The pre-spawn period marks a pivotal time for bass fishing as bass prepare to move shallow in anticipation of the spawning season. During this transitional phase, rising water temperatures, longer daylight hours, and increased activity levels create prime opportunities for anglers to capitalize on predictable bass behavior.
In the weeks leading up to the spawn, bass utilize a wide range of depths and cover, often grouping into small wolf packs or remaining solitary. This dispersal makes covering water crucial to success. A highly effective technique for targeting pre-spawn bass is “burning” a spinnerbait—specifically, the SV-3.
What Does it Mean to "Burn" a Spinnerbait
“Burning” refers to retrieving a spinnerbait at high speeds directly beneath the water’s surface. Typically, the spinnerbait remains visible, creating explosive and exhilarating strikes. This technique works best under specific conditions often present during the pre-spawn:
- Water visibility of at least 3 feet
- Low-light conditions, such as shade or cloud cover
- Presence of wind
- Water temperatures are around 55 to 65 degrees
The more these conditions align, the greater the likelihood of success with this technique.
Why the SV-3 Excels
The design of the spinnerbait is critical for the high-speed burning technique. The SV-3 stands out due to its advanced blade design and hydrodynamic head shape, ensuring it tracks straight without rolling, especially during rapid retrieves.
The SV3’s lifelike finish, heavy-duty wire frame, and natural skirt colors make it a standout choice to tempt even the wariest predators. Its profile and motion mimic a fleeing shad, triggering instinctive and aggressive strikes from large bass. The blade shape and rotation of the SV-3 create an almost suspension-like characteristic on the pause that often triggers bites from followers.
Key Tips for Success
- Make long casts and begin retrieving immediately as the bait hits the water
- Maintain the spinnerbait just below the surface, creating a subtle boil without breaking the water’s surface
- Incorporate varying speeds, pumps, pauses, and movement during the retrieve
- Keep the bait no deeper than 4-6 inches, as strikes typically occur shortly after the start of the retrieve
Where, When & What to Fish?
This technique is particularly effective in the following structures during the pre-spawn period:
- Bluff banks that can be paralleled.
- Secondary and main lake points near staging areas.
- Windy, shady flatter banks, regardless of composition (rock, clay, or gravel).
Overcast or rainy days often provide ideal conditions for success, along with fishing-shaded areas on higher sun days.
Gear
Rod selection for this approach is imperative to a successful outing, requiring a blank with loading characteristics to cushion fierce strikes and headshakes. The DESTROYER P5 F5-72X DAEMOS and F5-75X JAVELIN are great options for burning blades. The JAVELIN, with its longer frame, is better suited for longer casts, whereas the DAEMOS is optimal for closer presentations, pair one of these with a highspeed baitcasting reel and 15lb fluorocarbon and buckle up.
