly along the bottom can be excellent choices, especially when mimicking prey bass are actively hunting. Patience is key, getting in front of them as they move shallow can result in some of the season’s biggest catches. Look for subtle signs of movement, such as isolated swirls, baitfish activity, or fish briefly surfacing as they reposition. As the water continues to warm, bass will gradually inch their way toward the shallows, often pausing to rest and feed along the way. Cloud cover and wind can also trigger more aggressive feeding behavior during this period. It’s not uncommon to find multiple bass using the same staging area, so covering water methodically can lead to repeat bites. The pre-spawn window offers a very short but valuable opportunity to target some of the heaviest trophy fish of the year while they’re actively feeding.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action-triggering strikes! |
| One of the best ways to locate pre-spawn bass is to identify where they’ll eventually spawn, then work backwards into deeper water. Look for protected pockets, flats, and calm coves where spawning typically occurs, and then target nearby points, ledges, and deeper docks that lead into these zones. These spots act as natural staging areas where bass stop to feed and rest before moving up. Soft plastic worms or beetles fished slowly near the bottom can entice bites as these fish hold tight to structure. Mapping out the movement routes helps intercept bass as they transition through their pre-spawn journey. In many lakes and rivers, bass follow predictable travel paths year after year, making it easier to narrow down prime locations once you learn the layout. Depth changes, bottom composition, and available cover all play a role in where bass choose to stage. When in doubt, focus on the first break between deep and shallow water that offers quick access to spawning grounds. Electronics can be a big help during this phase, especially for identifying baitfish and subtle depth transitions. By understanding the natural flow of movement, bass anglers can stay one step ahead of the fish and time your approach for maximum success.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fact, we just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Syntheic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater. |
| Catching spawning bass often involves sight fishing and can take time, as these fish aren’t feeding but instead reacting to threats near their beds. Bass beds are typically built in shallow, protected areas with a firm bottom, and they can be challenging to spot. Using bright-colored soft plastics like white lizards or beetles can make it easier to see both the lure and the fish’s reaction. Repeated casts and slight adjustments in presentation are usually necessary to provoke a strike. It’s also important to release bed fish quickly so they can resume protecting their eggs. Polarized sunglasses and a steady approach from a distance can make a big difference when locating and observing spawning fish without spooking them. Many bass will inspect a lure multiple times before committing, so watching their behavior closely helps you decide when to change angle, bait size, or retrieve speed. Smaller soft plastics like insect larva and worms can be especially effective for less aggressive or pressured fish. Be mindful of your shadow and boat positioning to avoid alerting the fish before you’re ready to cast. Fishing during this stage requires focus and finesse, but when executed well, it offers a unique opportunity to interact with bass in a strategic way.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round! |
| After the spawn, bass tend to be fatigued and less predictable, often entering what anglers call a post-spawn funk. However, the monster bass still need to eat and will often move to nearby points, submerged brush, or deeper docks to rest and recover. Targeting these areas with soft plastics like worms or cray-styled baits can be effective, especially when fished with a slow and steady retrieve. Sometimes bass will group up in these locations, and once you find one, you may find several. This phase may be inconsistent, but with the right approach, it can still deliver strong results. Bass are often more sensitive to pressure and changes in weather during this time, so a subtle presentation can make a big difference. Focus on areas that offer both cover and easy access to food, such as shade lines, drop-offs, or brush piles near spawning flats. Fishing early or late in the day can also improve your odds, as bass may be more active during lower light periods. Dragging or hopping soft plastics along the bottom is often more effective than fast retrieves during this stage. Patience and a willingness to slow down can turn a tough post-spawn bite into a successful day.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added new MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR — all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater. |
| Following the spawn, male bass stay behind to guard newly hatched fry in the shallows, making them highly territorial. These protective males can be aggressive toward perceived threats, especially smaller baits that resemble predators. Soft plastic insect larva and small beetles can provoke defensive strikes when worked slowly through the area. Look for activity in shallow flats, near reeds, or around submerged vegetation where fry are likely to gather. This stage presents a good opportunity to catch active shallow bass, but awareness of their protective behavior is essential for ethical and responsible fishing. It’s common to see males circling or hovering tightly near small clouds of fry, often in just a few feet of water. Subtle presentations and quiet boat positioning help avoid spooking them before they strike. These fish are usually not difficult to catch when approached correctly, but it’s important to handle them gently and return them quickly to resume protecting their young. Disturbing the area too much can leave fry vulnerable to predators like bluegill or other bass. Respecting this phase not only leads to better long-term fishing but also helps maintain a healthy fishery.Our newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worm is the ultimate game-changer for anglers with a passion! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 8 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round! |
| As the bass finish spawning, various baitfish like bluegill and shad begin spawning themselves, creating fresh feeding opportunities. Bass will often roam in small groups to raid bluegill beds in the shallows, especially during calm, sunny conditions. When this occurs, soft plastic worms and lizards worked near the surface or above beds can trigger explosive strikes. In the early morning, especially near hard surfaces like docks and seawalls, bass will actively ambush spawning shad as well. Matching your soft plastic presentation to these forage patterns can lead to fast-paced, aggressive bites during a period when bass are regaining strength. Observing water clarity and baitfish behavior can help determine where the action is most concentrated. Bluegill beds typically form in shallow, sandy areas and are easy to spot, especially when the sun is high. A slow, twitching retrieve across these areas often mimics a vulnerable baitfish and draws aggressive responses. Meanwhile, the shad spawn is most active just after sunrise, so timing and location are critical. Taking advantage of these short feeding windows can turn a slow post-spawn day into one packed with fast strikes from bass.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve recently released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you pressure time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. We also just release New Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from the water, mud, and grime. Lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure. |
