Jeff Little and I shot this video while doing some river smallmouth bass fishing in November. Water temperatures were about 43 degrees and we had to break a little skim ice when launching our kayaks. These tactics and baits are not only good for early winter but I’ve also used these baits and presentation during cold front conditions in summer and fall.
I was using a Winco’s Chilly Willy with a lot of success. Even in the cold weather and water, I landed double digit numbers of fish. The Chille Willy rigged on a rock guarded football head (also made by Winco’s) is a deadly combination that will keep you fishing instead of wasting valuable fishing time trying to get you bait off a snag. If you want the rock guarded football head, you’ll have to mention it when you call to place an order. It’s a new product.
I spent the entire winter of 2010 field testing it. It’s extremely snag resistant. This summer there were days when my guide clients didn’t loose a football head jig to the river all day. Now that’s saying something. As long as you know the old “bow technique” for getting off a rock snag or Jeff’s “high stick” technique shown in the video, your in business!
Hey guys that was some great info for cold water bass in the river I am guilty of not letting my lures sit for a number of seconds before I move them. I am surrounded by three rivers here in Pittsburgh, Pa. I would love to know more on how to make and create my own jig heads and bodies so that I may try my own techniques and patterns for I like to fish on the artificial lure side more than the live bait side so the losing of tackle can get expensive. If you have any information on where I should start or if you have any information on some good websites on wich to research would be great. I am an first season Urban fisherman fishing out of a SI “Venture Beach 144″. Thanks again.
Barry,
Thanks for the positive comment! Check out http://kayakbassfishing.com There are a great group of kayak anglers over there and a number of them tinker and make their own baits. Some of the guys are pretty darn good at it!