Top 5 Bait Categories for February
As we enter the middle to late February, the days gradually become longer, and you may start to feel that spring is just around the corner. Similarly, bass also begin to think about spawning around this time. After staying away from feeding activity during the winter, they start to eat a lot to build up their strength before spawning.
First, the larger individuals start feeding in the shallows, and as the water temperature rises, the second and third waves of smaller-sized bass follow. In other words, if you start fishing early with spawning in mind, your chances of landing quality bass increase.
However, in late February, cold spells often return, so rather than staying in the shallows all the time, bass tend to suspend in the middle layer, where they can easily move between the shallows and the depths. It is best to proceed with your fishing while assessing the weather conditions and the condition of the bass on that day.
- 1. Targeting Suspended Bass in the Middle Layer - Jerkbaits
- 2. Gently Fishing Shallow Cover - Crankbaits
- 3. Bass Gorging on Baitfish – Compact crankbait & Spinnerbaits
- 4. Ultra-Finesse Technique for Tough Bass – Mid-strolling
- 5. Targeting Deep Water Adjacent to Shallows During Cold Snaps - Drop-Shot-Rig
- 6. Summary
1. Targeting Suspended Bass in the Middle Layer - Jerkbaits
As mentioned earlier, bass that have come up from their deep wintering spots in anticipation of spawning do not immediately head to the shallows. Instead, they wait in the middle layer for the water temperature to rise. When the sun is out and the water temperature rises, they can easily move to the shallows, and if there are days when the water temperature drops suddenly, they can quickly take refuge in the depths. They seek this convenient location in the middle layer. Therefore, use a jerkbait to search while maintaining a constant range. It is especially effective to fish around areas with structural changes such as rock beds and riprap.
The MEGABASS ONETEN R is characterized by its more delicate action compared to the original ONETEN. Since bass in early spring are still in a "winter sluggishness" and do not chase aggressively, start by searching gently with a retrieve rather than adding a lot of twitches. The ONETEN R series is available in a wide range of models from R+1 to R+3, covering depths from 5.5 to 13 feet, allowing you to choose the appropriate model for your fishing field.
2. Gently Fishing Shallow Cover - Crankbaits
Although bass have moved to the shallows, those that have just emerged from the depths are still very cautious and often hide in cover. For such bass, gently work a crankbait through the cover. At this timing, delicate bass will choose whether to bite or not based on how you present the bait through the same cover, so the key is to approach from different angles repeatedly.
Here, we introduce two cover-focused options: the Megabass SUPER-Z Z1 and the I x I SHAD TYPE-R. The SUPER-Z Z1 is a compact crankbait designed to dig in and track along the bottom, rather than kick up and deflect hard like the Griffon series. This makes it ideal when bass are holding tight to cover, or when they’re less responsive due to low water temperatures or stained water. It allows you to trace the target depth longer and more precisely, keeping the bait in the strike zone and making it easier to trigger bites.
The I x I SHAD TYPE-R is another excellent choice when you want to fish shallow cover with control and confidence. Despite its compact size, it offers strong snag resistance and a high-pitch rolling action thanks to its LBO weight system. The LBO system allows the internal weight to be downsized, and the weight shifts forward and locks in place as close to the very front of the head as possible. This helps the lure maintain a stable, nose-down posture, making it far less likely to snag even when you bump it along the bottom or through cover. That’s exactly why it’s such a perfect match for “gently contacting and threading through” shallow cover.
Also, if you feel that the cover is too dense and difficult to fish with a crankbait, switch to a soft bait like the JACKALL Dead Slowler and work it through the cover at an ultra-slow pace.
3. Bass Gorging on Baitfish – Compact crankbait & Spinnerbaits
By late February, relatively healthy and energetic bass are already entering a feeding frenzy mode, actively consuming prey in preparation for spring spawning. When you sense that the bass are finally shifting into full-on feeding mode, target spots where baitfish are present and use baits that imitate matching baitfish.
The JACKALL Soul Shad is a versatile bait that can dive like a crankbait while also allowing you to twitch it like a jerkbait. Its action is relatively natural, perfectly imitating newborn fry or weak baitfish that are easy to eat. It offers a wide lineup that allows you to choose the appropriate size and diving depth.
Also, during the seasonal transition of early spring, it often rains. After rain when the water is murky, the flashing of a spinnerbait can be effective. The compact MEGABASS SV-3 and JACKALL Super Dooon are recommended. Use 3/8 oz or 1/2 oz weights as a base and adjust according to the range.
4. Ultra-Finesse Technique for Tough Bass – Mid-strolling
Although bass are thinking about feeding, during this period, the water often becomes clear, or the bass become cautious, creating tough conditions. In such cases, try the ultra-finesse "Mid-strolling" technique for targeting the middle layer.
Bass that have just come up from their winter spots may not have the energy to chase baitfish, so the Mid-strolling technique, which minimizes the moving distance, can entice even cautious bass that haven't fully recovered their strength.
The JACKALL DriftFry is recommended for this technique. Designed to allow even beginners to use the Mid-strolling technique, the Drift Fry features a lip attached to the soft-plastic, which suppresses the rise and makes it easier to maintain a rolling action at a consistent range.
If you want to learn more about how to use the Mid-strolling technique, check out this article.
5. Targeting Deep Water Adjacent to Shallows During Cold Snaps - Drop-Shot-Rig
In early spring, cold days and warm days alternate as spring gradually sets in. When the cold suddenly returns, bass will escape to deep spots where the water temperature is stable, so you need to have a rig that can target the depths.
The drop-shot-rig is useful for pinpointing deep spots adjacent to shallows where bass can immediately escape, especially places with sunken objects where bass can take shelter.
Drop the drop-shot-rig to the spot and shake it in place so that it doesn't deviate from the bass's location. Be careful not to let the bait float up during this process.
The KEITECH Easy Shaker achieves a horizontal posture when dropped with a drop shot, allowing it to imitate a lively baitfish. The JACKALL Wobbling 2.5 is also great for adding draw with its voluminous body.
6. Summary
In this article, we introduced five bait genres that we highly recommend using in February, when winter is ending and bass are starting to think about spring.
- Quickly search for bass waiting for water temperature to rise in the middle layer using jerkbaits
- Gently work crankbaits through shallow cover where bass are hiding
- Imitate baitfish with compact crankbait & spinnerbaits when bass start actively feeding
- Use the ultra-finesse Mid-strolling technique in tough conditions
- Target deep water with a drop-shot-rig when the cold returns
February fishing, when bass are starting to think about spring spawning but the cold may still return and their minds are still in winter mode, making them passive. The key to success is to assess the water temperature and the condition of the bass as you proceed. If you get it right, there are many chances to encounter big bass, so many anglers look forward to early spring fishing.
For a detailed article on pre-spawn fishing, check out this link.
