KVD gives a fishing lesson on how to catch prespawn bass, jig fishing a @StrikeKingLure Tungsten Thunder Cricket. This jig works great year round, but especially early season / prespawn to reel in some begun. The key is to keep it riding the grass level. Kevin VanDam shows you how, right here.
In bass fishing, the Tungsten Thunder Cricket is a game-changer. I’ve experimented with both the standard and tungsten versions, and the key difference lies in the size of the blade. The tungsten model also has a tied skirt, which enhances its effectiveness.
One major advantage of the tungsten version is its unique blade action. It moves differently in the water, creating a distinct noise and a faster vibration compared to the standard Thunder Cricket. There are definitely situations where one outperforms the other, but I’ve caught plenty of big fish on both.
Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Jig https://bassproshops.vzck.net/g1ky4A
The Right Size for Depth Control
The tungsten Thunder Cricket is particularly effective when targeting deeper waters. The ¾-ounce model is phenomenal for getting down deep, while the ½-ounce version works great for mid-depth areas.
Today, I’ve been fishing in 5 to 10 feet of water using a ½-ounce tungsten model paired with a blade minnow trailer. To make it more compact, I often trim the head of the minnow before rigging it.
If I’m fishing in heavy grass and want to keep the bait higher in the water column, I switch to a trailer with more lift, such as a Menace or the new Scoun Bug.
For shallower areas, the ⅜-ounce model is ideal, while the 5/8-ounce and ¾-ounce options are perfect for reaching deeper zones.
Maximizing Effectiveness in Different Conditions
One of the most important factors in fishing the Thunder Cricket is ensuring it makes contact with the environment. When fishing in grassy areas, I want the bait to graze the top of the vegetation.
If I’m working with rocky or gravel points, I let the bait hit the bottom. The way it deflects off surfaces triggers reaction bites from bass.
Best Colors for Different Water Conditions
Color selection plays a huge role in success. In clear water with lots of vegetation, I prefer natural shades like bluegill and crawfish patterns. In stained water or lakes with heavy shad populations, white, chartreuse-and-white, or sexy shad color patterns tend to perform best.
Why the Thunder Cricket Excels in the Prespawn Period
The Thunder Cricket is a highly effective bait year-round, but it truly shines during the prespawn period. This is when it consistently catches the biggest fish. As the bass begin moving into shallower areas, this bait becomes even more deadly.
THE VANDAM EXPERIENCE
THE VANDAM EXPERIENCE now playing on @OutdoorChannel. Follow Kevin VanDam as he takes you along on his travels, sharing fishing tips and knowledge from his 33+ years of pro bass fishing friends and knowledge.
Check out this exclusive look from S1.E04. #KVD and the #OutdoorChannel as well as multiple online streaming platforms are thrilled to bring you #theVANDAMexperience, the best fishing and outdoor sports show you can watch to improve your fishing skills and catch exclusive outings with big names in sports and entertainment.
How to watch the Outdoor Channel : https://kevinvandam.com/how-to-watch-…
