Todd2

Good topic. Doesn't the thermocline mix in the turnover? What is the difference in surface temps and let's say 15-20 feet in the winter? Like Catt said, its gotta be warmer because the ice only goes so far down from the surface.

Sounds good to me. I keep an extra pair of clothes wrapped up in a beach towel and duct tape to be safe. Let us know how you do. We've got 30 degrees and snow, but come Saturday I'll be out.

Welcome...

No real good stories. This was the first year that I've kept notes in a spreadsheet. Hopefully I'll stick a few more, but as of now I've caught about 90% of my keepers on jigs and brush hogs (c-rig/t-rig). The thing that stood out though, the % was basically the same between the jig vs brush hog. However, even though I don't have the data, I know I fished the jig way more often. So....next year, I will focus on brush hogs. Keeping a log is kind of a pain, but it brought back a bunch of memories going through the notes.

Nice... I still get out for bass during winter. It's usually slow but it seems like when you stick one, they are bigger on average than warm water fish. Seems that way anyway.

I love fishing as much as the next guy, but I don't consider it a sport.

I used the Uncle Josh Meat series last winter/early spring. It solves most of the problems of the old pork. I did ok with it, but when the water warmed I went back to plastics. I think ill fish both for a while and let the fish weigh in on the issue, lol. Thanks for the responses.

I've always read that the "rule" is cold water - pork, warm water - plastic for jig trailers. I usually switch to pork from now till spawn, but am thinking about going to pork year round. Any full time pig folks out there?

My fishing buddy has some pretty bad back pain. I've seen it get worse over the years. A back brace has helped some.

Thanks, what brand and size spoon do you recommend?

How do you guys approach suspended Bass? For example, the other day I went and it was pre-frontal, perfect conditions weather wise. But, I marked a lot of fish suspended. I think it was due to the lake being dropped hard for winter pool. Do you approach all suspended fish the same?

I still get out. I literally broke through thin ice last year to catch a few.

Take my kids fishing more.

Just a follow up. I got my "Ghost" on Halloween, lol. Spooled up my jig rod and finally got out today. I can say this might be my new jig line. The white color is great for line watching but the last few feet is already "stained" by the water so it matches the water a little better, if that even matters. Very smooth, quiet, and strong. I fished the same jig for hours without re-tieing. Pitching to wood, dragging rocks, etc. Good stuff, it's already on my backup jig rod.

I drag a jig slow..very slow. Pause for 5-10 secs, drag again. Cold bass are usually just pressure bites, like snagging a towel on the bottom. I've caught them in 38 degree water doing this. It's slow fishing, but you usually have the lake to yourself for the most part.

Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you're ok. Great message. Wear those PFDs and kill switches everytime you take off!

Mccoy is my favorite copolymer. I've never used CX though.

Thanks for the responses. The 8 ft range was the one mentioned in the article as being a good depth year round. Most of my fish are caught in 8 or less except when I'm out on points.

Thanks, so are you guys saying that you basically catch the same amount of fish from 0 to 25? The reason for the thread is that I read an article that mentioned a specific depth, so was trying to do a little survey. Thanks.

I know there are many factors, but what depth is your most productive for keeper bass throughout the year when fishing jigs? Thanks....

Thanks for the responses. Not sure how this will go since I normally hate braid, but the 832 gets great reviews and it supposedly sinks a little better. Im going with 50lb in Ghost just on one rod. I'll let u know how it goes.

Yeah, the moss green I've used in other braids is hard to see in some conditions and I'm not a fan of yellow. Sounds like I'm down to Ghost or Lime Green. Also, what lb test? I fish a lot of trees (standing and laydowns) and rock. Almost zero grass.

I'm thinking about getting a spool for one of my BC jig rods. I see 5 colors are offered but I'm only looking at 3. Ghost, neon lime, or camo. Does anybody have any experience with this line? Which is easier to see?

I don't do it as a regular part of my retrieve, but I swing a lot on anything that doesn't feel right, so in a way I guess I am doing it. I always follow it down and let it settle before continuing my main retrieve of small drags/hops.

I've had one of my best years ever on keeper bass on jigs. Lately, the spinnerbait bite has been picking up, but I always have a jig ready to pitch into the nasty stuff. Hoosierbass, if you haven't already, read back through this thread from the beginning. It's helped me.