Cold Water Bass

When I refer to cold water bass I'm talking about the period just after the ice has melted up to the pre-spawn. Until the water reaches 60 degrees bass will remain sluggish and lethargic. Bass will not want to work hard for a meal and they are more opportunistic feeders at this time. There are two main ways to get these lazy fish to bite. The first is my favorite and is the simplest, you play to the nature of the beast and their basic instinct to a reaction strike. In order to get these strikes I like to use a simple jig with a trailer. I prefer a black and blue jig as well as a pumpkin colored jig. Now you will have to play around with the different weighted jigs and trailers mainly because of the speed which they sink. In your area a faster sinker jig may get more of a reaction than a slower sinking jig. A nice starter kit that is offered by Bass Pro is
Bass Pro Shops Stacey King 31-Piece Jig and Trailer Kit Work the jig by pitching the jig off points, under docks, and any other heavy cover. The idea is to have the jig drop right in front of the fish quickly causing a reaction strike. Pitch the jig out and let it hit the bottom. Leave it there for a good 5 to 8 seconds bounce it a few times towards you and then retrieve the bait. Don't take to long between cast, the object is to get a reaction strike and if that doesn't happen within the first 10-15 seconds try pitching it again.

The other way I like is to give them and easy meal. This is where a suspending jerkbait comes in handy. A suspending jerkbait can be adjusted to pretty much hover at any depth. Again these baits come in many variations such as size and color so you will have to play around and find whats best for you. I nice kit available from bass pro is the
Bass Pro Shops XPS 5-Piece Suspending Jerkbait Kit The way this bait is worked is simple cast the bait out and real it quickly down to the depth you want usually between 2-6 feet deep and just leave it there. Give the bait a swift jerk and again leave it there, dont be afraid to leave it there for as long as ten seconds. Just make sure you watch your line. The bass may pick up your bait and start swimming with it so pay attention. The idea is to mimic an injured bait fish and then to give the slow lethargic bass a chance for an easy meal.

Both these baits can be found at Bass Pro Shops and I believe should be apart of everyone's tackle box. You can buy them individual or in kits. For the value the kits are definitely the way to go. If you are interested select one of the kits I recommend below. FYI There are now specials on both items I have listed well below normal cost.