Mark Davis shares his favorite moving baits for pre-spawn fishing when the water is still cold, and the fish are first starting to move up.
In the pre-spawn time of year, the fish can be active or not so much, depending on the weather conditions. On active days, moving baits catch fish very well.
The first moving bait Mark Davis uses in the pre-spawn is the Red Eyed Shad. His new favorite color that has recently been added to the selection is called Chisel. The pre-spawn time is the best time to use the half ounce and the three-quarter ounce Red Eyed Shad. Even when the water temperature is in the 40s, a Red Eyed Shad can catch pre-spawn bass being reeled fast.
Mark Davis’s second choice is a Strike King 3XD crankbait. This little bait has the perfect action for pre-spawn fishing, and it runs to the right depth. When fishing this bait on 12-pound test line, it will run anywhere six to eight feet deep.
A dark green crawfish pattern is Mark Davis’s favorite color 3XD to throw in clear water during the pre-spawn.
Look for places where fish are just starting to move up, such as wind-blown points, steep banks, rock points, or grass. Remember that the fish will be adjacent to the spawning areas.
The third top pre-spawn moving bait is the Bottom Dweller, a big spinner bait. Mark Davis won one of the Bassmaster Classics by fishing with a big Strike King spinner bait. This is a lure that many people don't try because they don't understand how versatile a big spinner bait is. Mark Davis fishes this same lure in shallow water as well, so that he can make long casts and bump the bottom with it.
Mark Davis uses this spinner bait in the same places he would throw a Carolina rig or a football jig, such as ledges and deeper water. Cast the Bottom Dweller out, let it go the bottom, and then slow roll it in water anywhere from 8 feet to even 20 feet of water.
These top three moving baits will not disappoint when the water is cold during the pre-spawn.
