I need help!

[bassboy1]

Yesterday, I went on my first bass fishing trip since October.  First winter bass trip.  Dad and I took the 12 foot Vee up to the reregulation lake below the dam to Carters lake.  It was windier than heck, and we had 1 1/2 foot swells and whitecaps in the middle.  We had waves coming over the bow and were barely making headway going into the wind, and could not maintain a course any other way.  We tried carolina rigging some main points but it was so windy we couldn't cast straight, let alone keep the boat in the same spot long enough to make a cast.  So, we spent most of the time in a very sheltered LOOOONG cove that was an old river channel.  The water was almost like glass, but it was not deep enough for anything this time of year.  

Anyway, the wind was the main reason that nobody caught anything.  

Well, all the time I was thinking about how I should fish were there not much wind.  I realized that I knew a LOT less than I thought I did.  

I know yall are going to say just keep reading online here, but I have been doing that since about August, and thought I knew what I actually didn't.  I also know yall are gonna say practice, practice and more practice, but that is impractical right now.  I will be lucky to get out once more before the main spawn starts.

All that being said, what tips are yall going to give me.  Lets pretend that all I know about winter bass is they would rather stay deep.  What kind of cover/structure should I target and what should I use?  My fish finder should arrive within a week or so, if all goes to plan, so I will be able to look for better structure.

[adamcjones]

The wind can help a lot of times actually. First, if the jig bite is on...stick with it...just go to a heavier weight.

Second...when the wind kicks ups think spinnerbait.

[IneedAnewScreenName9886691]

adamcjones gives good advice.  

Hard saying but I think you are on the right track.  I would be concentrating on main and secondary points with good cover.  With that said, every lake is different.

One tactic I have used with moderate success is to go out on a big fishing weekend.  Observe the locals, where they fish, how they fish.  I wouldn't use this as a way to pattern the lake but it may give you the insight you are looking for and combined with what you already know could help you get bit.  

good luck, figuring out can be half the fun!  

[bassboy1]

What other types of cover would yall look for?  We noticed one other guy fishing toward the middle of deep coves.  But, our sonar hasn't arrived so I didn't know what cover he was fishing.  I think I can master spring/summer fishing with practice, and small tips, but winter fishing is beyond my grasp.  And, I kept reading, and all I learned is what the baitmonkey should get next, and not how to use the stuff.