Forage-First Fishing
Bass Fishing Blog
Seasonal patterns, technique breakdowns, and forage science for anglers who want to understand the why behind the bite.
The Complete Seasonal Forage Guide for Bass Fishing
A full-year breakdown of what bass eat from prespawn through winter — and how to match every phase with the right lure.
Read more →Fall Shad Patterns for Reservoir Bass: The Complete Guide
When shad push shallow in fall, bass feed aggressively. Here's how to find the shad, read the conditions, and pick the right lure to get bit.
The Angler's Guide to Bluegill Cranking: DT Series Deep Dives
Rapala DT series crankbaits in bluegill colors are among the most overlooked tournament tools. Here's when to throw them and how to fish them right.
Spring Crawfish Patterns: How to Catch Prespawn Bass on Rock
Craw patterns are the dominant spring technique on rocky bodies of water. Learn where to find prespawn bass keyed on crawfish and which lures to use.
Frog Fishing for Bass: The Complete Guide to Hollow-Body Frogs
Hollow-body frog fishing produces some of the most explosive strikes in bass fishing. Here's everything you need to know to fish them effectively.
How to Use the Seasonal Forage Calendar to Pick Your Lure
The forage calendar maps your fishing date to a seasonal phase and surfaces the best lure for your region, waterbody, and depth. Here's how it works.
Best Bass Forage Patterns by Lake Type: Reservoir vs Natural Lake vs Pond
The body of water you're fishing determines which forage pattern dominates. A guide to matching your tactics to your lake type.
The Beginner's Guide to Bass Lure Bundles: Start With Forage, Not Opinions
New to bass fishing? Skip the overwhelming tackle aisle. Start with forage-matched bundles that cover the most common scenarios you'll encounter.
Fall Reservoir Deep Guide: When Shad Are Still Offshore
Early fall on reservoirs can be a transition period where shad haven't pushed shallow yet. Here's how to find and catch the deep fish before they migrate.
Pond Fishing Year-Round: A Month-by-Month Forage Guide
Small ponds offer excellent bass fishing year-round if you understand the forage shifts. Here's a month-by-month breakdown of what works and why.
Bluegill vs Shad: How to Choose the Right Forage Pattern
These two forage families dominate most bass fisheries. Understanding when each rules — and why — will transform your lure selection.