Wintertime Bass

[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.

[bigwormy]

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

andy could make my grandma go fishing in the winter with those dinks he pulls in on a regular basis.

[Embrey]

gonna give it the ole try in the morning...probly fail alot, but need to get out there some more

[AndyG]

gonna give it the ole try in the morning...probly fail alot, but need to get out there some more

Should be a good day for it. The south wind is a plus.

[smuckey41]

i like to fish shallow in the winter.

[Embrey]

nothing was a plus today...water was a whopping 39 degrees...it sucked pretty bad...got one nice one on early,had it comin up and then nothing. so then i stayed all day trying to recreate that...nothing...lol. one bite and lost it...oh well