It’s hard to believe another year has come and is almost gone. I hope you had a great year fishing. Due to low, crystal-clear water, it was a challenge to put a bass in the boat in the month of November. And that will probably continue into December.
Water temperatures will drop pushing bass into their wintering holes. That not only includes the deepest hole in the river, but also the deepest part of the river where you are fishing. As fish are going through the transition from fall to a winter, they can be hard to locate and pattern. So, I would start my day fishing around known wintering holes.
The best time to be on the water is after a three-day warm-up. Fish will move shallow looking for a meal. One of your main baits this time of year should be a jig with a matching chunk. Not to say fish won’t react to moving baits. They will, and one of my go-to baits in the winter is a jerk-bait. Try different sizes and colors, and vary your retrieve. Most fish are caught when the jerk-bait is dead still. If the river remains low and clear you will probably have to downsize your fishing line and your baits. Use Ned rigs and small jigs, or grubs on an open lead-head hook.
So, if you get a couple of nice days, get out on the water and give winter fishing a try. You just might be surprised at the results. Be safe and look out for others on the water!
As we prepare for Christmas by planning dinners, shopping, and parties, remember the reason we celebrate. At Christmas, God gave us the best gift ever. He sent his son Jesus, to live, die, and rise again, so we can live with him forever in heaven. Although this gift required great sacrifice, God knew we needed Jesus. Is he your Savior?
Merry Christmas!
Mike
