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Cody Huff explains how to maximize your winter bass fishing success. His process begins by locating shad and then targeting fish with the Damiki rig. This setup thrives in cold-weather conditions, targeting bass feeding on tightly grouped baitfish. Huff emphasizes the importance of finding shad and highlights efficient sonar techniques to locate schools of bass quickly.
FEATURED PRODUCT
- JIG 1 – VMC Neon Moon Eye Jig, 3/4-ounce: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- PLASTIC 1 – Strike King 3X Baby Z-Too Jerkbait – Arkansas Shiner – 3-1/2″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- JIG 2 – VMC Sleek Jig, 1/8-ounce: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- PLASTIC 2 – Bass Pro Shops XPS Shad Bod – Bolt: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- ROD – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Made in USA Spinning Rod – 6’9″ – Medium: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Spinning Reel – 6.0:1 – Reel Size 2000: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE (braided mainline) – Sunline Overwatch Metered Braid, 10-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (fluorocarbon leader) – Sunline Tornado V-Hard FC Fluorocarbon Leader, 9-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
LOCATING SHAD: THE KEY TO WINTER BASS SUCCESS
In winter, finding shad is critical. Huff uses 2D sonar to pinpoint baitfish in reservoir creek arms, focusing on areas where the channel swings close to the bank. He recommends scanning with your sonar while following creek ditches, then slowing down and “scoping” the shad schools with LiveScope for feeding bass. These shad bait balls are magnets for the bass trifecta: largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass.
THE DAMIKI RIG: HOW TO SET UP AND FISH IT
While Huff relies on a handful of proven winter fishing lures, the Damiki rig shines for its versatility. Huff uses a 3/4-ounce jig paired with a shad-style soft plastic. Adjust the jig size based on water depth and fish activity. For fish high in the column, a lighter 1/8-ounce jig excels, allowing the bait to glide naturally. Huff’s go-to rod is a 6’9″ medium-action Johnny Morris Platinum rod paired with smooth-casting braid to a fluorocarbon leader. This setup ensures sensitivity and strong hooksets, which are critical for detecting bites and driving hooks home in deep water.
KEEPING THE BITE ACTIVE
Huff advises keeping fish engaged by acting quickly. Drop baits back into active schools without delay, and consider fishing with a partner to double the action and fun. Once the school disperses, move to the next group and repeat.
THE PAYOFF OF PATIENCE
Winter bass fishing can test your gear and patience, but the reward is worth it. Locating shad and adjusting your jig and minnow setup for the conditions can turn a slow day into a productive outing. Huff demonstrates how a strategic approach with the Damiki rig catches quality bass all winter.
BOAT SETUP
- FISH FINDER – Garmin EchoMAP Ultra Fishfinders: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FORWARD-FACING SONAR (FFS) – Garmin LiveScope Plus System Bundle: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- DOUBE STACK MOUNT – BeatDown Outdoors The Ultimate Double Stack: Buy at BeatDown
- CONSOLE MOUNT – BeatDown Outdoors LocDown Console Mount: Buy at BeatDown
- FFS TURRET – RITE-HITE Turret: Buy at Amazon
- TROLLING MOTOR – Garmin Force Trolling Motor: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- BASS BOAT – NITRO Z21 XL: Check out at NITRO
- MOTOR – Mercury 250hp Pro XS: Check out at Mercury
- SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Power-Pole Blade 2.0 Shallow Water Anchor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
