Pro bass angler Josh Stracner keeps his winter bass fishing simple by using just a handful of proven lures. He shares his top 4 baits, which cover most open-water bass fishing locations from late fall to early spring. Which lure you have tied on is mainly based on water temperature and the general activity level of the bass. Without further ado, here are Stracner’s core lineup and how each fills its own unique winter bass fishing niche.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
• JERKBAIT – Strike King KVD Deep Jerkbait: https://wired2.fish/3EhObiU
• CRANKBAIT – Strike King Chick Magnet: https://wired2.fish/3G0shSW
• JIG – Strike King Structure Jig: https://wired2.fish/3UCjpqs
• TRAILER – Strike King Rage Bug: https://wired2.fish/3UjQ0S1
• WOBBLE HEAD JIG – Strike King Jointed Structure Head: https://wired2.fish/3DRawCH
• TRAILER – Strike King Rage Bug: https://wired2.fish/3UjQ0S1
1. Suspending jerkbait. A suspending jerkbait should come as no surprise for winter bass fishing die-hards, as it’s the ultimate do-all, freestyle moving bait in that you can fish it on a continuum between fast and slow. There is a lot of nuance to jerkbaits, but Stracner always strives to have them suspend. That’s right; he doesn’t want them to sink or float. Fire out a long cast, reel the jerkbait down to depth and let it sit. While gentle twitches can work, experiment with hard jerks followed by long pauses. Generally speaking, long pauses between jerks trigger more bites than continually working the bait.
2. Flat-sided crankbait. Not all crankbaits are created equally. Flat-sided crankbaits have a gentler action and vibration that cold-water bass find irresistible. Just remember, winter doesn’t always mean fish deeper. Stracner also targets winter bass in extremely shallow water, especially on warmer winter days and in the afternoon, when bass can warm themselves. Try using a slower reel and stay focused on crawling the crankbait across the bottom and over cover elements.
3. Big jig. It seems counter-intuitive, but a bulky jig might be the best option when bass are feeding on the bottom. A multi-purpose jig in the 1/2-ounce range allows Stracner to flip, pitch, or drag across the bottom SLOWLY. He prefers wide-bodied creature-style baits to flatten and slow the fall rate of his jigs, a big plus in cold water.
4. Wobble head jig. Think of wobble head jigs (aka swinging jigs) as a more weedless crankbait that allows you to experiment quickly with different soft plastics. Creature baits are just one style that excels with wobble head jigs. Try swimbaits for a realistic bottom-based baitfish action. The constant bottom contact is an excellent trigger and, nearly as importantly, helps determine bottom composition.
Stracner’s bottom line takeaway is to 1) simplify your lure offerings down to a handful of moving and bottom-contact baits and 2) fish slower and more methodically than you would during the warmer weather months.
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Me. Jig, shakey head, suspending jerkbait, silver buddy.
Bust out a rattletrap
Structure jig is the only one I use ever… But they say big and bulky I'm thinking 3/4 to an ounce .. not 3/8 lol.. plus a kvd 300D . And mark Daniels square bill win lose or draw 😭
This is such a trove of knowledge!
Good stuff Josh. With a jerk bait specifically, I have a question. I've caught bass using straight braid on my Megabass 110 Jr jerk baits and, I think the action I get is better than braid to fluorocarbon leader. Do you think the fish just happened to be active that day and would've taken anything? My water is clear and, I wonder if on tough days when they're not aggressive, I might be missing bites because they "see" my braid? Does straight braid vs braid to fluorocarbon leader make a huge difference in clear water? Thanks.
Great tips thanks
Great suggestion 👌 thanks for sharing 🎣
very good fishing location master 👍 potential spot
Hearing "low 50's" as COLD COLD water and living in the Midwest hurts so bad.
The air temperature today in Northern Illinois never got above 25 degrees. We don't have ice yet but I have no idea what the hell I'm supposed to throw to try and catch anything
I love a jerkbait, or even a fluke, when it gets cold. And I always have a jig tied on.
Jerkbaits ftw
so i read that crawfish hibernate and burrow in the mud once the water gets below 50. so would you say that in the 40s a jig may not be the best option ? or do you think some crawfish do still crawl around in the 40 water temps?
Do something about pike
Good stuff Josh! 👀 🎣 👊🏼💯🇺🇸
Thanks for the tips my friend!