Bass bite: I spend at least 3 hours a day fishing from the bank on a small lake and average 2 fish per day. That being said there are days I don’t even get a strike. What is going on.

phantom ll Loc: Citrus Heights, CA

I spend at least 3 hours a day fishing from the bank on a small lake and average 2 fish per day. That being said there are days I don’t even get a strike. What is going on. Very frustrating.

uncle Leo Loc: St Louis Mo

cold water fishing can be real tough slow down your presentation till it hurts. Jig and pig has worked the best for me

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

phantom ll wrote:

I spend at least 3 hours a day fishing from the bank on a small lake and average 2 fish per day. That being said there are days I don’t even get a strike. What is going on. Very frustrating.

It's winter, even in California. The fish are probably moving to deeper water, or at least out of your usual fishing area. Depending on what access is available, try different spots, preferably with direct access to deeper water. Check your town or state for availability of a topographic map of the lake. Then you'll know where the deeper water is.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

I agree with the deep water idea . Except , if it’s a clear , sunny and somewhat warm day, they may come up. Any warming will bring em up.

Winter is tough. It’s like a cold front but lasts for months.

If the lake is generally shallow, they will bury in whatever cover is available.

Slow and small is the general rule.

Try a bass jig with a soft plastic trailer. Blue and black would be my go to.
Fish this dead slow. If you think you are going slow. Slow down some more.
The bite will be almost imperceptible so watch your line.

Jeremy Loc: America

I agree. Then if no bites. Something small and white. White resembles what color fish turn when dead.

Seegundo Loc: Lake s minole Georgia

From the back is tough fishing unless you're in a small pond. Winter time bass need less food and a big bass may only eat ounce a day or every two days. A jig and pig is a great starting point. Black and blue or Orange and brown to imitate a craw fish. A Carolina rigged lizard is another option fished from deep to shallow. I use a 6"' zoom in junebug, green pumpkin or water melon red flake. Here again slow is the key. Spike it scent or bang with bang anise oil.

phantom ll Loc: Citrus Heights, CA

Thanks for the comments. I have been working it pretty fast. I will definitely slow it down. I am using a Yamamoto worm light brown.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

phantom ll wrote:

Thanks for the comments. I have been working it pretty fast. I will definitely slow it down. I am using a Yamamoto worm light brown.

You may want to try different colors too Phantom. My 2 best for Largemouth are June Bug, and Watermelon green with red flake. And definitely fish them SLOW in cold water.

Chuck56 Loc: Texas

phantom ll wrote:

I spend at least 3 hours a day fishing from the bank on a small lake and average 2 fish per day. That being said there are days I don’t even get a strike. What is going on. Very frustrating.

Wow. 3 hours every day. Sounds to me like you are dedicated. But , since I don’t know your particulars , like what you fish with , or does this only happen in the winter months, etc. I would make this suggestion. Change your approach to how you fish. Maybe you can come up with a plan/ finances to acquire a kayak or canoe. If so, you can finally get off the bank of this small lake and locate the fish. Getting off the bank increases your chances 100% and you learn new skills too. Good luck! ......My 2cents.

Fishing Fool Loc: redding, ca

Even in my pond that is only 30 feet deep fishing it really slow and often with a little wind I will use a slip float and fish it letting the wind do the work and the bass will pick it up and just swim off. I like the watermelon and pumpkin colors this time of year and just use it wacky rigged.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

I won't fish for bass again until the first 70 degree day in Feb. This time of year it is best to focus on the fish coming into the rivers from the Pacific. Of course, being lazy in your warm bed, football on TV, with the soft skin of a woman against you trumps fishing for me this time of year.

phantom ll Loc: Citrus Heights, CA

I will bring everyone up to date on my bass fishing. The pond I fish is only 2000 feet perimeter and only 4 feet deep. That being said I have caught a 9 lb largemouth there and several 4 to6 lbs. I did take your advice and slowed down my presentation and also changed to a 5 inch senko watermelon with red and black. I don’t know which one worked but I have had some success. Thanks everyone for your advice.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

phantom ll wrote:

I will bring everyone up to date on my bass fishing. The pond I fish is only 2000 feet perimeter and only 4 feet deep. That being said I have caught a 9 lb largemouth there and several 4 to6 lbs. I did take your advice and slowed down my presentation and also changed to a 5 inch senko watermelon with red and black. I don’t know which one worked but I have had some success. Thanks everyone for your advice.

Sounds good Phantom, but where's the pictures???

phantom ll Loc: Citrus Heights, CA

I have changed my tactics. As soon as I feel a bite I let the line go slack and when the fish takes up the slack I set the hook.

Seegundo Loc: Lake s minole Georgia

If you fell a fish on the other end of the line and it's slack he is moving towards you take up the line and set the hook . He ain't got no hands it's in his mouth.