How to Catch Big Bass in the Winter!

I know, I know, I know! It's still EXTREMELY warm for this time of the year and it feels like winter may never get here. The temperature of the water in a majority of the lakes are still in the mid 60's and we are mid way through November. My notes from last year show that the majority of the lakes were already 51*- 54* this time last year. So this article is going to be one of those things you need to stick in your back pocket for a little while, you'll thank me later!

As of right now these fish know what they are supposed to be doing, the weather is not allowing them to do so. Stay around the bait! Your top water lures are still going to be playing a big role as well as spinnerbaits and swimbaits. If the fishing becomes difficult, which it will because of transitional fish and uncooperative weather pick up a confidence finesse lure or small compact jig and put some fish in the boat!

Q: What should I be looking for right now?
A: Back water area's in hopes of running into some cruising largemouth. After running the shallows look for shoals, points and pockets that offer deep water access.

Q: What should I be using?
A: When in the back water area's I would be covering water with a buzzing frog of some sort, a rattle trap, shallow crankbait and a spinnerbait! When out on the points and shoals I'd be throwing jerkbaits, soft swimbaits, flukes and trying to imitate a school or individual bait fish fleeing in order to ignite a school of feeding bass!

Q: Now, how do you catch big bass in the winter?
A: As it gets colder and the winter patterns start to hold the fish hold in 2 different areas! The fish hold in deep ditches and steep banks. They want to hold in the most stable water in the lake while offering adequate opportunities on feeding when it is time to do so. Steep banks allow them easy access to the top of the water column without traveling great distances and ditches are great ambush points when schools of shad swim over them.

There is a common misconception that bass don't eat in the winter and they hibernate. That is not true! They are cold blooded and they are living creatures, as long as they are living they are burning calories. It's about efficiency and these fish want to position where they can get the most food for the least amount of energy spent! Slow lethargic lures are must in the winter.

Top 10 Winter Lures:

1. 1/2 oz. 8up Football Jig with Yamamoto twin tail grub trailer
Where: Ditches & steep banks

2. 3/16oz. Shakey Head with Zoom Finesse Worm
Where: Ditches & steep banks

3. 1/4oz Casey Ashley Underspin with Keitech Fat Swing Impact 3.3
Where: Ditches

4. Megabass Vision110+1 Jerkbait in Tennessee Shad
Where: Steep banks, deep points

5. Huddleston 68 ROF 12 in Rainbow Trout or Perch
Where: Ditches & steep banks

6. Crippled Herring Jigging Spoon
Where: Ditches and suspended fish

7. Jenko Double J Pod Alabama Rig with Keitech
Where: Creek channels, ditches and steep banks

8. Zman NED Rig
Where: Ditches & steep banks

9. 6th Sense Crush 500 Deep Diving Crankbait
Where: Ditches, creek channels & steep banks

10. Lake Erie Rig Tube + Finesse Worm
Where: Steep banks, ditches, creek channels