White Bass Fishing Tips

White bass characteristics

White bass are a school-based fish that isn't known to occupy a set depth of water. These fish are found throughout most of North America and are known as a top-choice for anglers due to their taste and general size between 2 to 3 pounds, some as high as 4 to 5 pounds. The fish spawn in late spring and early summer, right about the time that water temperatures begin to reach 60 degrees.

Spring and summer techniques

Use a 5- or 6-foot rod that is capable of handling medium to medium-heavy action. Spinner baits, spoons and crank baits have all been known to have a high success rate with white bass, which feeds based primarily on sight and sound. In temporarily murky or muddied waters, which white bass do not normally habitat other than for short periods of time, vibrating spinning lures are known to work well. If you have access to a boat, troll the area looking for 15- to 40-foot depths, using a slow jigging motion behind the boat. If using a spinner or crank bait, let the lure trail behind the boat before starting a reel-and-stop technique and repeating the tactic once you've reeled your lure all the way in.

Winter techniques

Casting on open water and reeling in a spinner is not very realistic in the winter months when many areas ice over. Try using brightly colored jigs with minnows hooked through both lips as your primary bait. Jig up and down to draw attention. If you're intent on using plugs or spinner baits in the winter, try looking for a dam and casting into the calmer backwaters.