It’s almost December already, so today we’re going to talk about my top baits for the month! We split the country into two halves, all states north of Virginia and then all states south of Virginia, and I give you two baits to fish for each zone. December is winter no matter where you live, so these baits will help you catch bass whether you’re fishing in New York, Virginia, Alabama, Texas, or all the way out in California.
Before we get into the baits, let’s talk for a second about what makes December unique. December is true winter. In the northern half of the country, water temps might be in the high 30s or low 40s. Down south, even though it’s warmer, this month still marks the start of cold weather and dropping water temps. And when that water gets cold, everything slows down. The baitfish slow down, the metabolism of the bass slows down, and their movements become way more deliberate. So in December, you have to slow your presentation down too. That’s the key to catching fish right now.
All right, let’s get into my top four baits for the month of December!
North of Virginia:
A Metal Blade Bait
If you live in the top half of the country, this is a must-have. In December, those bass get low. When the water gets cold-cold, like 40°, 38°, sometimes even 36°, those fish drop down to the bottom and get glued to that lower part of the water column. That’s why my number one bait for December up north is a metal blade bait, like the Molix Trago Vib in 3/8 oz.
A blade bait looks like a little shad, and when you lift it, it vibrates hard. When you let it fall, it wobbles just like a dying baitfish. My favorite retrieve is the yo-yo retrieve: cast it out, let it hit bottom, lift it up, and let it fall back. Lift… fall. Lift… fall. That’s it! This thing absolutely shines around steep 45-degree banks, riprap, bridge pilings, sea walls, and sharp channel swings. If you live up north and you’re not throwing a blade bait in December, you’re missing out.
Compact Skirted Jig
Now let’s talk about a bait that works everywhere, north or south. It’s one of my all-time favorites in winter, and you probably guessed it, a skirted jig. But in December, I shrink it down. The colder the water gets, the smaller and tighter I want my jig profile.
Two of my favorites are the Missile Mini Flip Jig and the Missile Micro Football. These compact designs imitate one of the bass’ main winter meals: crawfish. Crawfish stay active even in cold water, crawling along the bottom, and that’s where you need to be, slow and low on the bottom.
The trailer is super important in winter. You want neutral action, nothing too wild. My go-to trailers are chunk-style baits like the Berkley PowerBait Power Chunk or a MaxScent Creature Hawg cut in half. You get just enough subtle movement, but not too much. When you drag that jig, pause it, or shake it slowly around cover, the skirt breathes and those little legs kick just enough to trigger bites. A compact jig is deadly in December.
South of Virginia
Tight-Wobble Crankbait
Now let’s move into the southern half of the country. December is still winter here, but it looks and feels a little different. Water temps might be in the high 40s, low 50s,perfect for a tight-wobble crankbait.
My absolute favorite is the Berkley Frittside, the 5, 7, and 9 models. With these three sizes, you can cover everything from shallow two-foot flats down to 15-foot ledges. In December, you want a crankbait that wobbles tight, has no rattle, and almost suspends when you stop it. The Frittside is perfect for this. Hit a stump, rock, or piece of grass, then pause it. That slow rise drives winter bass crazy. They can’t stand it!
Alabama Rig
Last but not least, and you won’t hear me say this any other time of the year, is the Alabama Rig. I know, I know… it’s banned in some tournaments, it gets a bad rap, but in December down south? It’s a life saver. This thing imitates a whole school of bait, and that’s exactly what winter bass are hunting.
I like a downsized rig, like Shane’s Baits Mini Blades of Glory. Rig it with small 2.8″ swimbaits like the Berkley Power Swimmer and lighter jig heads. Winter bass suspend a lot down south. 10 feet, 20 feet, even 40 feet over deep water and nothing gets them to bite like an A-rig. It’s mesmerizing to them!
December is cold, it’s winter, and, of course, it’s the holidays,but the bass still have to eat! Try these four baits based on where you live, slow down your presentation, and I promise you’ll catch more fish this month.
Good luck, be safe on the water, and as always, NEVER GIVE UP!
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