FISHING
SPRING INTO SOCAL BASS FISHING
SPAWNING TIME, WARMER WATER EXCITES LARGEMOUTH ANGLERS By Capt. Bill Schaefer
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s we head into spring, anglers get more and more excited about the lakes of Southern California. Largemouth bass are waking up and males are starting to roam the banks in search of nesting spots. Each will pick a place out and guard it with its life. This bodes well for anglers who have been waiting to hit the lakes with all that new fishing gear they got for Christmas. Last year the pandemic kept most of us off the lakes during the prespawn and spawn months, so I know we’re all ready for some good fishing.
LET THERE BE WARMTH
The water at most lakes in the region is warming up and ready to trigger the largemouth into their dance. Fishing should be good this year, with a lot more footlongs around to keep anglers’ attention between big fish bites. Plus, spring is the time to catch that fish of a lifetime. Not long after males find a nest, the giant females move up into the shallows. Now, I’m not going to debate nest or bed fishing – that’s up to you – but blind-catching largemouth off the beds is fishing. If you release them right where you caught them,
With bass moving into the shallows, the arrival of spring can be a great time to get the kids into fishing. Author Bill Schaefer’s son Bricen shows off the rewards available beginning this month. (BILL SCHAEFER) calsportsmanmag.com | MARCH 2021 California Sportsman
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