Anchor or Drag in January? with Jimmy Holbrook, Team Slimeline
January is a cold month, even in the south. Jimmy Holbrook fishes competitive with his wife Layla as Team Slimeline. Their young son Jeremiah Fisher Holbrook may even be seen on the boat with them as the newest member of the team.
Holbrook responds to the cold January temps by staying tight to the river ledges in the main lakes he normally fishes. Santee Cooper and Lake Wylie have produced plenty of winter catfish for Team Slimeline.
“I mainly work these ledges drifting,” reported Jimmy. “I like to stay tight where the fish are holding in January. I will also anchor near a bend or big structure on the ledge if the drift is not producing.”
Team Slimline use Warrior Cat Rods with a traditional Santee dragging rig when drifting or anchored, with a small adjustment.
“I use a sinker slide on my rig,” said Jimmy. “That way I can change from a drifting weight to an anchor weight in seconds. And, I don’t lose any fishing time from cutting lines to change the weights.
“Perch and gizzard shad are my go-to baits during January,” concluded Jimmy. “If I am anchored in windy conditions, I will add a split shot on the mainline right above the sinker slide to keep the float from pulling my bait way up off the bottom when the boat sways.”
