Slow Down in Cold Weather

When fishing in cold weather you need to be properly dressed for the winter. It is no fun freezing and shivering when you're fishing.  Next, you want to fish slower. The metabolism of a bass slows down in cold water. They still need to eat, but not as much. Therefore, you need to slow down--then slow down some more. Keep the bait in the strike zone longer in the winter. Use multiple repeated casts to the same area. Use lures that you can fish slower, such as Carolina-rigged worms or Texas-rigged worms. Make it as easy as
possible for the bass to get your lure.

 Be Sneaky

Most bass are caught in water less than eight feet deep. But if you are in a boat and going noisily, speeding in the area with your big, shiny noisy boat--you'll spook the fish. Here's how to be sneaky:

1) Stay Steady- avoid hitting the on/off switch as  you navigate. Instead, keep the trolling motor on low or medium speed. Bass  will adjust to constant noise, but an intermittent noise can spook them.

2) Practice Stealth- lower the trolling motor quietly. Don't drop it like an armload of rocks. Do everything as silently as possible.

3) Run Silent- when you approach shallow water, turn your outboard motor off and raise it. Don't bump the bottom of the boat with anchors, tackle boxes, etc.

4) Keep all noise down as low as possible. Sound travels far in water.

 

"The most important technique in trolling is to keep your lines in the water." When they aren't, all the other techniques are worthless.

 In the winter, when the water is cold, you will need to fish slower. Use somewhat noisy bait and have patience. You will need to cast to the same spot numerous times. The reason is that in cold water the metabolism of
bass is slower. The lure almost has to hit them in the face in order to get them to hit it.

CRAPPIE TIPS

 

 Keep Skirts Flexible and Supple

    The rubbery skirts on some jigs and spinnerbaits get stiff as they age. They loose their appealing action in the water. Here's a remedy for this: --spray the skirt with Armor All protectant which is sold in auto stores and stores like Walmart. This will keep the skirt in good condition. Wipe off any excess with a cloth or paper towel.

 

 8 TIPS FOR SUMMER BANK FISHING

1.    Before you step to the bank, look at the pond or lake. You might see bait fish activity or bass feeding. This will help you decide what lure or bait to use. Study the shoreline for likely bass cover. Look for laydowns, visible brush piles, points, coves, etc.

2.    Fish are often near the bank in spring and fall and early in the morning and later in the afternoon. Early in the morning or later in the evening fish closer to shore.

3.    Fish near unique features such as points, docks, piers, wood cover, rocks or rocky areas, shaded areas created by shoreline trees. It is a good idea to have polarized sunglasses when you are fishing so you can see fish in the water better.

4.    Walk in or stand in shady areas if possible. Wear clothing that matches the background. Either blue or dark green are good choices. Stealth is the name of the game in bank fishing. Fish can sense the vibrations if you are overly noisy when approaching the area.

5.    Fish are very sensitive to sounds and shadows and can see an angler standing on the bank. It is good to fish back (away) from the water's edge. If you can see a fish, then the fish can also see you.

6.    Structure- look for shoreline structures. The main goal is to spot something that looks different-a solitary stump, a small point, a big rock, and so forth. All of these can potentially harbor bass.

7.    In small ponds make several casts parallel to the shore. Cast about a foot or two from the bank. You will be surprised how many bass are in shallow water.

8.    Survey the center--some bass will suspend at mid-depth in the middle of a pond. Use a lipless crankbait (rattle trap) to cast long distances in the middle.