Wintertime Bass

[Todd2]

The last decent day i had was around Thanksgiving, caught a couple of keepers and some dinks at TVille. They were still up shallow then, water temp was around 54 I think. I went back this past Sunday, temps were 47-48, caught nothing, zeroed.

Which brings me to my question, what's everybody's favorite wintertime lure? I know the FnF is popular in clear water lakes, but what about ones with more stain. I hear a lot about jigs, spoons, but it seems like a carolina rig would work good for some deep sluggish bass. Then I read some of those "Day on the Lake" articles and it sounds like some of those guys are burning crankbaits and doing fine even though it goes against what most say about downsizing and slowing down. Just looking to catch a few this winter at Tville, but to be honest I've been pretty much shutdown from Dec thru Feb what few times I've tried in the winter. Thanks....

[ronzo]

Come on guys little help with this one. Todd2 im with ya on this one, I want to learn a little more about catching winter time bass myself. Last year what little luck I did have (which wasn't much) was on a jig and pig. I caught two bass in Feb. on a jig, they were on a drop that I just happened upon. The drop went from 8 feet to 17 and someone had piled brush up on it Id say for crappie fishing. I think the real key to winter bass fishing isn' t near as much what to fish as where to fish. So lets try to keep this post alive I have alot to learn myself.

[mybentrod]

Come on guys little help with this one. Todd2 im with ya on this one, I want to learn a little more about catching winter time bass myself. Last year what little luck I did have (which wasn't much) was on a jig and pig. I caught two bass in Feb. on a jig, they were on a drop that I just happened upon. The drop went from 8 feet to 17 and someone had piled brush up on it Id say for crappie fishing. I think the real key to winter bass fishing isn' t near as much what to fish as where to fish. So lets try to keep this post alive I have alot to learn myself.

You guys do realize most of the wintertime fisherman are at Dale right now. Thats why the response is lower than normal. I'll try to help you though. For some of the lakes around here they draw them down so far, what normally holds fish at 15ft isn't 15ft deep anymore. It's only 5 or less. Which, I know you are aware of that, so......Slower techniques and harder styles seem to produce fish. I am not the one to help you though....but wanted to help with the slow response. FnF is the best technique during water temps at 55 or lower. It's because the bait stays in the strike zone MUCH longer than any other style I know about. It matches the forage very well, and is easy to chase after to eat. (Opportunistic) BUT like Todd said, its more of a clear water presentation due to sight fishing. Try drop shotting. It's a slower, stationary technique just like FnF.

[bassman_ky]

My wintertime bassin luck has come on a Bass Pro Shops Lazer Blake. It is kinda like a silver buddy. The strikes on them are pretty vicious for cold water temps. It is totally a reaction bite and when it is fluttering down and a fish hits it your line will jump a mile. It is a cool bite. Jig is my second choice.

[AndyG]

Winter time is one of the best times to get big bass. I dont know why, maybe their brain slows down with everything else in the cold water and even though they dont feed as often they can make mistakes. Find a lake thats known for good winter fishing, not all lakes are. Fish 20-30ft range and target the steepest banks you can find. Be persistent, because when you find the LM they will stay in the same area all winter. Its finding the spot that is difficult. Look for the channel bends as well. I fish a jig or t-rig in the winter and nothing else. I fish EXTREMELY slow. Got an 8lb 3oz day before yesterday and a 6lb 1oz the day before. As long as the water isnt frozen its worth a try. Its one bite Im looking for, not numbers. This kind of fishing seperates the men from the boys in my book. Youve got to love it to stay out there all day freezing with no bites and keep concentrating. But keep in mind, once you find the right spot you'll be amazed how good of fish you can start catching on a regular basis.
I fish a lot of smaller lakes because Im limited to a 10ft jon w/ trolling motor... smaller waters do eliminate a lot of guess work with finding the right spots.
Here is a pic of the 8.3
http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/45...600x600Q85.jpg

[Todd2]

Andy, that is one nice fish man!!!

[kybasshunter]

absolutely awsome fish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zx150]

Nice fish.

[kc]

First off Taylorsville would not be my first choice for a winter bass lake. You can catch bass in any lake in the winter but Taylorsville is not a prime winter lake IMHO. Dale Hollow and Cumberland are probably the best in these parts but I have done pretty good on Nolin and Barren as well. Fish relate to deep banks in the winter but are not necessarily deep. Deep water generally has to be a few tail flicks away but often the fish are up in 6' of water or less. One really cool thing about winter bassin is that the fish can really stack up. If you find where they are stacked you can really load up on one spot. I have at times caught dozens of fish from one point which can mix with crappie, whites, and other fish. Such spots can be dictated by temperature. A few degree difference in temperature can really stack the fish and can be as simple as a south facing bank on a sunny day or up a creek arm where the recent runoff is warmer than the main lake. Fish tend to move up during warmer trends in winter and drop down and out as the weather and water cool. I often run a fair amount of the lake checking water conditions and temperature keeping an eye on the graph looking for shad and big numbers of fish in a particular area. Rock banks are key to me in winter and that is probably one reason I don't relate to Taylorsville.

As far as techniques and lures you can catch fish many different ways. I tend to down size my lures and slow my presentations way down but that doesn't mean you have to fish only jigs or plastics. Cranks work in the winter too and suspending jerk baits can really shine. With cranks you have to get them down to the fish and work them slowly which is why suspending jerks work so well as you can pause them right in front of their faces teasing them to hit. Yo-yoing a rattletrap can be good especially if you find a shad die-off. Vertical jigging spoons is another good way to target deeper fish. In winter I always have a light spinning rod rigged with a 1.5" or 2" curly tail or a similar hair jig which can catch about anything that swims.

Once you understand how the fish relate in the winter I think they are easier to find and pattern than other times of the year. But as I age I just find it harder to get motivated to go out on the cold, nasty days!

kc

[mtn lures]

Come on guys little help with this one. Todd2 im with ya on this one, I want to learn a little more about catching winter time bass myself. Last year what little luck I did have (which wasn't much) was on a jig and pig. I caught two bass in Feb. on a jig, they were on a drop that I just happened upon. The drop went from 8 feet to 17 and someone had piled brush up on it Id say for crappie fishing. I think the real key to winter bass fishing isn' t near as much what to fish as where to fish. So lets try to keep this post alive I have alot to learn myself.

I have had good luck in cold water say 44 to 50 degrees on small 1/8 oz finesse type jigs. Tip them with a tiny chunk. Fish light line and slooooooowww way down. The only problem is if wind is a factor. They have produced good on Cumberland ,Dale, Green River, Nolin, and Barren. Generally On Steep banks. Brishpiles and wood cover is a plus.

[joebw]

We used to downsize and slow way down to the point of being bored. We used to give the fish to much credit. Now days jerkbaits, blade baits, 5/8oz jigs, carolina rigs, spoons, will all work. The fish are not as lethargic as I use to think. Fished 42 degree water my last to outings and had a blast with all the above lures. The fish, smallmouth and largemouth still had plenty of fight and are feeding well.

[ronzo]

Do you guys fish boat docks any in the winter ?