When the winter weather drives water temperatures down the fish respond by moving slower. You can still use the same bait and rigs in the winter. It’s just that the fishing is a lot slower!
When the ole biguns bite you have to give them a little more time. I’ve had them pull my rod down to the water slowly and just hold it for 20 to 30 seconds or more before taking it on down. You have to match their slower behavior by slowing down your own.
I may down size my bait a little bit too. And real fresh bait (bloody) is a must. You want to stimulate as many senses as you can. Bottom line, you must be a lot more patient in cold weather!
