how to catch bass in cold water

Then we can expect a cold front and rainy conditions in April :-), but only
for the days we are there. It will probably snow a little too
"go-bassn" wrote in message
...
Actually it's extremely cold water by Florida standards Rich. And Florida
strain bass typically shut-down under these conditions. They're a whole
different animal than the tough, Northern bass we're used to up here.
When
a cold front rolls through Florida it's very tough to buy a hit.

Warren

"RichZ" wrote in message
...
Mike wrote:
the water is in the 50's

That is NOT cold water. Jerkbait fishing usually starts to kick in in
the
mid-to upper 40s in the spring, and peaks in the upper 50s.

RichZ©
www.richz.com/fishing

"mike" wrote in message
om...
I live in Bradenton Fl the water is in the 50's what do I do to catch
bass? I know their metabolism slows down dramticaly when the water
gets cold. Should I wait for the water to warm up? Fish for other
species of fish? Even fishing in the bay for spotted sea trout and
red fish is bad because of the cold water. This pond is a big circle.
The deepest parts of it are about 12 feet deep. On my hummingbird
smartcast fish finder I mark fish down the shoreline maybe ten feet
out. What lures and patterns should I fish to catch them.

If you're fishing cold front conditions, here's some suggestions.

First of all, think of downsizing your baits. If you typically throw 1/2
oz. spinnerbaits, try 1/4 oz. and slow roll them, just so the blades are
just spinning. Throw it, let it fall and slooooowly retrieve it.

Other things to think of are soft plastic jerk baits, no larger than the 5"
models. Toss that out, again, let it fall, but watch the line. You might
get bit as the bait falls

Another option is dropshotting. If you know where the fish are located, you
can keep a bait in their face until they strike it.

Just remember that with the colder temperatures, a bass isn't going to give
you a jarring strike or chase a fast moving lure. You might be able to
trigger a reaction strike, so baits like Rattle-Traps or compact spinners
might work as well.

If that doesn't work, cheer up, at least your air temperatures are on the
plus side of zero and you can cast a bait to hit open water.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

Go-bassn wrote:
Actually it's extremely cold water by Florida standards Rich.

Actually, when I saw Bradeton in the original message, for some reason, my
mind skipped the FL and decided to invent a town called Brandenton Missouri.
So I wasn't thinking FL at all. I think I skipped right past the part of the
message where he mentions seatrout in the bay.

Yes, that is a might cold in FL.


Florida
strain bass typically shut-down under these conditions.


You couldn't prove it by the catches in the Harris Chain tourney this week.

All things considered, unless there are fish milling around beds, I'd still
go with the jerkbait suggestion.


RichZ©
www.richz.com/fishing

Definately some decent weights on the Harris Chain, though if you look at
the two-day standings less than 50 guys caught their 10 fish limits. Looks
like Harris is rebounding nicely, some real lunkers this year!

Warren


"RichZ" wrote in message
...
Go-bassn wrote:
Actually it's extremely cold water by Florida standards Rich.

Actually, when I saw Bradeton in the original message, for some reason, my
mind skipped the FL and decided to invent a town called Brandenton
Missouri.
So I wasn't thinking FL at all. I think I skipped right past the part of
the
message where he mentions seatrout in the bay.

Yes, that is a might cold in FL.


Florida
strain bass typically shut-down under these conditions.


You couldn't prove it by the catches in the Harris Chain tourney this
week.

All things considered, unless there are fish milling around beds, I'd
still
go with the jerkbait suggestion.


RichZ©
www.richz.com/fishing

In Fla as in Az low 50s is cold water.

You definitely get cold water attitude from the fish.



"RichZ" wrote in message
...
Mike wrote:
the water is in the 50's

That is NOT cold water. Jerkbait fishing usually starts to kick in in the
mid-to upper 40s in the spring, and peaks in the upper 50s.

RichZ©
www.richz.com/fishing

Hey Mike,
I am in Sarasota and haven't been out lately (too cold for me( HA HA)).
Last winter I used a simple Grub on a 1/8th jig head. watermelon to
pumpkinseed. Mostly small fish, but the pond I like is only 4 years
old.
If you get a chance, the Home Depot on University has a lake out behind
it. I caught some good fish 5lb+, on the grub towards the northwest
side.
Hope it helps.
--
Mike
A lady came up to me on the street and pointed at my suede jacket. 'You
know a cow was murdered for that jacket?' she sneered. I replied in a
psychotic tone, 'I didn't know there were any witnesses. Now I'll have
to kill you too."