Let's go fishin'! with Yamaha Fishing Pro Alton Jones
'Cold-weather bass'
There are many factors that affect our success as bass fishermen, but one of the most perplexing can be passing
cold fronts. Bass will always react to these changes in their surroundings. However, you can catch big bass in
spite of these negative conditions. Here are a few things I consider when pursuing bass during the late fall and
winter:
1) Slow down - A slow, deliberate lure presentation is often the only way to entice strikes under cold
conditions. There is no such thing as fishing too slowly. The idea is to keep the bait in front of the fish as
long as possible and to make multiple presentations to the same fish.
2) Bass move less - Because bass move less in cold water, they position themselves in an area that provides
ease access to deep water, exposure to sunshine and a readily available food supply. Since most lakes have only
a limited number of these textbook spots, the fish tend to concentrate in large numbers. Some likely places to
find these big schools of bass include bluff banks near the mouths of major creeks, submerged roads and bridges
and points near major creek and channels.
3) Bass burn fewer calories during cold water - Because bass move less, they burn few calories and their
need for food decreases. So, we need to adjust our expectations. If you expect to get 100 bites, you are going
to be disappointed. Four or five is more realistic. The good news is that big fish seem to bite better in cold
water than small ones do.
4) Cold-water techniques - Several baits have earned a reputation as being cold weather producers. Here
are a few of my favorites:
- Jig & Pig - Always use the lightest jig you can.
- Slow-rolled spinner baits - Reel the bait as slow as you can and still make the blades spin. If you
are fishing around grass or rocks, allow the bait to sink until it contacts the cover. Then reel a little faster.
When you can't feel the cover, slow down. A 1/2- or 3/4-oz. spinner bait seems to provide the right thump.
- Finesse worms - Scaling down to spinning tackle and light line often works during severe cold spells.
The key is keeping the bait in contact with the bottom. A slow drag-and-stop retrieve is best.
- Tube jigs - Around rocks and in clear water, I like to fish these baits on an exposed jig head. Simply
insert the lead head into the tube and fish it on 8- to 10-lb. test line. This is especially deadly for smallmouth.
Bass react differently in cold water. Adjusting your method often makes the difference between a slow day and
a good day.
For more fishing tips and information on Yamaha, visit http://www.yamaha-motor.com/.
