My Top Four Baits for the Month of January
Let’s break down my top four baits for the month of January! You guys already know the deal. I’m going to give you two baits if you live in the top half of the country, and two baits if you live in the bottom half of the country. But before we jump into the baits, let’s talk about January.
There’s no sugarcoating it, January is winter fishing. Unless you live in extreme South Florida or far South Texas, the rest of the country is still locked into a true winter pattern. From Virginia north, January is one of the coldest months of the year. And even down south, you’re dealing with cold fronts, high pressure, and the coldest water temperatures you’ll see all year. Cold water changes everything, fish behavior, feeding habits, and the baits that work.
North: Bait #1 — Light Hair Jig
For my anglers in the top half of the country, bait number one for January is a light hair jig. Guys, this bait does not get talked about enough when it comes to winter fishing. I’m not talking about big hair jigs burned for smallmouth or giant ledge jigs down south. I’m talking about small hair jigs — 1/16 oz up to 1/4 oz ball-head jigs with hair or synthetic material tied on the back. My favorites are marabou hair jigs, synthetic hair jigs, and even natural hair like rabbit. The key is that the hair breathes in the water with very little movement.
Color-wise, keep it simple, white around shad, black for crawfish and bugs, and yellow or chartreuse accents if perch or bluegill are present. In January, I fish this bait slow and low. Cast it out, let it hit bottom, lift it gently, and let it fall. That hair flares and collapses, and that subtle action is deadly on lethargic winter bass.
North: Bait #2 — Finesse Swimbait or Finesse Minnow
Bait number two for January up north is a finesse swimbait or finesse minnow. Smaller is better this time of year. I’m putting away the big swimbaits and sticking with 3 inches or less. Two of my go-tos are the Berkley PowerBait Power Swimmer and the Berkley MaxScent Minnow, including the PowerBait Switch Minnow with the internal jig head. I pair these with a 1/8 to 1/4 oz round ball head jig with a 90-degree line tie.
On warmer January days that are cloudy and windy, with a falling barometer, I lean toward the Berkley Power Swimmer and reel it slow and steady. On tough days with high pressure, bluebird skies and brutal cold, I switch to the Berkley MaxScent Minnow. Less action, more neutral movement, just a slow roll with small shakes.
When the bite is tough, this bait will still get bit.
South: Bait #1 — Suspending Jerkbait
Now let’s head down south, excluding extreme South Florida and South Texas. Bait number three for January is a suspending jerkbait, and this one dominates cold water. When southern fisheries hit the low 50s and 40s, nothing matches winter forage better. My favorites are the Berkley Stunna 100, Stunna 112, and the Stunna 112+1 when I need a little more depth. I focus on steeper banks, especially 45-degree rock, riprap, and channel swings.
The key in January is slowing way down. Throw it out, crank it to depth, then barely move it. Small twitches with long pauses like five seconds, ten seconds, sometimes longer. In January, shad are stunned and dying, and this bait perfectly imitates that easy meal.
South: Bait #2 — Jigging Spoon
Bait number four for January, especially for my southern anglers, is all about fishing vertically, it’s a jigging spoon. You can call it a slab spoon or Hopkins-style spoon, but one of my favorites is the Molix Jugulo. It has a great baitfish profile and finish. I always add a small snap or split ring to the nose, and I love using an assist hook attached to the top split ring.
In January, bass often just mush the bait, and that extra hook helps land more fish. I drop it to the bottom or to the level of the fish and fish it, lift and fall, no ripping or snapping. Just lift and let it fall on a semi-slack line. It looks exactly like a dying shad and in cold water, that’s money!
So there you have it, my top four baits for the month of January, organized north and south. Winter fishing isn’t about fishing fast or flashy. It’s about slowing down, fishing smart, and matching what’s really happening under the water. Stick with these baits, fish them patiently, and January can turn into one of the most rewarding months of the year.
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