Fish Sniffer On Demand Digital Edition Issue 3726 Dec 8-21 | Page 18

18
FRESHWATER
Dec 7 - 21, 2018
BASS FISHING SPOTLIGHT
VOL.37 • ISS. 26
By Larry Hemphill
Cold Water Bass Fishing
Bass anglers are better able to deal with cold weather
than are the bass they seek. While humans move around
more to stay warm, bass do the opposite.
I have always maintained that the worst number in bass
fishing is “47”. Bass really seem to “shut down” in water
47 degrees or lower. Since the past four or so winters have
been mild in terms of temperature, with water tempera-
tures not much below 50 degrees, fishing was pretty
good.
This year could be different. Do we remember how to
fish a REAL, COLD winter? I think I do. Here are three
techniques that I use to catch “deep freeze” bass.
My number one weapon for winter bass is a “Weapon”
or Rodstrainer jig with a single tail Yamamoto grub. I love
to fish jigs because I get real “bites” and because the size
of the fish is usually larger.
I mostly throw a 3/8 oz. jig with 10 to 12 lb. test. We
don’t need heavy line in winter. Since lighter line doesn’t
“float”, we get a better feel of the jig in deep water. This
winter I may want to use a 1/2 oz. jig since the bass may
be deeper than normal.
I like a brown or brown/orange jig with a #180 bluegill
grub. Another favorite is a black/purple/blue tri-color jig
with a purple/smoke #157 grub. Remember to fish the
bait very slow, 25 to 55 feet, dead sticking often,
if possible. I have been accused of fishing a jig so
slow “it goes backwards”!
Spooning is always a good technique in winter,
but it is especially efficient in very cold winters
because bass are very deep and this heavy bait gets
to ‘em. Deep water bass are less affected by storms
and cold fronts. This usually makes them more
willing to feed on a more consistent basis. Winter
bass station over creek channels and points, near
schools of shad. As the shad die off, the bass inhale
them with a minimum effort.
A spoon needs to imitate a dying shad. I like to
use spoons in 1, 1-1/2, and 2 oz. sizes. Don’t bother
with 1/2 and 3/4 oz. spoons - get down to where the
fish are! Average spooning depths are 40 to 75 feet
in a very cold winter.
Save Up To 50% On the
Gear You Need During the
Sportsman’s Warehouse
Countdown to Christmas
Sale Dec. 7-13!
I
ncredible savings on fishing tackle, guns,
clothing, sleeping bags and a whole lot
more will be up for grabs during the Sportsman’s
Warehouse Countdown to Christmas Sale!
For more information about Sportsman’s
Countdown to Christmas Sale see the advertise-
ment in this issue of the Fish Sniffer!
Sportsman’s Warehouse has several locations
around northern and central California. The
Rocklin Sportsman’s Warehouse is located at
6640 Lonetree Blvd.
For more information call [phone].
In Chico, 765 East Avenue, [phone].
In Rancho Cordova 2344 Sunrise Blvd, (916)
635-7800. In Redding, 1659 Hilltop Drive, (530)
222-5500. In Fairfield, 1590 Gateway Blvd (707)
389-7400. In Fresno, 8468 N. Friant Rd. (559)
261-2900. In Rohnert, Park 5195 Redwood Dr.
[phone]. In Eureka, 3456 Broadway
[phone]. In Stockton, 10536 Trinity
Parkway [phone]. In Visalia, 1650 W.
Visalia Parkway [phone].
Most anglers vertical jig their spoons right under the
boat with a 6-1/2 to 7 foot med-heavy rod. If the water
is real cold, 46 degrees or below, don’t lift the spoon too
much. The fish may be very lethargic and only pick up
a spoon with little movement. Don’t expect a hit, just
pressure. If you lift the spoon and it seems to stay off the
bottom, set the hook while you reel. If it’s a fish it will
come to you, if it’s a tree, it won’t!
Finally, while the traditional “shakin” a small worm
with a brass ‘n glass will work in frigid temps, split-shot-
ting a 4-1/2 inch worm or reaper often works best.
Dragging this rig with 6 or 8 lb. test line very S L O W
L Y with an occasional twist, will catch bass in tough
conditions. I like to use Magic Worms in colors #11, 39,
62, 72, and 74.
Again, there will be no bite. It will feel like you picked
up some weeds. Just swing the rod forward and he’s
yours.
If we do indeed have a very cold winter, don’t get too
excited if we have one or two warmer days. It will take
several warm days in a row to get those deep fish to
think about moving up. I’ve seen that happen, even in
January, but not too often. Anyway, let’s bundle up a and
go set the hook!
Whether summer or winter, cold water or warm, Lunker Larry
Hemphill is a California bass fishing legend that can catch
fish regardless of the season or conditions.
Photo by CAL KELLOGG, Fish Sniffer.
Northern California’s
Fishing Boat Marketplace...
25 Aluminum Boats IN STOCK NOW!
Superior Design and Outstanding Workmanship in Heavy Duty
Welded Aluminum Boats -- powered by Yamaha Outboards
Families. Fishing. Forever. Since 1946
Great Family fishing boats powered by Yamaha outboards
Hand Built All Welded lightweight Aluminum boats
Hand Built in Fairfield California!
[phone]
2575 South Main St., Lakeport, CA
www.hillsidepowersports.com
3725