Page 30 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine Winter 2022-1_Neat

Fishing Tips for Winter

It is no secret, or at least it shouldn’t be, that most Fish tend to locate themselves into groups in the
people tend to fish during the warmer time peri- winter and are not as active. The second location
ods of the year. Bear in mind that there are definite is understanding that fish tend to go deeper in the
bonuses for fishing during colder periods of the year. winter to find the warmest water possible. Deeper
So, if you are serious about fishing, you should con- can be deep holes in the body of water near them
sider winter fishing. or on humps, along creek channel swings, rock and
brush piles in larger creek arms and areas on main
This article will hopefully provide you with informa- lake. The need for bass to feed still exists during win-
tin that can help you be prepared and help you be ter and it is at their feeding time that you have your
successful at wintertime fishing. chance to catch them. This window of opportunity is
usually the warmest parts of the day, at noon. Final-
There are distinct advantages to fishing during the ly, if you are new to winter fishing, avoid areas with
winter! First, there is less competition. Casual an- high current situations. The last thing you need is to
glers are taking part in activities indoors. Another be fishing in more unstable conditions than normal.
group of outdoor enthusists are sitting in deer stands In the summer, we expect to sometimes fish in the
and or duck blinds. All of which make it so much less rain, but thunderstorms with lightening are things
crowded on the water and seldom a need to share we avoid. To prepare, we watch the weather forcast.
your favorite fishing spots. Second, it is important This is just as critical, if not more so in the winter
to realize that winter fishing is a very different expe- months. The last thing anyone wants is to be caught
rience than you face in warmer weather. While fish on the water during a winter storm. The optimal
do still have reaction bites, anglers must adapt. to weather conditions are when the sky is clear and
a slower pace to match the lower metabolism of the sunny and before a cold weather front has passed
bass and the prey they eat. Thirdly, in the winter, you over.
are fishing for quality and not quantity. Because of
less fishing pressure and less ability of fish to fight As important as it is to look at the weather forcast,
once hooked, your chances of catching bigger fish your attire is just as vital. Dress in layers! Just as
goes way up. bass tend to be lethargic in the winter, we to move
slower when we are cold. That being said, we can
There are some things we are going to share that if need to cool off at times. This is when the layers
considered can make your winter fishing trips more come in handy. Pack on enough layers to ensure that
enjoyable. To start, a phrase you hear often in bu-
niess is location, location, location.

you stay warm regardless of the changing weather.
Frostbite and hypothermia risks can be very real,
and not only should you protect yourself through
insulation but also make sure you have proper water-
proofing around your body in case there is a chance
30 Lady Bass Anglers Association Fishing Tips For Winter