Looks like the pieces to the shallow (and for KVD) deep bass fishing puzzle are falling into place.
Through Thomas Allen’s recent blog post we learn that Kevin VanDam’s start in shallow water has a focus. That is targeting the very short span of time open to exploiting the shallow bite from a shad spawn. That likely explains why the shallow bite, in general, is so good here now.
Of course, shad are nocturnal spawners and their very presence in shallow water attracts bass. Toledo Bend is known to have year-round populations of bass in shallow water, especially during summer. Yet having more of an abundant food supply available explains why we are seeing shorelines in the backgrounds of many pictures provided by the marshals.
And of course, the high water inundating more shoreline cover makes the shallow bite even more attractive.
Out deep is more bait. That’s an admission by VanDam about his area. He tells us that yellow bass and white bass are following and feeding upon shad. Following all of that is the top of the food chain, the very bass he is targeting for a 21st B.A.S.S. win.
So find the shad, find the bass.