Fishing Slow

Species aside, winter is the time of year when you need to slow your lure presentation down. When the water temperature drops below 40 degrees, you want to barely move the tip of your rod. Whether it be bass, walleye or trout, nothing under the water at this time of the year moves very fast.

With bass, this means it is time to break out the hair jigs and tubes. You can catch some really nice fish this time of the year, if you know the proper technique. Smallmouth bass at this trying time of the year look for large pools, small eddies, subtle current breaks and anything that will protect them from the current. The smallie's metabolism at this time of year make it almost impossible for them to chase anything. They will just lay in these protected areas and feed on anything passing by. Remember they must eat, all year. Even under the ice, the smallmouth will still eat. Hair jigs and tubes are effective at mimicking crayfish and other easy to catch food in cold water conditions, which are a much easier meal and takes less effort than chasing a shad or other swimming minnow. That’s why the hair jig and tube are the lures of choice in cold water. Find the areas with little or no current, and fish slow. Guarantee you will catch some nice smallies. 

- Don Manning (FISH THIS)