Topic: cold weather gear

[toadhunter]

Had to break out the cold weather gear this morning. Actually started out good, then the bite slowed. Caught 10 on paddle tails and jerkbaits.

[Curt - RI]

Nice job! Wish I could catch fish on paddle tail swimbaits. Very few for me over the years, no matter how much I try to use them. 

[toadhunter]

@Curt - RI , I find they are a great all around bait but they really excel in cold water. It's just most people fish them too fast, when you think you're going slow, slow down some more. They're a great numbers bait.

[Curt - RI]

@toadhunter Thanks for the tips! I guess I just need to drag them through cover, then. Would that be a correct assumption?

[toadhunter]

@Curt - RI ,Right now I'm fishing them around drop-offs, from 3 to 5'.

[Curt - RI]

@Curt - RI ,Right now I'm fishing them around drop-offs, from 3 to 5'.

That would make sense at this time of year 

So, drag them I will 

[Joe P]

I like to swim a 3 1/2" paddle tail on a jig head. Do very well with them!

[toadhunter]

@Joe P , that's the size I was using but with a belly weighted hook.

[Eric-Maine]

3.3 is a great new size for Keitech. 8lb line 2 power rod. You can use a nedhead jig 8 th oz. +/- though I use a worm nose jig that I make. I hardly ever use a silver buddy early anymore. Great Pond tomorrow. I will have a 2.8 a 3.3 and 3.8 tied on. Fish will probably be deep still. Ice went out yesterday.

[Curt - RI]

Well, based on what I've read, I know that I'm using baits that are bigger than what everyone else is using

Time to switch it up!

[Brazzy]

Or go in the complete opposite direction. I am like the people here and go with a 2.8-3.3. In warmer months I go with 3.8. However, there is a group that has good success chucking the giant swimbaits this time of year. Im not one of them, but this is the time of year you see it work for them.

Also, I know you are fishing swimbaits around weeds. I found myself pulling my hair out rigging them weedless. If you can find clean hard bottom you will likely find that a swimbait jig head really works well. That open hook wont get in in the same places as well, but it hook up more often.

[Curt - RI]

@Brazzy Thanks for the additional tips. I will be trying out the samples you sent to me a couple years back. I will let you know how it goes 

[Brazzy]

The other point that was mentioned previously that cant be mentioned enough is how slow you drag these things. I know Bass U had a video with Paul Mueller who is killer with this method (won on Lanier with it) but it is painful to watch because he is just creeping this thing along the bottom.

Also, if you want to try some different swimbaits I am much better now that I was a couple years ago at pouring them. The ones I sent you were from a Reins Rockvibe shad style (cant use their name) mold. I now have Keitech style (cant use their name) molds that I really like.

[Curt - RI]

The other point that was mentioned previously that cant be mentioned enough is how slow you drag these things.

Methods like this can be tough to get used to and gain confidence in because they are so slow and painstaking. But once that confidence is gained, then you can go back to it again and again.

@Brazzy I'd love to try some of your new swimbaits! Let me know how to place an order and what you recommend for swimbait heads/hooks. I will Paypal you the money for the baits and shipping.