As the warm temperatures are coming to an end, fishermen are getting excited for the near future. Due to the fact that daylight hours are much shorter, the sun does not sit high above the water long enough, causing the water temperature to drop. For fishermen, this means that fish activity transitions to a much slower method of fishing.
“As winter approaches I notice the fish become less active due to the cold temperatures,” senior Max Karellas said. “I tend to fish much slower.”
Many fishermen prefer a speedy retrieve in hopes of a bite that will tug the fishing pole out of their hands. However, fishing a much more subtle lure rather than power fishing with fast, vibrant and loud baits will cause more bites in colder situations. Those who fish with this strategy will notice the slower style is key to cold-water success. This is especially true to the mysterious ways of largemouth bass.
Jerk baiting and throwing a jig for largemouth bass is the ticket, Chain O’Lakes tournament Bass fishermen, Brian Floore, mentions about the fall bite. However tough, when fished correctly, the jerk bait technique can be crucial to cold water largemouth. As for the jig, a silicone skirted-jig head often used with a rubber plastic trailer is a much more simple lure to use. A jig can be tossed year-round with various retrieving techniques that will catch more fish than any other bait on the shelves. Fishing fast is not an impossible task, it can be achieved with ideal conditions and the correct approach.
Not only does the fisherman become excited about their catch on the water or ice, but it is also a great time to socialize and bring new people out on the waters. Many recreational waterway users are inside keeping warm during the holiday seasons.
Ice fishing in particular can be an excellent way to introduce newer outdoorsmen to the sport of fishing, whether it is jigging for panfish or watching tip-ups.
“I enjoy ice fishing more than open water fishing, pulling a fish through the ice is a heck of a lot more fun and in some instances, more difficult to accomplish,” ACHS Alumni Mike Dorosan said.
Fish are often harvested to eat during the ice season. The water temps are cold, keeping fish meat firm and tender and being more flavorful when eaten. These three anglers shared their personal favorite recipes for their catch. Karellas prefers the southern deep fry recipe, which is a very simple and common method across the midwest. Dorosan’s favorite recipes include frying or baking fish in the oven. Baking fish is more healthy, as it does not absorb the oil and grease that tends to come from fried fish. And lastly, Floore enjoys his fish marinated in Italian dressing and grilled, as well as beer-battered. Both recipes are sure to pack a punch of flavor with each bite.
