The winter months are an excellent time to bass fish if you’re willing to battle the elements, but you need to choose the right lures and fish them correctly. Oklahoma bass pro Brad Hallman favors lures that emit strong vibrations, such as bladed jigs, single Colorado spinnerbaits, and tight-wiggling crankbaits. “Lateral line thumping,” as he refers to it, is the best way to trigger bass in cold, dingy water.
TACKLE USED
- CHATTERBAIT – Z-Man Evergreen Jack Hammer ChatterBait
- SPINNERBAITS – Single Blades at Tackle Warehouse
- TRAILER – Z-Man RaZor ShadZ Swimbait
- FISH FINDER – Garmin LiveScope Bundle + ECHOMAP Ultra 106sv
- TROLLING MOTOR – Garmin Force Trolling Motor
- ROD – Falcon Cara Casting Rod, 7’4″ Heavy
- REEL – Shimano Curado 200k, 7.4:1 Casting Reel
- LINE – Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon, 16-Pound
Hallman stresses that it’s essential to fish these moving baits slow and methodically. Winter bass form tight schools around prime structure and cover but usually pass on fast-moving baits in cold water. Temper your retrieve speed while focusing efforts around prime spots such as channel swing banks, bridge neckdown areas, or any edge that provides bass quick access to deep water and forage through current flow.
