Winter may be upon us, but for the serious angler this is no deterrent to trying to catch some coldwater bass. Here are a couple of bass fishing tips to help you keep reeling in fish during the short, cold winter days.
First, the depth where you try to locate bass is going to change during the winter months. Bass move into deeper water during the winter months.
Second, because of the cold water, the strength of the fight that a bass gives your line will also be less aggressive. You may need to pack lighter line and a much more sensitive rod to feel the bite of a largemouth bass in winter.
Third, coldwater bass fishing may demand the use of live baits instead of lures. This is especially true if the fish are ganging up in extremely deep water where such lures as plugs and spinners are rather difficult to use at any time.
Live bait such as minnows and frogs can be put well down into the water. Natural live bait has much more appeal than artificial lures at this time of year, when fish are feeding up for the lean winter months that are quickly upon them.
Fourth, if you want to stay with artificials, there are lures that will perform better in colder waters than others. One of these is a jigging spoon that is best used when you fish it over a structure deep underwater. Many times a fish will strike this lure just as it gets dropped down to where they’re hiding. Crank baits also work well during the winter months. Make sure any crank bait you use is as realistic as possible in terms of the type of natural bait fish where you’re fishing, because you won’t get as many strikes as you will during summer months and you need to give yourself the best chance for a strike.
Bass fishing can be enjoyed at almost any time of year. You just have to adjust your tactics accordingly. And don’t forget your fishing chair, sitting on the ice or a cold wet bank will make you very cold indeed!