LIVETARGET Pro Ambassador Stephen Browning throws, eclusively, his LIVETARGET crankbaits
with a St. Croix Legend Glass rod.




LIVETARGET Lures for Spring Bass Success

A one-two punch of cold-water bass tips from a Bassmaster Elite Series Champion


As evidenced by the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic, early spring is a challenging season to consistently find
bass fishing success. Fluctuating water levels, variable temperatures and clarity, and even a subtle wind
shift can turn feast into famine, demanding that even the most experienced professionals shift on the fly to
remain dialed into the spring bass bite.

For LIVETARGET pro and Bassmaster Elite Series competitor Stephen Browning, patterning cold-water bass
during the pre-spawn period begins by getting out of the main lake and heading into tributaries and creek
arms. Browning, who won the recent Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Ross Barnett Reservoir, begins
by, looking for the first channel swing bank as the creek channel runs from the main lake toward the back of
the bay. Then, I dissect cover and cover water, using a one-two punch of confidence lures from LIVETARGET.


HFC Craw in Copper Root Beer


The HFC (Hunts for Center) Craw

A channel swing bank is, quite simply, an area where a submerged creek channel changes direction as it runs
close to the bank. The steep, hard-bottomed outer edge of the creek channel is one location that focuses
pre-spawn bass activity.

The first LIVETARGET tool out of Brownings toolbox is the HFC (Hunt For Center) Craw, designed with an off-
center tracking action that causes the lure to randomly dart left or right, mimicking a fleeing crawfish in an
evasive retreat. This erratic action is an outstanding trigger for big bass bites in cold water, particularly
as the HFC Craw deflects off cover and hard bottom.


HFC Craw in Red

Browning notes, the HFC Craw is a compact, two-inch long bait that is just the right size for bass in cold
water. It has a nice steep dive curve, digging down six to eight feet on the retrieve, knocking into cover and
the bottom along the channel edges. I use the HFC Craw as my primary search tool to parallel the bank. Red is
one of my confidence colors for the HFC Craw, as are the more subtle, but extremely lifelike Phantom Green and
Root Beer patterns.

Equipped with three-dimensional anatomical features, ultra-realistic color patterns, and premium hooks and
hardware, the HFC Craw will quickly become a mainstay in your cold-water crankbait collection. Available in six
colors that complement a wide array of spring water conditions, the HFC Craw is available now with MSRP $14.49.


Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait in Silver/Black


The Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait

Not all bass will relate to the steep, outer edge of the creek channel as it bends close to shore. Indeed, many
fish will frequently transition out of the channel along its more gradual, inside edge.

To target these pre-spawners, Browning selects a long, slender Yearling Baitball Jerkbait 110, which features
an in-line grouping of baby baitfish, effectively simulating a small group of bait that has been separated
from the school. Its unique three-dimensional design creates a multitude of flash points and delivers a
shimmering presentation that attracts the attention of any nearby bass.

Browning adds, my approach with the Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait is somewhat different than the presentation I
use with the HFC Craw. Rather than paralleling the bank, I make long casts at a 45-degree angle to the bank,
working the bait back with a regular cadence including some long pauses. The Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait
suspends perfectly on the pause, which drives neutral fish crazy.


Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait in Gold/Black

The 4 Yearling BaitBall Jerkbait dives four to five feet on the retrieve and is available now with MSRP
$14.49 in six ultra-realistic patterns, including Brownings favorites of Siver/Black and Gold/Black.

At LIVETARGET, our connection and commitment to the primal spirit of competition drives us to design and
craft lures that give anglers a distinct advantage. Bassmaster Elite Series pro Stephen Browning depends on
that advantage on the tournament trail, and you can rely on it too, whenever you step into the boat, cast a
line from shore or wade in your favorite stream. Whenever and wherever we fish, we compete.

Visit us today at https://livetargetlures.com/ to shop and learn about LIVETARGET lures and The Nature of
Competition.