James RickardLures for winter fishing
January 31st 2012 01:02
Although we’ve been fortunate around here and haven’t had that much snow, early winter can be a real disappointment or it can be some of the most exciting fishing of your life.
Success is all about being at the right place at the right time because if you hook into something, chances are it going to be big! Another part of that equation, is using the right lure. Although live bait is always a safe bet, here are some suggestions on lures that work when it starts getting colder.
Success is all about being at the right place at the right time because if you hook into something, chances are it going to be big! Another part of that equation, is using the right lure. Although live bait is always a safe bet, here are some suggestions on lures that work when it starts getting colder.
An excellent choice for just about any time of the year would be a spinnerbait that’s fished in 3- to 7 (7.5-18 cm.) feet of water. Colors such as orange, white, or chartreuse produce best in murky water and lighter colors usually generate bites in clear water.
A slow retrieve usually works best when it’s cold but let fish tell you what they prefer. Retrieve at their speed. It’s never a bad idea to vary your retrieve until you get some interest.. Spinnerbaits will probably work best around cover like logs, stumps or downed trees.
A jig with a black/blue trailer is a great choice in off colored water. Lacking this, go with a dark jig without a trailer. Brown is another color you can never discount. As with the spinnerbait, make sure you fish slow this time of
the year. A slow retrieve usually works best when it’s cold but let fish tell you what they prefer. Retrieve at their speed. It’s never a bad idea to vary your retrieve until you get some interest.. Spinnerbaits will probably work best around cover like logs, stumps or downed trees.
A jig with a black/blue trailer is a great choice in off colored water. Lacking this, go with a dark jig without a trailer. Brown is another color you can never discount. As with the spinnerbait, make sure you fish slow this time of
Floating baits
This time of year, fish are on the don’t eat often but, when they do, you can bet they’re on the prowl for an easy meal so, a floating bait may work this time of year. They don’t want to chase a meal too far and prefer an easy-to-eat bait such as a dying minnow.
Always remember is not to set the hook very hard. Winter fish are going pretty lethargic so, it's pretty easy to jerk the bait right of their mouth if you don’t pay attention to what you are doing.
Always remember is not to set the hook very hard. Winter fish are going pretty lethargic so, it's pretty easy to jerk the bait right of their mouth if you don’t pay attention to what you are doing.
Artificial worms
This is another great bait just about any this time of year. A good choice is something around 6 inch (15 cm.) but you can also use something around 4 (10 cm.) inches and get good results. Don’t forget your Texas or Carolina rigging when it comes to worms.
Throw out your worm and let it settle to the bottom. Bounce it slowly and give it a little shake now and then. Again, you don’t want to move it too quickly.
Throw out your worm and let it settle to the bottom. Bounce it slowly and give it a little shake now and then. Again, you don’t want to move it too quickly.
Rattling lures
Any lure that makes noise is always a good bet. A lot of companies make a crankbait with BB’s or a loud clacker in it. You can use baits like this in depths ranging from 6 inches (15 cm.) all the way down to 10 feet (3 m.) A sudden twitch produces unexpected sounds and may trigger a reactionary bit. Give this a shot around docks or old lily pad growth.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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