Strike King pro Greg Bohannan lets us in on why March is one of his favorite times to fish in Zone 4. 

“March is one of my favorite months of the year in our zone!” exclaims Bohannan. Bohannan expects water temperatures to be in the high 40s and 50s and for bass to be transitioning this month in Zone 4. “As the water starts to move into the 50s, the bass really begin to feed to prepare for the spawn. This is the time of year that bass will transition from shad to crawfish,” says Bohannan. When headed out, Bohannan advises that anglers look for the right spot. “The last channel swing banks or the last deep water in a creek or cove will be very productive. Forty-five-degree chunk rock banks, bluff ends, and depths from 2- to 6-feet will also be very productive,” shares Bohannan. 

BAIT 1: Strike King Chick Magnet

If the water is clear, Bohannan prefers the Spring Craw. In stained water, he switches to Tomato Soup. For muddy water, he will favor Fire Craw.

The Chick Magnet is one of the best options for flat sided crankbaits on the market. The flat size allows for incredible thump while maintaining a tight action. 

BAIT 2: Strike King KVD 1.5 Hard Knock

Bohannan’s choice for clear water is Watermelon Red Craw, while he opts for Brown Craw if the water is stained. The Delta Craw is Bohannan’s choice for muddy water.  

Like the original, the KVD 1.5 Hard Knock bounces and deflects off of cover while emitting an erratic searching action. The 1.5 Hard Knock gives off a loud “thud” unlike any other crankbait.

BAIT 3: Strike King Red Eyed Shad

He opts for Brown Craw in clear water, and switches to Chili Craw if the water is stained. Bohannan will grab Fire Craw when fishing in low-vis conditions. 

Bohannan favors the Red Eyed Shad because of its efficiency in covering shallow flats while also being great around rocks and other structure.

Bait 4: Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig with Rage Swimmer trailer

If the water is clear, he will throw Green Pumpkin, while more stained water calls for Blue Craw. Fire Craw is Bohannan’s go-to if fishing in muddy conditions. 

The Thunder Cricket features the jungle style flipping hook and an ultra-thin, ultra-stiff stainless steel blade with Strike King’s Panther Hide Paint finish. Its innovative design provides maximum swimming action, flash, and thump, with a superior hookup ratio.

BAIT 5: Strike King Tour Grade Finesse Football Jig with Rage Craw trailer

BAIT 5: Strike King Gravel Dawg

Strike King pro Scott Suggs expects for water temperatures to be in the low 50’s in Zone 4 with bass feeding up and hiding out in holding spots.

During March, Suggs targets transition banks and channel swings. Depending on the depth he is aiming for, he likes to throw the KVD J300 Deep Sinking near 45-degree banks to target suspended fish. Because of its ability to reach any depth with ease, the J300 Deep Sinking is a favorite for Suggs during this time of year. 

“I also like secondary ditch swings,” says Suggs. He is often on the lookout for ditches in the back of bays and fishes close to the bank where there are transition banks. “Once you get it dialed in you can, you can pattern the lake and eliminate a lot of water,” he says. 

BAIT 1: Strike King 3XD

If the water is clear, Suggs prefers Phantom Watermelon Red Craw. In stained water, he switches to Delta Red. For muddy water, he will favor Black Back Chartreuse.

Deep diving crankbaits are common, but the unique curved bills of the XD series allow the bait to dive deeper and faster, changing the deep diving crankbait game forever.

BAIT 2: Strike King Chick Magnet

His choice for clear water is Green Gizzard, while he opts for Blue Rock Craw if the water is stained. Chartreuse Copper is the go-to in muddy conditions. 

The Chick Magnet is one of the best options for flat sided crankbaits on the market. The flat size allows for incredible thump while maintaining a tight action.

BAIT 3: Strike King J300 Deep

BAIT 4: Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig with Midsize Rage Bug 

If the water is clear, he will throw Green Pumpkin Craw, while more stained water calls for Bama Craw. He prefers Black Blue in low-vis water. Suggs uses a Green Pumpkin Midsize Rage Bug in all water conditions. 

Created for deep water fishing, the Tour Grade Football Jig has a wide, football shaped head that helps the bait “stand up” in the water. 

BAIT 5: Strike King Rage Ned Bug 

He opts for Craw Daddy in clear water. If the water is stained or muddy, he will throw Blue Craw.

As you move the Rage Ned Bug through the water, its flanged appendages thump and kick to create a disturbance below the surface. Strike King’s Rage Ned Bug fits perfectly on a Ned Rig Head to create the ultimate smaller creature presentation. 

BAIT 6: Strike King KVD J300 Deep Sinking Jerkbait

In clear conditions, Suggs reaches for Clearwater Minnow and throws Crystal Shad if the water is stained. Citrus Shad is his go-to in muddy conditions. 

Fishing at depths no other jerkbait can go, Suggs loves to fish the KVD J300 Deep Sinking off of 45-degree banks where fish are suspended.