around my area ( North Carolina) the weather goes from mid 50- low 70s right now, and yes thats right its the winter. The weather does seem to get that cold now. Now this week it does supose to get around in the low 30s but then it will go back to the 50s a few days later. Now I am not used to fishing in the winter but me lacking pacients of waiting until spring has really got me this year and I have already started. I just dont know what to use or do during the winter season. What baits and Techniques do I need to do? also what about muddy water right now? thanks for any advice you can give.

fish with plastics (craws+creatures) very, very slow!

Try going to the upper end of the lake the water may be clearer.  Baits go smaller and slow it down is right.  Also watch the temp of the water if it is still a little warm you may be able to use crankbaits or spinnerbaits even.  Good luck

Go to the section Fishing Location-Central Bass Fishing

Read Lake Fork Report & Pictured by Tom-Redington

I know the first thing you are going to think is that's in Texas and while this is true the information contained in this report will give you basic techniques used in winter fishing that can be applied most any where in the country.

If you can find a river that is known for smallmouth, this is probably the very best time of year to target those bass. If it's largemouth you are after, I have been having some success with a 6" Senko.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1167673438

Bullseye RW. This is big smallie time.

Vertical structure/cover (bluff walls/standing timber) is what you should be targeting. Bass relate to that this time of year.

Since you've been in the 50s through the 70s I'd confirm what my water temperature is first.  If you're water is in the 50s you can still use crankbaits and spinnerbaits.  If in the low 50s down into the 40s, start slowing down with the cranks and Spinnerbaits and throw in some jerkbaits and jig and pig.  Once you go low 40s down into the 30s, vertical spooning, jig and pig, and tail spinners come into play fishing them very slowly.  Jigs and plastics can be fished in any of these temp ranges.  None of this is set in stone, but these are just rules of thumb for me.  I've read of people deep cranking or slow rolling a spinnerbait in water that was below 40 and catching fish.  

Keep in mind what has already been stated regarding structure to fish in the winter.  Location is always the most important consideration.  

If you are forced to fish murky/muddy water, don't be afraid to try some shallow water areas near deeper areas with BIG slow moving baits. I've caught two fish well over 5 1/2 lbs. and many in the 3-4 lb.range in three feet of water @ 42 degrees water temperature... since January 3rd. Some fish like to "break the rules".

P.S.  SInce this is "Fishing Tackle" section, use a jig. ;D

jigs are my go to bait in the winter. You can use a tube to imatate craws or just stick with creature baits around drop offs and around deep cover like planted brush piles.

go very slow and deadstick the worm.

If you want to catch big fish in the winter look at some of the articles on the website.

Today I was fishing a rock ledge with a c-rig.  Got a nice 15 inch bass.  Try the c-rig.  Whatever you fish, fish it slow and like everyone else said, find the structure!

Search for the warmest water you can find in the body of water that you fish. Southern exposed banks, rip rap, or the upper arms of the lake where creek water is entering (particularly when there has been a warm rain.) Then look for bait fish on your electronics. If you don't have electronics, use a jig or other bottom bait to find a creek channel or break line (ie. ledge or slope.) Submerged stumps and brush can also attract baitfish in the winter. Baitfish generally relate to such areas in the winter--and the bass relate to the baitfish. One last thing, mental attitude is important. Hope for the best, but don't get frustrated if you don't catch anything. That happens a lot in the winter--particularly if you choose not to fish during optimum conditions (a period of stable and warm weather.

Check out our winter fishing section on the site: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/seasonal.html#winter

Enjoy!

Check out our winter fishing section on the site: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/seasonal.html#winter

Enjoy!

Thanks!