• Winter bass fishing can be slow but productive for anglers who brave the cold.winter image by ric from Fotolia.com
  
  Bass fishing is typically associated with warm weather, and that is when the majority of anglers do their bass fishing. But that is not enough for some fishermen, who will do whatever it takes to target bass year-round. That means targeting them in the winter, when fishing tends to slow down. Still, it is possible to catch bass when the mercury in the thermometer dips.
  
  

Shift Your Thinking

• Although it can be hard to start a day of bass fishing without high expectations, anglers who fish for bass during the winter should be careful not to expect too much.
  
  Generally, a good day of bass fishing in the winter would be considered a slow day during the summer. That's because the cold water slows the metabolism of bass, which means they don't have to eat as often.
  
  They're also less active in the cool (or cold) winter water, so anglers who prefer to fish fast and stay on the move likely will be better served by slowing down and fishing more methodically.
  
  

Large Baits

• It might seem counter-intuitive to use a big bait in the winter--the bass, after all, are sluggish and many anglers use small lures in such cases--but it's important to keep the needs of the fish in mind.
  
  Although they are not active, they still need to eat. And most fish would rather eat one large meal than multiple smaller meals, because it requires them to expend less energy.
  
  As a result, 10-inch plastic worms and lizards can be especially productive in the winter. Fish the lure slowly along the bottom, moving it a foot at a time and then letting it sit still for 30 to 60 seconds or more.
  
  Large crankbaits with big bills also can be effective, provided you retrieve them slowly along the bottom so the bill of the bait grinds into the ground.
  
  

Jigs

• A jig and pig, which consists of a lead jig, silicone skirt and a pork or plastic trailer, is one of the best lures for catching big bass. That is also true during the winter months.
  
  Select a jig that weighs one-half of an ounce or more and tip it with a pork trailer. The combination is designed to resemble a crayfish and should be worked slowly along the bottom.
  
  Focus on drop-offs that break quickly into deep water, and around any vegetation that is green. Crawl the jig along the bottom and pay close attention to anything that feels different.
  
  Bass are unlikely to hit a jig hard during the winter (or anytime of year, for that matter), so set the hook if you think there is even a remote possibility that a bass is biting.
  
  

Shallows

• Winter bass fishing is often a deep-water affair, but do not overlook shallow cover, which will hold some bass year-round. The best cover includes rocks, brush, boat docks, and trees that overhang the shoreline.
  
  Focus on the cover that allows bass quick access to deep water. A jig and pig is a good lure to cast into and around shallow cover. Given that bass likely will be lethargic, it might require multiple casts to the same piece of cover before a bass will bite.