Fishing tip of the week

Fishing Tip of the Week

Tuesday, 13 February 2024 09:58

Worm Fishing in the Winter
By Mike Gerry

Worm fishing in cold water is not always my go to bait, but there are some ideas I have to make it more productive. I really believe winter fishing comes down to a few key productive presentations. As always wintertime can be frustrating, so patience is important no matter what bait your fishing.
Once you maintain some patience, the first thing I believe is important, is line size. As a Vicious pro team member, I believe that their Pro Elite Fluorocarbon in 10 lb. test line or smaller is the key to cold water fishing. If the line is too heavy it just does not attract a bite and makes it a long day on the water. So, fish light sized line in a fluorocarbon so the stretch is limited, and you can feel the bite better. I also like fishing a Shakey head in the cold water; first of all, the weight being attached to the hook allows you to easily drag the bait on the bottom and keep it there as Bass generally attach themselves to the bottom in the cold water.

Use a weight that allows you to overcome the current from wind or current pull, so the bait stays down. If the worm is not on the bottom it will not be productive for you, remember in the winter you must drag the worm, so be cautious that you’re not lifting it and pulling it out of the strike zone.
Color seems to make a difference in cold water especially if the water is clear. I believe that color can be a difference maker so choose well. I like dark greens or blues with red flake or gold flake in the color scheme. They catch the sun and glitter flashes as the sun beats down on them in the water attracting fish to the worm. Size is also important in cold water, use small worm less than 5 inches, so you are matching the early bait in size. Worm fishing is a great winter bait, but you must use these keys to be successful.

Captain Mike