WINTER BASSIN
by Donuel E. Bruno

When people think of winter fishing, the first thing that comes to the average anglers' mind is boat storage, and TNN for the fishing shows. But for the die hard angler, he thinks of which baits to use, and warm clothes. What I am going to do in this article is to go against the grain on how to approach the lethargic winter Bass.

For years, I have heard most anglers scream go small, go slow when it comes to winter bass fishing. Well, I say just the opposite, I yell go big, slender, and then go extra, extra slow.

Here in Indiana, on a 39 degree day, in about 10 to 30 foot of water with the wind blowing out of the West, good cloud cover, and the water temp at around 43 or 44 degrees, in stained water. I prefer to use a 10" Black and Blue, Gambler Ribbon tail worm, with a 1/8 oz Florida rig rattlin weight, on a 3/0 Gamakatsu hook. But as always, color depends on the clarity of the water. I personally prefer to either Texas Rig or Carolina rig my baits at this time of the year. If Carolina rigging, I would suggest using a 6" to 10" leader, and nothing heavier than a 3/8 oz weight. This way it is heavy enough to fall quickly, and light enough to detect strikes.

First, look for the breaks, and underwater structure using your depth finder. I sometimes use a product called the Clinefinder, which is made by Catalina Technologies. It is a deep measuring thermometer, which helps me locate the thermocline, which is another way I locate bass in the winter months Bass generally like to position themselves along the second or third breaks right up against cover, and I mean tight to it. If there is any existing grass still left, fish it Whether it be a rockpile or submerged trees, or even boulders, if you can locate it on your depthfinder, or see it, then I would suggest to fish it.

Cast past the structure, and allow your bait to touch bottom, then slowly, and I mean slowly inch, or better yet crawl the bait back towards the boat, pausing in between movements. I normally pause anywhere from 10 to 20 seconds before moving my bait again.

Now, knowing if you have a strike or not is another story, I have found in my winter fishing excursions, Bass rarely make an aggressive strike during the cold months. So for me it has been a watch the line, and feel it, type of process. What will generally happen is that your line will move away from you at a slow but steady pace, or in some instances, you will feel the weight as you try to move your bait. And as they say, when in doubt set the hook. Well, this has worked for me for many, winter fishing seasons, and I will continue to experiment during these cold winter months to learn the way of the Mighty Mr. Bass.

Take a look at some exciting products from Gambler, and other companies that can be used for all types of fishing at Fishinglife.com. And tell them I sent you.

Until Next time, keep the lines tight, and yourselves warm

<"{{{><, Donuel E. Bruno