Should I Give Up??

[Ratherbfishing]

About the only bait/technique I know that works well in cold water is a jerkbait fished very slowly-long pauses.

 

Honestly, though, if I'm not enjoying myself, I don't fish.  I can usually still enjoy myself if it's comfortable outside-even IF I'm not catching fish OR when it's uncomfortable outside and I am catching fish.  But not when it's uncomfortable outside and I'm NOT catching fish. I find something else to do-especially after several attempts.  I don't think there's any shame in this.  MOST of us fish for enjoyment.  If you don't enjoy it, don't do it.

[Gundog]

[Turtle135]

The hardest winter bass to catch is that first one. Once you land that first bass trust me, things will start to fall into place.

 

Get a thermometer. If you are fishing for largemouth and the water is under 40 degrees I would stick with the jig and let the jig sit still for 30 seconds before you inch it forward. Once the water gets to 40 degrees and over a jig and a suspending jerkbait are a good one two punch.

 

I have become something of a specialist on the cold water jig bite. I will sit out there anchored crawling that jig over deep structure for 8-9 hours and probably only move to 3-4 spots over the course of the day. The reward is that you can catch the biggest largemouth of the year doing that.

 

If you aren't "feeling it" on a particular day take the day off. Adapt the attitude that if you get out there and put in a couple of solid hours that that is a "win". Good luck!

[All Day Fishing]

I feel you! I think i have been out about 5 times this year and got skunked 4 times and got a couple bluegill the one time!  No BASS this year still, but I knew that could be the case.  Try going for other species like many others stated, trout in the winter is money!  Also another thing i learned recently is watching the weather closely, like the air pressure, fish are more "active" during lower pressure days, like before a storm comes in.  

[senile1]

14 hours ago, BigMinnow said:

Thanks everyone for the motivation. I’m kinda new to fishing and I’ve really only spent a lot of time on the rivers (but they’re too cold right now and I don’t have a kayak or waders). I should mention I’m fishing from shore and can’t cast to the deepest parts of the lake so I might have to focus on catching panfish or use some shallow water tactics like a few of you have mentioned before. Can any of you offer tackle tips and suggestions for water temps just above freezing??

Winter fishing can be a brutal learning experience, especially for someone who is new to bass fishing.  A number of lures and techniques have been mentioned that may work under these conditions.  For me, I like @A-Jay's jerkbait suggestion and a finesse jig takes care of the bottom.  I have to ask, what are you using for a trailer on your jig?  I've found that a very subtle trailer makes a lot of difference in getting bit once the surface water temps are in the 40s and 30s.  

[the reel ess]

There are some good topics on BR today. People are really bringing it.

[shovelmouth83]

in the articles there is a bass fishing for beginners. it is awesome and has a lot of great info. but as said before K.I.S.S. 

Keep 

It 

Simple

Silly

i have evolved from hopeful to hunter. 

https://www.bassresource.com/how-to-fish/

https://www.bassresource.com/beginner/bass_basics.html

[Phil_NH]

The first few weeks after ice out up north can be brutal. I scan the bottom alot, making waypoints . The rough days make the rest of the fishing season feel easy. Hang in there, winter fishing builds character.