I haven't caught a fish in weeks and I figured out why today. I found two bass (one of them huge) sitting on a nest right by the bank. I flipped a paddletail right next to them but they were in between some rocks so I couldn't tell where the nest was. I'm planning on going back soon but I don't know where the nest is. What should I do? (and yes, I plan on using barbless hooks and releasing him back to his nest right away.) 

If it were me, you could try a worm if your sight fishing, alternatively crawfish/ bluegill colored baits often elicit responses from bedded fish

Time for a lizard.

 

Ignore the video title. All he does is catch a bass and a heron swoops in to get it but he's too fast. All about lizards on beds.

 

 

Chartruese lemon pepper lizard on a drop shot

Drag a creature bait through the bed. But you'll need to be quick with your hookset because the bass will be trying to move the bait away from the nest, not make it their next meal.

 

Last week I also had a bedding bass slam a buzzbait, but the creature bait through the bed should work best. Lizards will work, but I prefer a Berkley Havoc Pit Boss.

3 hours ago, Sphynx said:

If it were me, you could try a worm if your sight fishing, alternatively crawfish/ bluegill colored baits often elicit responses from bedded fish

I might try a fluke because I want to be able to see it underwater. Ever tried that?

The only issues with a fluke is that it may not be considered an intruder on the nest (by the bass) and it is tougher to place exactly where you want on the bed.

 

If you want to make sure you see the bait, choose a color that contrasts with what color the bottom is.

3 hours ago, EGbassing said:

I might try a fluke because I want to be able to see it underwater. Ever tried that?

Fluke is a bait that I plan on working hard to "get" this year, so tired of hearing everybody else succeeding on a bait I can't get right, paddletails are on that list too this year 

I guess the more I think about it, listen to the conditions...they'll tell you your high percentage baits, I love fishing some things, spinnerbaits and soft plastic T-rigged craws make that list, but really at the end of the day, I like catching fish, little ones, big ones, and everything in between. Adjust your plan to what Mother Nature is doing and you can't be far off the mark. I'll fish jerkbaits (I detest them) if it's what the fish are biting...no expert opinion, but I've got fish a few times this year and feel like I'm as dialed in as any bank bound fella can be.

Throw a prop bait over the nest. Work it slowly as possible if worm/creatures won't get her to bite

1 hour ago, NittyGrittyBoy said:

Throw a prop bait over the nest. Work it slowly as possible if worm/creatures won't get her to bite

I tried a walking bait but they wouldn't even look at it. I'll give a prop bait a go if they won't bite the soft plastics though. Thanks!

also try a slider grub/worm. just let it sit there and shake it ever so gently......