I will start this out by advising I am somewhat new to bass fishing. I live on a river which is a great spotted bass fishery and I fish it about three times a week. This is my first winter living here so it is also my first winter spent seriously fishing for bass. Since about the first of december the bite has slowed to a crawl. The water surface temp has been about 46 and the water flow has fluctuated severely off and on. The past month or so the current has remained pretty consistent. Yesterday an experienced freind and I launched my Jon boat and fished some gravel pits. We fished sloooowww for most of the day, senkos, drop shot, jigs, etc. Our main problem seemed to be that the fish were holding tight to what cover this area has, hydrilla. I decided to tie on a white spinner bait with Colorado blades and slow roll it on top of the hydrilla. This produced no strikes. After thinking a bit, I decided to tie on a craw colored crank bait, thinking if the spots have been feeding on craws they will associate with the color but the crank bait would entice a reaction strike. Third cast into a likely spot and BAM - fish on! What I landed was a 3.5# spot! A personal best for me from the river. It just goes to show ya, sometimes you have to think outside of the box.

Congrats! And welcome. 

sounds like an exciting catch. good to have you

wish it was that warm in indiana

Dan, nice goin'.  I would take a 3 1/2 spot any time of year. What a beauty!

Got some photos?