Ask The Pros
Weather Q. and A.
Winter Fishing
Q. I live in Washington and I’m able to catch some good bass here in the warmer weather but when winter comes my success rate takes a nose dive. The warmest water I could find last time I was out was 39 degrees. I’ve tried tube jigs, jig and grub, slow chrome crankbaits (I talked with Larry Nixon and he said that's what they do down South when the water is cold), slow firetiger crankbaits, slow rolling spinnerbaits, suspending stickbaits, and slow retrieves and fast retrieves on lipless crankbaits. Nada! What do you suggest? Get back in my igloo and wait until spring?
Bob Larimer
A. I would have to say in your position you are going to have to think outside the box. When the water temps are below 45 degrees, you are going to have to look deeper and cover water more efficiently. One technique that has become famous with the Western Bass Club in Seattle is Rev. Rigging. Using a three-way swivel, tie your main line to one ring. On the other ring tie a line to a ball weight (1-3 oz. depending on depth, commonly used for saltwater or a Quickdrops sinker if you are using 1 oz), then on the last ring create a leader line with a small jerkbait or jointed crankbait. Drag this rig around your favorite spots and in deeper water - around those spots like you would drag a double tail Hula Grub or a Carolina rig. This technique is a viable way to catch bass in the winter up here in the northwest.
Nick Barr
Northwest Pro