Whats The Darn Trick To Fishing In The Cold

[Grey Wolf]

You are entitled to your opinion, yes. But I for one disagree with your opinion and I believe that many others do as well.

Live bait is a very viable and effective method for catching Bass, especially LARGE Bass. I'm with Muddy on this one.

That's just my opinion.

No big deal  , we all agree to disagree on this one.

[Muddy]

For Bass: Most of the time it is artificals with me. I make it a point to have at least one nightcrawler/bobber trip a year to celbrate and give thanks for my youthful invitation to this sport.\ We have an elderly gentleman named GUS on Mauch Chunk, he uses nothing but crawlers, has respectable catchs and fishes the same deep water spots as the rest of us. I have learned a lot about locating deep structure and bigger fish from him. I also use Minnows and Crawfish , on the river for smallies and I really do not feel less than or any need to apologize for having so much sucess and fun. If thats explosive then wear a helmet so no one gets hurt

[YankeesWin]

I use artificial baits 100% of the time when fishing for Bass.  

With that said I also believe that it is crazy to dismiss live bait as an option for catching them, ESPECIALLY when confronted with cold water or winter conditions.

I will agree that it may take more skill and or ability to catch Bass on artificial baits.  That is why I choose them.  I consider it a bit more sporting during warm water or "prime" fishing conditions.

If I'm not mistaken the thread was about "tricks for cold water".....  I think it would be unrealistic to not consider live bait in extreme conditions. (keep in mind that I live well above the Mason Dixon Line)

Sometimes "you gotta do what ya gotta do"!!    

[Catt]

Waiting until mid day is a huge mistake since the morning can be just as effective during winter as it is any time of the year.

My personal best largemouth of 12.8 was caught February 3rd 2007 a nasty cold morning with Northwest winds at 15-20 mph, a slight misty rain falling, and temperatures in the middle 30's; it was caught on a Bill Lewis's Rat-L-Trap ½ oz Red Chrome.

My personal best biggest average during a tournament was in January 1979 during a sleet storm with 15 bass (101.7 lbs) all being caught before 9:45 am.