WHILE APRIL MAY show a dwindling influence of spring’s temperamental tendencies, bass have spawning on their minds. Some are on their way up; some will be headed out; and, depending on the fishery, others will be sitting on those cleared-out hard spots. Four Bassmaster Elite Series pros offer their insight on how they find April big ’uns.
GREG DIPALMA — TIDAL FISHERY
Prior to his Elite Series career, Greg DiPalma spent a lot of time guiding the Upper Chesapeake Bay area, where he got a good look at seasonal dynamics. One of his most profound discoveries involved a preview of coming attractions — specifically, the very tip of the spawning spear.
“Typically, during April in the Upper Bay, I target super-early spawning bass and I can usually catch four or five a day,” DiPalma said. “When I’m targeting these fish, nobody’s even thinking about it. Usually, the first or second week of May is when most people start looking for spawners.
“Typically, they’re giant [Northern largemouth] because they’re the first wave of big spawners to come up.”
How big is big? DiPalma said he expects to find fish in the 5- to 7-pound range, with the occasional 8- to 9-pounder. The scenario’s very specific, but when it’s
