A good technique for catching big bass when the water temperature starts to rise is to go flip for them. No I’m not talking about jumping off the pier or tossing a quarter up in the air. The flipping I’m talking about,after a little practice,can be deadly on bass hanging around thick cover. 

When flipping for largemouths,the longer the rod,the better. I like a 6 1/2 to a 7 foot rod. I also prefer to use an extended handled rod. It helps when bouncing a jig in and around cover. Also,it assist on getting a good hook set and pulling a lunker through logs and branches. I really love tossing a jig with a plastic or pork trailer. Big bass seem to love them as it invitates a crawfish and it is about as weedless as you are gonna get. I have baitcasting reels with a flipping button but it is not a must. I enjoy flipping with any type of rod and reel. 

 First,let your jig drop to the water. Then unspool enough line for the distance you have to flip. Strech your arm to the side,swing the lure back past your body,a little underhanded toss forward, and SPLASH,you are right under those overhanging limbs or that fishing pier. Remember,it’s all in the wrist. Use precision to land that lure softly.  Take your time. Don’t fish too fast. That trophy could be waiting to inhale it. Practice,practice,practice. You will be soft landing that jig on a dime in no time. You will barely leave a ripple in the water,so no worries about spooking a skittish big mama bass.

Sometimes flipping may be the only way to reach that big bass. Instead of getting beside the pier,by flipping,you will be able to get under it. You won’t have to cast in front of those overhanging limbs,you will be able to get under them. As Spring nears,the bass will start getting more active and be willing to come out of that hole and chase a bait. Until that happens,practice the flipping technique and get that bait to chase them big bass. 
         Catch you on the flipside,
                 Happy Flippin’

Sometimes finding a fishing partner during the wintertime can be quite difficult. I’ve heard em’ all. “You aint gettin’ me near that water.”"The fish don’t bite when its cold.”And my favorite is “It’s too cold to fish!”. That is usually said by the ones that get in the woods in a blizzard,climb a tree,and try to sit as still as possible, all before the roosters are up at sunrise. Sure, I love to gnaw on me some deer jerky,but I’d much rather be eating some fish and grits. If you are having trouble finding a fishing partner, not to worry,I’ll tell you how I solved that problem. And if you tough it out, remain patient, and follow my lead, you can do the same.

First and most importantly dress warm for you fishing trip. If you have on too many clothes, you can always peel off a layer or three. Its better than not bringing enough. I love a good skull cap with a hood on top of that. Since you will be around water,an extra pair of socks isn’t a bad idea. Wet socks and cold weather=misery! Also, gloves are helpful. They are also annoying when trying to use a baitcasting reel. Thats why I cut the finger tips off mine at the knuckles. Or you could alternate between holding the rod with one hand and the other hand in the pocket, reeling between shifts. After all, the real key is to fish S-L-0-W-L-Y!

There are several good artificial lures that will catch bass in the winter. I know when I’m working on a chilly day, I try to keep moving. I’m not as warm when I have to slow down. Unlike myself, bass are different. They slow down and conserve their energy just in case a crawfish or baitfish swim close by. A slow moving spinnerbait or slow moving crankbait both work well to get their attention. I’ve also caught wintertime bass on rubber worms or a Rapala, all of which are availible(Hint Hint)on this site. I like casting or flipping a jig and pig the best, and now time for a few tips!

I like casting about a 3/8oz. jig with a pork frog trailer. A plastic trailer also works fine. These baits invitate a crawfish, a favorite wintertime snack for lunkers. They tend to move a little deeper when it is colder. I like to look for steep banks with deeper water nearby. On points where I caught warmwater bass, I like to swing out and fish them just a wee bit deeper. When my jig hits the water, I let it sink to the bottom and sit for a second. Next, begin doing its namesake. Jig it! S-L-O-W-L-Y! When I hit some cover ,I’ll let it fall and bounce it a few times. Think positive, have patience, and don’t get discouraged. They aren’t aggresive as they were when the water was warm. Keep in mind, the one that does finally bite could be a trophy. It’s happened to me many times. I wanted to head for the truck and crank that heater up, but would tough it out and land a huge bass.

Give coldwater bassin’ a shot. Take you time and you will land some big fish. Sometimes they are few and far between but well worth it. I have caught almost all my big bass in cold water. When you catch that lunker, show em off. I guarantee it won’t take too many trophys till your partners will be begging you to take them fishing this winter for some coldwater bass. Bundle up. Hope everyone has a very blessed and prosperous New Year!Follow me—>Facebook(bocephus baitshop),Twitter(bocephusbaits),and subscibe to my rss feed.TY TY TY!