"After the water gets blown out on a cold front, the bass will retreat to the creeks. They will then hold on any structure in those creeks. This is when we like to fish shallow-running crankbaits near the structure," Casey explained. "We use a lot of bream-colored crankbaits in this situation. We also like crankbaits with black backs and silver sides or crawfish colors during this period."

Finding out what is most effective while using crankbaits for Delta bass is basically a trial-and-error procedure. A few casts usually let you know the pattern for the day.

"You have to vary your retrieve around the structure to see what speed the fish want the bait at. Every day is different. Sometimes they want it real, real slow. And sometimes you can crank it real fast and stop it right next to the log or stick, which will trigger strikes," Casey instructed.

Prime Time
Once the weather warms up, usually in the middle of the month, bass start seeking out the shallows. Air temperature is important to move the spawning season along, but Casey believes that water temperature in the shallow areas holds the key.

"When the water temperature creeps into the high 50s to low 60s it's time to start thinking shallow. I believe the 'magic' range is actually between 59 to 62 degrees for spawning to be triggered," Casey noted.

Once the bass head to the shallows, especially in the bays of the lower Delta, there will be plenty of anglers right behind them. While most will be content to drift along any grassy areas they encounter, Casey homes in on particular areas to catch some of the bigger bass.

"When the bass 'turn the corner' into the bays from the creeks I will be concentrating on obvious structure, such as logs, stumps or duck blinds. I will then toss some sort of topwater bait around the structure," Casey said. "Some of my favorites are Bang O Lures, Lunker Lures or big plastic frogs. I like the black Sizmic Frog best. It is several inches long and the bass love it!"

During a warm February there is the potential to have high number trips on bass in the lower Delta. Casey is usually hunting tournament grade fish, so size is important. Looking for the best stringer fish puts him in contact with plenty of fish along the way.

"When we have an early warm-up, the fish can stack up in the bays of the Delta. Any place with a little grass will be holding fish. It is not unusual to catch and release 25 to 35 bass on a trip between two anglers. A lot of those fish will be small males, but still a lot of fun," Casey remarked.

Besides the bays, Casey will seek out clear water in the heads of creeks. It is there where some of the bigger bass will construct a bed to spawn in.