Cold Murky Water

     A lot depends on what you are considering as "Murky".  A jerk bait is really good in stained water, especially around rocky points or riprap.

        If the water is muddy, use baits that have a lot of sound and/or vibration.  Rat-L-Traps and spinner baits work well for covering shallow muddy flats early in the year, especially when you are looking for bigger fish.  You may only draw a few strikes, but they will normally be good ones.

        Flip a dark colored jig with rattles to any wood cover you can find in muddy water.  The thicker the mud, the more they seem to hold on the wood, or brush.  You may actually have to hit the cover to draw the strike.  Spinner baits can also work for this, but they won't normally chase it far, and sometimes the jig may be a better option.  Another option that has been used sometimes is a big grub like the Yamamoto 10 Series in black/chartreuse, black/blue and June bug.  There are other baits that also work well, like the Zoom Big Dead Ringer in the same colors.  If the water is not extremely muddy, colors like watermelon/red flake or Green Pumpkin may work better.

        The key to fishing these big baits, is to peg the weight, or use a Florida rig weight, like the ones made by Gambler.  The weights stays pegged against the bait allowing it to be flipped into heavy cover and not get hung up, just like it works in vegetation.  Don't be afraid to use a heavier weight than you think you need.  You are not looking for a slow fall here, but rather tail movement.  A  3/8 - 1/2 oz works well for this technique, and rig the bait weed less with the tail pointed down to achieve maximum movement.  Pitch it out, and let it fall on a tight line.  Now lift and hold the rod tip up.  The key is keeping a tight line and making the bait "Swim" back down into and around the cover.  Take up slack as you drop the tip.  Bass will normally hit this bait with authority, so hang on.

Also, a big wacky rigged Senko can draw some deadly strikes too, but remember the hook is exposed.