Fortunately for our friend the bass, late fall and winter conditions normally make this decision easier. In the early fall, baitfish generally migrate to the shallows. As the water temperature cools quickly in the late fall and through the winter, this forage will die off in great numbers -- a bonus for predatory fish lying in wait near the bottom for falling, fluttering food.

Many anglers agree that minnows are a good bet to capture these wary bass. However, even if your minnow is anchored by a jig or sinker, the bass doesn't always know it. And any self-respecting minnow that sees a bass approaching is likely dart frantically to avoid becoming lunch. When ice-fishing, I observed a healthy 3-4lb bass study a minnow at a distance of no more than 18 inches for more than 3 minutes before deciding that it would take too much energy to eat it, and then cruising off!

However, bass can be tricked if you can force them into a reaction strike. One of the most productive presentations you can use to maximize your chances is a jigging spoon. One caveat to bear in mind is that I fish clear to stained water. Spoons will have little affect in murky or muddy conditions where they're not visible.

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