January Lures for Bass Fishing

   With the warmer than usual temperatures and above average rainfall  in the southeast, the pre-spawn period is going to be the prime time for anglers to catch large smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass. The longer periods of sunlight and the gradual warming of the waters surface temperature will start to change things in the aquatic world of the bass. Southeast anglers have enjoyed a non stop fishing season with little interruption from cold temperatures.      

 During late winter through early spring, bass are being caught on the main bodies of area lakes, near points and areas of transition structure from gravel to rock, which are in direct relation to known spawning areas. To mention a few productive lures being used in the southeast this winter would be the old faithful jerkbaits, and jigs, but newer trends that several are taking notice of is the now famous float n? fly.      

 Stephen Headrick at Punisher Lures continues to improve his hair jigs and techniques to keep anglers hooking up on smallies. The float n' fly is catching on all over the country. Stephen is pictured above with a nice Dale Hollow Smallmouth that was brought to the boat on one of his float n? fly jigs. The small hair jig suspended beneath a bobber makes a perfect offering for them ?ol brown fish of Dale Hollow as well as lakes around the region. Stephen or Smallmouth Guru as he is known professionally has been featured in many publications and conducts seminars that have taught many of these amazing technique for winter bass.     

 Another lure that is getting the attention of the deep structure anglers around the country is the Depth Charge made by Redemption Outdoors Inc. By the maker of the Smack-n- Shad that took top water by storm, this deep dwelling "Depth Charge" is producing bass and other species from the cold winter depths.

ROI Company Owner, Ferlin Wynatch pictured above with a very nice largemouth that was coaxed up from the depths of Tennessee?s Chickamauga Reservoir. This new ?twitch? bait is changing things for cold water deep bass, and is getting attention as a walleye lure as well.      


 The heavy rain resulting in continually rising and falling water levels of the season has made constant changing conditions that have created some challenges to anglers. Bass have been forced to relate to the various in structure as the water rises and falls. However both of these lures have continued to produce fish throughout the changes.

 It is exciting to talk to these men about their companies, their ideas and hopes for the future. I am fortunate to live in an area with not only amazing fisheries, but also with local manufactures producing products that are not only gaining popularity, but can actually catch fish.     

Happy Fishing!

For more information about Punisher Lures and the Float n' Fly:
http://www.punisherlures.com/

For more information about Redemption Outdoors and the Depth Charge:
http://www.redemptionoutdoors.com/

Special thanks to Preston Moore for the picture of Stephen, and to Ferlin Wynatch for the use of his picture. And to In-Fisherman for the article about the Depth Charge. Visit their site at:
http://www.in-fisherman.com/