So it’s the end of February and I’m getting cabin fever and decided to hit up a couple of ponds this weekend. I’ve never fished this early before but I’m willing to give it a go. Any tips? The ponds aren’t the greatest around me but still hold decent fish.

I have never fished for bass anyplace where it snows in the winter, so I may not be the best help.  The only advice I can give is if you cast out and the lure skids across the ice, choose a different pond.

Personally, I would throw a senko and a Spinnerbait/Chatterbait.  

Northern shoreline or rocks.........I've found them to warm up faster and have better success.

Catching quite a few in our pond in 38 to 44* water on sexy shad rattle trap. Just cranking medium speed and wait for a little tic.

ive caught fish with ice still on the pond, jerkbaits with a long pause,jigs, weightless plastics. plastics on jig heads., if you have access to a boat and deep water. a blade bait is awesome for smallies and largemouth

I've gotten some bites on several slower baits in colder water this season. The best has been the Trick Worm weightless and barely moving it. The chatterbait in warmer shallows worked one day when nothing else would. It was sunny and the only bites i got were around one log. A couple trips a plain weedless Arkie jighead rigged with a Berkley Chigger Craw got the better bites. This is a secret weapon of mine. Fish will take it all year, especially when inactive. Last time out a black/blue jig was the ticket, but the water's warm here now. Warm enough to wade into and not be uncomfy. Fish are stacking up and cruising the shallows.

 

A spinnerbait with a Colorado blade and a jerkbait can both do well early in the season. Good luck.