This month's guidebook can be found here and for more on understanding the spawn continue reading and I promise you'll find 1 nugget of gold.  Cheers.  Rick

Spring is one of the most productive times of year to catch bass—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. If you understand what bass are doing, where they are moving, and how they react during this period, you can consistently catch more fish without overcomplicating your approach. Read this and let us know what you think and more importantly what you catch! You can post your pics here

The Problem Most Anglers Have with the Spawn

Every year, anglers hear the same thing—“the spawn is on.”

So they run shallow, start casting at the bank, and hope for the best.

Sometimes it works. Most of the time, it doesn’t.

The issue isn’t timing. The issue is understanding.

If you don’t know:

• where bass are in the cycle

• why they’re positioned where they are

• and how they react

…you’re guessing... and guessing sucks.

This breaks it down so you can actually pattern fish during the spawn instead of chasing it.

Where the Fish Are (And How to Find Them Fast)

The biggest mistake anglers make is fishing only one depth.

During the spawn, bass are spread across three zones at the same time:

1. Staging Areas (Prespawn Fish)

• Points leading into spawning pockets

• Channel swings near flats

• Secondary points

These fish are waiting for the right conditions to move up.

2. Spawning Flats (Active Beds)

• Protected pockets

• Sand or gravel bottoms

• Areas near docks, grass, or wood

These are your visible or targetable fish.

3. First Breaks (Postspawn Fish)

• First drop-offs outside spawning areas

• Edges of flats

• Dock lines

These are recovering fish that just moved off beds.

Why They’re There (This Is What Most People Skip)

If you understand this, everything else gets easier.

Bass don’t spawn randomly. They choose areas based on:

Protection

They want calm water protected from wind and current.

Bottom Composition

Hard bottoms (sand, gravel) are easier for building beds.

Proximity to Deep Water

They don’t travel far. They stage, spawn, and recover within a tight zone.

The Key Insight

Not all bass spawn at once.

You can have:

• Prespawn fish staging

• Spawning fish on beds

• Postspawn fish already leaving

On the same day. In the same pocket.

That’s why the spawn bite lasts longer than most anglers think.

What to Throw (Keep It Simple and Purpose-Driven)

You don’t need 15 rods on deck.

You need the right tools for each phase.

Moving Baits (Find Fish Fast)

Use these to locate prespawn fish:

• Crankbaits

• Spinnerbaits

• Chatterbaits

These let you cover water and identify where fish are holding.

Bed Fishing Baits (Trigger Reactions)

When bass are locked on beds:

• Creature baits and craws

• Stick worms

• Jigs

You’re not matching forage—you’re presenting a threat.

Cleanup Baits (Postspawn Fish)

When fish slide off beds:

• Swimbaits

• Soft plastics

• Topwater (warming trends)

How to Fish It (This Is Where Most People Fail)

Prespawn: Cover Water

• Medium to fast retrieves

• Focus on deflection and reaction

• Hit multiple angles

If you’re not getting bit, you’re either:

• Too slow

• Or not around fish

Spawn: Slow Down and Be Precise

This is a completely different game.

• Cast past the bed

• Bring bait into the center

• Let it sit

• Minimal movement

Spawning bass don’t chase. They react.

Postspawn: Adjust to Mood

• Fish are less aggressive

• Slow down presentations

• Focus on recovery areas

Gear That Actually Helps (And Why It Matters)

This is where a lot of anglers lose fish.

Rod

You need a rod that gives you the following...

• Casting accuracy

• Sensitivity for subtle bites

• Control when fish react unpredictably

Shop: LUNKERSTICKS

Line

• Fluorocarbon → bed fishing, jigs, plastics

• Braid → around heavy cover

• Mono → topwater

Shop: Fishing Line

Reel

• Faster gear ratio → moving baits

• Slower gear ratio → precision fishing

Shop: Fishing Reels

Mistakes That Will Cost You Fish

Getting Too Close

You’ll spook fish before you ever make a cast.

Fishing Only the Bank

You’re missing staging and postspawn fish.

Moving Too Fast on Beds

This is the biggest one.

If you’re constantly moving your bait, you’re reducing your chances.

Changing Baits Instead of Colors

A small color change often triggers the bite.

The Pattern System (This Is How You Get Consistent)

Stop fishing randomly.

Start building patterns.

1. Catch one fish

2. Identify:

   • Depth

   • Cover

   • Location

3. Find another area with the same setup

Repeat.

That’s how you unlock a lake during the spawn.

Wrap-Up: Keep It Simple and Execute

The spawn isn’t complicated.

But it does require discipline.

If you do these things:

• Fish the right zones

• Understand why bass are where they are

• Use the right tools

• And... you stay patient

You’ll catch more fish than most anglers on the water.

Want to #fishbetter this season?

Simplify your approach and fish with confidence, start with the right gear. Or take the guesswork out completely with a MONSTERBASS box built for where you fish.