White Bass/ Sand Bass: Are freshwater fish that are migratory in nature, like Salmon. They spend most of their lives in the open-water portions of lakes and reservoirs or river pools. But when water temperatures rise above 55-60 degrees F, its usually the peak time to catch them. Between February and May, White Bass migrate up rivers and streams seeking gravel or rocky bottom areas to begin spawning activity. With the end of March being the “Peak Time”, in Central Texas bodies of water. Males arrive at the spawning grounds about one month ahead of females and we call them “Scouts” (5-9 inchers). Rather than build nests, white bass spawn in mid-water.
(fly fishing is easy and fun, too)
As the males and the female move toward the surface of the water, the female releases 62,000 to 1,000,000 eggs that are rapidly fertilized. During this, you will see a pod of fish come to the surface and boil during spawning. About 10 fish or so, will be in this pod of boiling fish, with one female in between the ruckus. A lot of people will cast to the boiling fish, but usually don’t respond to their bait, due to they have one thing on their minds at the moment.
These adhesive, fertilized eggs, sink to the bottom and stick to gravel, boulders, or vegetation. The eggs hatch in two to three days, but because the adult white bass do not protect the eggs, few survive. Those that do, however, grow rapidly to 4 or 5 inches in length by the end of the summer and migrate back to open water to join the adults in the main lake. So when you catch a 5-9 inch Sand Bass, 99% of the time, it was born in the very same creek or river.
Gear needed:
- 4-6 Pound Fluorocarbon Fishing Line.
- Crank Baits, Jigs, Top Water Lures, and Minnows.
- Polarized Glasses.
- 6-7 Foot Medium Action Rod
- Spinning Reel
- A Cooler With Ice, To Transport Fish
- Stringer
- Fishing License- Must be on you at all times w/ I.D.
-Small Size 6 Split shots
-Size 4 Eagle Claw bronze hooks
-Small 2 inch bobbers peggable
-Zoom Tiny Flukes w/ 1/32 oz JJig Head
-Medium Minnows
