Building a Prespawn Bass Pattern with Jacob Wheeler

Wired2fish had the unique opportunity to spend a day in the boat with Jacob Wheeler ( / @wheelerfishing ) document his approach to finding bass and establishing patterns during the prespawn on a highland reservoir. With a pile of rods on the deck, Wheeler uses his instincts, knowledge of highland reservoirs, and bass behavior to find and trigger fish spanning deeper main lake spots to warmer stretches of shoreline bank. "This is the bass rut. They're heading to the bank; you need to intercept them in transit.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
JERKBAIT SETUP
• JERKBAIT - 13 Fishing Loco Special: wired2.fish/4262kdg
• ROD - Duckett J. Wheeler Series Casting Rod, 6'10" Medium: wired2.fish/2W16pyK
• REEL - Duckett Jacob Wheeler JWC Paradigm 100 Casting Reel, 7.5:1: wired2.fish/3OTU7kG
• LINE (jerkbait and crankbait) - Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 12-pound: wired2.fish/3AwxqwW
• CRANKBAIT - Rapala Dives-To Series DT-8, color - Demon: wired2.fish/3zXmgDu
• ROD - Duckett J. Wheeler Series Casting Rod, 7'2" Med Hvy Composite: wired2.fish/2W16pyK
• REEL - Duckett Jacob Wheeler JWC Paradigm 100 Casting Reel, 6.8:1: wired2.fish/3OTU7kG
Wheeler stresses the importance of interpreting factors such as water temperature and clarity, reading the bank (different rock types), and figuring out the depth zone the bass are hanging. From there, he dials his presentation, focusing on running depth and triggering attributes. Not surprisingly, a jerkbait performed well on suspended bass staging to move up, while a mid-depth crankbait rummaging across the bottom trigged bass relating to bank rock. Both lures call fish in from a distance and allow you to cover water quickly.
Multiple patterns usually happen simultaneously on complex reservoirs, and it's our job to figure out as many patterns as possible. Wheeler believes that anglers tend to rush the bass in the spring. Just because it's warm out doesn't mean they're all on the bank getting ready to spawn. There's a significant lag between air and water temperature, so don't overlook targeting deeper or more main lake bass populations during the prespawn. Wheeler also highlights that many bass spawn on the main lake, not just up in creek arms and pockets.
After establishing a viable main lake bite around humps extending off of points, he pivots to the bank to try to find another pattern. Bites can change daily or even by the hour on highland reservoirs. A tournament angler needs some options, so don't obsess about getting super-dialed. Next, Wheeler targets bass around bluff ends and transitional banks leading into pockets. His bass come from distinct areas with shale rock and a creek or river channel nearby. "I just need a clue" for tournament day. For Wheeler, it's about getting a taste for a bite and remaining agile to what the next day brings.
Lastly, he advises just dropping your trolling motor and running the bank with various crankbaits if you're struggling to find something. Do this to contact your first fish. The first bass is an essential clue to start refining your day on the water.
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[@michaelhowell2609]

At home 102 degree fever and on a wired 2 fish marathon. Comfort comes in many forms 😆 Y’all stay safe out there.

[@FullTimeFishing]

I hope everyone here catches their pb this spring!

[@Wired2Fish]

Same to you! We appreciate it!

[@xyz_chain4199]

Am heading out tomorrow, wish me luck 🤞

[@FullTimeFishing]

@@xyz_chain4199 good luck!! What is your pb?

[@austenkampe5257]

Thanks man you too!! ,🤘🤘🤘

[@zachpatch8450]

Bout time to see some positivity on a fishing video. Well done, brother!

[@laujkiatong]

Ding! Jacob Wheeler is my favorite bass fisherman rn

[@tulsabassprofessor5009]

Gotta love it when JW gives us the game first hand!

[@Wired2Fish]

Yeah this was really a glimpse into the man's brain!

[@earniederboven5100]

Always like when jacob does a wired2fish video its a longer than normal video and very informative....

[@Wired2Fish]

We enjoyed this one. Just turned the camera on and decided to make a video on whatever happened. He delivered a lot of "in the moment" insight in this one.

[@ogman3601]

Great content. Those of us that don’t get to fish as often don’t have the luxury of patterning. These kind of tips are awesome

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for the comment! Soak in all the info you can when Wheeler dishes it out.

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you for an excellent and informative video. I think I was most impressed by Jacob and the crew's ability to produce such high-quality content under some pretty adverse weather conditions. Great stuff!

[@Wired2Fish]

We appreciate the comment!

[@joepworther2284]

Thanks, Jacob!

[@Basspundit]

I'll probably never fish a highland reservoir, but your tips on jerkbait fishing apply everywhere and are a great reminder on such an effective lure that I don't throw enough for bass. When I am fishing shallow walleye in the Spring and Fall a jerk is always tied on and thrown, always.

[@Wired2Fish]

We felt the same. Wheelers approach and mindset of pursuing a few different bites is spot on. He always has an open mind.

[@johnbutler307]

Thanks for another great video they help a lot.

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad to hear it. Our pleasure!

[@rodcashman4793]

Great explanation thank you for sharing 👍

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for watching Rod!

[@ke3552]

Nice work, very informative. Thanks, subbed.

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for the sub and watch! It was fun spending a day with Wheeler and seeing where the bite lead us.

[@DFWdarin]

ty for the video wired 2 fish

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for watching!

[@DFWdarin]

@@Wired2Fish I never miss an episode. I actually try a lot of these things that I learned from the videos you post. I did purchase some mag fattyz I saw on a recent episode. I threw it yesterday for a few cast. but ultimately yesterday I caught a 4 and 1/2 and a 6 lb bass on just a regular old plain black power worm... didn't believe it. I was running a speed worm and wasn't really feeling it so I threw a power worm on there, bounced it off the bottom and bam two big ones right in the same spot

[@holdenlinderman5466]

Great video Jacob is this on Douglas?

[@FullTimeFishing]

Great info Jacob! Probably my favorite angler!

[@jeffholder195]

If you could only buy one jerk bait for highland reservoir (Center Hill TN) what would it be?

[@keenanstewart4171]

What lake was this?

[@BassAroundKentucky]

What lake is this

[@ferndelisle]

I would not be wearing a jacket with "FTX" on it haha

[@Wired2Fish]

😂