Winter bass shoreline fishing

[Gregorym38]

Anyone have luck in winter fishing from the shoreline for largemouth bass? Or do they all retreat to the deep water 

[Derek1]

It’s tough, but you can pick one off here and there

[softwateronly]

In general, I usually do better in deeper water.  But every place is different and there’s lots of people on here who can find and keep a shallow bite all winter.  I don’t think all bass do the same things. Look for areas that supply a food source and favorable water quality, you’re likely to find catchable bass. 
 

scott

[Craig P]

I have some luck fishing a local reservoir here in Pa. You would swear it’s a graveyard with little signs of life during the winter but I’ve found them in the deepest part of the lake at a nice point.  Most of my success has come from Neds but I will use a football jig with a craw or ball head jig with a Keitech.  I did have one day there where they were shallow chasing bait and it was a lot of fun but for the most part, I know I’m in for a slow outing but I’m ok with that,I’m out, breathing fresh air and nothing else in the world matters.  

[Gregorym38]

3 hours ago, Craig P said:

I have some luck fishing a local reservoir here in Pa. You would swear it’s a graveyard with little signs of life during the winter but I’ve found them in the deepest part of the lake at a nice point.  Most of my success has come from Neds but I will use a football jig with a craw or ball head jig with a Keitech.  I did have one day there where they were shallow chasing bait and it was a lot of fun but for the most part, I know I’m in for a slow outing but I’m ok with that,I’m out, breathing fresh air and nothing else in the world matters.  

I suppose. Looking to get a ned rig, what exactly did you get? 

 

4 hours ago, softwateronly said:

In general, I usually do better in deeper water.  But every place is different and there’s lots of people on here who can find and keep a shallow bite all winter.  I don’t think all bass do the same things. Look for areas that supply a food source and favorable water quality, you’re likely to find catchable bass. 
 

scott

Where do i find their food source in a freshwater lake?

[softwateronly]

10 hours ago, Gregorym38 said:

I suppose. Looking to get a ned rig, what exactly did you get? 

 

Where do i find their food source in a freshwater lake?

Well this is what makes it hard.  I have a canoe and can get to more water, but lack electronics, so I do a lot of guessing.  If the water is calm, oftentimes I can see schools of bait and or juvenile panfish dimpling the surface.  I also watch the birds, not only where they are catching, but also where they seem to spend time looking.  In terms of structure, points, sharp breaks near flats, and any deep water choke points between shallower flats.  I always look for life in the shallows as well.  If I see baitfish, I expect the bass to be in nearby ambush points, whether thats cover or structure.  My water is almost only weeds as cover so I seem to spend more time searching/fishing the structure instead in the cold, but if I find fresh green weeds in water that has the breaks that I like, I gain enough confidence to "know" fish are there and spend time picking it apart.  I pretty much have the topo map memorized with all the time I've spent on the water.  With the water in the low 40's, high 30's I like using a little swimbait on a ball head and blade bait to find fish.  

 

scott

[Craig P]

14 hours ago, Gregorym38 said:

I suppose. Looking to get a ned rig, what exactly did you get? 

A typical Z-man ned head and TRD Finesse in your favorite color. I like PB&J. 

[Susky River Rat]

I have caught lmb ice fishing in 4ft of water right against the bank.  I would suggest if you can try to fish a moving body of water. Neds are awesome.