Cold Front Bass Tactics


 

        Though it may seem like every bass in the lake comes down with a case of lockjaw during the passage of a cold front, it doesn't mean you can't catch fish.  A few bass will always remain active, it's just a matter of finding them and getting them to bite.

    


     Here are a few tips that can help you coax some of these fish into biting.

 

    Go Slow

         Rarely will you get a bass to chase a fast-moving lure during a cold front.  Instead, slowly drag or dead stick plastic bait, stall suspending stick bait, or when all else fails, switch to a slip float/live bait combo.  Rather than make the fish work, dangle you’re offering in front of their faces.

 

    Small Is Better

       Smaller lures and light line on a spinning rig is the choice for finicky bass.  Go to 6 or 8 pound mono and a plastic tube instead of a bulky jig on 20-pound line.  Finesse fish during a cold front, because oversized line or lures will turn bass off.

 

    Top Spots

        This is not the time to explore.  Stick to your best spots, though you may have to fish deeper and tighter to cover.

 

    Look For The Thick Stuff

        Bass hang very tight to cover during and after the passage of a front, often hiding in the thickest weed available.  You have to get right in front of them to get them to bite.  Also, try fishing deeper water adjacent to where the fish were before the front, and keep your presentation subtle.

 

    Inside Turns

        Inside turns along a break line or weed line are good sheltering spots to look for non-aggressive cold-front bass.  Forget points and other structure bass use when they're feeding. Probe their comfort zones.

 

    Keep On The Move

        If you don't find active fish after 15 minutes, move on.  It increases your odds of locating active bass.