Heat up YOUR WINTER
South Carolina has some interesting winter patterns. However, for anglers, the changes in weather can sometimes play to our advantage. During the shorter and cooler days of winter, I enjoy heading to the lake to do a little colder water largemouth fishing. Fishing in these cooler months can turn angling into hunting. The hunt to find the fish bundled up together. Your go-to spots may no longer hold the fish for which you are searching; therefore, looking and following different patterns and trying new spots may be the best tactic for the colder water temperatures.
Largemouth bass tend to tighten and group up in the colder weather and water. As fall turns into winter, fish move to deeper water, allowing the fish to move up and down the slope of the bank feeding without using much energy. Targeting the steep banks this time of year will provide a good opportunity to find and catch bass. Flats that fall off into deeper water will also be a good location for fish in these temperatures. Shallow water near weeds may hold a few fish as well. When out on the water this month, spend more time looking for the fish. This will give you the best chance of locating good fish and a greater chance of catching a fish. Another good locating technique would be to look for schools of bait since these baitfish are good prey for slower moving fish because they are an easy target.
The presentation of the lure is always a key factor in any season or type of fishing but is especially important in colder water. The fish move slower and feed slower to conserve energy. Therefore, slowing the presentation of the lure down will give a greater chance of catching a fish. The slower the fish, the slower the lure. Fish will not move as quickly in the colder water, so they will be less likely to chase the bait. When casting, cast your lure in front of the nose of the fish. This will result in putting the bait in front of the fish and giving them an easier prey to eat.
There are many types of lures that can be used year round to catch largemouth bass. Spinner baits and crankbaits can be used in warmer months and in the colder temperatures of winter. When fishing either of these lures, fish them in the weeds and shallow water. This mimics the bait fish that may be close by, and, if fished slowly, will result in a good chance of catching a fish. When fishing deeper water, the use of jigs and grubs on jig heads are my favorite way to go. If using jigs, I like Strike King’s football or swimming jigs. When using these baits, cast further than the shallow water. Once the lure has settled to the bottom, gently drag the lure over the lip of the break and allow the bait to fall slowly into the deeper water. If the lure stops falling or the line twitches, set the hook immediately. Bass aren’t typically aggressive feeders in the cold, so if any action happens, make it a quick hook set! Another option is to use a small grub on a ¼-ounce jig head and fish the same technique as a jig, letting the lure fall slowly over the ledge and waiting for the action. Most of the time, the lure will get hit on the fall of the bait, so be ready to set and fight.
Remember to prepare well when heading out this time of year. Stop by Palmetto State Armory for warm gear, advice on catching that cold water largemouth bass, and to check out our selection of lures. Make sure to keep your winter warm by turning up the heat on some great bass fishing!
Courtney Downing
Palmetto State Armory