Exploration Trip On Super Calm Winter Day [On-The-Water Report]
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
Are there disadvantages to fishing on a super calm day in the winter?
Or could it be advantageous to go fishing on a calm day during the colder months?
If you want to learn more about fishing on a super calm day in winter, then check this out!!
Check out the on-the-water footage below!!
Fishing Calm Water In Winter
Fish have a big advantage over you in super calm and clear water.
They are able to detect you and your lures easier than if there were rougher conditions.
Choosing to fish docks and areas with deepwater structure can put you into positions to catch more fish.
Fish feel safer underneath docks and structure and are more willing to make mistakes and strike artificial lures.
Getting Your Stuck Lure Out Of Structure
There are mainly two things to do if you happen to get your lure stuck in a dock or other structure.
The first method is the slingshot method.
This means you peel some line off of your spool and then pull back on the rod quickly.
By doing this, you are aiming to expand the monofilament leader and quickly snap it back to try and dislodge the hook from the structure.
The main thing with getting your lure stuck in structure is to NEVER cut the line.
In this scenario, the knot is almost always going to be the weakest point.
The second method you can try involves using your trolling motor and a little bit of force.
First, aim your trolling motor pointing away from the dock or structure you are caught on.
Then, point your rod directly at the obstruction.
Hold the drag in place and pull back on your rod.
The lure will either come free from the structure or the line will break off.
In all likelihood, you will get your knot and leader back, but often you will lose the lure.
Now you can retie a new lure onto the end of your intact leader and mainline.
This is why cutting your mainline is a mistake.
Fishing Calm Water In Winter [VIDEO]
Click here to see the Insider Report details from this trip
Check this out to join the Insider Club
Click here to check out our 11 Lures for $0.01 Special Offer
Equipment Used:
Shallow Running Lure:
- Rod: Custom Prototype (7’6″ Medium Power Extra Fast Action)
- Reel: Daiwa Fuego LT 1000
- Line: 5 lb PowerPro
- Leader: 15 lb Ande Monofilament
- Lure: Slam Shady 2.0 and Alabama Leprechaun
- Hook: Custom Design Weighted Hook (3/0 with 1/8th oz weight)
- Scent: Dr. Juice Inshore Slam Scent
Deeper Spot (more than 2.5 ft) Lure:
- Rod: Bull Bay Custom (7’6″ MH Power Fast Action)
- Reel: Daiwa BG MQ 2500
- Line: 10lb J-Braid 8 Grand – Gray
- Leader: 20lb Ande Monofilament
- Lure: Power Prawn JR rigged on 1/4th oz Trout Eye Jig Head
- Scent: Dr. Juice Inshore Slam Scent
Conclusion
Calm and clear days provide an obstacle for fishing in the winter, however, it is not impossible to hook into some nice fish.
Be sure to scout areas in advance that resemble the trends and patterns of fish behavior from the days leading to your trip.
Remember to stay stealthy and agile on calm and clear days to avoid spooking off fish!
Do you have any more questions on fishing calm water in winter?
Let me know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who wants to learn more about fishing calm water in winter, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
P.S. Want access to our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store? Click here to join us in the Insider Club!
Related Articles:
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Hello,
I’m wondering if you use the same rod for your 10# standard and the 20# dock/structure set up?
Last year I began using 8 pound braid with 15 pound leader for my winter sight fishing rig. I’ve had no problems with break offs. I even landed a 33 inch Red with it yesterday. (see post in community) Does using smaller braid actually help? I still spooked plenty of fish yesterday but I do believe the smaller line at least helps some. Of course the most important thing is to have the opportunity to make a non-threatening cast, and then a subtle presentation. I like the thought Capt CA Richardson uses – “Make eating your lure be the fish’s idea” .
These short video trips are ‘Gold.’ So many little things you can get out of them. Excellent!
Thanks for making time to post the nice comment Art!
I had the same issue with spooky redfish once and found that they would hit if I just barely twitched the lure and let it sit for 5 or 10 seconds. If I tried regular twitch and retrieve they would not strike at all.
When in doubt around spooky redfish, it’s generally best to slow it down.
Hey Luke , looks like that would have been a great place to use your flyrod!
I agree. However, they were so aware of even the line hitting the water that I’m not sure that would have worked either. I will be sure to bring it out more often to see if it can get the job done when in a similar situation.
It should be needless to say that snagged lures should be recovered from docks and other private property. The loose line left if you cut the line is an unnecessary hazard to wildlife, boats, other fishers and swimmers, Practically, speaking, discarded lines of all kinds last forever.
Very true. We should always do all we can to not lose any lures or line. That’s why I think it’s so important to purposefully make leader assemblies that have the weakest point right at the hook/lure so no line gets lost even if snagged on the bottom like what was shown in this video.