Sometimes, no matter how slow you fish, the bass simply will not chase a moving bait. When atmospheric pressure is high and the water is frigid, bass enter a neutral or negative feeding mode. This is when the drop shot rig shines. It is the ultimate finesse presentation because it allows you to hold a soft plastic bait at a specific depth, right in the fish's face, indefinitely.

The beauty of the drop shot in winter is vertical precision. Using your electronics, you can locate bass suspended over deep brush or hugging the bottom and drop your bait directly on top of them. Because the weight is at the bottom and the hook is above it, you can impart action to the lure without moving it out of the strike zone.

For winter fishing, opt for straight-tail worms or small shad imitation baits that rely on subtle quivers rather than aggressive tail kicking. The goal is to "shake the slack." Lightly vibrate your rod tip so the line transmits a quiver to the bait, making it look like a nervous minnow or worm. Do not overwork it. Sometimes, dead-sticking or holding the rod perfectly still is the best trigger.

Pro Tip:

Use Tungsten weights instead of lead. Tungsten is denser and smaller, allowing you to feel the difference between mud, rock, and a soft bite much more clearly. In deep winter water, that sensitivity is the difference between catching and blanking.

Suggested Gear:

• Rod: LUNKERSTICK Spinning Series 7'0" Medium Light Fast (Model: MSR-370F). The Extra Fast action on this blank is specifically designed to transmit the lightest vibration from your hand to the bait without overworking it.

• Bait: GrandeBass Airtail Wiggler. This bait features a hollow air chamber in the tail, ensuring it stands up perfectly horizontal even when you aren't moving the rod, making it deadly for dead-sticking.