I am always delighted when the largemouth bass season opens each spring. These fish are eager biters, tough fighters and very enjoyable to catch. The trick comes in knowing where to find them.

I utilize several different location strategies when searching for early-season bass. One of my favorites and most consistent is targeting bulrush beds.

Bulrushes tend to grow where the bottom is harder and does not consist of mud. Bass and other species of fish often migrate to these locations for spawning. Bulrushes become a double whammy, providing ample food and spawning habitat in the same place.

There are several ways to target bass around bullrush beds. My first choice is to throw a wacky worm around the edges. If the bulrushes do not grow all the way to shore, the inside edge can be better than the outside. I have also had great success with Ned rigs and jig worms on the edges.

Although most of the bass will be on the edges, there will always be some in the middle of the rushes. The most effective tool for working these inside fish is a spinnerbait. Getting a hooked fish out of the reeds can be tricky and stiff tackle is recommended.

Several lakes that I fish do not have bulrushes. A couple have very distinct inside weed lines in certain places. With polarized glasses, it is possible to see the edge where the weeds stop growing and sandy shoreline begins. This is a magnet for bass.

I usually set up in deeper water and cast to the edge. Shallow fish are often spooky, so long casts are important. Ned rigs, wacky worms, jig worms and twitch baits all produce fish on inside weed lines. Sometimes, crankbaits also trigger bites.

Cattails can also congregate bass, especially if they are growing in a little deeper water. Bass frequently tuck in very tight to little pockets and points in the cattails, so accurate casts are essential. Wacky worms work best for this scenario.

Docks are always an option for early bass. Fish cruise the area around and between docks. I don’t find the need to skip lures under dock structures to get bit in spring. The bass are cruising the area more than hiding out under a dock and will hit a variety of presentations.

Sometimes, weed flats in 6 to 8 feet of water are worth exploring. Also try sharp breaks coming off these flats.

Targeting early-season largemouth bass is popular with many anglers. It is a period of the fishing calendar when very high catch rates are possible. These shallow fish are aggressive and easy to pattern. Although I have my favorite presentations, spring bass will hit a wide variety of lures.

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