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Choosing the right lure!
In early spring, sea bass will be looking for prey that will enable them to quickly replenish the reserves they used during the spawning period.
At this time of year, they feed mainly on crustaceans or any other prey living very close to the bottom. It will therefore be necessary to look for bottom scratcher fish.
For this technique, I'm particularly fond of Fiiish Black Minnow in khaki or blue when the sun is shining or the water is clear. Don't hesitate to offer nice-sized lures to bass: I use the 120 and 140 models the most.
Remember, they're looking for food to replenish their reserves, so they'll rarely turn down a large prey item.
In April, as soon as the sand eels have colonized the usual areas, I'll be turning to more tapered lures, like the Crazy Sand Eel in sizes 150 and 180. Loved in the water layer in search of active fish, they're sure to give you some great outings. khaki and green are the colors with which I get the best results.
Finally, as I mentioned in the previous article, early in the season there may be a passage of blue fish such as sardines or mackerel. In this case, the Master Shad will be the weapon of choice. Whether used as a puller or a line, last year it proved its effectiveness on early-season fish.
My selection of canes
I'm not going to use a specific set for the opening, but rather a trio of rods that will accompany me to cover all the spots I'll be targeting.
The first, designed for "light" fishing, will be a 2.18 m, 5-25 g rod, probably one of the most sensitive there is. It's the Statement 724 from Rodbuilders Republic, distributed by Rodhouse. This "foil" is perfect for fly fishing or scratching. The lures I'll be using with it will be the Master Shad or the Crazy Sand Eel from Fiiish.
The second rod will be used for pulling. The NFC SJ 804 Delta, with a length of 2.43 m and a power of 15-40 g, allows you to fish in medium pull and make your lures glide over the bottom. Highly resonant, it will allow you to feel the slightest contact with the bottom and thus fish as precisely as possible. Throughout the season, the NFC SJ 804 Delta is the rod I use to animate Black Minnow lures, which require great flexibility in animation.
Finally, the last rod is an all-rounder, capable of mastering several techniques. The NFC SJ 706 IM, with a length of 2.13 m and a power of 15-45 g, will complement the other rods, especially for line fishing where it excels. The lures associated with this rod will be the Master Shad or Crazy Paddle Tail.
Adapt your fishing technique to the start of the season
The main difference at the start of the season is fish activity.
They are weakened by past spawning and, combined with a still cool water temperature (10 to 11°C in the Channel), they won't be as active as during the summer season. That's why I advise you to slow down your animations and offer some nice bites.
Scrape fishing, with long pauses on the bottom, is very prolific at the start of the season. It allows the fish not to expend too much energy before coming to seize the prey.
If you're line fishing, a devilishly formidable technique, opt for a fairly slow retrieve so as not to discourage the bass from attacking.
