White-bass conditions and tactics

PREPARATION / NOTES

Tactics are starting approaches, not a live bite report. Check current access, posted restrictions, species limits, bait rules, weather and water advisories for the exact water before a trip.

EQUIPMENT

• Rod and reel matched to the target species
• Hooks, line, sinkers, and landing tools
• Notebook or phone field log

MATERIALS

• Bait or lure identified in the next field log

STEPS

• Watch points, wind-driven banks and current areas for bait or surface disturbance.
• Cover water with a small shad-profile jig, spoon or inline spinner, matching the visible forage approximately.
• If fish are feeding on top, cast beyond the activity and retrieve through it; if not, count the lure down to different depths.
• When bites occur, repeat the productive depth and direction while watching for the school to move.

TROUBLESHOOTING

• Surface feeding can end quickly. Do not confuse a hybrid striped bass with a white bass when applying limits; check identification and local rules.

THINGS TO WATCH FOR

Surface feeding can end quickly. Do not confuse a hybrid striped bass with a white bass when applying limits; check identification and local rules.

REFERENCES

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