Bass fishing during the shad and herring spawn can lead to fast and furious fishing, but the question arises, “what baits should I have tied on?” Lake Lanier bass guide Rob Jordan keeps lure selection simple and shares his top 3 moving baits, which consist of a walking topwater bait, spinnerbait, and small paddle tail swimbait.
TACKLE USED:
- Lucky Craft Sammy Wood 100
- Z-Man Sling BladeZ Power Finesse Spinnerbait, Colorado/Willow
- Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ
Jordan’s shad spawn program follows this basic strategy:
- Spinnerbaits. According to Jordan, you always need to try a spinnerbait, as it effectively mimics a ball of fleeing shad. The essential tip here is to match blade size to that of the shad or herring you’re fishing around and fish it fast to trigger strikes.
- Swimbaits. Small swimbaits in the 3-inch range excel in clear water conditions (calm and sunny), basically whenever conditions turn tough and bass are responding to faster-moving power presentations.
- Topwater baits. Topwater lures excel in the morning or whenever bass are busting baitfish on the surface. Jordan favors walking baits, especially on herring lakes, but will often reach for a buzzbait in shallow water situations.
Follow these tips to simplify your tackle selection and improve your success during the spring shad spawn.
OTHER GEAR:
- Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting Rod, 7’2″ Med Hvy Howell
- Daiwa Tatula SV Casting Reel
- Daiwa Tatula Elite Spinning Rod, 7′ Med Lt Meyer
- Daiwa Tatula LT Spinning Reel
- Seaguar Smackdown Braid, Stealth Gray
- Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon
