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As a Northeast bass guy, there is nothing like April. I equate it directly to giant, roaming bass. Almost anywhere in the Northeast presents an opportunity to scoop, net, or boat-flip a huge fish. The songbirds of spring will be the clue for the right morning to attempt to catch the biggest bass of your life. Such a morning tends to follow a warmer night (or a stretch of warmer nights), an important trend in the early stages of spring.
 
You can catch a big bass on most lures in April, but there are four specific baits to spend your time with when looking for “the one”.
 

I get it, your wrist is already swollen from sticking to this lure since ice-out, but it is really effective when targeting big bass in transition. For me at this time of year, the location where I’m throwing it is more important than tempo or depth.
I love throwing a jerkbait on “channel swing banks,” an area in a lake with a steep slope leading into the water that continues under the surface. In short, it’s deep water close to the bank that’s almost like a point. You can usually find these around the corner of a spawning flat or leading into a cove. These banks act as highways and are easy locations for fish to rise to shallow water or slide back into deeper water as spring temperatures vary.

This is my absolute favorite because a finesse jig with a ball head can be fished anywhere. I may flip it shallow, drag it on a drop-off, or pitch it at a dock. Big bass love a jig, especially ones looking for sunfish and craws.

It’s tough to beat the drawing power of a glidebait. There are many options, but for the best results, focus on baitfish in your lake when choosing one.
Fish glidebaits around isolated structure near areas with bluegill beds or abundant baitfish. You may get a big-headed bully to come take a look. Sometimes, a glidebait can be a great fish locater because fish often follow it without striking, making it essential to have a good follow-up bait ready … which brings me to the last bait.

Yes, it is a very simple lure, but there are opportunities for sight-fishing to cruising giants in the shallows in April. In those moments, the Senko is what I’m putting my money on—especially if I draw out a giant on a bigger bait like the glidebait. A Senko tied on and ready to make a quick pitch can convert a follower into a caught fish.

So, listen for those singing birds, follow the warming trends, and keep these four baits tied on and ready.