Thoughts on squarebills in waters that just hit 55 degrees I'm thinking it might not be the best choice yet, thoughts? 

My cousin and I fished a lake yesterday, water temp 57* bluebird skies.

He caught 3 on a Cordell big O in bluegill.

Perfect time to use square bills.

Squarebills will catch them in that water temperature but don't leave without a few chatterbaits!!

My general experience says that as soon as the water hits 55 is the perfect time to throw a square bill.

Excellent water temps to throw them in.  In my area, those are peak pre spawn temps given they occur before the first major push to spawn happens.

 

The key to me if finding a tighter wobbling, and more silent model.  The colder it is, the more I'm looking at flat side silent model.

 

This bait works well all year long, but it's especially great in colder water.  

6th Sense Crush Flat 75X Crankbait - Tackle Warehouse

 

Spro Little Jon 50 is another great choice. 

SPRO John Crews Little John 50 Crankbait - Tackle Warehouse

 

The Berkeley Frittside 5 is another excellent bait I've had luck with

Berkley Frittside Crankbait - Tackle Warehouse

The SPRO Fat John 60 is a good choice as the action is a bit tighter than a 'regular' square bill and it has a slower rise.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/6th_Sense_Crush_Flat_75X_Crankbait/descpage-6S75X.html

First choice by far for big fish. 

 

Did you ask about squarebills in cool water?

 

I like them best in the cooler water… the big bass seem to as well.

59 minutes ago, txchaser said:

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/6th_Sense_Crush_Flat_75X_Crankbait/descpage-6S75X.html

First choice by far for big fish. 

 

I beat you above lol, and yes specifically because for whatever reason this particular bait catches big fish.    I've got several fish over 5lbs on it.

31 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

I beat you above lol, and yes specifically because for whatever reason this particular bait catches big fish.    I've got several fish over 5lbs on it.

I think it is because it is pretty quiet, and has a tight wobble. I fish them pretty slow. 

Don't buy the black though, big fish around dark gills will never ever bite it

IMO it's the best time for a SqB.  Limited algae, aggressive fish and often some stain to the water.  I really like to fish them in pads that are just starting grow.  You get em snagged on the stem or leaf and tear em out.  It works really well in places that have limited cover or grass.  

5 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

IMO it's the best time for a SqB.  Limited algae, aggressive fish and often some stain to the water.  I really like to fish them in pads that are just starting grow.  You get em snagged on the stem or leaf and tear em out.  It works really well in places that have limited cover or grass.  

Good point on the stain water, That gets me thinking so I don't have stain water but it will be cloudy is it the same level of  effectiveness or do you really need that stain water?

1 hour ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

Good point on the stain water, That gets me thinking so I don't have stain water but it will be cloudy is it the same level of  effectiveness or do you really need that stain water?

Squarebills work in any water clarity. If the water is gin clear, I may opt for a silent squarebill instead.

5 hours ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

Good point on the stain water, That gets me thinking so I don't have stain water but it will be cloudy is it the same level of  effectiveness or do you really need that stain water?

I like to at least 1 of these, wind, clouds, slightly reduced viz.  I cant think of a day where Ive beat them down on a SB and not had at least 1 of those going for me.  I dont think you need necessarily need a stain, but it helps IMO.  Any kind of surface disruption with lower viz helps distort the bait along with the boat.  It may only buy you an extra second or 2 as the fish is following the bait to you're feet, but sometimes thats all it takes, along 1 last aggressive reel twitch or stop and start to get that fish to commit.  

 

 

In my area when the water is that cool the bass like to go after moving baits.  If I can get away with casting out a crankbait then I will.

55 is about past the temp I like to fish them. Low 40's into the low 50's is when I seem to do best with cranks.