Fishing is a patience game that many have become familiar with. But the truth is, to have a productive fishing trip, there’s more to consider than attitude and fishing tools. Just like seasons change, so does the “availability” of fish. The likelihood of catching a particular fish is more possible during a particular time of the year than at any other time. This is why we have certain fish that are in season during different times of the year.
Common Fish to Catch During Winter
Some common fish to catch in the winter are rainbow trout, pike, arctic char, and more. However, there is always something to catch all year round. For example, it’s optimal to catch halibut from May to September, King Salmon from May to July. Silver salmon is available from July to September, red salmon from June to August, and pink and chum salmon from July to August. Be sure to plan your trips for salmon fishing accordingly.
Typical Lures Used for Fishing During Winter
Now that we have an idea of which fish are abundant at this time of the year, let’s move on to how to catch them. One of the most crucial tools an angler should have is baits and lures. These can be organic or artificial baits. But for now, familiarize yourself with the artificial lures available in the market. These are helpful to use during winter, too.
Stock up on one, two, or three of these lures for fishing. Now your tackle box will be ready for winter.
Jerkbait
This lure is easily one of the most common ones out there. Jerkbait lures are made to look like and imitate herrings, minnows, sardines, and other fish. These have three hooks dangling from their underside. As the name suggests, jerkbaits lure fish when the angler jerks at the line in a forward and downward fashion. These, however, are great for fishing in shallow waters.
Jigs
Jigs are used to imitate minnows swimming too. This can be done by tugging and pausing alternatively and repeatedly. Usually, the fish will bite or strike when the lure stops moving. Generally, jigs resemble prey other than minnows and are made of either rubber or silicone. Other than choosing the appropriate prey-imitating jig, the color should be taken into account. During winter, lighter colors are more noticeable to them.
Wacky Worm
Wacky worms are artificial worms that come in a variety of lengths and colors. To keep the hook from ripping too soon, anglers wrap rubber bands or the fishing line around the center of the worm. However, other anglers prefer the worm to be paralleled to the worm’s body.
Wacky worms are used with wacky hooks. These hooks are a common choice for anglers. They’re circular and can come with a weed guard. The weed guard can come in handy, especially when fishing in weedy areas.
Lipless Crankbaits
The way lipless crankbaits function is interesting. When retrieved, the lure wiggles, causing vibrations in the water. This imitates the action of a fish swimming and signals other fish of its presence. While the angler retrieves it, the faster the lure moves. This is mostly when a fish strike at the bait.
Lipped Crankbaits
The lipped crankbaits function similarly to the lipless ones but in a slightly different way. The lip prevents wiggling by cutting through the water during retrieval. This causes it to move straight, in deeper depths, and without much interference from the water. This lure stimulates the predatory instincts in fish, even if they aren’t hungry.
Spybait
This lure has two propellers on each end that enable it to suspend deeper and slowly into the water. Once it’s at the depth the angler desires, they can then start to retrieve it. However, this should be down very slowly so that the lure stays on that depth. As anyone can tell, this lure will take time to perform and accomplish. If nothing else seems to work, or maybe it’s just a slow day, this is a great backup plan. It indeed takes time, but the catch is worth it.
A winter-ready angler is ready all around and all year round. Some trial and error may be necessary to know which lures work best for you and your preference. Familiarizing yourself with which tools work best during certain seasons is helpful to becoming a well-rounded angler. Although patience still plays a big role in fishing trips, it does help to become more strategic during these trips. Knowing which lures to use helps with that.