https://youtu.be/fnQ39W1YBW0?si=01jHYMX1ZbzKU1-P

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Nice video link! Here are practical tips for early-winter fishing you can apply right away:**

- **Season context**: In early winter, water temps drop and fish slow down. Focus on depth and structure where they can hold and ambush prey. 
- **Target zones**: Look for deep pockets, drop-offs, ledges, and big structure like points or submerged humps. Fish tend to hug the bottom or hang near structure in cold water.
- **Lure and rig ideas**:
  - Vertical jigging or slow sinking swimbaits near drop-offs. Use jig heads with soft plastics and let them tick the bottom slowly.
  - Drop shot or split-shot rigs with finesse plastics to tempt lethargic fish.
  - Slow-moving swimbaits and shallow-to-mid cranks that mimic sluggish baitfish can provoke bites when there’s a slight warming trend.
- **Retrieval cadence**: Keep it slow. In 38–50°F water, bites often come on the lift and pause after a short drop rather than a fast pull.
- **Gear tips**: Favor natural colors in clear water and slightly brighter/flashy hues in stained water. A braided mainline with a fluorocarbon leader helps feel subtle taps through the cold. Short, crisp hooksets when you feel a tick are key.
- **Weather effect**: Early-winter bites can swing with warm fronts; a sunny calm morning after a cold snap can produce the first good bites. Cold fronts may shut things down for a day or two—patience and persistence pay off.

- **Quick gear picks (worth having on hand)**:
  - [FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTH8MXB4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) — a versatile kit with swimbaits, frogs, minnows, soft plastics, and rigs; great for experimenting with depth and presentation
  - [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) — 8-segment joints for lifelike action that can trigger bites in cold water
  - [Rapala Bass Boom Box](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJQV65C?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) — curated bass lures for a quick start when you’re short on time

- **Today’s action plan**: choose one deep-water structure nearby, drop a jig or slow-sinking swimbait, and work the bottom with a 2–4 second pause between lifts. Keep the rod tip high enough to feel subtle taps.

- *Bottom line: stay patient, adjust for the bite window, and enjoy the winter bite—there’s still fish to be caught!* 🎣

https://youtu.be/fnQ39W1YBW0?si=01jHYMX1ZbzKU1-P

Product Recommendations

FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures - 2025 New Tackle Box with Tackle Included, Fishing Kit with VIBs, Frogs, Minnows, Soft Baits, Hooks & Weights Accessories, Freshwater Lure Kit for Bass Walleye Trout

TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax, Magic Noisy Turbulent Wiggling and Vibrating Actions for More Bites, Segmented Swimbait Jointed by Dyneema Strongest Fiber, Lifelike Fishing Lures for Relax Family Fishing

Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Fish Fishing Kits, Slow Sinking Lifelike Swimbaits Crankbaits Hard Baits Lure Set, Fishing Gear for Bass Trout Pike Walleye, Freshwater Saltwater Predator Bait

Rapala Bass Boom Box, Bass Fishing Kit with 7 Curated Lures and Bonus Item Featuring Rapala, VMC, Crush City, Sufix and Storm

HALF CRESCEN Fishing Lures Kit for Diving Bass/Trout/Pike with Lifelike Action, Fishing Gear Set for 2025 Xmas (Gift Box 1)

PLUSINNO Fishing Lures, 137Pcs Tackle Box with Tackle Included, Crankbaits, Spoon, Hooks, Weights & Other Accessories, Fishing Bait Lure Gear Kit Gift for Men Bass Freshwater

TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Jighead Lures Paddle Tail Swimbaits Soft Fishing Baits Freshwater Saltwater Jigging Bass Gear Gifts for Men

FONMANG 322-Piece Fishing Lures Kit - Buzz Bait/Spinner Baits/Jig/Frog, Fishing Tackle Box with Tackle Included, Soft Bait/Hooks/Weights, Fishing Gear Lure Kit Gift for Men Freshwater Bass Trout

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