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colbypearson
So i have been pretty bored with the weather and with more to come i decided to make a new thread lets use this thread to ask questions and share answers on baits and tackle and technique. So any questions on that stuff we can post here and anyone can answer.
good idea colby. i have a question.. my favorite lake (usually for trout) has a large bass population now so i might as well fish for them. what is the best bait you find for largemouth in cool water near a tributairy? i have caught some smaller ones on little cleos and spinners but im looking for a fish thats atleast 2lbs to fight any suggestions?
brandon
with water in the low temps for the winter it is a tough gamble the big question is to go fast or slow each have big advantages or disadvantages.
hardbaits are a great tool in the winter but the problem is you are trying to get the fish to react to it, it is like setting off a trigger in theyre head to eat so they do sometimes you have to cover lots of water and hit them just right to get this effect baits to try would be, rattle traps in stained water, crankbaits diving to appropriate depths and for various conditions. it really helps to be able to locate fish before fishing reaction baits unless it is decent enough fishing to use it as a search bait witch can be a hot ticket for cold water bassin.
in my opinion the easier of the two would be soft baits the best baits for winter seem to be baits such as dropshots and darterheads with 4"-6" finesse worms going slow with pretty light weights, other baits that can catch fish could be senkos, shakyheads, and other finesse baits similar to those but my personal preferance is to use a big jig in the winter like a 3/8 oz - 1/2 oz big bodied jig with a big trailer like a reaction innovations beaver it really takes a lot of focus to fish these baits becuase you greatly diminish your bite ratio but you get bigger fish, you have to think of it as hibernation the fish still have to eat but they will be trying to find the best meal that is available that takes little energy, witch unfortunately for some means stocker troutthe trout are like sticks of butter! the bass wait behind cover and dart out inhaling these unsuspecting high in fat and protein meals, if this is the case use a swimbait such as a huddleston deluxe, fish it slow and even let it sit on the bottom for a few second then swim it a few feet...talk about a hard to fish bait, big swimbaits are really a test of an anglers mental ability to perservere for hours without so much as a tick but when you get bit by a big one its about as much of a rush the human body can stand (especially in a pontoon boat), anyways hope this helps give you a little more insight about winter bassin it takes lots of skill dedication and time to even get bit but for those willing it can pay off big. ray: keep an open mind and wait it out if your one of the daring and willing.
can we ask any questions!!!
tell us your best fihing story!!! your biggest bass ever maybe??
Brandon;
I haven't fished for bass out here but back east.
I used the following back at the Fox River in Illinois and swear by them. I tossed it into the fast water and recovered along the edge of the water where it became slack.
Phantom Orange minnowstick by Storm Lure Co.
What gives a better presentation with senkos drop shots or having a bullet sinker above the worm?
when using drop shot how should u retrieve it
like last time you were out and said you were going to throw the big bait ALL day! and you ended up casting it like 4 times? lolI have got to grow some patience and stick to the jigs and swimbaits !
like last time you were out and said you were going to throw the big bait ALL day! and you ended up casting it like 4 times? lol
Nice idea for a thread. So I'm targeting some 10-15" bass in a lake that are holding near structure AND coming to the surface to grab bait fish and the few insects that are still buzzing around. I like your suggestions, Colby. You mention fast retrieve (or trolling?) When do you try that? What lures do you use? I notice a lot of energy and speed in the bass that are breaking the surface. I'll bet a fast moving lure might get them to strike. (BTW: Water Temp has been 47-52)
I think we can stretch bass hunting season if we adjust. And I really know what you mean about patience and perseverance. Gotta hang in there!
like last time you were out and said you were going to throw the big bait ALL day! and you ended up casting it like 4 times? lol
im bad about never setting them down, i have gone 10 hours without switching rods with only a bite or two hahaha i like getting the big bite and putting her in the boat.