I am new to this forum and happy to be say hello to everyone.

 

While I have put my poles away, I have read that you can catch large mouth bass all year round. Do any of you continue fishing and especially in the winter in NJ for bass? What do you use for bait and any tips would be appreciated!

 

 

 

 

I am down here in Maryland but our winter conditions are not all that dissimilar.

 

Yes, largemouth bass can be caught year round. There are a lot of different presentations that can work sometimes when the water temperatures are in the high 30's - low 40's but for me till spring time rolls around I pretty much live with a suspending jerkbait and a jig tied on. Twitch the jerkbait then let it suspend motionless for 20 - 40 seconds, then twitch it again. Just crawl the jig along the bottom about as slow as you can stand it.

i read to use a 1/4oz jig on a grub....present it slowly.

 

 

16 hours ago, sportscarguy said:

i read to use a 1/4oz jig on a grub....present it slowly.

 

 

Don't believe everything you read Springsteen. Shouldn't you be blackfishing? need crabs?

Seriously, Yes bass can be caught during the winter. I like to fish a slow but erratic bait, rather than let baits soak, cause, well, its cold out. If Im fishing plastic (which I don't often), its going to be a do nothing plastic on a jighead. I'm still a fan of the scrub grub and similar baits, though you will "read" Ned is the only way to go right now. Baits is easy and short. Blade bait, jerkbait, inline spinner (or an underspin), lipless, square bill, and the aforementioned plastic.

You want to either have some located fish, or go with someone who is experienced fishing the local water during the winter. It can be difficult to stay motivated without bites in the cold. On a plus side, in NJ, a pickerel (or even pike) might warm you up every so often. The trick is to catch a few, so that you develop confidence on the conditions and the baits.

I love across the river in PA, but conditions are the same. I have success fishing jerkbaits, Jigs, lipless cranks, and blade baits. Vertical cover or banks, areas close to deep water access with bait nearby. If you’re fishing a small lake, subtle changes can hold multiple fish, such as slight depth changes or a hard spot on an otherwise soft bottom. In my opinion, locating these areas are more important than bait choice.

I appreciate all of the replies and plan on trying all of your suggestions. 

I bought a few 1/4oz football jigs. May give this a try on Friday depending on the weather.

 

 

With the warmer weather, anyone fishing for bass in NJ?

 

I tried to make some casts this weekend. Wasn’t expecting to catch anything but really just wanted try out some new toys I bought this winter. Water was still iced over.

I just bought a few new jigs and trailers... may try tomorrow.

 

All of my reels are greased and ready to go.

 

 

Smallmouth were hitting soft swimbaits this past weekend on Union Lake. 

It also seems like it's different depending on which part of Jersey. Right now south Jersey seems to be waking up and fish are biting. I haven't heard much from up north. Jerkbaits and lip less are my usual go to baits though. Mostly the jerk.