Cold Water Fishing Tips

Our winter weather in Texas has been unusually mild for the past several years. Just this month, we sent a record high. With warmer temperatures than normal, the fishing action is generally very good. As long as nighttime temperatures don’t drop too low and afternoon highs are unseasonably warm, the fish can be caught.

The fish tend to bunch up in large schools during the winter. But, I’ve found that even though some anglers may find a big concentration, they still can have difficulty getting them to bite. From past experience, I’ve discovered that little things can make all the difference in getting fish to bite.

In the saltwater, redfish generally are schooled up roaming shallow flats feeding on crabs, mullet and other baitfish. These schools are easy to spot in calm, shallow water because they’ll actually push the water up. It is not uncommon for their fins and even backs to be out of the water.

Some things to remember when targeting these redfish are to approach them quietly. A good silent trolling motor is helpful but a push pole may be required. No banging and stomping in the boat. Stay low to the water so you’re not silhouetted against the sky. Don’t approach them too fast, and get just close enough to reach them with a long cast. Work your lure as slowly as possible keeping it off the bottom.

I prefer to use a topwater lure like a Chug Bug or Skitter Pop and I work them ultra slow. So slow that you’d think a redfish would never hit it, but they do.

The freshwater angler needs to approach the fish with the same quiet stealth. But rather than fishing a topwater lure, I prefer soft plastics and jigs. These are slow moving baits that have their action basically built in. All the angler needs to do is slow down and fish spots thoroughly.

Bass tend to be object oriented meaning they’ll locate themselves next to some kind of cover. Whether it is a rock, tree, grass line or boat dock, these fish won’t move far from the bait. Get in close and don’t give up if you don’t get a strike on your first cast to a spot. I’ve thrown to spots as many as ten times before getting a stubborn bass to bite.

Remember to downsize your fishing line this time of year. It’ll help with casting distance as well as allow the lure more action. Set your reel’s drag appropriately for lighter line. Although you may experience some fish that will break the lighter line, you’ll get more bites. Remember, you’ve got to get them to bite before you can catch them!