spawning smallies

[fatboy2007]

Wazup ohio!!! My name is matt I'm new to this site so excuse my ignorance.I enjoy fishing,hunting and lots of other outdoor activaties.I,m sitting here with antisapation waiting for the smallies to come off there beds.Last weekend[may 5th&6th]when there was free fishing My stepson and myself went down to one of my favorite spots.I caught 3 baby smallies 1 rockbass 1 saugeye and 1 three pound smallie off it's bed.I had to tease him about 20 times before he would take my bait but he finally grabbed it and I jerked him out of the water.Can any one tell me how long they stay on the beds.As soon as I get the right cord to plug my digital camera in to my computer I will download the picture of my nice three pounder.Thanks.Later.

[deerhunt45]

Welcome to the forum !! :)

We love pictures here :bouncy: :D

[Ohio Sportsman]

Welcome Matt, enjoy the forum.

That's a good question on how long do they stay on the beds, I would say it all depends on the genes in the fish. Some stay longer than others and not all fish spawn at the same time, lot's of factors involved like moon phase, water temp etc but I will tell you this the big girls are usually the first phase to spawn. But you will have big ones coming in at different times since all fish do not live on or near the banks.

[deerhunt45]

Smallmouth bass spawn in May and early June when water temperatures range from 55 to 65 ° F. Nests are built in gravel or hard bottom substrates in 2 to 20 feet of water. The female lays between 2,000 to 15,000 eggs. The male guards the nest and the fry for a short time. Young smallmouth feed on zooplankton and midge larvae. Adults feed on aquatic insects, crayfish, and suitable sized fish. The big sow females do not stay on "a nest" for long at all. They will make several until their eggs are gone.

[eschatts]

Welcome, enjoy