1) Go Deep!
Deep water is one factor that can add to the intimidation of WINTER! Growing up beating the bank I learned to fish structure, cover, docks, blow downs and everything I could, never DEEP WATER. People would tell me, "the bass go into hibernation in the winter, that's why they don't eat." Although I'm trying to catch fish that are bear sized, the fish aren't bears so they don't hibernate, they migrate! They head to deep water where the FRIGID, FROZEN surface temperatures don't affect them. In the past 2 weeks I have consistently found a majority of the fish in DEEP WATER and I'm talking deeper that 40 with a majority being around 55ft-60ft.
2) Throw Simple!
When the fish are unbelievably deep and you're marking them with AMAZING Lowrance electronics, you can catch them with extremely simple techniques. Simple action, simple lures and simple presentations! A drop shot, hair jig, shaky head and ice jig/ jigging spoon.
3) Hunt!
If you're anything like me I love to catch GIANT fish. These fish are still active feeders in the winter! They live where you think they live and we love to throw BIG BAITS! Don't hesitate to hunt for these areas! IF you can mix a day filled with solid fish and #'s out deep and then combine it with a trophy fish you've had a DREAM DAY! Hunt for areas where local DNR does trout stocking in your lake, hunt for big rock and big cover! The FREAKS will EAT!
Come visit us a Dream Catcher's Fishing Supply! 21 Steeple Rd. Sylva NC 28779!
