Bass diets leave clues, and those clues show up in the
water, along the shoreline, and in the way the fish behave. Small fish such as
minnows, shad, and bluegill make up most of their feeding, but crawfish,
insects, sculpin, frogs, and other prey appear during different seasons.
Baitfish activity near the surface is an easy sign to read.
Shorelines with crawfish shells or dead minnows point to active feeding.
Habitat tells a lot as well. Fish sitting on rocks usually target crawfish and
sculpin. Fish cruising open water are often chasing minnows. Bass holding tight
in grass or brush are usually after bluegill or insects.
Their movement adds another layer. Quick bursts in open
water show they’re hunting baitfish. Sharp downward strikes point to crawfish.
Slow stalking around shade or grass can mean bluegill are the focus.
When all these clues come together, it becomes much easier
to understand what they’re eating and what your presentation should imitate.
See video here → How To Tell What Bass are Eating
