January Zone 1

Strike King pro Dakota Ebare expects the water temperature to play a huge role in fishing conditions in Zone 1 in January.

“Winter water temperatures in the 55- to 65-degree range will be a big factor in fishing conditions,” shares Ebare. Ebare foresees a normal winter pattern in Zone 1 during January. “I expect a typical winter pattern where fish will be relating to drains, depressions, and the vegetation or cover that surrounds those areas,” explains Ebare.

BAIT 1: Strike King Red Eyed Shad

If the water is clear, Ebare prefers the Chrome Blue while he opts for Sam Rayburn Red Craw in stained or muddy water. 

“One deadly lipless crankbait,” in the words of KVD – the Red Eyed Shad has incredible action and a uniquely-shaped profile for unbeatable performance. The red 3D eyes and wide spectrum of colors make the Red Eyed Shad the perfect crankbait in a variety of fishing situations.

BAIT 2: Strike King KVD J300 Deep Sinking Jerkbait

Ebare chooses Pro Bone in clear or stained water while he reaches for a Chartreuse Sexy Shad in muddy conditions. 

The new KVD J300 Deep Sinking Jerkbait allows you to fish a jerkbait in depths that no other jerkbait can get to. Watch it sink down on your forward-facing sonar until it gets to the depth you desire, then start ripping it back to the boat and watch the fish go crazy.

BAIT 3: Strike King KVD J300 Jerkbait

BAIT 4: Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig with Rodent trailer

Ebare chooses the Crawdaddy Rodent trailer in all conditions but sticks with a Green Pumpkin Craw Skipping Jig in clear and stained conditions. He picks up a Black Blue Skipping Jig in muddy water. 

Designed to be the ultimate jig for skipping under docks, Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig is built with a super strong and sharp Gamakatsu hook for strong hooksets and resistance to bending when fished in hard cover.

BAIT 5: Strike King Pro Model 5XD Crankbait

Chartreuse Sexy Shad is Ebare’s top choice in clear water, but he reaches for a Chartreuse Blue Black Splatterback in stained or muddy conditions. 

The 5XD dives to around 15-feet and is ideal for deflecting off deeper structure as fish make their way back into shallower flats.

BAIT 4: Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbait

Ebare utilizes the Mouse color in clear water and chooses White/Silver in stained water. He picks up Chartreuse/White in muddy conditions. 

Strike King’s Tour Grade Spinnerbait has a weight-forward head design for smooth movement through cover and a durable Gamakatsu® hook for solid hooksets every time.