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What size/type of baits do you use post spawn. Where I'm at, depending on the lake, there might be still a couple spawning, but mostly done. Seems like I haven't had the luck I expected, so was wondering what size bait might bring different luck? I'm marking fish but only getting a few really short bites.
Also, while we are at it, what colors do you use with different levels of water clarity? Thanks a bunch for any input.
For me it depends on the lake this time of the year.
Clear water reservoirs where the fish can see better I size down sometimes to as small as 1/64th oz with plastic jigs that I trim myself to get a tiny profile.
For muddier water it doesn't seem to matter as much but it's still tougher as the fish often are not relating to structure this time of year.
Another month and I'll probably be fishing live bait primarily to keep the bite going.
I use the same 1/16oz head & 1.5" - 2" plastics as I use throughout the year. Postspawn fish should be hungry, and possibly "tired" from the spawning rigors ... so holding the bait in front of them as long as possible might be the key. Even females that are absorbing their eggs, either the leftovers or even the whole batch from not having had good spawning conditions, have been caught (by me) ... which is why I say they should be hungry, even though they're absorbing the nutrients of their egg clutch.
Colors vs water clarity ... I seldom fish crystal clear water or muddy water. I'm mostly fishing water that's slightly to moderately stained, so I use a variety of colors & combo's until the fish tell me "that's the ticket".
I can still use 2.5 bait in my area because the fish are feeding up to recuperate from spawning. I downsize to 1.5 size baits once I air temperatures hit the mid 90's. Most of the time they want chase a bait when it's hot.
Totally random from what I’ve experienced. Try very small and very big. The fish will let you know.
Identify the food item , if they are on fry and it might be the case , they will barely , if at all eat a larger profile .
This much is for sure . This time of year as stated it is all over the map . 1/32 or 1/64 in a predominantly black color will get ate up if they are on small fry .
And if you are “ watching” fish on LS …..those that approach and seem to looking at it up close …..
Already ate that jig …..
I think it's a myth honestly. I start pulling cranks in post spawn and they will absolutely hammer a 4-inch crank bait. I think these fish have all different sizes of bait fish available to them at all times. Just tie on whatever you have confidence in, and it will catch them.
Really depends but my favorite post spawn are 1.5” tube, 1.5” CB slider grub and 1.5” tiny shad and tip off with crappie nibble.
Never use anything different than the same 1/8 and 1/4 oz jigs here .