Westernbass Magazine - Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - December 2012, Page 47

Westernbass Magazine - Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - December 2012, Page 47

invizX. Both have proven to be great for casting and sensitivity even in the cooler air temperatures. For my rod and reel selection, i prefer to have a lighter than normal action rod than i do in other seasons to match my lighter line selection. My new favorite spinning setup is a abu Garcia revo SX paired with a abu Garcia Villain rod. This is the ultimate lightweight system and will ensure you can feel those light biting bass.

LOcATIOnS

don’t let the small size fool you; the jig comes with a heavy gauge 4/0 Gamakatsu hook. i like the feeling of having a smaller jig and profile, but not having to sacrifice by using a light wire hook. a tube bait works wonders; because it can imitate both a small crawfish as well as a baitfish. The small, compact design fished with an open hook is a great way to catch winter bass. i prefer the smaller 3-inch sizes in natural colors like green pumpkin and watermelon. You cannot go wrong with a small tube and 3/16-oz jighead fished inside of the bait. a slow, steady action along the bottom will be your best bet for cold water bass fishing.

You can never go wrong with focusing on steep walls and bluffs during the colder months. These areas will almost always hold fish year round, but during the winter fish will be more tightly grouped in these areas. other prime locations are off main lake and secondary points that have access to both deep and shallow water. it has been my experience that many bass will stay close to productive spring and summer locations, if they can get away with it.

ELEcTROnIcS

no discussion about smallmouth and spotted bass fishing would be complete without talking about the use of electronics. due to their nomadic nature and how they key on baitfish, electronics play a major role in locating likely areas. one tip i have learned from interviewing top professional anglers is to watch for the depths and locations of groups of baitfish. it may seem obvious, but the grouping of baitfish during the winter will be your biggest key to locating smallmouth and spotted bass. i rely on my electronics to locate baitfish more than i do to locate depth changes and water temperature, simply find the bait and the fish will most likely be there.

Cold weather fishing can be trying on our bodies due to the cold air temperatures; but there is no better way to warm up than catching a big smallmouth or spotted bass.

LInE, GEAR AnD mORE

Since the water temperature forces us to move a little slower and move our baits less, i am a big believer in using lighter line. typically bass in the colder months are in more offshore locations and away from heavy cover, so i am comfortable reducing my line on spinning rods down to 6-lb and even 4-lb test fluorocarbon, and 8-lb and 10- lb on baitcasting gear. There are numerous, high quality fluorocarbon lines on the market; but my choice is Seaguar tatsu and

Issue 6

December 2012

By simplifying your bait selection and slowing down, there is no better way to spend a winter day.

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