Fishing for Cold Water Bass Using Finesse Crankbaits

Bass fishing in the cold water periods requires different baits and presentations to optimize your chances for a successful day on the water...

One of the best crankbaits to throw when pursuing cold water bass, is the thin-bodied, tight wiggling, shad shaped crankbaits like Rapala's Shad Rap or Berkley's Flicker Shad...

Take a moment and listen to FLW Pro Terry Bolton explain how to select areas to present these thin-bodied crankbaits for more cold water hook-ups...

I know there are several tips from this video I'll be putting to work the next time out on the water...

How about you?

Winter Bass Fishing Game Plan

Bass fishing during the winter can be one of the most challenging experiences anglers face throughout the entire year...

Since bass are cold-blooded creatures, the temperature of the environment directly impacts their metabolism and typically limits feeding activity. Not only does the cold weather effect the bass, it also takes a toll on most bass anglers since the cold temperature requires dressing properly both for comfort as well as to remain alert when on the water!

The four considerations every winter-time bass angler needs to consider to increase success during each trip include:

1. Layering of clothing and other safety factors;
2. Identifying good winter fishing locations;
3. Water temperature and its impact on bass activity;
4. Lures and presentations that work.

The good folks at Fix.com created a fantastic winter bass fishing infographic summarizing each of the four factors as provided below...

  Source: Fix.com Blog 

Definitely some great information and things to keep in mind when planning your next winter bass fishing adventure...

When to Select a Rattling Over Non-Rattling Crankbait

Ever wonder when or if it’s better to pick a rattling crankbait instead of a “silent” version of the same bait?

Good question and it can be confusing to say the least…

Some bass anglers opt for rattling versions when fishing stained or muddy water relying on silent cranks when probing clear water environs. Other simply say it’s a matter of confidence or just changing between them to offer the bass a subtle difference in presentations…

In this video Bass Pro Brandon Palaniuk gives a few of his reasons for switching between rattling and non-rattling crankbaits…

Pretty interesting take isn’t it 👌

Do Artificial Lures Outfish Live Bait?

There is an age-old debate between many anglers regarding the effectiveness of artificial lures when compared to live bait...

Let's face it, most of us started fishing almost exclusively with live bait and over time gravitated to artificial baits for a number of different reasons.

There are definitely times when live bait may be more a better choice especially when faced with cold water conditions or when taking the kids out for a day on the water!  During other outings, artificial baits will rule the day... 

It just so happens, the folks at Fix.com put together an interesting infographic providing a different viewpoint on the the question, when to select live bait vs a lure as shown below...

Source: Fix.com Blog

Though they make some great points via their graphic, it often comes down to a matter of preference or confidence with most anglers as they select live bait or artificials... :)

Winter Bass Like Flat-Sided Crankbaits

There are certain baits that seem to excel at catching chilled winter bass…

One of those is a flat-sided or thin bodied crankbait like the Bomber Flat A or Rapala Shad Rap…

In this video, Alabama bass guide Jimmy Mason tells us why he prefers the Flat A and where he like to fish it…

Guess if you have the right cold weather clothing, it maybe time to get out and throw those flat-sided cranks!

Change Up Your Crankbait Retrieves for More Bass

Many bass anglers use a “chunk n wind” approach to fishing crankbaits relying on the occasional deflection off cover as their main trigger mechanism…

But changing up the speed and action you impart to the crankbait during the retrieve will help you catch more bass as bass pro Aaron Martens (R.I.P.) discusses in the following video…