Waterways Fishing Series: Winter Tactics for Bass

As the seasons change, so do our tactics for targeting fish. It is no secret that bass are cold blooded and do not like the cold. While a popper may work in the dead of summer, it simply will be too much movement in the winter. Today, we had the opportunity to shadow local fishing guide Craig Gorton and see just how he approaches bass during the winter months.

Tip #1 Watching the weather

When deciding to go fishing, weather can be the most crucial factor in what can make or break your day on the water. Here in the mountains of North Carolina, we must really pay attention as the temperature fluctuates drastically over a very short distance. Factors like wind, humidity, water temperature, and sun direction are all things to consider when you are deciding to go winter fishing.

Tip #2 Time of day

Let’s face it, we all take pride in getting up before the sunrise and being the first one to the boat launch. You get out there and catch a few fish and are home before your loved ones have even gotten out of bed. While in the summer this might be true, in the winter months you may find that you want to push your fishing trip until the warmest part of the day. The warmest part of the day will give you the best odds when it comes to landing bass during the winter months.

Tip #3 Key in on the bait fish

            Sometimes bass fishing really boils down to fish chasing food. If you can locate the bait fish, then it is a safe bet that bass are not too far off. If you are fishing in lakes, then you more than likely using some sort of fish finder to locate fish. During the winter months, the bait fish will tend to bunch up and look like a general ball on your fish finder. We recommend finding these bait fish and trying different methods at the depth and direction they are swimming.

Tip # 4 Find it and fish it

            We find ourselves bringing everything during these winter months as it can be so hard to predict what will turn the bite on. When you do finally land that fish, we recommend sticking with it and really homing in on that certain pattern. Once you leave, make sure to journal it down for the day and pick up where you left off the next day.

Tip # 5 Sticking with it

Bass fishing is already tough but doing it in the winter can be even more difficult. Often, the angler will give up way before the day of fishing should be over. We recommend staying positive out there. It only takes one to change your perspective on your day, and we highly encourage to cast just one more time.

            In the end, we don’t fish because it is supposed to be easy. We fish because each one of us enjoys the challenge and ultimately the reward. We hope you spend more time out there this winter and truly enjoy your time on the water.

In the end, we don’t fish because it is supposed to be easy. We fish because each one of us enjoys the challenge and ultimately the reward. We hope you spend more time out there this winter and truly enjoy your time on the water.

Local Guide: Craig Gorton

Guide Service: Found Em Fishing