Winter fishing presents unique challenges for anglers seeking trophy largemouth bass. Early winter, in particular, can be a time of frustration or unparalleled excitement, depending on the lake, conditions, and approach. With the right techniques and lures, this season can yield some of the most rewarding fishing experiences. Based on a survey of top-rated bass lures, here are five proven options and how to use them effectively.
1. Spinnerbait
Spinnerbaits are highly effective during early winter, especially in water depths of 3 to 7 feet. Bright colors like orange, white, and chartreuse excel in murky water, while translucent shades such as light gray perform better in clearer conditions.
A slow retrieve is generally preferred as water temperatures drop, though varying retrieve speeds is essential to find what bass favor. Adding rod tip twitches can provoke reaction strikes, and if short strikes occur, a trailer hook may improve success.
Spinnerbaits perform best around cover, including logs, stumps, lily pads, and downed trees. This lure has been known to produce impressive catches, including largemouth bass exceeding 6 pounds. For instance, a 21.5-inch largemouth was caught on a white tandem Colorado spinnerbait in just 2 feet of water—proof of this lure’s potential.
2. Jig and Pig
In off-colored water, black and blue are top choices for jig and pig combos, though black and brown also perform well. This lure is a go-to option during cold fronts when bass retreat into dense cover.
Fish this lure slowly, flipping or pitching it into cover such as thick weeds, logs, and downed trees in 5 to 15 feet of water. After it settles on the bottom, lightly shake the jig to activate its rattle, which can draw bass from nearby cover. Hop it several times with pauses between movements and re-cast to nearby stumps or weed beds.
High-visibility line, such as Stren clear-blue, is recommended for detecting subtle line movements. Any unusual twitch or tension on the line should prompt an immediate hook set.
3. Floating Rapalas
Floating Rapalas are legendary for early winter bass fishing, particularly in shallow areas where bass seek easy meals. A rainbow trout-colored Rapala, twitched near dying lily pads, can be particularly effective.
Cast toward the shoreline or near cover, then twitch the lure underwater and let it float to the surface. Repeat this sequence before retrieving it like a crankbait. Proper hook-setting technique is critical; avoid pulling the bait too quickly out of a bass’s mouth. Wait until the splash subsides to ensure a solid hook set.
4. 7-Inch Power Worm
A 7-inch Power Worm is an excellent choice year-round and a standout in early winter. Rigged Texas or Carolina style, it’s highly effective for working drop-offs and breaklines.
Cast the worm toward structure and let it settle on the bottom. Use a slow hopping motion, shaking the rod tip between hops to create noise with the brass and glass combination. This noise can draw bass from nearby cover.
This lure works well under docks, around logs, and other underwater structures. Pair it with glass beads and brass weights for the best results, and adjust the weight size based on water depth and worm size.
5. Rat-L-Trap
The Rat-L-Trap is an excellent choice for targeting big bass in early winter, with its loud rattle drawing fish from cover and structure. It performs well in depths ranging from 6 inches to 10 feet.
Retrieve the lure just above the weed line or bottom, incorporating sudden twitches to enhance its sound. This technique can trigger strikes from bass holding near docks, lily pads, or logs. Running it parallel to structure or along the edge of cover increases its effectiveness.
To maximize the Rat-L-Trap’s potential, consider upgrading the factory hooks with larger ones to accommodate big bass. Proper hook size ensures better penetration and increases the likelihood of landing larger fish.
Final Thoughts
Early winter offers anglers a prime opportunity to target trophy largemouth bass, provided they adapt to the season’s conditions. The spinnerbait, jig and pig, floating Rapala, Power Worm, and Rat-L-Trap are all reliable tools when paired with the right techniques. Remember, the key to success lies in patience, persistence, and adapting to what the bass respond to on any given day.
Image/Source: bassresource
