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I carry 5 rods now. A cranking rod with 10-pound test, a spinnerbait rod with 12 pound test, a medium to med heavy rod for Silver Buddys, and 3 spinning rods. One rigged with a tube, one with a Stingray grub, and the last with a drop shot. I might switch up during the day to a shaky head, hair jig, or a split shot rig.
As usual depth and speed are key! Also, observing what the tide is ringing…warmer or colder water! I don't get out on the water too early this time of year. I like things to warm up a bit unless it is warmer overnight. If the water is below 40, then I know I will fish slower and possibly a bit deeper. The depth cutoff is 4-6 feet. Deeper or shallower than that.
When water is below 40, I rely on Silver Buddys to find fish. I cover all depths and all my winter presentations are slow and slower. I like the _ ounce size and I'll use a pipe cleaner to paint stripes on them. Alternating bright orange and black stripes. Get the paint and supplies at JannsNetcraft.com. That's all I do to modify them. A gentle burp off the bottom with a semi slack drop and I try all depths until I find the depth fish are holding. After that, I can continue or switch to my next bait.
The Mann's Stingray grub has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. I know I look very young, much younger than the old guides on the river, but that dates back to the 1960's when I lived in Alabama. A 3” avocado Stingray on a _ ounce jig head…I like to powder coat the heads...also from Jann's...some black, some white…. that's it! A good soaking in Garlic Jack's Juice and I'm ready. Here's a tip you won't hear anywhere else. Keep the bag of grubs in your pocket to keep them warm! This will make it easier to put on the hook without splitting the plastic. Try a drop of Pro's Soft Bait Glue here too!
I like 6-pound test. A lift and slow drop allows this bait to glide down drops and across cover. All of the bass this time of the year are on the bottom; at whatever depth they are holding. They don't move far or fast to eat. A slow presentation with longer pauses especially when contacting cover is the best technique.
The Mizmo tube is a bit bigger, but will get good results too. Use the same presentation you did with the Stingray. You can even use a slow drag and stop too! I like the _ ounce Gerkin tube heads...now R&R Custom baits, found at Dance's Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, VA or by calling…804-541-4162. They are weedless and are made with Mustad Ultra Point hooks! Also, hair jigs like the Punisher work too. Jack's Juice really soaks into the plastics or into the hair on a Punisher jig!
If the water warms over 45, I go to spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Again, very slow, pauses in between. Ask Sam about this! He has mastered the slow rolling of a spinnerbait; He will switch between blades and weights, depending on how deep he needs to be. In the muddier water, the gold Colorado or Indiana blades are best. It also forces you to slow down even more! In clearer and slightly warmer water, the back willow blade works. For skirts, chartreuse and white. I don't use a trailer hooks, Sam does.
For cranking, I like a variety of lures, but really like the 7' G-Loomis cranking rods! 10-pound test line allows the bait to dive deeper having maximum action, but more importantly, it reduces the resistance of the line when a fish takes the bait. This is very important in the wintertime! Don't understand this??? I'll go into detail at my seminars this season…BTW here's a list! As always, I 'll have sample product to give away….SealSKinz gloves and socks..Jack's Juice, Grabber Warmers,
2009 SEMINAR SCHEDULE
January 16, 17,18 The Richmond Fishing Show, Richmond Raceway Complex www.nationsoutdoorshow.com
January 21,22 The Baltimore Boat Show, Baltimore Convention Center www.baltimoreboatshow.com
January 23,24,25 Nation's Outdoor Sportsmen's Show, Dulles Expo Center.www.ncboatshows.com
February 7 Fishon Bass Anglers, Gaithersburg, MD with Elite Series pro John Crews...non members can attend! www.fishonbassanglers.com
February 28 Bass Pro Shops Spring Classic Hanover, MD
March 1 Bass Pro Shops Spring Classic Richmond, VA
Cranking continued….I like to fish as shallow as possible. I like the Mann's Loudmouth 3 in chartreuse with a brown back. This will get to about 5 feet. For deeper applications, try the Lucky Craft Flat Mini DR. You have to crank this one very slow or it will “slide”! I also like the red Mad Craw patterns! Hit bottom and stop, crank or pull the bait with the rod. Here's another tip…dig out your slower baitcasters and if you can find the ones without infinite anti-reverse, use them! You can also underspool your reels slightly to help you slow down. If you still can't, just pull the bait with the rod to judge your pace. Why the reel?…well, I think I'll save something for my seminar! USE SHARP HOOKS!
Next is the drop shot, split shot, and shaky head. Fro all three, I generally like the Mann's HardNose 5 inch finesse worm, unless the water is slightly stained. For drop shot and split shot, I use a short leader…8 inches. I slowly drag and stop. I wait as long as I can when I hit cover. Hen I have to move again, I lift my rod to pull the weight over the cover and let it sit again very close to the cover. This is a waiting game and the bites will feel like a rubber band when you go to move it. WATCH YOUR LINE! Again, use light line…6 pound test. Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon is perfect for this…helping you feel what's going on and helping you to keep the baits on the bottom.
IF you aren't sure about why you need to go slow…next fish you catch, check the belly…see any silt just below their gills? They didn't get that swimming around!
Dress in layers, and check out my latest article on tidal fishing! It is a two part series with FLW angler Dave Lefebre filling in the advanced info! Stay tuned for that! http://www.nationalbass.com/reports/feature.htm
Also, there are still some fish in grass, but it has to be close to deeper water and out of the current!
If you are thinking about winterizing your boat…here are some tips from BoatUS…and a free winterizing guide. http://nationalbass.com/reports/boatus.htm
BTW, I detail features and benefits of specific products in my reports I have used extensively and have confidence. Mentioning product names is easier for you to match up with what I'm using.
If the water is super clear, I like jerkbaits! White or clown colored suspending jerkbaits. I like Lucky Craft Pointer 100 and 78's. But, who doesn't? Try a variety of brands.
Have fun! Questions, comments or booking a trip: info@nationalbass.com. I have a lot of articles on various strategies and techniques on my site. If you have a suggestion for an article, let me know. Check out my website: www.nationalbass.com. I can't fish the entire river all the time; so if you have some information to share, let me know.
Captain Steve Chaconas/National Bass Guide Service/SEOPA
" Take me fishing!"
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