How to Catch Bass During Post Front Conditions
Post-front conditions can be one of the most difficult times to catch bass. Fish tend to be really inactive during these high-pressure systems. Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather and sometimes the free day you get to spend on the water will have less than ideal conditions. In this article, you will learn how to make the best of post-front conditions and give you the best chance at catching fish.
Where Bass Go During a Post Front
During a high-pressure day, bass tend to do one of two things. This first is to get super tight to the thickest cover they can find.
The second thing bass typically do is move deeper to the bottom. Bass tend to be less affected by the high pressure the deeper they go. Because of this, deep bass tend to be the easiest to catch during a post-front.
Key to Post Front Fishing
The key to catching bass during a post-front is to get your bait right in front of them. Whether you’re fishing wood or in grass, you almost have to hit them with your bait for them to bite. This is why it’s so important to cast as tight to cover as you can and in the thickest, you can find.
Work your bait slow and keep it in front of them. Bass don’t tend to chase baits during a post front so if you miss a cast to cover by a couple of feet, then you’re probably not going to get a bite.
Best Baits for Post Frontal Conditions
During a post-front, you want a bait that you can either drag slowly and keep in front of their face or to draw a reaction strike.
Baits for Targeting Bass Tight to Cover
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- Jig – A jig like the Scott Canterbury Flipping Jig is great for high-pressure days when your fishing around wood whether it be stumps or laydowns. It works well in grass too because of it’s parallel line tie which allows it to cut right through the grass. With a jig, you want to work it slow and super tight to cover.
- Stick Worm – If bass are buried up in the grass then a stick worm either texas rigged or wacky rigged is a great option. With a stick worm you want to be patient working it super slow.
Baits for Targeting Deep Water Bass
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- Shakey head or Carolina rig – Both are great options for getting your bait deep and keeping it there. We have a carolina rig guide you should read if you are not familiar with or need additional tips.
- Crankbait – Choose a crankbait that dives slightly deeper than the water you are targeting. If you are fishing 10ft of water then go with a crankbait designed for 12-14ft deep. This will keep the crankbait knocking into the bottom creating a ton of erratic movement. That erratic action is what can drive a reaction strike.
- Football Jig – A football jig will allow you to fish through cover and rocks while remaining weedless. You can fish it super slow and allow it to sit in front of their face. I personally like using Dirty Jigs.
Baits to Avoid During a Post Front
Topwater, jerkbaits, or any lure that stays high up in the water column should be avoided during a post front. During high-pressure systems, bass won’t chase baits above them. Instead, focus on baits that will stay down at their level.
Final Thoughts on Post Front Fishing
In my experience bass tend to either hug heavy cover or move deeper during a post front. They don’t seem to leave areas entirely but you do need to adjust your targeting during these conditions. Slow down, if you think fish are in the area they probably are. You just need to slow down and take your time.
Fishing during a post-front is never great but sometimes you have to make the best out of the days you get on the water. Overcoming challenging conditions is what will make you a better angler.
Now that you know how to successfully fish post-front conditions, learn about other fishing conditions.