Outdoorsman:

Winter Fishing

During spring and early summer, anglers head to our lakes by the droves, and rightfully so. The fish are easily located and often easy to catch. But as late summer rolls around, a lot of people put fishing on the back burner, as the daytime highs are dismal and the fish become a great deal more finicky. There’s also a small window of time during the fall, when the water temperature begins to drop and fishing picks back up. But this time-slot is small and with the arrival of winter, boats once again sit idle under the shed. A hesitance to spend time on the water during the winter is reasonable. Battling frigid temperatures is hard enough. But when the action is practically non-existent, we’re talking the epitome of misery. However, bone-chilling days are no indication that fishing cannot prove tremendous. It’s a matter of understanding that fish’s activity levels have slowed, and they have drastically changed their patterns. In turn the angler must resort to a technique that will situate the lure in smaller strike zones for a longer period of time. As strange at it might sound, the change of approach I’m referring to is a diversion of retrieval directions. When you get down to the nuts and bolts of things, it’s a fairly simple approach. Throughout the bulk of the year, anglers cast toward the banks and retrieve their

lures back to the boat. Generally speaking, we fish horizontally. This particular technique is extremely effective during the spring, summer, and fall. But as the water temperature nears the 58degree mark, it’s time to totally change our tactics. It’s time to start fishing vertically. As the water nears this magic number, bass automatically resort to deeper water, gathering in large groups referred to as schools. And the colder the temperatures, the tighter and more congregated these schools become. During the winter months, bass naturally gravitate toward and travel along creek channels. The key word in the previous sentence is “travel.” That’s right, schooling fish are nomadic, and where they are today is no indication of where they might be tomorrow. That being said, electronics are essential tools during the coldest months of the year. Pinpointing these schools often proves the greatest challenge. However, upon locating them, the action can prove tremendous. And maybe it’s my imagination, but when fishing’s good, cold temperatures don’t seem to be as much of an issue. With their whereabouts finally pinpointed, it’s time to get down to business. Hover over the school, drop your favorite lure over the edge of the boat and let it fall. Making a vertical retrieval, jig the presentation a little, let it drop, take in a little line and jig it a little more. Continue this process until confident the lure is no longer in their strike zone. In the event the angler does choose to cast and retrieve, creek channels should still be considered. Just remember that a slow retrieval is essential when the water temperature is cold. Now comes the cool part. . . Upon coaxing one into biting, stick with them for a while. On a good day, an angler can boat a limit out of one school without moving the boat. I’ll be the first to admit that frigid temperatures, especially on the water can lend to misery. But those who dress for the occasion, choose lures designed with vertical fishing in mind and bring along a steaming thermos of coffee are apt to experience an enjoyable time. And one school of hungry bass or scrumptious mess of crappie is all it takes to hook a fella for the winter.

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