Fishing shallow flats in clear water, classic Kevin VanDam live fishing, and pointers — fishing during the spring along flats. First, locate the fish, cover a lot of water, use a reactionary bait, and keep that trolling motor moving.
Keep covering the water! Spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, power fishing, and KVD show you how it’s done! Make more casts to increase your efficiency and odds.
This throwback 2005 footage to The Bass Pros from season one is fun to look back at and gather some great fishing advice from Kevin VanDam.
For all your bass fishing and outdoor sports needs
Perfect Pre-Spawn Conditions
Early March is one of the best times to be fishing in Texas. Water temperatures hover in the low 50s, creating ideal conditions for catching big pre-spawn bass.
While the potential for excellent fishing is high, the unpredictable weather often adds a layer of complexity.
For many fishing enthusiasts, the thrill of the catch outweighs concerns about rain or the occasional lightning storm, provided the conditions remain safe.
Navigating the Weather and Lake Conditions
At the start of the trip, the weather shifted between clearing skies and bursts of rain. The lake was unusually low, revealing a mix of clear and muddy waters as fresh rainwater poured in.
Such conditions are challenging but offer great opportunities, especially when bass respond almost immediately to the influx of warm rain.
Fishing along deep flats with scattered grass, I chose a spinner bait to cover more water quickly and adapt to the changing clarity.
Lake Overview: A Haven for Bass
K Band Lake is a massive, 186,000-acre impoundment on the Sabine River. Known for its timber and hydrilla, the lake’s lower end features large spawning bays, ideal for pre-spawn activity.
With its mix of clear and muddy water, wind-blown points, and subtle mudlines, it creates an excellent environment for baitfish—and by extension, bass.
Dialing in on the Right Lures
Fishing in such diverse conditions requires versatile lure choices. For the clear water, I switched to a blue glimmer-shaded spinnerbait, which mimics injured baitfish perfectly.
The wind pushing across the points further enhanced the effectiveness of this presentation. Spinnerbaits work particularly well on windy days, covering large areas of water and attracting big fish.
Adapting to Seasonal Patterns
Seasonal knowledge is key to finding success during the spring. Spawning flats with depth variations—like ditches, drains, or grassy edges—are prime areas for locating bass.
Reaction baits such as spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, or lipless crankbaits help cover water efficiently. Once active fish are found, slowing down with soft plastics or jigs ensures a more thorough exploration of productive spots.
Adjusting to Postfrontal Challenges
The following day brought a sharp shift in weather: bright skies, temperatures in the 30s, and tough postfrontal conditions.
With the lake level rising and the water muddier, bass became less active, requiring a tighter focus on reaction baits like lipless crankbaits. Working along grasslines and timber-filled flats helped locate fish in these challenging conditions.
Big Fish Success Stories
The trip’s highlight was targeting flats with scattered grass and sand, where the bass were actively feeding. By using a jerk bait with erratic action, I could trigger reactions even in sluggish fish.
The combination of fluorocarbon line and hard snaps created the ideal movement, drawing strikes from pre-spawn bass with large bellies—clear indicators of their readiness to spawn.
Key Takeaways
Fishing during the pre-spawn season requires adaptability. Whether dealing with low light, muddy waters, or postfrontal conditions, the key lies in covering water quickly with reaction baits and slowing down once fish are located.
Seasonal patterns, the right lure choices, and persistence ultimately lead to success, even under challenging conditions. For any angler, these moments—landing fat, healthy bass—are worth every effort spent battling the unpredictable weather.
