Our bass season opens May 5, and I have my first tournament June 3. I would like some input on the following= Would a swimming jig be good to use in the pads if the bass are pre spawn to post spawn?  I would think the bass would not be in the pads at this time due to the fact that pads grow in muck. Am I correct on this or am I wrong? The tounament lake has alot of pads but alot of deep water too, it has sand bars,rock and alot of weeds too. I just don't know if I would be wasting my time in the pads. The pads should be in full mode at this time.

Never pass up an opportunity to throw a swim jig or fish lily pads, the bass will let you know what they want.

If you have fish in pre, during and post spawn, then you have fish all over the place.  The pads are a place that may hold fish.

Thus, try the swim jig and see what the bass say.

Brad