Big fish, it seems, stay in shallow waters even during the bitter cold of winter. To capitalize on this behavior, the spinnerbait becomes an indispensable tool. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
1. Location Matters: Focus on water between 1 and 5 feet deep with a bit of stain. Whether it’s muddy or clear, keep the bait close to the bottom, moving it as slowly as possible while maintaining its upright position and keeping the blades turning.
2. Gear Selection: Opt for a 3/8-ounce white spinnerbait with double Colorado blades (sizes 4 and 6) in muddy to extremely muddy water. For less murky situations, a big 1/2-ounce willow leaf spinnerbait with chartreuse and gold blades (No. 4 Colorado and No. 6 willow leaf) is ideal. The thump of these baits in cold water is crucial.
3. Line and Rod Choice: Use 40-pound Sufix 832 Braided Line for enhanced sensitivity. Employ a longer, stronger rod like the Fitzgerald Fishing Vursa 7-foot, 3-inch medium-heavy to handle the violent nature of this technique.
4. Technique Tips: Make forceful, straight-line casts, avoiding high arching motions. Be mindful of the spinnerbait’s arm; repetitive bending weakens it. Trailers are critical in cold water, and the Z-Man Split Tail TrailerZ with ElaZtech material is a durable choice. Keep the bait close to cover, upright, and add occasional twitches for maximum effectiveness.
In the timeless words of wisdom from the old man, “Don’t go bear hunting with a switch.” Ensure your gear is robust enough to handle the challenge of landing those elusive winter bass. Happy fishing!
Images/Source: Wired2Fish
