Post Rain Bassin’ – Feast or Famine
Ever notice how the world seems to come alive after a refreshing rain? The air is crisp, the grass greener, and the world seems anew. What if I told you that this is one of the best times to venture out for some bass fishing? A rain shower isn’t just nature’s way of sprucing things up; it brings about dynamic changes in the water that can significantly enhance your chances of hauling in a big catch. So, if you’re keen to turn a rainy day into a day filled with fishing tales, join me as I dive into why you need to get off the couch after that nasty storm.
Understanding Rain’s Impact on Bass Fishing
Rain impacts bass fishing in several ways. Firstly, it modifies the water conditions. The runoff can stir up the sediment, reducing visibility and increasing the water’s murkiness. As bass are visual predators, this murkiness can influence their feeding behavior.
Moreover, rainwater can alter the water temperature. A summer downpour can bring cooler water into the lake, making bass more active. Conversely, a warmer rain during cooler months can also perk up the bass’ feeding habits. Hence, bass anglers should pay attention to these temperature changes and their impacts.
Rain also enhances the oxygen content of the water, making bass more active and aggressive. And, the influx of fresh water into the system brings insects and other organisms into the water, thus triggering a feeding frenzy for bass.
Lastly, rain increases water levels. More water means increased access to previously unreachable areas, which could be hotspots for bass. However, it’s important to remember that too much rain can drastically disrupt a bass’s habitat, making fishing tough.
Lures for Post-Rain Bass Fishing
The changing water conditions after rain call for smart choices when it comes to your lures. As the water becomes more turbid, bass rely more on their lateral line – a sense organ that detects movement and vibration – than on sight. Therefore, using lures that make a lot of noise or vibration can improve your chances of success.
- Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits are a great choice due to their vibration and flash. They mimic the motion of a small fish, attracting bass towards them. Additionally, the spinning action can help bass locate the lure in murky waters. For your spinnerbait color options, I often like to use an all white or white/chartreuse combination paired with a paddletail trailer to kick up the water as much as possible.
- Crankbaits: Crankbaits can also be effective in stirring waters, especially models that create a lot of wobble and vibration. Opt for brighter colors or those with rattling sound to attract the attention of bass. In that same vein, it is hard to beat a shad style or black and yellow rattle squarebill.
- Jigs: Jigs, particularly those with a trailer that creates a lot of action, can be beneficial. The natural, undulating movement of a jig can stimulate a reaction strike from the bass. I tend to stick with bulkier, darker colored jigs and trailers. You can never go wrong with a 1/2 oz black and blue jig.
- Soft plastic lures: Soft plastics that imitate worms, crawfish, or other creatures can also be an excellent choice. Rig these up with a Texas or Carolina rig for optimal performance in the murkier, post-rain water.
Specific Areas to Target
While the rain may have changed the usual landscape, some strategic locations can help you strike gold.
- Inflows/Outflows: Rain brings with it fresh nutrients, which attract baitfish, and subsequently, bass. So, any inflow or outflow of water into the lake or river becomes a potential hotspot. I like to start off with moving baits to target the active bass, then transition to slow style baits to pick up any lethargic fish that might be waiting around for an easy meal.
- Shallow areas: With increased water levels, previously unreachable shallow areas become accessible to bass. These can be fruitful spots to explore post-rain. Covering water as quick as possible is typically the name of the game here. However, don’t be afraid to try a variety of different casting angles. Sometimes it is simply changing how that bait is coming across the water to entice that big momma.
- Docks and Structures: These provide shelter to bass. Therefore, focusing on these areas after a downpour might yield a good catch. My typical strategy involves throwing fast moving baits like a crankbait to bounce against logs, branches, dock posts, and any other submerged structure. Always follow it up with a jig or texas rig before blazing to the next spot.
- Vegetation: Lush vegetation can act as a cover for bass during high, murky water conditions. They might use these areas as ambush points to catch their prey. Just like your docks and structures, the reeds and cattails can be prime spots to target after a rain.
You might think that is an extensive list and damn near the whole lake. Well, you would be right. The great part after a rain is you are either covering water as quick as possible with a spinnerbait or crankbait, or you are picking apart structure flipping a jig or soft plastic into the thick cover. In my experience, once you find the fish, you will find the motherload after a rain. It is often feast or famine. For a more detailed analysis on catching those big girls post rainfall, head on over to this article by Tactical Bassin’. These guys are the pros, I am just a guy pretending to know something.
Conclusion
Bass fishing after a rain can be a rewarding experience if you understand the changes and adapt your strategies accordingly. Be observant of the water conditions, choose your lures wisely, and focus on specific target areas to maximize your success. Remember, each rain event is unique, and bass may not react the same way each time. Keep experimenting, learning, and refining your tactics. After all, that’s what makes dealing with the crappy weather so much fun. Embrace the thrill, soak in the fresh post-rain atmosphere, and get to ripping lips.
Tight lines,
Dawson