Winter 2019
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If they are glued to the bottom go with a short leader, if they are slightly suspended go with a longer leader. The goal is to try and get it right in front of their face without them having to exert too much energy to get the bait.
ACTION/RETRIEVE: A really important thing you need to pay attention to is the speed of the twitch. You do not need to shake this bait much at all. I find that dead sticking the bait actually is more productive. It may sound boring; but, it gets the job done.
GEAR: My dropshot set up is a 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1” ML paired with a Creed GT 2000 reel spooled with 20-pound braid and a 6-pound fluorocarbon leader. I use a #2 Trapper Tackle hook.
ELECTRONICS: In my opinion, when you’re winter bassin’ you’ve just got to have good electronics and you have to know how to read them correctly.
Through my experience, I’ve learned that bass tend to hold tight to the bottom using whatever cover they can like large boulders and rock piles to stay warm. Some fish will actually bury their bellies in the mud to help retain heat almost like a blanket.
This makes finding these fish on your electronics a little more difficult – which is why you have to take some time to learn how your electronics work and how they read fish.
These are my three favorite ways to vertical fish in the winter. I hope these tips help you catch more fish and gives you the confidence to go out and put in time on the water this winter. Remember you’re not going to catch them sitting on the couch; so, bundle up and go fishing! •
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