Fishing Bluff Walls for Winter Bass

As the water cools through the winter, bass continue to be less active and head to cover/structure near deeper water. One of the best places to find active bass during the colder months is along bluff walls and drop-offs. 

Bluff walls are steep underwater cliffs and ledges that bass use for ambush points to attack schools of baitfish. 

Here are some tips for fishing bluff walls and catching more winter bass:

Location - Use your electronics and maps to find bluff walls that drop into deep water. Focus on bluffs on main lake and river channel ledges and points. The bass will hold tight to the walls and break lines during winter. Irregularities along the bluff like rock points, small stair step ledges, rock slides or wood tangles are excellent holding spots for forage and winter bass.

Lures - Crankbaits and jerkbaits that can reach deeper depths work well for bluff fishing. Use lipless crankbaits, blade baits, spoons and suspending jerkbaits to fish the sides and irregular contours along bluff walls. Slow rolling spinnerbaits can also produce along bluffs. Use natural baitfish patterns like shad and perch.

Presentations - Make long casts parallel to the bluff walls and count the bait down to depth. Use a stop and go retrieve bouncing the lures down the contours. Also make fan casts to hit different spots on the wall. Switch up lures and retrieves until you trigger strikes.

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Luke Palmer describes his approach to probing bluff walls for hungry winter bass...

Be thorough and methodical in your approach. Bass will relate to subtle rock piles, depth changes and wood cover along bluff walls. Pay close attention to your electronics and mark productive spots to revisit later. 

Fishing bluff walls is a go-to pattern for catching more bass when the water turns cold.

3 Tips for Fishing Boat Docks for Winter Bass

As the weather gets colder, bass go deep and become lethargic. However, they will still readily strike a tasty meal that drifts by. Boat docks provide an excellent opportunity to catch inactive winter bass.

Here are a few tips to help you catch more bass around docks when the water turns plunges below the mid 40s:

1. Slow Down - The metabolism of bass slows way down in the winter, so you need to slow down your presentations. Use plastics rigged Texas-style, lipless crankbaits, or suspending jerkbaits. Work them extremely slow and let the bait sit still for long pauses at times to see how they want the baits presented.
2. Fish Deep Docks - Target docks in deeper water, at least 6+ feet. As water around shallow docks get colder, bass will move out to deeper docks. Focus on dock posts, edges, corners, and boat slips. Vertical jigging can also be very effective if bass are found holding on brush piles around docks.
3. Downsize Your Offerings - Big baits catch big fish, but that changes in the winter. Scale down to more compact baits in the 2.5-4 inch range. Finesse plastic creature baits, ned rigs, and scented finesse plastics can all produce when retrieved slowly.

Bass pro Brandon Cobb often relies on docks to find hard cover oriented bass during the cold water period. Take a couple minutes and watch as he explains his approach to finding and catching winter bass when fishing boat docks...

Remember winter bass are usually less active, often preferring finesse over power fishing presentations. Always consider using finesse techniques like:

• Drop shotting: Rig a small finesse worm and a light drop shot weight and delicately "tickle" the bottom around dock supports and outside shaded areas.
• Jigging: Work a compact jig and trailer with a slow crawl or lift-and-fall retrieve under docks and along the edges.
• Ned rigging: Thread a Ned worm or similar size soft plastic bait onto a mushroom-style Ned jig head, letting it drift naturally near cover or cast it just under dock edges and slowly drag it out.

Using the Shaky Head for Cold Water Bass

As winter tightens its icy grip, seasoned anglers know that bass behavior undergoes a significant change. With the cooling temperatures, bass tend to migrate towards deeper waters, congregating around funnels and pinch points where baitfish like shad and perch are concentrated. To capitalize on this winter bass pattern, one effective technique stands out - the shaky head jig and straight-tail worm combo.

Understanding the Strategy:

The shaky head jig and worm technique is a finesse approach that excels in enticing sluggish winter bass. The subtle movements of the shaky head mimic natural prey, triggering a predatory response from the lethargic bass. To maximize your success, it's crucial to know where and how to deploy this technique during the winter months.

Choosing the Right Gear:

Start by selecting a medium to medium-heavy spinning rod paired with a high-quality reel spooled with 8-12 lb fluorocarbon line. This setup provides the sensitivity needed for detecting subtle bites while offering the strength to handle winter bass in deeper water.

Selecting the Right Jig and Worm:

Opt for a finesse shaky head jig in the 1/4 to 1/2-ounce range depending on depth and weather conditions. Pair it with a 4 to 6-inch straight-tail worm in natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, or brown. This combination closely mimics the appearance of forage, enticing bass even in the coldest water.

Targeting the Sweet Spots:

1. Deeper Water Funnels: Identify key structures such as points, humps, creek channels and drop-offs in deeper water. These areas often serve as natural funnels, concentrating bass as they move between shallow and deep zones.

2. Pinch Points: Look for narrow passages or bottlenecks in the underwater topography. Bass tend to stack up in these pinch points, taking advantage of the concentrated baitfish movement.

3. Bluff Walls: Pay attention to bluffs, especially those adjacent to creek/river channels, where bass and baitfish often stage as they migrate. Bass are likely to hang out in these zones, enjoying the comfort of quick access to deeper water while awaiting an easy meal.

Technique and Presentation:

Cast the shaky head towards the targeted structure and let it sink to the desired depth. Once on the bottom, employ a slow, subtle dragging or hopping retrieve. Mimic the movements of injured baitfish, enticing the winter bass to strike.

Take a few moments and watch as bass pro Brandon Cobb describes his approach to using a shaky head to probe winter haunts and catch cold water bass:

Mastering the shaky head during the winter months can unlock the secrets of deep bass fishing and help put more chilled fish in the boat. 

By understanding their behavior and strategically targeting areas with concentrated baitfish, anglers can increase their chances of success even in the coldest of waters. So, gear up, head to those deeper water funnels, fire out your favorite shaky head rig and prepare for some exhilarating cold water bass action!

Crafting Your Own Double-Bladed Spinnerbait

Spinnerbaits are versatile lures known for their ability to attract a variety of game fish species. While pre-made spinnerbaits are readily available in the market, many anglers enjoy the satisfaction of crafting their custom lures. 

In this post, we'll walk through the steps of constructing a double-bladed spinnerbait using a preformed spinnerbait head, blades, skirts, swivel, clevice, and spacing beads.

Materials Needed:

• Pre-formed spinnerbait head (choose your desired weight and style)
• Two blades (typically Willow-leaf, Colorado, Indiana)
• Spinnerbait Skirt (choose your preferred colors and material)
• Swivel
• Clevis
• Spacing Beads
• Needle-nose and/or Round-nose plus Split-ring Pliers
• Scissors

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Ensure you have all the necessary components for constructing your double-bladed spinnerbait. Lay them out on a clean, well-lit workspace to make the assembly process more efficient.

Step 2: Select the Blades

Choose the two blades you want to use for your custom spinnerbait. Consider factors such as blade color, size, and shape, as these can affect the bait's visibility, action, and vibration in the water.

Step 3: Attach Blades to Clevis

Insert the lead smaller blade into the clevis, ensuring it spins freely on the upper arm of the spinnerbait form. The clevis is a small, U-shaped metal component that connects a blade to the spinnerbait form.

Step 4: Add Spacing Beads

Slide spacing beads onto the spinnerbait's wire shaft above and below clevice. These beads serve to separate the blades, preventing them from tangling during retrieval and clevice to rotate freely.

Step 5: Add Larger Blade to Swivel and Affix to End of Upper Arm

Attach the larger blade to a split ring on the swivel then use either the needle-nose or round-nose pliers and start to form a small loop on the end upper arm of the spinnerbait wire. Place the other swivel's split ring in the open loop then use the plier to close the loop against the wire arm to secure the swivel/blade combo to the upper arm of the spinnerbait.

Step 6: Attach Spinnerbait Skirt

Select and attach selected skirt to the spinnerbait head. Spinnerbait skirts come in various materials, colors and patterns allowing you to customize the bait's appearance. Trim the skirt to your desired length using scissors for optimal appearance and action in the water.

Tips:

• Use different blade combinations to create varying water displacement and vibration. Willow leaf blades offer little vibration but more flash, while Colorado blades produce more lift and a greater thumping action.
• Experiment with skirt colors and materials to match the hatch or attract attention in murky water.

Need additional components to  make your own spinnerbaits? 

Check out the wide variety of materials to create your own custom spinnerbaits available at Lure Parts Online by clicking on the following links!

Spinnerbait Heads

Spinner Blades

Skirts & Skirt Material

Tools

Terminal Tackle

Choosing the Right Battery for Your Boat

Your boat's battery is the lifeblood of its electrical system. It provides the power to start your engine, run your fishfinder, and keep your lights on at night. 

But with so many different types of marine batteries on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

Types of Marine Batteries by Use

There are three main types of marine batteries: starting, deep cycle, and dual-purpose.

• Starting batteries are designed to deliver a short burst of high power, like the kind you need to crank your engine. They don't last long when discharged, so they're not a good choice for running your fishfinder or other electronics for extended periods.
• Deep cycle batteries are designed to be discharged slowly and deeply over a long period. They're perfect for running your trolling motor, fishfinder, and other electronics.
• Dual-purpose batteries are a combination of starting and deep cycle batteries. They can provide both cranking power and power for your electronics.

Different Marine Batteries by Technology

The marine environment throws unique challenges at batteries. They need to withstand vibrations, salt spray, and temperature extremes, all while delivering reliable power. To meet these demands, there are several different types of marine batteries available, each with its own construction technology. Here's a short breakdown:

1. Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA):

• Technology: The classic choice, FLAs use a liquid electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water surrounding lead plates.
• Pros: Affordable, readily available, high surge current for engine starting.
• Cons: Require regular maintenance (checking and adding water), susceptible to spills and gassing, shorter lifespan.

2. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM):

• Technology: Uses a fiberglass mat to absorb and suspend the electrolyte between the lead plates, making it spill-proof and maintenance-free.
• Pros: Maintenance-free, vibration-resistant, good surge current, longer lifespan than FLAs.
• Cons: More expensive than FLAs, not as good in extreme heat as gel batteries.

3. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4):

• Technology: The latest and most advanced option, LiFePO4 batteries use lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material and a graphite anode, offering superior performance and safety.
• Pros: Extremely lightweight, long lifespan, fast charging, deep discharge capability, excellent safety.
• Cons: Most expensive option, requires special charging systems, not as readily available as other types.

Choosing the Right Battery Technology:

The best type of marine battery for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like:

• Boat size and type: Larger boats with more electronics will require more battery power.
• Battery usage: Starter batteries deliver high bursts of power, while deep-cycle batteries are designed for sustained discharge for use with trolling motors, electronics, etc. Dual-purpose batteries combine both functions.
• Budget: FLAs are the most affordable, while LiFePO4 batteries are the most expensive though longer life span may offset cost.
• Maintenance: FLAs require regular maintenance, while AGM, and LiFePO4 batteries are maintenance-free.

Here are a couple other things to consider when choosing a marine battery:

• The type of electronics you use: Fishfinders, trolling motors, and other electronics can draw a lot of power, so you'll need a battery that can handle the load.
• How often you use your boat: If you only use your boat occasionally, a smaller battery may be sufficient. But if you use your boat frequently, you'll need a larger battery that can be recharged more often.

Tips for Maintaining Your Marine Battery

Once you've chosen the right battery for your boat, it's important to take care of it. Here are a few tips for maintaining your marine battery:

• Keep it clean and corrosion-free: Battery terminals can corrode over time, which can reduce their performance. Clean the terminals regularly with a wire brush and baking soda.
• Keep it charged: A marine battery should be kept at a full charge to prevent sulfation, which can damage the battery. If you're not going to be using your boat for a while, put the battery on a battery maintainer.
• Don't let it get too hot: Heat can damage marine batteries. If you live in a hot climate, store your battery in a cool place.
• Get it checked regularly: Have your marine battery checked by a qualified technician every year.

Take a few minutes and watch as the folks from W2F for some great insight into selecting your next battery set for your fishing rig...

In addition to the tips above, here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• When choosing a marine battery, be sure to buy one from a reputable marine supply store.
• Read the warranty carefully before you buy a marine battery.
• If you're not sure how to maintain your marine battery, consult a qualified technician.

With a little care, your marine battery will provide you with years of reliable service.