The Late Winter Bass Approach
As we head into late winter, I make every excuse in the book to justify a couple casts in the bass ponds. It may be freezing cold, and ice is just beginning to melt, but if there’s open water it’s always worth a shot—especially after cabin fever has really set in. Although the odds may seem stacked against you, taking notes on the conditions prior to your trip will give you a chance at a few bites. The following are the three main factors I keep in mind for late winter bass fishing.
Clear Skies and Sunshine
Sun is a big factor when it comes to late winter bass fishing. When choosing a body of water, pay attention to which side of the lake the sun rises on, sets on, and what part of the lake receives the most sunlight throughout the day. Even if air temperatures are just as cold as the day prior, a bluebird sunny day will provide enough warmth to make a bass move for a meal, especially smallmouth.
Focus your efforts on late afternoons this time of year, follow the sun’s path throughout the day, and fish the area of the lake that received the most sunlight. By fishing late in the day, closer to sunset, you allow the water to reach its maximum warmth. Bass will recognize this subtle change in temperature over the course of the day, then use that energy to find a quick dinner.
Wind
Observing the wind direction before your trip, as well as when you arrive at the lake, is of utmost importance. I love when a steady wind blows into a cove near deep water all day, then subsides toward sunset. If and when I notice this, I will immediately move to that zone and fish for any bass that may have slid shallow with the wind’s assistance, because they present an easy target as the wind dies down. When you mix a situation like this with the all-day sunlight, you are in the perfect situation to find a good bite.
Presentation
The last piece of the puzzle to cure cabin fever is presentation. Before you go, do not overpack your box. Being too eager to change baits while you’re fishing can result in missed opportunities. You want to focus on the right, methodical presentation to ensure you capitalize on those often subtle bites when they come. You may cast repeatedly around a group of bass this time of year, only to find that they will bite during brief windows which can last mere minutes. These bite windows are dependent on sun exposure and wind direction.
The two baits I really focus on fishing with are bottom baits and jerkbaits. When you have a windier scenario, a very slow suspended jerkbait presentation can get it done. Extra long pauses are crucial, especially after ice out.
The most consistent player, however, is the bottom bait. A natural-colored, downsized jig or Ned rig is deadly—fish it painfully slow, and you’ll find it’s rarely ineffective. Feeling the bottom and knowing you’re in contact with fish will improve your chance of success when these bite windows line up.
Get out there and make it happen!
Related Content
Breaking Down the Bass Fishing Seasons
Where to Find Winter Smallmouth
Two Must-Use Rigs for Winter Bass Fishing
Source: https://onthewater.com/the-late-winter-bass-approach
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