Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2023 - 34
INTERMEDIATE
FINESSE TACTICS FOR EARLY SPRING
RIVER SMALLMOUTH BASS
by Jeff Knapp
photos by the author
E
34
arly spring, when lengthening days and warming
water temperatures slowly activate aquatic
environs, can be one of the best times to catch
quality-sized river Smallmouth Bass. But, it often takes
a light touch with finesse to inspire bites.
Ned Rig style baits
The popular Ned Rig is generally thought of as a
finesse jig/worm combination, employing a worm
profile bait of around 3 inches with a light jig head.
Though the Ned Rig moniker describes a variety of
finesse-sized shapes such as crayfish, leeches, and
tubes, in my experience the classic worm profile is
most consistent.
Early season Smallmouth Bass are typically found in
deeper, slow current river pools. When they become
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slightly more active, they often slide into shallower water
near the bank. The Ned Rig excels at targeting 2- to
10-foot depths.
Engage a slow, bottom bumping/jigging retrieve, alert
for a slight tick or unnatural weight that signals a bite.
Often, the strike is detected when the rod is toward the top
of the sweep in an awkward position. When this happens,
set the hook by reeling and lifting the rod at the same time.
Jig weight matters. Light jigs in the 1/8- to 3/16-ounce
range demand that the presentation be slow. Brighter
colors are often effective in the dingy water common to
early spring river conditions. Consider red or orange jig
heads matched with brighter bodies.
Hair jigs and twister tail jigs
Though they provide different looks, hair jigs and
twister tail jigs share commonality in that they can be
worked as both a bottom bait, like the Ned Rig, but also as
a swimming presentation.
At times, river Smallmouth Bass will respond to a subtle
swimming presentation, even in the frigid 40- to 50-degree F
water of early spring. The key is to swim the bait with just
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2023
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2023 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2023 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2023 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2023 - 4
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2023 - Cover3
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