How to NOT catch out of season bass?

[tinboat]

Hey guys,
I was out fishing a couple times on the weekend - targetting pike. I wasn't very successful with pike, but accidentally caught a couple out of season bass. Each time I promptly put them back in the water and moved on to another location. My question is, what tactics would you use to target spring pike with less likelihood of catching bass while doing so? It seems that any lures/locations that pike are fond of, bass are too.

[ShawnD]

I usually use bigger lures..
It'll be hard to keep bass off but as long as you release them right away and move along.. You're doing the right thing.

[lape0019]

If I go fishing before bass opener, I try to stay out of the shallows as much as possible but even then, you'll catch the odd bass.

The only way to not catch them is to not be on the water and with other species open, that just isn't going to happen. I'll be out this weekend searching for panfish with the kids (more than likely 20fow or off the dock for the kids when we aren't in the boat) and also won't be surprised if we come across a bass.

[zippyfx]

Not much you can do other than change technique and move spots.

[zippyfx]

Not much you can do other than change technique and move spots.

[tinboat]

Thanks guys. Maybe I'll try some deeper waters and bigger lures. If nothing else, it's a good excuse to buy new ones!