temps between 45-50

[rowyourboat]

i havent done well so far. the water temps are between 45-50.

any ideas on where to find them and what to throw at them?

[roadwarrior]

Moving lures:

Topwater, jerkbaits, shallow running square bills,

lipless cranks, spinnerbaits , blades and especially,

Swarming Hornet/ LFT Live Magic Shad.

Bottom baits:

Rage Tail Baby Craw & Craw, naked

Smokin' Rooster

Eeliminator, C-rigged

MegaStrike MegaBug

Hair jig/ Baby Craw or Craw

8-)

[eastCoastbassin]

i have found small lakes that have warmed faster than my regular fishing holes and they have done quite well! 4 bass ranging from 4.25lbs to 2 lbs in the last 2 weekends. these small lakes include golf coarse ponds, lakes around businesses and even drainage lakes. i start with jigging a worm off the bottom or throwing a silver and black rattle trap slow retrieving both. USE BAIT FISH COLORS! the lake behind my house is deep and large so it hasnt even started to show signs of life but these "decorative" lakes around the city have really produced! i live in a heavily fished area and no one thinks to fish these so you should find some big fish! Good luck and think small lakes and "match the hatch" lure patterns!!!

[Wayne P.]

It depends on the water temp trend to get to those temps. Rising to those temps, a horizontal bait is good. Falling to those temps, a slow bottom bumping presentation seems to work best.

[Hot Rod]

When you think you are fishing slow enough, slow down some more.   

[Vinny Chase]

NorthStar Hair jigs are great in cold weather...

Also like RW said, throw a lot of bigger profiled moving baits..Those females are going to be done spawning and ready for a big meal!

[Thad]

When you think you are fishing slow enough, slow down some more.

So I've read and heard a lot.

But, last week we were fishing 46 degree water and we caught 31 largemouth in two different areas where the water was less than 2' with square bills. We were fishing them at a decent speed. This was in a relatively deep lake too.

So, it just continues to show that it's a sport of trial and error. Never assume anything and don't be afraid to go against the grain.

[USMCAngler89]

I've had luck on a Rapala jointed blue bleeding shad, already caught a few decent sized large mouth and hybrids

[Catt]

i havent done well so far. the water temps are between 45-50.

any ideas on where to find them and what to throw at them?

What does it take to make for a good staging location?

There are 2 things that I consider when looking for staging areas. The first is the 3 to 5' flats that are closest to my winter holes. The second is spawning locations that I know about from previous years.