Winter Chills=Icy Thrills

Even though winter is here and the bass aren't biting, there is, as always, another active species. True, you could use a jig or a spoon, but the chances of catching a bass is close to that of having Donald Trump become YOUR apprentice. So for a surefire chance of catching, try what I call "frost-fishing." It's basically the same as ice-fishing, same tactics, same lures, same species, but down south in the Midwest, the pond/lake will get either really cold or some minute frosting over, just enough to still the water. Most of my waters just get really cold, and are shallow, so I use a flashy, small, and dull-colored bait like a Little George. I'll simply cast it out, jig it twice, wait, reel it in a bit, jig it twice, wait, reel in a bit, until I'm out of line. This really lets the flashy blade stand out and flutter. For added attraction, thread some live bait such as a mealworm onto the hook.

Hope this works, those who try!

State Record Sunfish Hybrid

When I was 9 years old, I caught a 2 pound sunfish hybrid (left). My papa, who was fishing with me, said it was the biggest sunfish he had ever seen. We snapped a few pictures, and released the fish, which was caught in Bartlesville at the "Perch Pond." I found out recently that it would have been an Oklahoma State Record. Although officially I don't own the record, it is nice, and devastating, to know that I could.

Lure Trailers

Many single-hook lures are commonly fished with a trailer for extra added attraction designed to provide convincing action and that extra something that will make the bass strike. Spinnerbaits, jigs and swimming spoons are among the baits designed for trailer use.

Three main types of trailers are commonly used: pork rind, skirts and soft plastics, such as a craw or a worm. Often, fishermen trim some of the meat off the pork with a sharp knife to provide an increased fluttering action. A bright, contrasting color is often the key to provoking moody bass.

A trailer is a great way to convince a bass to eat your lure.

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Record and Ugly Stik Lite

I received an Abu Garcia Amabassadeur Record baitcasting reel and an Ugly Stik Lite rod for my birthday last Saturday. I love them. I hit the lake Sunday, and was amazed at how smooth the reel is. Backlash is minimal, and it casts great. The bite was slow, however, and I only caught one small bass. But I think I could have fun just casting and reeling in with this great rod and reel.

The Great Hula Popper

My favorite lure is the Hula Popper. It is an old topwater popper made by Arbogast that has caught me many 5+ pounders. My two favorite colors are frog and black, but any color works fine. This classic lure is a slow popper that, when fished, should be popped every 6 seconds or so, then set still. Hold on to your rod, though, the strikes are violent. Look at the lure in the mouth of this bass. Hula Popper. No tackle box is complete without a Hula Popper.

Tips and Tactics

Check out these "Tips and Tactics" from bassresource.com. If you don't know how to fish a certain lure, or you want to learn knew techniques, then this is the place to go.

New World Record Bull Elk

This Elk was killed with a bow in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. He green scored 575" and should net out at about 530" non typical. He has and unbelievable outside spread of 79". This is the biggest bull ever taken with any weapon.