Spring heralds the start of the long-awaited bass fishing season. As the waters warm up, these predators become active, offering anglers an unrivalled opportunity to stalk them. The bass's primary ambition is to gain strength after a long winter and a trying breeding period.
A food choice
Sea bass, like other predators, will watch and follow the first forage fish to reach the coast. The first of these is often the sandeel. They congregate in tight schools on the ridges and sandy areas. This is why imitation sandeels are the most effective lures. My heart always goes out to Delalande's Zand Finesse in 13 cm and Caperlan's slugEelo 130. These are two complementary lures, one offering mimicry and the other micro-vibrations to imitate a sandeel's swimming action.
A technical choice
We know where to look for bass first. We know which lure to use, now we just need to find the right animation technique. The colder the water, the more you need to limit fast animation. A lure like the SlugEelo (very similar to a sandeel) will be animated on a slow linear line, as close as possible to the bottom without necessarily touching it, in search of active bass in the water layer. Twitch microphones will cause the lure to stall and provoke fish on the prowl.
A lure like the Zand Finesse is ideal for scratch fishing. To flush out bass that are still amorphous from cold and hunger. The latter, often hiding in rock crevices behind large stones, will appreciate the micro-vibrations of this lure's double tail right in front of their snout and hungry mouth. Shave the pebbles, scrape every inch of soil, penetrate the cracks and success will be yours.
Bonus tip: choose a good abrasion-resistant fluorocarbon when you're fishing with a scraper! You'll avoid a lot of breakage.
Of course, these are my choices in terms of lures, but it's up to you to make up your own mind among the wide range of finesse lures available from all brands.
By exploring finesse fishing techniques, you'll be ready not only to start, but also to extend the bass fishing season with confidence. Remember, every outing is a learning opportunity, so get out there, explore and enjoy this unique waterside experience.
