Had boat & trailer in the shop for serious service for past 5 weeks and just picked it up last Friday.  Only been to Jordan Lake and managed 1 bass that wasn't much bigger than the jig I was using for tackle.  With the temps less than 50* planning to head out to nearest, what is called "Hot Water" lake.  Belew's Creek near Stokesdale, NC 

  My question is has anyone here have any tip I might find helpful to break this bad luck I have had Bass' in ?     

Stay warm, chunk-n-reel 😉

The don't know that it is less than 50*

Just fyi the water at high Rock yesterday was 60 even though air temp was 30. I've heard many people say it's the water temp that matters most, which certainly makes sense.

I've never been to Belews but have always wanted to try it. Please post a report after your trip! 

 

My theory this time of year is that smaller lakes are easier because you have less area to search when looking for the bait. 

 

I'm in your back yard basically, and I always seem to have success around points and pockets in our local lakes. Shaky head or jig on points will almost always pull at least 1 decent bass on mackintosh. On a hot water lake like Belews, I have no idea what may work. 

 

Good luck! 

Is your lack of luck in numbers or size?  If numbers, slow small size spinnerbait working from deep weed edges out and check your electronics for where fish have congregated.  I like to fish timber near access to deeper waters for bigger fish but its hit or miss but boy when you hit.  Need to fish slower either way.

Look for the fish.  Use your sonar and drive around looking for where the fish are concentrated.  If they're all around the same depth, slow down and concentrate on that one area.  If you can't seem to find any anywhere, or they're all over the place, then keep moving and trying different things until something starts working.  

 

If your water temperature is below 50° F, then my guess is they're probably going to be found along main lake points, in their winter hiding spots.  Pretty much any place with steep transitions and access to deep water.  And if they're not there, they're probably making their way over, which means secondary lake points near main lake points.  Or at least that's what they do here in water that cold.  In my area, once the water gets into the 40's, the bite really slows down and the bass go deep.  And once the water hits the 30's, they're pretty much locked down and you've got to fight hard for every bite.    

 

Right now, the water temps in my local lakes are right around 60°.  So the bass will likely be chasing the baitfish all over the lake.  I'll find out tomorrow for sure.  But they should be active, and the old rule of find the baitfish, find the bass, should apply.  

 

But bass don't always listen to the rules.  Ornery little critters....