Welcome to our new blog! The concept of this blog is simple: we are going to ask Chat GPT a question about fishing and then critique its answer for validity. We will give our response based on our knowledge of bass fishing. Every week we will pose a new question and get a new answer.
This week question was: write me a blog post about how to catch bass during the spawn. We submitted this question and here was the response:
Chat GPT Answer
As spring rolls around, anglers eagerly anticipate one of the most exhilarating times for bass fishing: the spawn. This period, when bass move shallow to reproduce, offers unique challenges and opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Understanding the bass's behavior during this phase and employing the right techniques can lead to rewarding catches. Here's a comprehensive guide to mastering bass fishing during the spawn.
Understanding the Spawn
The bass spawn typically occurs in spring when water temperatures range from around 55°F to 75°F (12°C to 24°C). Male bass move to shallow waters and create nests by clearing debris and creating depressions on the lake or river bottom. Females then join them to lay their eggs, after which the males guard the nest until the eggs hatch.
Best Spots for Spawning Bass
- Shallow Waters: Look for shallow areas with sandy or gravel bottoms, especially near vegetation such as reeds, grass, or submerged trees. These spots are prime locations for bass to spawn.
- Protected Areas: Bass prefer calm, protected areas for spawning, such as coves, pockets, and backs of creeks, where water temperature and clarity are optimal for egg survival.
- Sunlit Areas: Bass often choose locations with ample sunlight for spawning, as it promotes the growth of algae and plankton, which attract baitfish and provide food for young bass.
Techniques for Catching Spawning Bass
- Sight Fishing: During the spawn, bass can be visible near their nests. Use polarized sunglasses to spot bass on beds, then carefully present baits to entice bites.
- Soft Plastic Baits: Texas-rigged soft plastic baits like crawfish imitations or creature baits work well for targeting bass on nests. Present these baits subtly and with patience.
- Jigging: Dragging a jig or soft plastic along the bottom near nests can trigger aggressive strikes from protective male bass.
- Topwater Lures: Early mornings and evenings are ideal for using topwater lures like frogs or poppers near shallow spawning areas, as bass are more active during these times.
- Spinnerbaits and Crankbaits: These lures can mimic baitfish or injured prey, attracting bass guarding nests.
Best Practices During the Spawn
- Practice Catch and Release: To preserve bass populations during the spawn, consider catch and release. Handle fish gently and return them to the water quickly.
- Avoid Disturbing Nests: Refrain from fishing directly over bass nests or disturbing spawning areas, as this can disrupt the reproductive cycle and harm bass populations.
- Respect Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations, including size and bag limits for bass, and adhere to them to promote sustainable fishing practices.
Conclusion
Mastering bass fishing during the spawn requires a combination of knowledge, patience, and ethical fishing practices. By understanding bass behavior during this critical phase, identifying prime spawning spots, and employing effective techniques, anglers can enjoy a successful and rewarding fishing experience while contributing to the conservation of bass populations for future generations. Happy fishing!
Our Response
I think Chat GPT did a solid job of answering the question. The information about where bass make their beds is pretty accurate. Bass like to make their beds on hard bottom where the bed is protected from at least on angle. This gives them the advantage of not having to constantly being on a swivel.
The techniques section of the answer is where the information is skewed. I don't know about you, but I have never thrown a crankbait or a topwater to catch bass. Jigs and soft plastics, sure, but almost never hard baits. When you find a bed, the best thing you can do to catch that fish is to do everything in your power to piss that fish off. Shake the hell out of your soft plastic or jig, try to hit the fish with your lure. Youll know you are doing a good job when the bass starts to swim in tighter circles and then eats. Most of the time bedding bass don't eat for food, they simply want your bait off of their bed.
The other thing I took issue with, is the part about not disturbing the bed. If you are fishing for a bass on a bed, you are disturbing the fish. While it is true that catch and release is a good practice for bed fishing, bed fishing does not have a huge impact on the overall population of bass in a lake. The podcast, Bass After Dark, did a great show on bed fishing where they brought on several biologists to talk about bass spawning behavior, and I suggest you give it a listen.
I hope you found this blog post fun and informative, and we will be back at you next Tuesday with another Tackle Room blog. Deuces!
- Paul Hoffman