This is a hot topic for most bass fishermen. Although there is no real evidence that cathing bass on beds diminishes the spawing ability (that I can find), I find it hard to resist the HUGE females that are in plain sight. I try to only catch one or two, then I leave them alone.

One tactic I use for bass that won't bite (on the bed) is to annoy the smaller male. He'll eventually bite to protect the female. Don't set the hook...wait for him to spit it out, then go right back to the bed on the female. It may take a lot of casts, but eventually the female will think that the male isn't doing his job, and will take over. A whacky-rigged Senko works nicely, a large crankbait, or even a slow rolled spinner bait will also work.

Bluegill is one of the biggest threat to bass eggs, so a blugill colored swim bait could be usefull, too.

What are your thoughts on catching spawing females?