It’s hard to believe it’s December already but here we are. In this blog, I’m going to outline for you the top four baits for the month of December. And, as always, we’re breaking it down for you depending on where you live. If you’re in the North, above Virginia, you’ll get two baits that dominate cold-weather fishing. For my Southern anglers, Carolinas and below, you’ll get two picks perfect for those transitional conditions. But before we dive into the baits, let’s talk about December because, man, it’s a unique time to fish!
December: A Month of Change
Up North, December is straight-up winter. We’re talking cold temps in the 20s and 30s at night, and water temperatures dropping like a rock. Fish have left their fall haunts and are already hunkered down in winter areas. This is where slow presentations and subtle movements shine. Meanwhile, in the South, December straddles late fall and early winter. Those big feeding frenzies of October and November are winding down. With air temps dropping and water temps creeping into the 50s, fish are transitioning toward winter areas. Some are already there, but others are still on the move. The key for both regions? Match your bait to the conditions. Let’s get into it!
Northern Pick #1: Suspending Jerkbait
If you fish up North in December, a suspending jerkbait is a must. I’m talking about one of the all-time best cold-water baits. The Berkley Stunna 112 is my go-to for shallow zones (0-10 feet). For deeper water, the 112+1 is perfect. It gets down to 12-15 feet and still suspends beautifully. Here’s the deal: December is when baitfish like shad or alewives start struggling in the cold. A suspending jerkbait mimics a dying baitfish perfectly. You want a slow cadence…jerk, pause, let it sit (and I mean really let it sit). That pause, man, that’s when they crush it. It’s a deadly tool for targeting winter-holding fish in deeper, colder water.
Northern Pick #2: Tail Spinner
The tail spinner is my sleeper bait for December in the North. This little chunk of metal, a baitfish-shaped body with a blade on the tail, absolutely gets it done. The Molix Trago Spin Tail is one of my favorites, especially in 3/8- or 1/2-ounce sizes. The magic is in the retrieve: cast it out, let it hit the bottom, then yo-yo it back. That blade on the tail spins as it falls, creating a helicopter-like action that triggers bites from fish hanging low. Even though it’s cold, these fish aren’t completely lethargic yet, so this bait’s movement draws strikes like crazy. It’s a killer for those early-winter fish holding near the bottom.
Southern Pick #1: Tight-Wobble Crankbait
For my Southern anglers, December means moving fish and a crankbait is your best friend. But here’s the kicker: ditch the wide-wobble baits and go for a tight-wobble crankbait. As water temps drop into the 50s, everything tightens up, including the baitfish. I love the Berkley Frittside series for this, whether it’s the 5, 7, or 9, they’ve got the tight action you need. Use these to target those transition zones: main-lake points, secondary points, or mid-depth structures where fish are staging. A crankbait lets you cover water fast, and in December, finding them is half the battle.
Southern Pick #2: The Jig
I know, I sound like a broken record, but a jig is still in the mix for December. In the South, it’s a go-to for cleaning up after you’ve located fish with the crankbait. A Missile Jig, 1/2- to 3/4-ounce flipping, works great around grass, while a football jig is perfect for hard bottoms like rock or gravel. Fish are starting to key in on crawfish again, and the jig is unbeatable for mimicking them. Focus on isolated cover like stumps, rocks, brush piles and work it slowly. The jig shines when the bite is tough and you need to pick apart those winter staging areas.
Wrap-Up
There you have it, my four baits for December to keep you catching, no matter where you live. Remember, December fishing is all about adjusting to colder conditions and targeting fish where they’re headed for the winter. Whether you’re throwing a jerkbait or yo-yoing a tail spinner up North, or cranking and jigging down South, these baits will put fish in the boat. Try them out, and I guarantee you’ll be ready for whatever winter throws your way.
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