Keith Lusher 12.20.24
Residing alongside the Gulf Coast and fishing these waters my complete life, I’ve realized one crucial lesson: adapt to altering circumstances or lose! And nowhere is that this extra true than when concentrating on bass through the chilly, uncooked month of December.
For years, I used to be that man. A fisherman who stubbornly clung to summer season methods.
I used to be a spinnerbait man. Colorado, willow, and Indian blades – oh yeah! Spinnerbaits have been my favourite lures to throw. All summer season, I’d work them just under the floor, the place the blade would create a ripple that might produce highly effective subsurface strikes.
However December? December calls for a distinct strategy.
A few decade in the past, I found the Ned Rig, which fully remodeled my winter bass fishing technique. This finesse approach is particularly designed for these difficult cold-water circumstances when bass get notoriously sluggish and hesitant to chase something.
At its core, the Ned Rig is straightforward. It consists of a light-weight jighead, sometimes 1/16 to 1/8 ounce. It’s paired with a brief, gentle plastic bait like a small stickbait or worm. I wish to nose-hook my stickbait so it creates a novel, standing presentation. When it sinks all the way down to the underside, the bait stands upright, mimicking a struggling or injured baitfish which is an irresistible goal for cold-water bass.
Why It Works
In chilly water, bass aren’t seeking to expend pointless vitality. Their metabolism slows down, they usually favor straightforward meals. The Ned Rig’s delicate, bottom-twitching motion completely matches this conduct. By protecting the bait near the underside and transferring it with minimal, mild twitches, you’re primarily presenting a straightforward meal that’s exhausting for a bass to disregard.
The Retrieve
Working a Ned Rig requires a distinct contact in comparison with extra aggressive methods. After casting and letting the lure decide on the underside, I preserve my rod tip low and pointed straight on the bait. Then, I’ll slowly carry the rod, dragging the lure throughout the underside. The bottom line is to subtly drag your lure on the underside. Keep in mind, these fish are chilly, and your presentation must mirror that.
When retrieving, watch your line like a hawk. Winter bass bites may be so delicate that they’re nearly unnoticeable. For those who see the slightest sideways motion or really feel a slight stress, set the hook instantly.
The Lure
I’ve discovered Z-Man TRD baits to be notably for utilizing with a Ned Rig. It’s gentle plastic design and shade patterns appear to set off strikes even within the coldest circumstances. Pair these with a lightweight jighead, and it’s lights out for December bass!
Bass fishing in December isn’t about overlaying lots of water so decelerate, be affected person, and belief the Ned Rig. Study its nuances, experiment with the velocity of your retrieve, and also you’ll end up selecting the chilly lake over a heat hearth each single time.
This method isn’t only a fishing technique—it’s a mindset. It’s about understanding the fish and adapting your strategy to match the circumstances. And in December, the Ned Rig is your ticket to success!
