Ask the Experts: Cold-Weather Tactics

(Editor's note: This article originally appeared in the February 2015 issue of FLW Bass Fishing magazine. To read more compelling articles from FLW Bass Fishing magazine each month, become an FLW subscriber member.)

Goin' Grubbin'

What is the best situation to fish a grub?

Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn. –

In order for the grub bite to really turn on, you need two factors: water temperatures of less than 55 degrees and high visibility. If the lake I’m fishing has those two factors going for it, I’m confident that there will be a grub bite. It gets even better if the lake has smallmouth and spotted bass. They seem to eat a grub better than largemouths.

The name of the game with grub fishing is to slow down. If you think you’re winding it slow, slow down some more. I use a light 1/8-ounce head and slow-roll it around bluff walls, points and ditches.

Winter Winds

How does wind affect bass in cold water?

Larry Nixon, Bee Branch, Ark. –

Bass rely a lot more on light penetration and visibility in cold water. Wind in the winter reduces that visibility, which can completely shut down the bite. In the summer, wind can be a benefit by creating current and oxygenating water. That’s not the case in the winter. When it’s windy in the winter, I like to concentrate on protected areas that will maintain the best light penetration.

Tackling Spoons

What’s the best rod, reel and line setup for fishing a jigging spoon?

Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark. –

Used to, I didn’t fish jigging spoons much, but lately I’ve been catching a lot of nice fish on them. They are great for catching lethargic winter bass and can be fished effectively at almost any depth.

There are a couple things I look for in a jigging-spoon combo. First, I like a fairly heavy rod to get fish moving up when I set the hook. Second is a high-speed reel to keep up with them once they’re coming toward me.

I use a 7-foot, 2-inch, medium-heavy 13 Fishing Envy Black casting rod paired to a 7.3:1 13 Fishing Concept E series reel spooled with 10-pound-test Seaguar InvizX fluorocarbon. That setup works great for me, and I’ve caught some really nice fish on it.

Chilly Fingers

What’s the best way to keep your hands warm when fishing in the winter?

Vic Vatalaro, Kent, Ohio –

I’ve started using some of the great new gloves that are on the market. Guys around me in Ohio do a lot of trout and steelhead fishing in the winter, and I’ve been using a pair of gloves from Simms designed for them. They are fully waterproof and very warm, which makes bass fishing in the winter a whole lot more fun.

Regardless of what kind of gloves you wear though, the biggest key to keeping your hands warm in cold weather is to keep them dry. Once wet, they get that deep chill, which is a lot harder to fish through. I keep a towel on the deck to dry my hands off and stash some of those chemical hand warmers in my pockets when it’s really cold. As long as you keep your hands dry, you’ll be all right.