Whether you’re up north battling ice-cold water or down south dealing with chilly winter temps, I’ve got two baits for each region to help you catch more fish this month!
January: A Winter Wonderland for Fishing
January is winter, no matter where you live. Even in Florida, Texas, or Louisiana, it’s still one of the coldest months of the year. Up north, it’s even colder, with air and water temps at their lowest. When the water gets this cold, fish slow down. They’re lethargic, hanging out on deeper, steeper breaks where they can conserve energy. These aren’t the shallow, tapering banks of spring and summer. In January, focus on vertical breaks, areas where the bottom drops off quickly. Fish relate to these spots, and the right bait can make all the difference.
Top Two Baits for the Northern Half of the Country
First up for my northern anglers is a metal blade bait. This bait is a killer in cold water. My favorite is the Molix Trago Vibe, a modern take on the classic Silver Buddy. In January, I stick with ⅛- or ½-ounce sizes unless I’m fishing deeper than 30 or 40 feet, where I’ll go up to ¾-ounce. The key to fishing a blade bait is subtlety. Use small hops with your rod tip—no big movements. When you lift the bait, it gives off a tight vibration, like a chatterbait. When it falls, it flutters aimlessly, imitating a dying baitfish or a crawfish trying to escape. Stick to simple colors like silver, gold, pearl white, or perch patterns. Keep it close to the bottom, and you’re in business.
Next is the Missile Micro Jig, a scaled-down version of a traditional skirted jig. In January, fish are often glued to the bottom, sometimes so close they get mud on their bellies. The compact profile of a micro jig makes it irresistible. Use a football head style for rocky bottoms or a standard head for wood and grass. Drag it slowly, pausing when it hits structure. My go-to trailer is a shortened 4-inch Berkley PowerBait General. I bite it down to about 2 inches and thread it on, creating a stubby tail that moves subtly. This bait mimics small crawfish and bluegill, which are perfect winter meals for lethargic bass.
Top Two Baits for the Southern Half of the Country
Moving south to states like Virginia, the Carolinas, and Alabama, my number three bait is a tight wobble crankbait. In cold water, the Berkley Frittside is hard to beat. Whether you use the Junior, Five, or Biggun model, its silent, tight wobble is ideal. Crank it slowly, and when it hits something, stop and let it rise. The Frittside’s slow rise mimics disoriented baitfish perfectly. Focus on steeper banks, riprap, or rocky areas with creek channels nearby. This bait’s subtle action triggers bites from bass that are keyed in on sluggish prey.
Finally, bait number four is a suspending jerkbait. The Berkley Stunna 112+1 and the new 112+2 are my go-tos for January. The deeper bill on the +2 model gets the bait down quicker and keeps it in the strike zone longer, which is crucial when targeting fish on vertical breaks or suspended in the water column. If you’re using forward-facing sonar, this bait is a game-changer. Reel it down, twitch it a few times, and let it sit. Sometimes it takes five, ten, or even fifteen seconds of stillness for a bass to commit. That’s when patience pays off big time.
Wrapping It Up
January fishing might be chilly, but it can be incredibly rewarding with the right approach. Whether you’re up north or down south, these four baits; the blade bait, micro jig, tight wobble crankbait, and suspending jerkbait, will keep you catching fish all month long. Remember to fish slow, focus on deeper, steeper breaks, and match your cadence to the fish’s activity level. Tie these baits on, stay warm, and get out there to catch some winter bass!
_______________________________________________
January Bass Fishing Secrets: Top 4 Lures for Cold Water Success _____________________________________________
Like Ike on Facebook, and follow him on Instagram and TikTok for fishing and fun content.
Subscribe to Mike’s YouTube channel, to ensure you see every adventure video. (Download the YouTube app on your phone and the videos will come to you automatically.)