How to Fish Jigging Spoons for Winter Bass

Fishing for bass in the winter can be a challenge, but jigging spoons can be an effective way to target these fish during the cold water period. In this post, we'll go over some tips and techniques for fishing jigging spoons for bass during the winter months.

First, it's important to understand the behavior of bass in the winter. As the water temperature drops, bass will become less active and will often seek out deeper, more sheltered areas. These areas often include deeper basin areas adjacent to the ends of points, steeply dipping banks, ledges/buffs, or in the deeper rivers on the outside edge of channel bends. Therefore you'll need to adjust your fishing techniques to target these fish in their winter haunts. These areas will often hold concentrations of bass in the winter.

One of the most effective presentations to accomplish this is by using jigging spoons. These lures mimic the action of struggling or dying baitfish, and can be fished vertically, making them perfect for targeting bass in deep water.

When fishing with jigging spoons, it's important to pay attention to the weight of the spoon. In the winter, you'll want to use a heavier spoon to get the lure down to the deeper holding areas where the bass reside. A good rule of thumb is to use a spoon that is at least 1/4 ounce for every 10 feet of water being fished. Since common depth ranges for winter bass are in the 20 to 30 foot range, 1/2 oz and 3/4 oz jigging spoons are often used. The most common rod and reel combo for jigging spoons is a 7' M/H power, fast action baitcasting rod with 12 lb to 20 lb test fluorocarbon line.

Another key factor to consider when fishing with jigging spoons is the retrieve. In the winter, bass will be less active, so you'll want to use a slower, more subtle retrieve. This can be accomplished by using a slow, steady lift-and-drop vertical motion with your rod allowing the spoon to flutter back to the bottom, or by using a slow, steady reeling motion with occasional twitch of the rod tip to add a little erratic action to the spoon.

It is also important to consider the color of your jigging spoon. When fishing clear to lightly stained water, metallic colors such as chrome, copper and gold are common depending on the type of baitfish present. When water clarity or overall visibility is limited, it's a good idea to use a brightly colored spoon, such as white, chartreuse or orange, to add contrast against the darker environment.

Jigging spoons can be an effective way to target bass in the winter. By understanding the behavior of these fish, using the right equipment, and fishing in the right location, you'll be able to catch more bass even in the coldest months of the year.