Strike King pro Andy Morgan shares how the shad spawn can affect where bass are found during May in Zone 3.

With warmer than usual temperatures in May, Morgan says bass can be found in both shallower and deeper waters in Zone 3. “It is typical for the fish to creep out to where they are actually coming to the main lake. Once they start out, the only thing that slows them down is the shad spawn,” says Morgan. There are a few key locations that Morgan encourages anglers to check out. “The shad spawn will be on rock, boat docks, grass, and wood. Also, maybe any type of vegetation that is near the surface,” he shares. Based on their interest in spawning shad, bass may be found in the shallows on the hunt for food. “Of course, [the shad spawn] holds the bass up and that is the only thing that will keep them in the bays and the shallows. Once that shad spawn ends, typically – it’s a ledge thing,” Morgan advises.

BAIT 1: Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig

If the water is clear, Morgan prefers Olive Shad. In stained or muddy water, he switches to White.

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

BAIT 2: Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbait

Morgan’s choice for clear water is White Silver, while he opts for Chartreuse White if the water is stained or muddy.

Featuring a Gamakatsu hook and weight forward head design, Strike King’s Tour Grade Spinnerbait enables swift movement through heavy cover. The light wire frame helps produce maximum vibration, paired with a pro-designed, hand-tied skirt.

BAIT 3: Strike King Pro Model 5XD

He opts for Natural Shad in clear water, and switches to Olive Shad if the water is stained. In muddy water, Morgan prefers Citrus Shad.

Able to dive up to 15 feet, the Pro Model 5XD features a newly designed bill and specifically chosen colors to target deep fish.

BAIT 4: Strike King Pro Model 6XD

If the water is clear, he will throw Natural Shad, while more stained water calls for Olive Shad. Citrus Shad is his go-to in muddy water.

With the ability to reach depths of up to 20 feet, Strike King’s Pro Model 6XD has the perfect combination of shimmy and wiggle to get the attention of picky bass to trigger more bites.

BAIT 5: Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg

He opts for Natural Shad in clear water. If the water is stained or muddy, he will throw Bone.

The best premium “walk the dog” topwater lure available in the market today, Strike King’s Sexy Dawg features a unique design and a walking action unlike any other topwater lure.