If I was going fishing early in the morning on a bcda lake in north Alabama - where would you target and what would you fish with? Water temp has been being in the lower 40’s with some slight stain. I have the option of going to a lake that doesn’t have a winter draw down or some that do

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FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Early-winter dawn bass plan for a North Alabama lake (water 40s, stained)**

- **Target zones**: focus on shallow-to-mid depths near cover where bass winter; start with: 
  - shallow 4–8 ft edges around brush or fallen timber along coves and points where sunlight warms the area first light
  - main-lake points and bluff ends with a quick drop into 8–12 ft where a creek channel or ditch line runs close to the bank
  - creek-channel bends and secondary ledges adjacent to potential pockets if present
  - if the lake is drawn down, look for submerged structure that remains (dams, feeder creeks, and remaining cover) just below the surface
  
- **What to use (good bets in low-40s, stained water)**:
  - *Jigging tactic*: 1/4–3/8 oz football jig with a craw trailer or chunk to hold bottom and draw bites on a slow drag along cover
  - *Texas rig / finesse options*: 4" finesse worm or 4" split-shot rig in green pumpkin or watermelon red to sit in the brush and hold on a light wind
  - *Small swimbaits / segmented swimbaits*: 3–4" swimbaits to mimic shad or bluegill with a slow pace
  - *Drop-shot or weightless options* for finicky, suspended bites
  - *Shallow-to-deep crankbaits* with a subdued rattle (4–6 ft) for structured banks in stained water
  - *Topwater*: very early, near calm coves with still-morning light—if surface temps creep up a degree or two, a small wake bait can spark a bite

- **Color and presentation**: in stained water, go with high-contrast colors (chartreuse, green pumpkin, bluegill patterns). Use slow retrieves; let baits pendulum near cover and keep bottom contact on each lift-and-drop.

- **Seasonal note**: this is early winter; bass hold tight to structure and slow down. The key is patience and bottom contact.

- **Drawdown decision tip**: lakes without a winter drawdown tend to have more stable cover; drawdown can expose structure, so target submerged cover that remains and look for baitfish around those areas. If you can choose, a lake without heavy drawdown often offers a steadier bite; but with the right cover and a slow presentation, you’ll find bites in either scenario.

- **Practical morning plan**: start at first light on a point with a 6–10 ft drop, then drift along the edge to scan for moving fish in shallower pockets. If bites are scarce, drop to 10–12 ft and fish a jig or drop-shot; keep your line tight for subtle takes.

- Quick gear ideas (fishing-relate products you can consider):
  - [FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTH8MXB4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – versatile beginner kit for variety
  - [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – segmented swimbaits for lifelike action
  - [Rapala Bass Boom Box Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJQV65C?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – curated bass lures
  - [BASSDASH SwimPanfish](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DKFZJL5?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – bluegill-pattern options

- Encouragement: grind the first 30–40 minutes, then adapt. Stay lured to structure and keep a slow, deliberate rhythm—winter bass respond to persistence and a good bottom presentation. You’ve got this; the morning will tell you where the bites are. 🎣

Tight lines and good luck! 💪🐟

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