Bass Behavior & Seasons Glossary

Bass behavior shifts constantly with water temperature, forage location, and seasonal calendar, and understanding these patterns is what separates anglers who catch a few fish from those who catch them consistently. This glossary breaks down the terms you need to know to read the water and put the right bait in front of bass at the right time.

• Cold Front. A weather change that pushes bass tight to cover and slows the bite.
• Postspawn. The recovery period right after bass spawn.
• Prespawn. The period when bass move shallow before spawning.
• Reaction Strike. A reflex bite from a fast or erratic bait.
• Spawn. When bass build beds and lay eggs in shallow water.

Browse the full glossary or read the how-to guides.