Winter Fishing, Time Of Day

[Red]

I have been struggling lately catching much. I have caught two bass in my last three outings, both on a football jig around rocky areas. The fish were bigger than average but getting more than one is getting tough, got skunked today actually. I have been fishing from sun up until 10am-11am or so. I am wondering if I would be better off waiting until later in the day? Temps have been in the lower 40's early warming into the 60's by mid afternoon with clear skies. Tomorrow however, is supposed to cloudy but about the same temps. Water temps have been in the upper 40's to low 50's. What do you think, go at sun up or wait until maybe noon to hit the water?

Thanks

Cliff

[00 mod]

I have been going at sun up, but not really getting bit until the sun is actually up in the sky and the water is getting direct sun light. Cant keep me away early, but if I had only a couple hours, I wouldn't get there until 9 or so this time of year to maximize my time on the water!

Jeff

[zip pow]

Caught my fish between 11:30 and 1:00 today didn't get bit until 11:30 had me worried

[roadwarrior]

Prime time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

[Bluebasser86]

Fish are cold blooded so those couple extra degrees you get when it warms up later in the day will help make them more active a lot of the time. During the winter time for me the mornings are tough and then I'll catch most of my fish from about 9 or 10 until dark.

[Pete-K]

Best days when its cold, have been around 1pm to 2:30pm. Even on deep water main lake points we would hit the lottery about this time of day. These bigger fish wait for that water to warm just a little, then the bait fish is enjoying it also. I remember on cold Feb day on Gunnersville Lake. We were fishing a tournament, had a few nice fish. But we waiting until 1 pm to fish this big main lake point. 5 cast and 5 nice fish from 9 lbs 13 oz down to 6lb 11 oz were boated off this cold winter point. Fishing 20+ crankbaits it was unreal. But in prefishing this one we had not gotten any good fish untl the magic hours, then it was on. We had 4 points like this that would load up with big fish. Have not fished those points in years. But funny part is, I came back too Tn end of Pickwick and was able to do the same thing.

Pete

[Red]

Well going in the afternoon didn't help!! I would have skunked if it wasn't for one single dink willing to bite!! I am struggling this winter, Way off my numbers from last year.

Cliff

[Clint C.]

On sunny days it's good to wait until later in the day towards the evening. Let the water warm up, get to the sunny, wind blocked side of the lake and you should be able to find some fish!

[NCLifetimer]

In my experience the fish bite around 11-3:30 or so right now, as states above. That extra few degrees is enough to make a few active.

[Red]

Well they weren't activated today!! I will try some other spots next weekend, going to be too windy tomorrow. Thanks for the input!

Cliff