After this recent cold front, some folks are likely just waiting for t-shirt weather to come back around. But others, like the hardcore bass angler, are still looking to wet a line, even if it means freezing their tail off in the process.
Well, if you’re going to do it, you may as well do it right. Here are a few quick and easy tips from the Stoker’s team to help you kick some bass this winter.
Tip No. 1 - Accept It's Not Summer
We all know that bass fishing in warm weather is a blast. Those long days of hard hits that keep your adrenaline pumping, the friendly competition between you and your buddies, and the camaraderie. But winter bass fishing isn’t that. It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s going to be cold. Your fingers are going to hurt. You aren’t going to get as many bites. But it’s that hope that you might still hook a pig that keeps the dedicated angler casting just one more time.
In the winter, a bass’ metabolism slows down significantly. They don’t need as much food, so they’re naturally not going to bite as often. But there are also far fewer folks fishing for them, so you can still manage to hook a hoss or two.
Tip No. 2 - Think Deep
While bass are notorious topwater strikers, during the winter, they’re thinking deep—water. Bass will group together in the deepest parts of the lake or in a slower-flowing part of the river because it’s warmer. And while a lot of these fish aren’t going to bite, you will occasionally find one who’s looking for a snack.
Tip No. 3 - Slow Down, Go Small and Stink It Up
Since the fish aren’t pounding the topwater lures, you need to change up your tactic. Use a smaller bait and work it much slower than normal. The World Fishing Network says that a 4” curly tail grub on a ¼ ounce jig head can be all it takes to make it worth a big bass’ time. You really need to convince the bass that this bite is worth the effort, so make it easy. Using a higher flavored or scented lure can also help to attract bites according to Berkley®, the makers of Gulp!, PowerBait and other great products.
If you reel in a big one using any of these tips, we want to know! Tag us at @stokers to show off your catch.