Hello! This is my first post on the forums so bear with me. 

I have been trying to get into bass fishing, but haven't had much success (I have only been bass fishing once  so that's probably why but anyways). I'm pretty sure that the spawn has passed on my local lakes here in SoCal (Casitas, Cachuma, Piru, Castaic, Pyramid). I've heard that swim jigs are good to catch post-spawn to early summer bass. My question is: What are the best colors, techniques, gear, line, etc? Really, any tips to catch bass during this time period would help a lot. Also, I have a kayak but I won't be able to get it out onto the water until summer at the earliest, so I'm limited to the shore for now.

Thanks for any advice!

We are in the middle of the spawn period in the SoCal lakes you mentioned with the exception of Casitas is in mostly post spawn with some bed fish.

post spawn bass are very stressed from spawning and rarely chase fast moving lures, slower lures are far more effective....think Senko's.

The slip shot rig (finesse c- rig) is a very good presentation from shore, search "slip shot rig".

Tom

Wait until the shad spawn and drop flukes and senkos in the boils. 

Welcome to the boards! If you're just walking the shore blind casting and want to keep it simple, get a pack or two of 5" Yamamoto single tail grubs and 1/4 oz darterheads and throw them on whatever spinning rod you already have.  

Wacky rig stick worms 

weightless trick worms

grubs

flukes 

 

that’s all you’ll need during post spawn to have great success 

Welcome! Here on Havasu most are post spawn. Weightless senkos are working great. Small paddle tail swimbaits in bluegill and AYU are getting it done. Might want to throw around something like a Gantarel or S Waver. Big females looking for a big meal with plenty of pan fish shallow. Fry guarders out there too.

Like mentioned before, once the shad spawn happens the bass will fatten up after resting for a few days. I still use reaction baits but I downsize my baits. So rather than a swimjig with a 4.8” trailer I drop down to a 4.3” on a under spin or flashy swimmer hook. Or even smaller worms rather than my normal 8” worms. Good luck! Castaic can be difficult at times, try drop shotting or Carolina rigging. 

Shore fishing any of the SoCal lakes now as the water has flooded new brush, that is where the bass will be, will have limited access. The marina areas are usually accessible to shore anglers, most of the bank areas are closed to entry or very steep terrian. You want to consider a boat rental, all the have them.

You can bed fish effectively from the bank using a drop shot rig. The slip shot rig to fan cast and cover more water looking for beds. 

The shad spawn can be very frustrating for a bank angler, the bass are moving faster then you can travel and very focused on live Shad.

Roboworms in 6" are very effective in all these lakes; oxblood red flake, MM III, Baby bass using drop shot or slip shot rigs.

A surface lure that imitates shad an be good for bank anglers, buzz airs, poppers or dog walking lures. My personal favorite for SoCal lakes is  Owners Zip'n Ziggy in baby bass color during pre spawn to summer transition, small 1/3oz and cast good.

Tom

Wow, thanks everyone for the tips! I have most of the things everyone mentioned from surf fishing, so I will give it a go. Thanks again!