Feb 2, 2001 - 02:29 PM

Bass moving into shallows to spawn

By MARK J. COOK Tribune correspondent


For the non-fishermen out on area lakes in early February, the sight may go unnoticed. Looking down in the clear water along the shorelines, craters that resemble the lunar surface dot the entire area. But to the serious bass fishermen it is the sight they've been waiting for since last spring. Largemouth bass, hawgs, or bucketmouths, whatever you prefer to call them, this month signals the spawn of bass. And fishermen couldn't be happier.

``We've already been selling a lot of plastic worms and crawfish,'' John Melton of JD's Bait and Tackle said. ``Guys are gearing up for that first weekend when the bass move to the shallows to spawn.''

That weekend may be today if water temperatures cooperate. February through mid April is the most fished time of the year for lunker bass because the fish are in their peak spawning period. With warmer temperatures, the bass move into the shallow areas and fan out a bed usually on sandy bottoms. The male bass are extremely aggressive and will hit anything thrown in the vicinity of the bed.

Males tend to be smaller but many over two pounds can be caught. When they've been moved off the beds the females will also protect their beds. Although they very rarely swallow the bait they will pick it up and move it. That's when the bigger fish are caught.

`The female is usually the one with the size and weight,'' said Tim Coughlin of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. ``They are full of row and are usually the trophies people are looking for.''

While the fish will hit a variety of baits, soft plastic baits are the most commonly fished. Carolina or Texas rigged with a small bullet weight to get to the bottom has proven effective.

``Anything that will fall into the bed causes a reaction from bass,'' Coughlin said. ``They don't want anything in their area. Sometimes guys will have to cast several times but eventually you can aggravate the fish enough to cause them to take the bait.''

A baitcaster or spinning reel on a medium-to-heavy 7 1/2-foot rod is the average setup for most fishermen. The testline again varies and some fishermen prefer a fairly light line to cut down on visibility. If fishing an area with heavy cover or structure, a heavier test is preferred. If visibility is good, fishermen will sight-cast and will see the fish pick up the bait. When light or water clarity is poor, fishermen must pay close attention to their line. The fish rarely feed on the beds so they are likely just moving the bait from their beds. A quick response is required as a bass can pick up a bait and move it in a matter of seconds. While fishing during spawning season is extremely productive, fishermen should always practice catch and release.

``The key to the next few years of bass fishing will depend on this years spawn,'' Coughlin said. ``The females are dropping their roe and if the fish are removed from the beds, the chances of the eggs maturing aren't very good. Even after the eggs are dropped, the fish will protect the area from predators. When you take a fish home you are either taking one home full of roe that will never spawn or you are taking them away from their eggs. It's a good idea to release these fish as soon as possible and they will make their way back to their beds.''

Many people look to this time of year to catch a fish for a mount. But if the fish is weighed and measured, most taxidermists now can use a fiberglass mold to fit your fish's size, which will look just as good as the real thing.

For information on local public waterways or bass fishing regulations, you can contact the FWCC by phone at (863) 648-3202 or by e-mail at www.state.fl.us/ fwc

THE TAMPA BAY TRIBUNE. ...//