When water temperatures plummet in January, a bass’s metabolism slows to a crawl. They aren’t burning much energy, so they aren't looking to expend much energy to feed. If you are fishing with the same speed and profile you used in October, you are likely fishing right past them. The golden rule for winter success is simple: slow down and size down. This is the philosophy that drives success for many MONSTERBASS veterans in the coldest months.

Think of a winter bass as an opportunist rather than a hunter. They won't chase a large meal across a flat, but they will inhale a bite-sized snack that drifts right in front of their nose. By downsizing your presentation and switching from a 5-inch swimbait to a 3-inch, or moving from a full-sized jig to a micro-finesse profile, you are matching the hatch of the smaller baitfish that survive the cold, while offering a meal that looks easy to digest.

Equally important is your retrieval speed. The strike zone in cold water is incredibly small, sometimes no bigger than a softball. If your bait moves through that zone too quickly, the bass won't react. You need to keep the bait in their face as long as possible. Whether you are dragging a worm or rolling a spinnerbait, cut your retrieval speed in half. Then, slow it down even more. It might feel agonizingly slow to you, but to a lethargic winter bass, it looks like the perfect, easy meal.

Pro Tip:

Apply scent to your smaller plastics. Because you are working the bait so slowly, the fish gets a good look, and a good smell, of the lure. A garlic or crawfish scent can mask human odor and convince a skeptical bass to hold on for an extra second, giving you time to set the hook.

Suggested Gear:

• Rod: LUNKERSTICK Spinning Series 7'0" Medium Light Fast (Model: MSR-370F). The lighter power allows you to cast lightweight baits effectively while the fast action tip detects subtle winter bites.

• Bait: GrandeBass Baby RattleSnake (3.75"). The smaller profile of the 3.75" version is perfect for downsizing, and the ringed body holds scent longer than smooth worms.