Anthony Gagliardi: Versatile Bass Fishing in the Post-Spawn
Anthony Gagliardi, a renowned bass fishing angler, is celebrated for his versatility, particularly during the dynamic post-spawn period in spring. As fish transition from spawning to post-spawn, a multitude of patterns—such as shad and herring spawns—create abundant opportunities for anglers. Gagliardi shares his expertise on leveraging Livingston Lures to capitalize on these bites, emphasizing the effectiveness of square bill crankbaits and complementary topwater baits.
The Post-Spawn Opportunity
Spring, particularly the post-spawn phase, is one of the most exciting times to fish, according to Gagliardi. “When fish start to transition into the post-spawn, that’s when it gets fun,” he says. “You can catch numbers and catch them a lot of different ways.” As water temperatures remain cooler before reaching peak warmth, bass become highly active, feeding aggressively on shad or herring spawns, depending on the fishery.
Square Bills: The Go-To Bait
Gagliardi’s primary tool during this transitional period is the square bill crankbait, specifically the Livingston Lures Prime Time 1.5 and 2.0, with the 1.5 being his top choice. “The square bill is the first player for me as we transition into that post-spawn,” he explains. This bait excels at mimicking shad spawning on rocky banks or herring on clay points, making it ideal for covering water quickly and serving as both a search bait and a primary producer when fish are located.
When fishing a shad spawn, Gagliardi targets hard cover like rip-rap, docks, or rocky banks, where shad congregate. For herring spawns, which often occur in slightly deeper, open water or on clay points, he focuses on the water column rather than bottom contact. “You’re not always worried about contacting the bottom,” he notes, as herring tend to suspend, allowing anglers to burn the bait through open water.
Fine-Tuning the Presentation
To adapt to varying conditions, Gagliardi maintains a consistent retrieve but adjusts line size to control depth. “If I’m getting too deep, I’ll put it on heavier line,” he says, noting that early spring algae or stringy grass on rocks can foul lighter setups. He typically uses 14-pound fluorocarbon but may switch to heavier line to keep the bait above cover. While he doesn’t frequently alter rod angles, he may raise the rod tip to avoid moss or algae when fish are busting near the bank.
Gear Setup
Gagliardi pairs his square bills with a medium-action casting rod, favoring a 7-foot Bass Enterprise Rain Shadow, Judge Crank model for its balance of strength and sensitivity. “I shy away from noodle crankbait rods,” he says, preferring a rod with enough backbone for accurate casts to schooling fish. He uses a high-speed reel with a 7.3:1 or 8.0:1 gear ratio to maintain a fast retrieve, essential for triggering bites on lakes like Lake Murray.
Positioning for Schooling Fish
When targeting schooling bass on points, Gagliardi carefully positions his boat to balance proximity and stealth. “You don’t want to be a cast and a half away from a big fish when it comes up breaking,” he advises. He starts with longer casts to avoid spooking fish, then moves closer to ensure he’s within range—typically a moderate distance, as square bills don’t cast as far as topwater baits like pencil poppers. By staying quiet and using his trolling motor, he minimizes disturbance while keeping fish within reach.
Complementary Baits
While the square bill is his primary weapon, Gagliardi keeps a topwater bait, such as the Livingston Lures Walking Boss, at the ready. “It’s big, with a big profile, great for herring fish,” he says. He hangs the Walking Boss over the boat’s side, prepared to cast at breaking fish. This is particularly effective for herring, which tend to feed upward, unlike shad, which respond better to crankbaits or swim jigs during their spawn. In stained water, a lipless crankbait can also complement the square bill, however, Gagliardi finds it less effective in the clear waters of Lake Murray.
Color Selection
Gagliardi keeps color choices simple, focusing on shad-imitating patterns. His go-to is the Sugar Chartreuse, featuring a bone-like side with a subtle greenish-brown back, ideal for clear water. Chartreuse Shad and Threadfin Shad are also staples, with the latter’s chrome finish excelling in bright sun or slightly colored water. “Between those three colors, that’s all you need,” he says, adjusting based on water clarity and light conditions.
Conclusion
Anthony Gagliardi’s approach to post-spawn bass fishing highlights the importance of versatility and strategic lure selection. By leveraging Livingston Lures’ square bill crankbaits and topwater options, anglers can capitalize on the dynamic patterns of spring. With the right gear, positioning, and color choices, Gagliardi’s methods offer a blueprint for success during this prime fishing season.
Livingston Lures
Chief Development Director