Strike King pro Scott Suggs expects to see fish in winter patterns and uses his favorite finesse baits to attract a bite in the cold temperatures. 

“I like to throw finesse-y type stuff,” says Suggs. During December, he loves to Carolina rig many of his finesse baits. “I look for little channel turns because that’s where bass congregate and group up – you can make repeated casts and catch them over and over,” he shares. With water temperatures being so low, Suggs expects that bass will be fairly stationary and close to the bottom. “It is one of those times where they are staged up, not moving a lot. It is slower fishing with smaller profile baits,” he says. Suggs says that he never hits the water in December without each of his bait selections tied on. 

BAIT 1: Strike King Umbrella Rig with 3.25” Rage Swimmer

For all water conditions, he utilizes a Blue Gizzard Shad Umbrella Rig and Pearl Flash Rage Swimmer.  

“Rage Swimmer is really good, especially when they are schooled up. When they are sitting in brush piles, you can watch it on active target and sweep it above the brush pile,” Suggs advises. 

BAIT 2: Strike King Ned Ocho

His choice for clear water is Ned Ocho Green Pumpkin, while he opts for Summer Craw if the water is stained. Black Blue Swirl is his go-to in muddy conditions. 

“I like to put it on a 1/4 oz., even a little heavier head, so I can stay in contact with the bottom. I reel in real slow on a spinning rod. Almost a guarantee that you’ll catch ‘em,” Suggs says.

BAIT 3: Strike King Ned Rage Bug 

He opts for Craw Daddy in clear water, and switches to Blue Craw if the water is stained. He opts for Black Blue Swirl in muddy water. 

“I like to find isolated rock piles and throw the Ned Rage Bug on a weedless Ned head. The Ned Rage Nig perfectly imitates crawfish around rock piles,” he shares.  

Bait 4: Strike King Drop Shot Rig with Filler Worm 

If the water is clear, he will throw the Filler Worm in Morning Dawn, while more stained water calls for Magic. Tequila Sunrise is his preference when fishing in low-vis conditions. 

“On a cloudy day, fish will pull up off of the bottom. So on the low pressure/cloudy days, I will throw this with a 15” leader,” Suggs shares.  

BAIT 5: Strike King 3/8 oz. Crackin’ Tube Jig Head with Pro-Model Tube