Tell Tale Signs Bass Spawning

In earlier article I have been talking to you about what to look for on a bass when you catch it and know when they are spawing. This picture is a sure way to know that the Bass Hog is spawning without a second thought.

tell tale signs bass spawning

If you notice the area behind the gill plates, you'll notice some red spots from where she was rubbing the bed with her side. Pay close attention to the tail and look at her belly then feel it. That way you will know if she is still full of eggs or if it is empty, she has completed the spawning cycle. Looking closer at the tail, you'll see that she was fanning the bed hard to have torn up her tail that much.

Make a note in your log that you are suppose to be keeping to ensure that you will be back at the same place and time next year.

This fish was taken with a June Bug Ring Tail worm the tail dipped in Dip-It to add flavor. She was caught in about 4 feet of water after I saw her tail come out of the water.

Moving about 20 yards from where I saw her, I threw the worm past her then brought it back to where I thought she was bedding. Pay close attention to when you do see a fish's tail come out of the water. That way you can almost tell which way she is pointing.

What I mean is determining the direction of where her head is positioned. Remember in an earlier article I told you that you can entice her to bite as long as you do not hit her past the gill plates. If I would have hit her in the side, it would have spooked her and I would not have the picture now.

You might have to make a few cast to the same spot so take your time and your rewards will be worth all the time spent.

The funny thing about locating the position of a fish I guess you could say is that I must have an extra sense when it comes to knowing which way a fish is positioned on a bed. I can almost see which way the fish is laying. I have always been able to know just how the bass is laying and where to throw the lure.

The second fish I am showing you is another one that I caught and time for the test to see what you have learned. Look at the fish and see if you can see anything?

Give up...Well, if you were real sharp, look at the bottom dorsal fin toward the back of the tail. This fish is just starting to fan the bed and the red is just starting to show up telling me that he has not been making the bed that long. Give him another three days and he will have the same tore up tail from fanning the bed.

I hope that this has shed some light on looking at the fish before you throw it back and let me know if this helps you in getting to know the fish one on one. Good Luck!

Keep the Hooks Wet!

Steve McGoldrick

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