When winter’s chill settles over the waters, and temperatures plummet, some anglers pack away their gear, awaiting the warmer embrace of spring. Yet, for those dedicated to pursuing trophy-sized bass, winter unveils a distinct opportunity to persist in their passion. With precise lures and adept techniques, the thrill of bass fishing persists even amidst the cold’s grip.
Now, let’s delve into top-tier winter bass lures, the indispensable tools that pave the path to reeling in those coveted, hefty catches. Drawing from the wisdom of seasoned professionals, we unveil the ultimate compendium of winter bass lures.
Greg Hackney’s Choice: Jerkbait
Greg Hackney, a renowned angler celebrated for his tournament successes, touts the jerkbait as his go-to choice for winter bass fishing. He swears by the Strike King KVD Jerkbait 300 series, especially in the Clearwater Minnow color, praising its lifelike action that irresistibly lures bass in cold waters.
Terry Scroggins’ Choice: Football Jig
Terry Scroggins, hailing from Florida’s angling scene, advocates for the football jig during winter bass expeditions. His favorite, the Booyah Pigskin Football Jig in a 1/2-ounce size, is perfect for slow presentations, ensuring contact with the bottom where bass often hide around structures like channel swing banks and points.
Aaron Martens’ Choice: Spinnerbait
Aaron Martens, the 2015 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year, recommends the spinnerbait for winter bass enticement. His preferred choice, a 3/8-ounce Colorado/Willow combo spinnerbait in White/Chartreuse, offers versatility in retrieves and depths, making it effective in varied conditions.
Gerald Swindle’s Choice: Shad-Style Crankbaits
Gerald Swindle, a seasoned pro, favors shad-style crankbaits for winter bass pursuits. His top pick, the No. 7 Rapala Shad Rap in gold, is ideal for targeting bass in 5-7 feet of water along shorelines and clay banks.
Suspending Jerkbaits: Versatile Lures for Winter Bass Fishing
In winter bass fishing, suspending jerkbaits shine as adaptable lures, mimicking injured baitfish to perfection. Their effectiveness around rip rap banks, bridges, and steep drops, paired with a methodical jerk-jerk-pause retrieve, capitalizes on bass behavior in colder waters for optimal strikes.
Greg Hackney’s Preferred Winter Jerkbait Setup
| Lure | Strike King KVD Jerkbait 300 series |
|---|---|
| Color | Clearwater Minnow |
| Weight | 3/8 ounce |
| Rod | Medium power, fast action |
| Reel | 6.3:1 gear ratio |
| Line | 10-12 lb fluorocarbon |
Football Jig – Terry Scroggins’ Choice
Terry Scroggins, a seasoned angler from Florida, extols the virtues of the football head jig as a tool for winter bass fishing endeavors. With water temperatures dipping between 38 and 45 degrees, Scroggins emphasizes the efficacy of the 1/2-ounce Booyah Pigskin Football Jig, advocating for a deliberate and patient approach. This approach involves casting the jig near the structural features, allowing it to sink to the bottom, and then slowly and steadily retrieving it, giving the bass ample time to notice and strike.
Navigating the winter waters, Scroggins underscores the importance of targeting vital structural features where bass seek refuge from the chill. Channel swing banks, points, creeks, causeways, and bridges emerge as prime locales for potential strikes. By meticulously maneuvering the football jig to maintain bottom contact, which means keeping the jig in constant touch with the lake bed, anglers emulate the movements of crawfish or baitfish, enticing even the most passive cold-water bass. By harnessing the prowess of the Booyah Pigskin Football Jig amidst these prime habitats, they elevate their chances of hooking into prized bass amidst the seasonal chill.
“In winter, bass become less active, so you need to slow down your presentation. The football jig’s football-shaped head keeps it upright and allows it to bounce along the bottom, imitating a crawfish or baitfish,” explains Scroggins.
Terry Scroggins’ Recommended Football Jig – Booyah Pigskin Football Jig
| Weight | Color Options |
|---|---|
| 1/2 ounce | Green Pumpkin/Blue, Black/Blue, Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin Cross, Watermelon/Red Belly, Spring Craw, Rootbeer Pepper/Green/Orange/Chart, Ole’ Speckled Jig, Ole’ Smokey, Black/Bleu Glitter |
Spinnerbait – Aaron Martens’ Choice
For those seeking a dependable and adaptable lure for winter bass fishing, look no further than the recommendation of Aaron Martens, the distinguished recipient of the 2015 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year award: the spinner bait. Martens swears by a 3/8-ounce Colorado/Willow combo spinnerbait adorned in the captivating White/Chartreuse color scheme.
Spinnerbaits are invaluable assets across a spectrum of water conditions, excelling in clear and murky settings. Their versatility extends to their ability to target bass at various depths within the water column, offering anglers ample room for experimentation in pursuit of their elusive winter prey.
Martens offers insight into a repertoire of retrieves tailored to elicit strikes from winter bass:
- Bottom Bumping: Employ a rhythmic bounce off the bottom to mimic the movements of injured baitfish, tantalizing bass lurking below.
- Yo-yoing: Execute a series of lifts and drops to induce a fluttering motion, enticing bass with an irresistible allure.
- Fishing High in the Water Column: Retrieve the spinnerbait just beneath the water’s surface, mirroring the frantic motions of fleeing baitfish, a surefire tactic to provoke strikes.
By diversifying your retrieves and attuning to the fish’s temperament, you can seamlessly present the spinnerbait in a manner that triggers an instinctual response. With its amalgamation of flash and vibration, the Colorado/Willow combo spinnerbait in White/Chartreuse serves as a beacon that irresistibly draws the attention of winter bass.
“Spinnerbaits are my go-to lure for winter bass fishing. Their versatility allows me to adapt my presentation to different water conditions and depths. Don’t be afraid to experiment with retrieves to figure out what works best for the bass on any given day.” – Aaron Martens.
Shad-style Crankbaits – Gerald Swindle’s Choice
During winter, Gerald Swindle, a distinguished Toyota Pro renowned for his angling prowess, advocates using shad-style crankbaits in bass fishing endeavors. His top choice? The No. 7 Rapala Shad Rap boasts an eye-catching gold hue that beckons bass even in the coldest waters. Swindle attests to the unparalleled effectiveness of this specific lure, particularly in lakes with colored water, rendering it an invaluable asset in the arsenal of any winter bass angler.
Swindle’s strategic advice entails casting the shad-style crankbait parallel to rocky shorelines or clay banks, honing in on areas boasting a depth range of 5-7 feet, where bass seek refuge amidst the winter chill. Leveraging the lure’s lifelike swimming action and shimmering gold color, anglers can tantalize bites, even amidst the unforgiving conditions of winter.
“I’ve had tremendous success with the No. 7 Rapala Shad Rap in gold. It’s an outstanding shad-style crankbait that bass can’t resist. Explore rocky shorelines or clay banks and experiment with your retrieves to find what triggers the most strikes. Trust me, this lure won’t disappoint!”
| Lure | Color | Swim Depth |
|---|---|---|
| No. 7 Rapala Shad Rap | Gold | 4-9 feet |
Suspending Jerkbaits – Versatile Lures for Winter Bass Fishing
Jerkbaits emerge as indispensable assets in the arsenal of any winter bass angler. Crafted with precision to mimic the movements of dying or injured baitfish, these versatile lures hold an irresistible allure for bass navigating cold waters. Their erratic action and lifelike appearance are beacons, provoking aggressive strikes even amidst the harshest winter conditions.
A quintessential presentation technique for jerkbaits in winter revolves around the slow, jerk-jerk-pause retrieve. This nuanced approach mirrors the wounded trajectory of baitfish, enticing bass with tantalizing vulnerability. By adeptly modulating retrieve speed and pause duration in response to the fish’s disposition and prevailing forage, anglers optimize their success rates with finesse.
Jerkbaits’ adaptability shines through their capacity to explore varied depths, enabling anglers to canvass diverse habitats where bass seek refuge during winter’s embrace. From rip rap banks to bridges, steep drops, and points, suspending jerk baits weave a narrative of enticement, excelling in open-water scenarios across clear and stained water conditions.
Why the Embrace of Suspending Jerkbaits for Winter Bass Fishing?
There are myriad reasons underpinning the status of jerkbaits as the premier choice for winter bass angling:
- Highly Realistic Baitfish Imitation: Jerkbaits boast lifelike renditions of baitfish, captivating bass with unparalleled authenticity.
- Erratic Action Triggers Aggressive Strikes: The unpredictable movements of jerkbaits are an irresistible invitation, eliciting bold strikes from bass.
- Slow, Jerk-Jerk-Pause Retrieve Mimics Wounded Baitfish: This calculated retrieval pattern emulates the vulnerable trajectory of wounded prey, effectively enticing bass to strike.
- Versatility in Lure Presentation: Jerkbaits offer a spectrum of presentation options, adapting seamlessly to the nuances of varied fishing conditions.
- Effective in Different Water Depths: From shallows to deeper recesses, jerkbaits traverse diverse water depths, ensuring comprehensive coverage of potential bass hideouts.
When selecting a suspending jerkbait, prioritize models boasting lifelike finishes and robust hardware. Renowned brands such as Megabass, Lucky Craft, and Rapala offer an extensive array of suspending jerkbaits, encompassing diverse sizes, colors, and diving depths to cater to every angler’s discerning palate.
“Suspending jerkbaits are my go-to lures for winter bass fishing. Their lifelike action and ability to mimic injured baitfish make them irresistible to bass even in cold water. The slow, jerky retrieve is lethal during the colder months.” – Professional Angler
| Jerkbait Model | Brand | Diving Depth | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staysee 90SP | Lucky Craft | 5-7 feet | Sexy Shad |
| Pointer 100SP | Lucky Craft | 4-6 feet | American Shad |
| Shadow Rap | Rapala | 3-4 feet | Bone |
Jigging Spoons – Tempting Suspended Bass
Jigging spoons emerge as a favored tool among anglers embarking on winter bass fishing expeditions, particularly when honing in on suspended bass lurking in the depths. These specialized lures boast a design tailored to mimic baitfish, delivering an alluring presentation that elicits strikes from even the most discerning bass.
When employing jigging spoons, anglers adopt a vertical fishing approach beneath the boat, affording precise control and positioning of the lur. Using cutting-edge sonar technology, anglers can pinpoint schools of suspended bass, strategically directing their focus toward these coveted targets with the aid of the jigging spoon.
Highly effective when deployed over tree tops, expansive points, and submerged brush piles, jigging spoons zero in on areas teeming with suspended bass, transforming them into veritable hotspots for winter bass angling. The erratic, fluttering motion of the jigging spoon mirrors the distress signals of injured or dying baitfish, rendering it an irresistible temptation for voracious bass on the prowl.
Diversifying one’s arsenal with an assortment of jigging spoons boasting distinct weights, colors, and sizes opens up possibilities to align with the local forage and prevailing fishing conditions. It’s imperative to engage in experimentation, exploring varied jigging techniques ranging from a measured, slow retrieve to an assertive, jigging motion tailored to evoke strikes from bass exhibiting diverse temperaments.
Jigs – Versatile Lures for Cold Water Bass Fishing
Jigs are essential gear for winter bass fishing excursions. They offer unparalleled versatility in presentation and lure selection tailored to cold water conditions.
A notable advantage of jigs is their capacity for slow fishing, which is a perfect match for the passive nature of winter bass. Crawling retrieves, where the jig inches along the bottom, emerge as a particularly potent technique, enticing strikes from sluggish fish. Additionally, a hopping motion mirrors the natural antics of a crawfish, proving irresistible to bass lurking amidst dense cover.
In jig selection, anglers are spoiled for choice with many options. Diverse head designs, weights, and colors empower anglers to fine-tune their approach according to prevailing fishing conditions. Opting for jigs boasting vibrant hues and robust waters under bright sunlight profiles in mur proves advantageous—conversely, subtler-toned, smaller jigs reign supreme on overcast days with clear water.
Jigs’ compatibility with various plastic trailers further enhances their allure. Anglers can experiment with an array of plastic trailers, ranging from chunks to lifelike crawfish imitations, augmenting the jig’s movement and mimicking natural baitfish. This additional layer of adaptability significantly amplifies the lure’s efficacy on the water.
When honing in on winter bass, jigs excel in environments laden with dense cover, such as rock piles, brush piles, and boulder-strewn areas. These locales serve as favored sanctuaries for bass seeking refuge, transforming them into prime ambush points. By deftly maneuvering jigs through these structures, anglers heighten their prospects of hooking into prized bass amidst the winter chill.
Winter Bass Fishing with Finesse Crankbaits
Finesse crankbaits are a valuable tool in your arsenal for winter bass fishing. These long and slender crankbaits, typically crafted from light plastic or balsa wood, are designed to imitate the slow movements of shad and crawfish. Their realistic action and appearance make them incredibly effective when bass are sluggish and require a slow retrieve.
One of the prime locations to use finesse crankbaits in the winter is along rip rap banks. The rocky structure provides an ideal habitat for baitfish, making it an attractive feeding ground for bass. By fishing these crankbaits near the rip rap, you can effectively imitate the natural behavior of shad and crawfish, increasing your chances of enticing a strike.
When selecting finesse crankbaits, such as the Strike King Bitsy Minnow, consider colors that closely resemble the local forage. Shad or crawfish imitations are often successful choices, as they closely match the preferred prey of bass during the winter months. You can maximize your success on the water by mimicking the baitfish that bass seek.
Lipless Crankbaits – The Winter Bass Fishing Workhorse
Lipless crankbaits are a must-have lure for any angler looking to have a successful winter bass fishing trip. These versatile lures have proven their effectiveness in triggering reaction strikes from bass, making them an invaluable tool in your tackle box.
One of the critical advantages of lipless crankbaits is their ability to create a vibrating action that can be felt through the water. The intense vibrations these lures produce mimic the movements of injured or fleeing baitfish, serving as a powerful attractant for bass. Their loud rattling sounds can also call in fish from a distance, increasing your chances of a hookup.
To maximize your success with lipless crankbaits, it’s essential to choose the right color and size based on the water conditions and the behavior of the bass. Opt for brighter, more vibrant colors in stained and muddy water conditions to enhance visibility. Choose more natural and subtle tones in clear water to imitate the local forage.
Clicking over large weed flats can be incredibly productive when fishing with lipless crankbaits. These lures are excellent at ripping through vegetation, triggering reaction strikes from nearby bass—experiment with various retrieval techniques, including steady retrieves, yo-yo retrieves, and erratic rod tip movements. By varying your presentation, you can imitate different behaviors of baitfish and increase your chances of enticing a strike.
With their ability to produce solid vibrations and create erratic movements, lipless crankbaits are the workhorse of winter bass fishing. Add a few of these lures to your tackle box, like the Sexy Shad, and you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of winter bass fishing and increase your chances of landing a trophy-sized catch.
Conclusion
Winter bass fishing can be challenging, but you can significantly improve your catch rates by arming yourself with the right lures. Professional anglers recommend a variety of winter bass fishing lures, including jerkbaits, football jigs, spinnerbaits, and shad-style crankbaits, among others. These lures are designed to excel in different water conditions and offer versatility in presentation techniques.
One key to success is matching the lure choice to the local forage, such as shad or crawfish, to entice the bass. Additionally, adjusting your retrieval techniques to the fish’s mood can significantly affect your results. Whether working a jerkbait with a slow, jerk-jerk-pause retrieve or crawling a football jig along the bottom, paying attention to the fish’s behavior and adapting is crucial.
With the right combination of winter bass fishing lures and proper technique, you can level the playing field and unlock the unfair catch rates the pros achieve. So don’t let the cold weather deter you from pursuing bass during winter. Grab your favorite winter bass fishing lures, head out to the water, and get ready to reel some quality bass.
FAQ
What are the top winter bass lures for great catch rates?
The top winter bass lures recommended by professional anglers include jerkbaits, football jigs, spinnerbaits, shad-style crankbaits, and more. These lures excel in different water conditions and offer versatility in presentation techniques.
Why is a jerkbait a popular lure for winter bass fishing?
Jerkbaits are versatile lures that excel in winter bass fishing. They are designed to mimic dying or injured baitfish, making them irresistible to bass. The slow, jerk-jerk-pause retrieve is highly effective in colder water temperatures.
What is the preferred jerkbait for winter bass fishing by Greg Hackney?
Greg Hackney, a professional angler, recommends using the Strike King KVD Jerkbait 300 series in the Clearwater Minnow color as his preferred jerkbait for winter bass fishing.
Why is a football jig a go-to winter fishing lure?
A football jig is a go-to winter fishing lure because it can be fished slowly and maintain bottom contact, which is crucial in cold water temperatures. It is effective when targeting structure such as channel swing banks, points, creeks, causeways, and bridges.
What is Terry Scroggins’ preferred choice for a football jig?
Terry Scroggins, an experienced angler, prefers using the 1/2-ounce Booyah Pigskin Football Jig as his go-to winter fishing lure.
Why is a spinnerbait recommended for winter bass fishing?
A spinnerbait is recommended for winter bass fishing because it offers versatility in fishing clear or dirty water and at different depths in the water column. Various retrieves such as bottom bumping, yo-yoing, and fishing high in the water column can be experimented with.
What is Aaron Martens’ preferred choice for a spinnerbait?
Aaron Martens, the 2015 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year, recommends using a 3/8-ounce Colorado/Willow combo spinnerbait in the White/Chartreuse color for winter bass fishing.
Why are shad-style crankbaits effective for winter bass fishing?
Shad-style crankbaits are effective for winter bass fishing because they work well in any lake with colored water. They can be cast parallel to rocky shorelines or clay banks in 5-7 feet of water to target bass in cold water temperatures.
What is Gerald Swindle’s preferred choice for a shad-style crankbait?
Gerald Swindle, a Toyota Pro, recommends using the No. 7 Rapala Shad Rap in the gold color as a shad-style crankbait for winter bass fishing.
Why are suspending jerkbaits versatile lures for winter bass fishing?
Suspending jerkbaits are versatile lures for winter bass fishing because they can be worked at different depths and mimic the movement of dying or injured baitfish. They excel around rip rap banks, bridges, steep drops, and points.
Why are jigging spoons popular lures for winter bass fishing?
Jigging spoons are popular lures for winter bass fishing because they are designed to tempt suspended bass in deep water. Anglers typically fish them vertically below the boat and use sonar to locate suspended schools of bass. They are effective over tree tops, long points, and deep brush piles.
Why are jigs versatile lures for cold water bass fishing?
Jigs are versatile lures for cold water bass fishing because they can be fished slowly and effectively crawled and hopped around thick cover. They excel in areas with rock cover, brush piles, and boulders and are suitable for both shallow murky water and deep clear water.
Why are finesse crankbaits excellent for winter bass fishing?
Finesse crankbaits are excellent for winter bass fishing when a slower retrieve is necessary. These long, skinny crankbaits mimic slow-moving shad or crawfish and are effective along rip rap banks in cold water.
Why are lipless crankbaits the workhorse for winter bass fishing?
Lipless crankbaits are highly effective in winter bass fishing due to their ability to trigger reaction strikes. Their loud and vibrating actions can be worked over large weed flats and attract bass in stained to muddy water conditions.
How can I improve my catch rates during winter bass fishing?
To improve your catch rates during winter bass fishing, choose the right lures for the conditions and adjust your presentation techniques. Match the lure choice to the local forage and experiment with different retrieves based on the mood of the fish.