It’s one of the coldest months of the year for Zone 3, and Strike King pro Tristan McCormick shares some of his tips and tricks to getting bass on your line despite the frigid temperatures. 

“Better have you some heated clothes ‘cause it gets colddddd,” states McCormick. For McCormick, the month of December is meant for jerkbaits. “As you can see in the bait selection, it’s jerkbait season. With the water temperatures in the high 40’s to low 50’s, I slow down my retrieval rate,” he says. He also expects big bass and huge strikes in Zone 3. “Points are a huge player when it comes to throwing a jerkbait. Bass weigh so much more in December than anytime of the year, in my opinion – big fat bucket mouths,” McCormick emphasizes. 

There is one technique that he frequently utilizes in December – cranking. “Cranking is a big factor as well. Cranking down channel swing banks with big nasty rock, bass are feeding on crawdads from 8- to 12-feet,” he says. McCormick advises all Zone 3 anglers to “grab yourself some KVD jerkin’ plugs and some flat sided crankbaits and go to work in Zone 3!”

BAIT 1: Strike King KVD J300

If the water is clear, McCormick prefers Natural Shad. In stained water, he switches to Chartreuse Sexy Shad. For muddy water, he will favor Oyster.

The KVD J300 has the perfect combination of roll, wiggle, and flash. High quality features and advanced technologies give this jerkbait the advantage over others of its kind. 

BAIT 2: Strike King KVD J300 Deep

McCormick’s choice for clear water is Crystal Shad, while he opts for Chartreuse Sexy Shad if the water is stained. The Shizzle is his go-to when fishing in low-vis conditions. 

Lethal action and erratic movement, the KVD J300 Deep dives up to 11-feet and has a proprietary weight transfer system for increased castability.

BAIT 3: Strike King KVD Elite 300 Jerkbait

He opts for Pro Table Rock in clear water, and switches to Pro Blue Flash if the water is stained. McCormick opts for Pro Blue Glimmer in muddy conditions. 

Premium hooks and eye-catching paint schemes elevate Strike King’s KVD Elite 300 Jerkbait to the top of your arsenal. 

BAIT 4: Strike King KVD 1.5 Flatside Crankbait

If the water is clear, he will throw Bully, while more stained water calls for Delta Red. He chooses Chili Craw in muddy or low-vis conditions. 

Designed by Kevin VanDam to have a slender modified flat side for erratic thumping action with a body size similar to the KVD 1.5 Squarebill. A great, silent medium diver to add to your arsenal.

BAIT 5: Strike King Series 5

He opts for Rootbeer in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw Chili Craw, while he will switch to Delta Red if the water is muddy.

A medium-sized body with a medium wobble and medium buoyancy, the Series 5 has a two-degree diving plane to allow for lengthened casts and deeper depths!