Understanding Winter Fishing with Joey Monteleone

Posted On January 04, 2012
   With the help of my friend Joey Monteleone, in this post he explains the importance of understanding what is going on under the water with the fish in the cold water of winter. His expertise and advice has helped many anglers over the years, he is a natural born teacher. Every time I receive an email from him, I learn something more about fish and fishing. This is some selected tips and pictures that he has shared with me and with his permission I am sharing with WFN.  


Understanding Winter Fishing
By: Joey Monteleone

 Understanding the fish and what they do under extreme weather and water conditions is very important. Certain species are well suited to colder temperatures. Trout for example thrive and can't tolerate the summer temps of lake water. Smallmouth bass also prefer cooler water.        

 As the water gets colder it also clears because bacteria dies out. Gin clear water generally scares fishermen. The answer can be two fold, a combination of smaller lures and slower retrieves works well and live bait can be absolutely deadly. When using live bait, crawfish, creek minnows or shad the biggest live bait you can get means a full stomach for the fish and decreases the need to feed for a while.


 Mental preparation for a day with just a few strikes and the necessity to concentrate for the subtlest of bites is not for everyone. Dressing for comfort and safety are critical. Winter fishing is a challenge. Also watch for a two or three day weather pattern. If the weather warms up, then head for rock or the northwest side of the lake to fish. The sun rising in the east means that the northwest side of the lakes gets the most prolonged exposure to the sun and can transfer heat to rock, roadbeds, concrete structures and more.      

 When a fish reaches trophy proportions it has to maintain its weight.  Through time they become the most efficient predators and the superior of the species. Larger fish have to eat, they don’t eat as much necessarily through the winter months but it takes a lot to fuel a larger fish and keep up its strength. They almost without exception, feed opportunistically, when food sources are readily available and require minimal chase. They choose wintering areas with a good oxygen supply and food sources (baitfish) available and as long as conditions do not change they have no reason to leave. Put live bait close to a fish in the winter and there is a good possibility you can get that fish to bite.  
     

 The fish in this picture was caught in the dead of winter on ½ of a freshly caught skipjack. It weighed 45 pounds.    

  Joey is a great guy and a great fisherman. He will be one of the featured speakers at the Nashville Boat and Sportshow at the Nashville Convention Center January 12-15, 2012. He will be sharing fishing tips each day at the show. For more information visit www.NashvilleBoatShow.com 

Happy Fishing!    

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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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