January Lures for Bass Fishing

Posted On January 25, 2012

   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 bait was featured in the recent In-fisherman’s gear guide – walleye on page 69. The innovation of the lure has taken the work out of jerkbaits with the action and balance of the lure giving a natural presentation on the fall and on the twitch. Bass and walleye as well as other species  are being fooled by the deep water invader.      

 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/

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About

Mark Bilbrey
Mark Bilbrey
Crossville, TN
Joined July 6, 2010

Growing up on Dale Hollow Lake, in Tennessee, fishing with his family in the shadow of legendary bass angler, the late Billy Westmorland, gave young Mark Bilbrey a solid foundation in the sport of fishing. Mark became an Eagle Scout through conservation projects on Dale Hollow lake and other area parks. He received a skipper certification through the USCG at the age of eighteen navigating and fishing Dale Hollow Lake. Now, after many years as a businessman, Bilbrey has completed professional fishing guide training at Foley/Belsaw in preparation for a future in the industry. A registered Master Angler in Tennessee, and an Ambassador to the World Fishing Network he shares his tips, techniques and stories in hopes to help teach new anglers how to locate and catch fish. His articles have been featured on the web sites of the North American Fishing Club, Monticello Big Bass, and Catfishing Journals. Mark was recently on ESPN Radio's "Set the Hook!" with Pat Rose talking about, what else? Fishing!. Bilbrey holds memberships in several fishing organizations including B.A.S.S., NAFC, and FLW. His passion for sport fishing has been recognized in a promotional video on the World Fishing Network and he was recently selected as "Ambassador of the Year" by WFN. He credits his passion for fishing to his wife Donna and his childhood fishing with his father, Billy Bilbrey, his three older brothers and to his cousin Jack Huddelston, owner of Dale Hollows, Horse Creek Dock.

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