Not able to look at the brand of my digital probe I use, not where my boat is at this moment, however a simple sinking pool thermometer with a string attachment works OK and cost about $10-$12.

Tom

 

good idea, I could put a longer cord on it and fling it a few yards out from the bank.

Tom's post is well researched and follows what the books and DVDs say about the spawn.

 

In Virginia, bass are on their beds when the Dogwoods bloom.

 

So in Virginia we know the bass are on their prespawn treck when we see the Dogwood blooms start to pop out before they bloom.

 

This should be true in other parts of the USA so this year let's all be watchful of any Dogwoods in your area and what the bass are doing as the trees blossom.

 

Isn't Mother Nature fantastic!

 

And that's one reason to love spawn in VA. Water temp? Pshaw. Dogwoods are in bloom? Well then the hunt is on! Paid off in spades for me last year, that's for sure.

Water temp is the main thing. Most folks say 62 degrees is the magic number for spawing and 99.9 percent of the time this is the case. But remember, all fish do not spawn on the banks in shallow water. Some fish for some reason spawn in deeper water and that water obviously takes longer to warm up. I've seen fish around here (sc) spawing in late march and i've also caught fish in deep water with eggs in early june. Site fishing is awesome once you get the hang of it! Good luck!