Bass Spawn Round-up
It’s a time that bass fishermen wait for all year. The time where big bass visit the shallows and are easy pickings for anglers. But the inevitable end that comes with the spawn brings a time of fishing that can be a challenge for bass anglers.
Patrick Engerran of Hammond fished a tournament at Bayou Lacombe and said the spawn seems to be winding down but there are still some nice fish in the shallows. “Not all bass spawn at the same time,” he said. “I think there will still be another wave of stragglers that will be moving up.” Engerran managed a 5.49-pound bass inanition to four other fish to win the latest Florida Parishes Bass Anglers tournament.
Engeran is starting to etch his name into the books as one of the best bass fishermen to fish Bayou Lacombe during the spawn. In addition to his recent first place win on the bayou, he has earned over 7 other wins in various bass tournaments. over the past few years. Engerran said the water is in great condition from a relatively dry spring to date. He also said the spawn seems to be drawn out more than normal. “After a mostly warm winter and early warming in February around the full moon, the spawn has been slow this year,” he said. Engerran recommends targeting cuts and back water canals but has a strategic angle he takes. “Check those cuts when the tide is low and scope out where the beds are. Then, when the tide is high, you’ll know what spots to fish,” he said.
While the focus seems to be on the dead-end canals and cuts off of the main bayou during March, Engerran said don’t forget about the main bayou. “Not all the bass move to the back water to spawn. Many just stay on main water and find good spots tucked back out of the current,” Engerran said. He recommends using a 3/8 oz. vibrating jig with a craw chunk or a 1/4 oz. spinnerbait when the tide is high. “If the tide is low and the grass is topped out on the surface, I’ll go with a ¼ swim jig, swim bait or frog,” he said.
The tournament angler uses a medium-heavy composite rod made by Tangi Fishing Rods. “That rod has a softer tip to let the fish suck in the bait and more than enough backbone to get the fish out of the grass or pads,” he said. Engerran said there’s still time to get out there and catch these fish, but warns the post-spawn month of April is coming and things will start to get tough all across the Northshore for bass fisherman.
Tournament Results
Florida Parishes Bass Anglers held their tournament at Bayou Lacombe. It was a warm day for anglers. Patrick Engerran and Brian Ballard came out on top at the weigh-in with a 5-fish bag that weighed 9.53 pounds. Wayne Richardson and Wayne Jr. came in second place with a limit that weighed 8.59 pounds. In third place was Bernard Sheets and Chris Day with 7.11 pounds. Patrick Engerran caught the big fish of the day: a 5.46-pound bass.
The Double Nickel Bass Club fished the East Pearl River. A solid 22 boats show up to face a cold morning and wind blowing. The water was low and just a little murky but some found clean water. After all was said and done Jerry Bullock came out on top with a 3-fish stringer weighing 6.217 pounds. In second place was Joe Picone with 5.864 pounds. In third was Ralph Williams with 5.743 pounds. James Harris caught the big bass of the day: a 3.70-pound bass.
Upcoming Tournaments
Pearl River Team Trails is holding their next tournament at Crawford’s Landing on April 8. For more information, please contact Charles Dauzat at 985-960-3260.
FPBA will be holding their next tournament at Bayou Liberty on April 8.
The Double Nickel Bass Club is holding their next tournament at the East Pearl River on Tuesday, Mar 28. For more information, please contact Dwain Crumby at 985-502-6006.
The next Liars and Lunker’s tournament will be March 26 at the East Pearl River. For more information, please contact Chad Hartzog at 985-502-3217
The Lock One Thursday evening tournaments are back! It’s only $21 per boat with an optional $2 trash fish pot. Blast-off will be at 5 p.m. There is a three bass limit. There is a free kids division for those who are 12 and under. For more information, please contact Chad Hartzog at 985-502-3217.
(Keith Lusher Jr. writes a weekly column. For more info, visit NorthshoreFishingReport.com.Contact Keith at keith@northshorefishingreport.com.)