The Bassman

Definitely planning on it if the ice gets off.

I live here and I do fish in the same conditions except for one problem; we froze over 3 days ago. Hope this warmup opens us back up before the next cold snap. Counting on some Christmas action.

This was a real eye opener for me this year. Would be tempting to try in cold water.

That makes two of us. I bank fish and the technique just doesn't fit me.

Pay attention to the line lay when you spool up. These reels sometimes need the main shaft washers added or removed. Happened to me with my 2500. Otherwise, great reels.

Missed my chance at "Y". Wanted to say Yappa something--frog, bug, rat, whatever.

Little George , Mann's Baits

Then why did my doc tell me to speed up and slim down?

Fished a 3" Senko in freezing temps this afternoon so slow I could feel my beard growing. Paid off with five decent bass. I usually fish a 1/15 or 1/20 ned rig but figured the unweighted worm would force me to fish even slower.

Single digits coming tomorrow night. Might take several days to open back up. NWS is giving us a big warmup by Christmas.

I don't know how you do it. Anything 32* or less and I'm holding my hand warmer on my last 2 or 3 guides every couple of casts. That's when I call it quits.

I'm grimacing from the cold, not oohing and ahhing. Never mind that I also have to go to the bathroom but I'm right behind people's houses. Wouldn't trade it though. I really enjoy this season for fishing.

They have that pretty winter gold shimmer. If we can keep the ice to a minimum between Tues. and Fri. I think we'll get some more chances. Overall, I've done better the past few weeks than I did when it was warmer. Just wish they could fight harder. I'll get some smaller ones that come up almost stationary. I call 'em spinners because thats all they do.

I've got it in my head that these ice sheets create edges that bass orient to. What do you think?

Except for doctors' orders and common sense, do what you love as much as you can. Funny, my knees and ankles hurt more when I'm working than when I'm fishing. Go figure.

Don't mean to make this post seem like latest catch pic thread but just want to emphasize how productive winter pond fishing can be. Literally had to drive around looking for open water this afternoon. @Midwest Fishermanand myself finally found a few spots to try and got on several pounders. Caught this decent one just before I headed home. Had to drag him (her) across some shore ice.

Drove by that pond mentioned by @Midwest Fishermanan hour before. It was completely skimmed over except for one spot just beginning to open up. We catch bass all winter in these HOA lakes as long as we can get a lure in the water. Hope this encourages the OP to keep with it.

I'm trying to build confidence with winter jerkbaiting. Used a 08 Husky Jerk to catch several the other day. A couple were between 3-4 lbs. Caught 4 fish in 30 min. then couldn't buy a bite on it as the day went on.

Have really missed your posts lately. Now I know why. Just thought you were transitioning to Tenn. as you mentioned a while back. Get well soon.

Here's another tip if you promise not to tell. Went fishing yesterday with @Midwest Fishermanand he absolutely smoked me with a good ole Blakemore Road Runner. Jimmy Houston would be proud.

I'm in central IN and experience identical circumstances. I'm experiencing some excellent fishing right now. Light spinning and ned rig=success.

I really miss catalogs with all the specs for each model instead of prompting you to go online.

Didn't think he was still alive at this time. Started the business with his own hands tying flies at home.

Fished the 1/4 oz. the other day on my ML 6'4" Zodias spinning. The bait is very compact and casts well. Just used it briefly before I had to quit but caught a couple including one close to 3 lb.

W/hushpuppies, a Coke, and the ketchup bottle handy, thank you.