Winter fishing can be hit or miss, but it can also be lights out. Fishing this time of year can be great if you find the right areas and stay comfortable in the cold. The following are proven baits that will help you catch more bass when the temperatures dip and have earned the "must-have" title for winter bass fishing.
Vibration baits
When the water gets frigid, many anglers seek baits like blade baits. They work very well in extreme temperatures and have great action that is just like a dying baitfish. Most are metal, but the Deps Circuit Vibe is made of a circuit board with a unique vibration that appeals to cold-water fish. It's a premium blade bait and you won't find any cheap hooks or split rings on this bait.
A blade bait's lift and drop retrieve is deadly during winter, and a flat lipless crankbait like the Yo-Zuri Rattl'N Vibe will do it, too. It's a great way to imitate dying fish. This bait has been a favorite for years and is still one of the most popular lipless crankbaits because it works so well.
Deep and shallow
Even though it's winter, you can often find fish shallow when they need to get a bite to eat. It's hard to beat a bladed jig any time of the year, but they can be excellent in the winter, especially if you find a little leftover vegetation. One of the best on the market is the Strike King Thunder Cricket, which comes in several different sizes and colors, and a downsized tungsten version that appears more compact but still casts great because of the tungsten head.
One of the better cold water rigs for heading to deeper water is the Neko Rig. You can use just about any soft plastic for this rig, but why not opt for something designed for it, like the Daiwa Yamamoto Neko Crawler? This 5-inch bait has a straight tail design and the thin shape gives it plenty of action.
Winter hardbaits
Wintertime is a great time to fish quickly, even though the temperatures may say otherwise. Bass will still be in a feeding mood if there are baitfish around, and one of the best ways to match them is with a jerkbait.
With the advent of forward-facing sonar, it's hard to find a better way to catch suspended bass than with a jerkbait like the Berkley Stunna or Strike King KVD Deep Jerkbait. Both are quality baits that come in some really great colors and are priced at roughly half the cost of some other popular baits.
For the crankers, winter is a time when flat-sided baits shine and quite a few different ones work every winter. The popular Rapala DT Series is an excellent choice if you like balsa baits.
Another good option is the Strike King Chick Magnet in both the standard and the junior size. The Chick Magnet baits were developed after some homemade crankbait fanatics sought to create a lure with the same profile and action as some of the most famous flat sides. They made them more durable, easier to cast, and more readily available. Another is the Berkley Frittside, which casts incredibly well and has quickly become one of the most popular crankbaits on the market.
A Rapala Shad Rap or the Berkley Flicker Shad will do the trick when the water is freezing. These baits are perfect for winding down rocky banks or shallow bluff walls in winter.
Winter Accessories
It's cold outside and you'll need to stay warm to fish as long as possible. A good set of rain gear, with bibs and a jacket, is a must, but it also takes a whole system to stay warm. Under that outer gear, layering is just as important as what's on the outside and one of the best things you can have underneath your suit is the AFCTO Reaper Fleece Hoody. It's also great as a standalone piece of clothing and the fleece neck warmer can be a lifesaver on runs and when the chilly winds kick up.
One more thing to always have in the boat is a good scale. It's extra important during the winter because that's when the biggest fish tend to bite and now until the spawn can be your best chance at a new PB. The Rapala Touch Screen Scale is easy to use and withstands the abuse of banging around in the compartments of a boat all season. It's also deadly accurate and the culling feature makes it perfect for tournament anglers.
Some great products on the market work well most of the year, but winter fishing can be unique. It's crucial to have baits that match the cold water temperatures and have gear that will serve you well. These items fit the bill and should be must-haves in your boat this winter.
Winter hardbaits
Wintertime is a great time to fish quickly, even though the temperatures may say otherwise. Bass will still be in a feeding mood if there are baitfish around, and one of the best ways to match them is with a jerkbait.
With the advent of forward-facing sonar, it's hard to find a better way to catch suspended bass than with a jerkbait like the Berkley Stunna or Strike King KVD Deep Jerkbait. Both are quality baits that come in some really great colors and are priced at roughly half the cost of some other popular baits.
For the crankers, winter is a time when flat-sided baits shine and quite a few different ones work every winter. The popular Rapala DT Series is an excellent choice if you like balsa baits.
Another good option is the Strike King Chick Magnet in both the standard and the junior size. The Chick Magnet baits were developed after some homemade crankbait fanatics sought to create a lure with the same profile and action as some of the most famous flat sides. They made them more durable, easier to cast, and more readily available. Another is the Berkley Frittside, which casts incredibly well and has quickly become one of the most popular crankbaits on the market.
A Rapala Shad Rap or the Berkley Flicker Shad will do the trick when the water is freezing. These baits are perfect for winding down rocky banks or shallow bluff walls in winter.
Winter Accessories
It's cold outside and you'll need to stay warm to fish as long as possible. A good set of rain gear, with bibs and a jacket, is a must, but it also takes a whole system to stay warm. Under that outer gear, layering is just as important as what's on the outside and one of the best things you can have underneath your suit is the AFCTO Reaper Fleece Hoody. It's also great as a standalone piece of clothing and the fleece neck warmer can be a lifesaver on runs and when the chilly winds kick up.
One more thing to always have in the boat is a good scale. It's extra important during the winter because that's when the biggest fish tend to bite and now until the spawn can be your best chance at a new PB. The Rapala Touch Screen Scale is easy to use and withstands the abuse of banging around in the compartments of a boat all season. It's also deadly accurate and the culling feature makes it perfect for tournament anglers.
Some great products on the market work well most of the year, but winter fishing can be unique. It's crucial to have baits that match the cold water temperatures and have gear that will serve you well. These items fit the bill and should be must-haves in your boat this winter.
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