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A few more days and we'll be back to bass fishing. Even though it wasn't officially forbidden, since no-kill fishing was authorized in February and March, I decided as a matter of principle not to fish for this species from January to April.
The start of the season is always a special time. Where will the fish be, and will they be there? How will they behave? I won't have any previous outings to guide me in my strategic choices.
Take into account the end of the spawning period
At the end of winter, sea bass leave their spawning grounds for coastal areas. The fish are lean, with very thin flanks, and eager to replenish their reserves.
You need to take this into account when planning your early-season fishing, both in terms of spots and choice of equipment and lures.
Targeting shallow areas
The sea bass will be looking for food. This is often found in areas where the water is warmest. For this reason, give priority to shallow areas where the temperature is higher.
The sun's rays allow the water to warm up more quickly than in deeper areas. This slight rise in temperature attracts numerous small fish, shrimp and other prey that sea bass love. These areas become veritable feeding grounds for predators.
Don't hesitate to fish close to edges, weedbeds, rocks or shallow sandy areas. These places heat up quickly and often concentrate activity. You may be able to gain a precious degree, and this small difference in temperature can be enough to trigger fish activity.
Knowing the diet of sea bass at the start of the season
After winter, nature gradually begins to wake up, but prey remains relatively scarce. At this time of year, sea bass need to be opportunistic when it comes to feeding. They mainly consume crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps.
A little later, around mid-April or early May, the situation gradually changes. Sandeels will reclaim their usual areas, particularly on sandy bottoms. Their return often marks a key moment in the season, as they represent a highly prized prey for sea bass. This abundance of food further stimulates the appetite and aggressiveness of the fish, which then become more active.
At the start of the season, mackerel and sardines can also be seen passing through. Sea bass love these forage fish, which provide them with a rich, high-energy diet.
This diet enables them to replenish reserves lost during the spawning period.
