COLD WATER

[bobby wolpert]

The club I fish with , here in eastern NC we fish year round . My ??? is--- with the water temp dropping the way it is what patterns or techniques would you suggest to use on tidal rivers ?? The PRO STAFF TEAM has helped me in the past so how about it? Thanks guys. Bobby Wolpert

[Eric]

My experience on tidal waters has been to look for whatever grass is left. The greener the better. If you can find green grass near deeper water you will find bass. Although " deep " is relative to the body of water you are fishing any change in depth can hold fish. I would look at the mouths of larger tributaries where creek channels intersect with the main river channel. Look for hard bottom areas within grass beds such as shell beds or rock piles, these areas will hold the suns heat. Deeper rip rap banks, wooded channel swings and even flats adjacent to the main river can all hold bass. As far as lure selection goes you really need to look at what the baitfish are doing and try to match the size of the avaliable forage. My top choices would be lipless crankbaits, blade baits such as a silver buddy, jig n pig's, suspending jerkbaits ans smaller finesse stlye worms. Let the bass tell you what they want. If you catch one bass pick that area apart, as bass will school in large groups from fall through spring.

[johnnie crain outdoors]

Bobby, first, let me ask a couple of questions. What do you consider cold water in your area? Are we talking 40 degrees?Higher/lower? Next, is this an actual river or lake with a river channel? How much effect in depth do the tidal changes cause? Good post and I'd like to learn more. Obviuously, tidal changes don't occur in Iowa, but the Mighty Mississippi river can change several feet overnight and we have to adjust. Thanks, Johnnie Crain, Iowa Pro Staff.

[bobby wolpert]

First of all I would like to thank Eric from the Pro Staff Team for his tips and information . I plan on putting it to use this SAT at our club tourney. Secondly to Johnnie Crain-- cold water here is in the high 30s to lower 40s. We fish true rivers ; such as the Pamlico-- Roanoke-- Chowan and the Trent / Neuse they all empty into the sounds before they reach the ocean. The tidal change is maybe 3 to 4 ft. But it goes out fast and comes in fast. Thanks for your help gentlemen

[d.mcgarry]

Bobby, my expierence with Tidal rivers would have me back in the creeks keying on points or bends(turns) that offer depth and a break from the current. Bass seem to migrate around the 52 degree mark and winter in the creeks using a variety of current breaks and depths. Here on the Hudson my favorite area is in Wappingers creek on a squared off bulk head near a large flat. I would say that the Bass school tightley at times and if you are good at reading current (ei:Trout stream fishing) you can catch alot of bass. Use a heavy jig and just let the current wash it back through the undercuts use a tube or grub and let the current present the bait. I also love Marabou Jigs and smoke grubs. As the water temp drops the bass bunch tighter and may not bite as well but when they due some spots will give up fish after fish. Good luck we have had some lousey weather the past few days. Rivers provide the most consistent fishing inspite of the weather conditions. Good Bassin Dan Bass

[JoeM]

Bobby- You are in "good hands" with Eric, Johnnie and DanBass. I wouldn't be surprised to see some additional comments from other Pro Staff Team Members.

In the Northeast there is a Lottery commercial which uses the song "If I had a Million Dollars". If I had it, I would travel to every Member of the Pro Staff and PAY THEM to fish with me. I would learn more than anyone could buy any other way.

All you guys- Thanks for your questions, your answers and your great attitude. Keep it up. Man, I love this Website. Joe

[johnnie crain outdoors]

Hi Bobby, sounds like you're getting some great advice. The guys and gals on this site are terrific. One thing we have learned about river fishing here, (Iowa) is the bass will remain in shallow backwaters, same places as in summer. Even when covered with ice, the backwaters hold fish even in less than three feet of water. However, you don't have the ice problem. I would in your case try backwater areas with green tube jigs, crawfish are primarily green during winter. Of course a weightless tube is recommended due to the slower metabolism of the fish. Another technique I would suggest for main river current oriented fish is to try a deep diving (small) crankbait weighted with SusPend Dots or strips. Cast the bait behind anything that might break the current flow, fish the bait steady and slow, let the current flow create the baits action, I like to pull the bait with the rod then crank in the slack. Don't be afaid of snagging, that's why I always use deep divers, the lip of the bait will deflect it over and around most cover, except weeds of course. Look for rock shorelines with deep holes if available. One last word of advice, use some type of fish scent on your baits, whichever bait you choose, scent really helps in cold water. Good luck and have a great holiday season. Johnnie Crain Iowa Pro Staff

[MMT]

Bobby, sorry to chime in late on this one. Eric gave you some good advice about locating green weeds. Green, living weeds hold oxygen, which in turn hold baitfish and ultimately bass. In my experience on tidal rivers in Fall and early Winter, I use three baits as the water temps drop. The first is a 4" plastic worm, The next is a jig n pig and the final bait is a hair jig. You should be able to catch a few fish as you concentrate on slowing your presentation down. All three of these baits excel when fished slowly .

[bobby wolpert]

Thanks to everyone who has taking the time to help me. I write it all down in my notebook and reread it . If you keep answering-- I'll keep asking ! The Pro Staff Team and this website are great!! Merry Xmas to all. Bobby