Top 3 baits for COLD water largemouth and smallmouth?

[Reel Northern Bass]

We've been working on that cold water fishing pattern hard the last...well, too many years living here in the northeast, trying to get better in that sub 40 degree water temp. We've been very successful with it the last few years and have had quite a few people ask what our go-to's are for this time of the year. Threw together a video going over our top 3 choices for both largemouth and smallmouth in 45 degree or colder water, would love to hear what you guys think!

Or, for those that would rather not watch the video, these are our go to choices.
Smallies: 1) Finesse jigs 2) Blade bait 3) Damiki rig
Largies: 1) Spiderjig/jigs 2) Jerkbait 3) Ned rig

Let's hear it, YOUR top 3 choices for each. I know I'll get some light heat about not having a hair jig specifically stated in OUR top 3, but it's OUR top 3. Not THE top 3 based on a census or something . I've been working the hair jig more and more but I still don't have anywhere near the same success with it that many others do.

[juice780]

You forgot a crankbait. It has to be in the top 3. Mine would be crankbait jig and jerkbait. Screw the finesse stuff.

[188Musky]

You completely whiffed on live bait.

At least 100% better than your choices.

[basscat21]

Tannerite

[Reel Northern Bass]

You forgot a crankbait. It has to be in the top 3. Mine would be crankbait jig and jerkbait. Screw the finesse stuff.

Maaaan if I had $100k for every fish I've caught on a crankbait this late in the year...I'd be broke.

You completely whiffed on live bait. At least 100% better than your choices.

We don't want to take that away from the ice anglers or they'll never catch anything.

Tannerite

Man anything with guns and tannerite just reminds me how much I miss FPS Russia's channel. Just some dude from Kentucky with an insane gun collection and one hell of a fake Russian accent constantly blowing chit up!

[JAZII]

Both species jig, jerkbait, spoon/damiki rig

[ECobb91]

Completely agree with the largemouth.

smallmouth I’d use a jerkbait or finesse swimbait instead of Damiki.

[Thamelau]

You forgot a crankbait. It has to be in the top 3. Mine would be crankbait jig and jerkbait. Screw the finesse stuff.

Are crankbaits productive below 40? I know they are good cold water baits, but the temp range he was talking about seems to be extreme cold. A crankbait isn't something I would think about, but may have to try it out in the spring.

[Cbump]

A-rig, jerk bait, ned

[Reel Northern Bass]

Completely agree with the largemouth.

smallmouth I’d use a jerkbait or finesse swimbait instead of Damiki.

Once water gets this cold we have a hard time getting them to come up even for a deep diving jerkbait, most of our smallmouth are living 40+ feet down and won't come up very far for us. I always have one tied on just in case but hasn't panned out yet.

A-rig, jerk bait, ned

A-rig would absolutely be higher on my list if I had more places I could throw a real one. NH sucks about it, we're allowed a max of 3 arms on the rig with only one real hook. Vermont and Mass are a bit better, can use a 5 arm rig but only with two real hooks. New York and Connecticut we can use 5 real hooks thankfully, but I never get over to NY this time of the year and trips to CT are rare.

[juice780]

Are crankbaits productive below 40? I know they are good cold water baits, but the temp range he was talking about seems to be extreme cold. A crankbait isn't something I would think about, but may have to try it out in the spring.

Yes they are. Some days are better than others but they are still good in cold water. Do you think bass stop eating shad in cold water?

[okiebass]

Crankbait/jerkbait/big spinnerbait

[Reel Northern Bass]

Yes they are. Some days are better than others but they are still good in cold water. Do you think bass stop eating shad in cold water?

How cold does the water get down there in the winter? Genuinely curious, I don't have any close friends I can ask that question of that live down in the Carolina's.

[Basswipe]

Jig, Jerkbait, crankbait.

[basscat21]

All I have to say is put some hair on it!

[bilgerat]

Are crankbaits productive below 40? I know they are good cold water baits, but the temp range he was talking about seems to be extreme cold. A crankbait isn't something I would think about, but may have to try it out in the spring.

I caught them steady on silent squarebills late last winter over submerged pre-emergent spatterdock (lily pad like plant)

Lipless cranks will catch them in cold water as well.

[ProVle]

You completely whiffed on live bait.

At least 100% better than your choices.

And also work's for the largest fish in the lake.

[Phoenix Jim]

Caught them this week in 37 degree water on jerks

[DaveBrabec]

A rig Jerkbait and LV 500 for me. Caught more big January fish on a LV than anything

[boneil]

For smallies: crawfish, bull minnows, nightcrawlers
For Largemouth: nightcrawlers, bull minnows, crawfish