By Scott Norton
Winter is on its way out and the bass are already on their beds in the far south, so the light at the end of the tunnel is near. The water temps have been in the lower 50”s and the days are getting warmer. Bass are in a funk even on warm days and don’t seem to want to bite at all. So how can you figure this puzzle out when all odds are against the angler.
I like to start out with reaction baits such as crank baits, jerk baits, and lipless crank baits to test the temper of cold water bass. This will tell you if they are active and willing to feed or if they are shut down and not interested in anything. If they are not interested, there are a few avenues you can take to prevent leaving the day empty handed. Most anglers go straight to finesse applications but if that doesn’t work, what can you do? Go to big baits that can be dragged on the bottom. This means they are lethargic and don’t want to chase bait. A big easy meal is what they want.
Just like finesse applications, the same applies to big baits. You have to have the gear and the right big bait to throw. If bass are deep, you know you don’t want a floating or even a slow sinking bait. Select a bait that’s heavy and more than likely, it will be a rubber paddle tail 6 to 8 inches. Drag that bait on the bottom like a Carolina rig. You want to present an easy meal and this technique looks like a big easy fish that’s struggling. When bass see a meal that’s weak or dying, it kicks in an instinctual response that we all know bass are known for.
The gear typically is very heavy. 7’11 to 8’ rods that can handle up to 6 ounces of weight. The action you’re looking for is a fast action, since your bait has a single hook and you’re dragging it through muck on the bottom. You really need a good heavy reel that’s around 300 to 400 in size. It has to accommodate the line size and the weight of the bait. You’ll need 20 to 30 pounds of fluorocarbon or monofilament to get the job done.
I have been seeing big fish next to rock and wood in the main lake next to the main points. Fish this pattern slow or you will pass some good bites. This will take lots of patience, confidence, and concentration to produce a good yield. One other thing you can try is going further south where the elevation drops. You’ll see warmer water temperatures and hungry fish in these areas but if that’s not an option, use these tactics to guide you through tough conditions . Hope this helps and remember pre-spawn is on the way.
Scott Norton is a native of Western North Carolina. Born in Asheville, NC, he is a long time avid hunter, angler, and weekend warrior. He is a member of Southern Raft Supply’s prostaff team representing them in his Jackson Kayak Coosa FD.