Iowa winter struggle

[GoneFishingLTN]

've done quite a bit of research and believe I have a decent understanding of bass behavior. However, this season here in Iowa has me stumped. I sometimes wonder if the bass don’t follow the textbook patterns, given that our lakes are relatively small—a "big" lake here is only around 787 acres. If that’s not the case, then I’m not sure what I’m missing.
I’ve been targeting 45-degree banks near spawning zones, rocky drop-offs, or just rock in general, or even vertical structure but so far, this has only produced one or two small fish over a seven-hour period. Any insights or corrections would be greatly appreciated!


I know a bass is a bass but is there a chance they just act different in such small lakes

[Redog]

Man I know that feeling! Thankfully I’ve had a good ice out fishing. I think you’re fishing the right stuff. I’ll look for stuff with a little wind blowing on it as well. But the biggest thing I look for is bait fish, schools and bass on scope. I also have 4 Jerkbait on deck. (You wasn’t them to slow sink usually. Also 2-3 blade baits. Jigs, Ned rigs are my starting setups to have on deck. It will get better soon. But there will be more guys out all the time. They know the good spots too so the earlier the better.

[Redog]

Thinking more about a few things..With water in the low 40’s and if it’s clear I like a 110-+1 jr. weight it with some lead wire so it sinks slow, like really slow. Once it gets warmer I feel the bass get on the rock refs. Try a red/brown flat sided sq-bill. I like the 6th flat 75. In my opinion and what I do is you have to be hitting the rocks, when you feel it hit the rocks stop reeling for a second then reel again ect. You will lose some baits but that’s how it goes. With jigs you really want to imitate crawl dads. Take some dye and dip the claws that will also give it some flavor. I think they hold on better with some garlic smell on it. I also fish lake I know really well and have big fish. For the most part they seem to be on the same spots every early spring.

[Phoenix Jim]

And crank that squarebill fast!

[GoneFishingLTN]

Man I know that feeling! Thankfully I’ve had a good ice out fishing. I think you’re fishing the right stuff. I’ll look for stuff with a little wind blowing on it as well. But the biggest thing I look for is bait fish, schools and bass on scope. I also have 4 Jerkbait on deck. (You wasn’t them to slow sink usually. Also 2-3 blade baits. Jigs, Ned rigs are my starting setups to have on deck. It will get better soon. But there will be more guys out all the time. They know the good spots too so the earlier the better.

Thank you! would you mind sharing, I don’t need to know all the baits, but can you tell me which jerkbaits you have rigged up? Specifically:

• One in the 4-6 ft range
• One in the 4-6 ft range with lead to help it slow sink
• One +1 model
• One +2 model

That way, I can get an idea of why you have four on the deck! Of course, if you’re using different lines for them, I’d love to hear about that too.

[Phoenix Jim]

I throw megabass 110’s and berkley stunnas on either 10lb or 12lb. They are already hitting jerkbaits pretty good

[Redog]

Of course. I’m like Jim mb 110 and stunnas. I usually have a regular 110 and a plus 1+ on. Then I have a stunna and it varies if it is a plus 1.. the last one is the 110jr +1. Different lakes have different colors and sometimes I may put 2 jr on too start. It pretty common for me to make changes to them throughout the day, like color ect. Oh yeah and I do have some big JB I will start using as the water warms. But most stay with the 110 size. For line 1 has 12lb 2 have 10 and one has 8lb. It is on FC sniper. As far as color go I have everything lol. Usually a bait fish color can work in clear water but I’ve done well sometimes on clown colors. It’s really hard sometimes to know. But don’t over think it to much.

[GoneFishingLTN]

Of course. I’m like Jim mb 110 and stunnas. I usually have a regular 110 and a plus 1+ on. Then I have a stunna and it varies if it is a plus 1.. the last one is the 110jr +1. Different lakes have different colors and sometimes I may put 2 jr on too start. It pretty common for me to make changes to them throughout the day, like color ect. Oh yeah and I do have some big JB I will start using as the water warms. But most stay with the 110 size. For line 1 has 12lb 2 have 10 and one has 8lb. It is on FC sniper. As far as color go I have everything lol. Usually a bait fish color can work in clear water but I’ve done well sometimes on clown colors. It’s really hard sometimes to know. But don’t over think it to much.

First off, thank you, Jim/Reddog! I know I’m digging deep here, but gaining knowledge is what it’s all about, right? Lol.
Could you break down your system for adjusting line size? I understand it helps control depth—going deeper or shallower depending on your approach—but do you typically keep the baits not tied on and adjust based on what you're seeing on the water? Or do you usually stick with the Plus 1 on 8lb line as a standard setup?

[Phoenix Jim]

First off, thank you, Jim/Reddog! I know I’m digging deep here, but gaining knowledge is what it’s all about, right? Lol.
Could you break down your system for adjusting line size? I understand it helps control depth—going deeper or shallower depending on your approach—but do you typically keep the baits not tied on and adjust based on what you're seeing on the water? Or do you usually stick with the Plus 1 on 8lb line as a standard setup?

my jerkbait line is almost always 12lb unless there is little cover i occasionally go 10 but very little. They are to damn pricy to go lighter. I go to Canada every year and we slay the smallies on jerks in clear water with 12lb line so for me I don’t see a need for lighter line. If I’m fishing shallow rock piles I have a rod with a jerk on 15lb line

[Redog]

That a very good point on line size. JB are expensive. Really the only reason I’m going a little lighter sometimes is to try and get a little more depth and longer casting. But I do have 12 one one setup all the time