Another theory to which I subscribe is that late season fish such as bass instinctively spend less energy in attacking prey than that which is to be gained by eating the food. I've found that a subtle presentation with a dark or neutral plastic bait is the only thing that will work consistently. I use a quasi-Carolina rig, pinching a 1/4 to 5/8 (depending on wind and current) split-shot about 18 inches ahead of the relatively small hook.

The bait is normally a black, smoke, pumpkinseed or purple 2-4" curly-tail grub or tube-jig. Toss the bait so that it falls down the point. When it is just above the bottom, slowly swim it over the rocks to land about 8 feet out. Let the bait settle for 20 to 30 seconds and then gentle pick it up and move it no more than a foot or so. Although active bass will tend to take the bait on the fall, some inactive fish will wait until it settles and then slowly move in and softly pick it up.

In order for this presentation to work, there is one other piece of tackle that is crucial to have -- a very sensitive rod. Many bites will be no more than little 'ticks'. And you must also make sure to watch your line. Many bites you won't feel at all. I've caught 4-6 pound fish (reasonably large for Canada) when the only clue I had that there was a fish on was a slight lateral movement in my line where it entered the water.

Not only have I caught good sized fish with this presentation, I've also caught plenty of them. In late October, 1993, I was on a weekend trip north of Lake Huron in a small shallow lake. After spending 2 days on deep weed-lines and banging docks with nothing more than 6 bass to show for it between 2 boats, we were getting pretty frustrated. On the final morning, the temperature had dropped to the point that there was 1/2 inch of ice on the dock and snow in the air. As we took to the water, I noticed a rock point jutting out from an island we had not fished.