The hot summer months are notoriously great for catching largemouth bass. In particular, the heat of July and August greatly helps with topwater lure action. A good crankbait or popper can work wonders for catching the attention of a largemouth hitting on all the insects landing on the surface.
And then summer comes to an end……
Winter soon arrives and the water temperature takes a major drop. This has an effect on the metabolism of bass. Getting the fish to strike is a lot harder. Harder, however, does not mean it is going to be impossible for you to get a bass to hit your lure. You just need the right lure and know how to use it the proper way.
Do Not Use Warm Water Lures
As soon as the temperature starts to drop and drop fast, the aforementioned crankbaits, top water lures, and spinners are not going to do you any good. You have to stick with lures known for doing a good job in the winter weather. The two most common cold water lures for bass are jigs and plastic worms.
Slow Down and Take Things Easy
Since bass are not prone to be very active in cold water, a lure that whizzes right under their nose is going to do very little to stimulate their interest. Largemouth bass just do not like to move (much) in the cold. So, you have to be very slow and deliberate with your use of a lure.
A jig that slowly, easily, and almost gently bounces near a bass might get a strike. Even if the bass is not hungry, a strong possibility when the fish’s metabolism has slowed to a crawl, the fish may “lash out” at the lure out of antagonism. Really, does it matter why the bass struck the line?
Spinners and Spoons Draw Attention
Spinners and spoons are also good choices when the water is cold, but not too cold. As the winter arrives and the temperature of the water is going down, these lures are excellent for getting a fish that does not want to move to, well, move. The metabolism of the bass has not yet adjusted to super cold water so they will likely still eat if something is near them. Spinners and spoons do a wonderful job of mimicking breakfast, lunch, and dinner to a bass chilling in the cold water.
At some point, you may have to shift your game to chase after walleye or other cold water fish. You can get in on the last few weeks of bass fishing action. You just need the right lures and the right insight.
Yellow Bird Products
1803 Holian Drive
Spring Grove, IL 60081
815-469-9686
