Typically once the springtime rolls around, the

Experienced anglers will usually start fishing during the spring before the water temperature has a chance to warm. This is when the bass in the area will be in what is considered the pre-spawn which the fish will be feeding rather aggressively as they prepare for their nests.

As the temperature of the water rises but still remains cool enough to keep the spawning period at bay, male bass begin their search for the ideal nesting locations. They will start to seek out areas in the shallower waters in between one and four feet deep. These areas will likely have plenty of cover and shelter among vegetation such as weeds, lily pads and brush. What the bass are looking for is a bottom formation that is consistent as they are unlikely to create their nests in the vicinity of any sort of ledge or large rocks that seemingly alter the structure of the floor. They also are making sure that the bottom is rather firm as well as this allows the eggs to be laid without the risk of them being buried beneath mud or silt in the area.

It is at this time that bass will begin to become extremely territorial. If they happen to notice another nest that has been built nearby, they will immediately seek out a different location. This means that in abundant spawning areas, you may come upon nests every 25 or 30 feet.

As soon as the male has deemed a spot suitable, he will then fan the area in an attempt to clear the spot of any debris that might clutter up the nest. When he is finished, he leaves behind a small, circular depression in the floor, making it easy for bass anglers to locate beneath the water.

Once a nest hatches, it will produce as many as two to ten thousand baby fry. Out of these young bass, only five can hope to reach the length of around 10 inches. The other fish are more likely to die or be eaten by larger predators. Some of these predators include the very father that likely prepared their nest.