Several folks have asked how I use Mepps #4 in the winter, because like me, they don�t have much success using or don�t like dead-sticking. So, I thought I�d write an article about how I structure fish for white bass and hybrids during the winter months.

I must confess I�ve never been on a successful dead-stick outing, so I don�t have any appreciation for how that would stack up against what I do with a Mepps. This year so far I am catching about 30 fish in 2 � hours when I can find fish, which has been almost every time out. I am catching mostly 13 to 15 inch whites plus some legal and short hybrids mixed in. This is fishing by myself using one rod with one #4 Mepps on it. I suspect I could add a jig above the Mepps and catch more.

The two key factors are (1) locating the fish and (2) then determining how these fish at this depth want the Mepps presented.

(1) Locating fish: Unlike dead-sticking, I don�t go to deep water and look for suspended fish. I look on the same structures where I catch fish all year round. Right now with water temps in the low 50�s F, I am finding good concentrations of fish in both shallow (12 to 18 fow) and deep water (20 to 26 fow). See screen shots below. I cruise over structures using sonar and side-scan to locate the fish. Usually, side-scan will pick them up, but sometimes when fish are hugging the bottom in a single layer it doesn�t. However, sonar will show them as tiny little bumps spread out along the bottom. If I suspect this, I go back over the spot and use the zoom feature. It they are there, it will confirm them. I know these little bumps are fish because the structures I fish are smooth on the bottom. When water gets colder- down in the mid 40�s F � I can only find fish on the deeper structures.

(2) Presentation:
a. 12 to 18 fow water: At these depths there are several presentation options. I can use the usual technique described in my article at Mepps website casting to the fish and reeling in along the bottom. Another is to make a short cast and drag it sideways along the bottom using the rod. The other way is dropping it straight down and jigging it and lifting it up from the bottom with the rod.

b. 20 to 26 fow water: At these depths the only consistent presentation is to fish straight down and lift the Mepps up from the bottom just fast enough to make the blade spin. Let it free fall back to bottom, shake it a couple of times and lift it again. Try dragging it up at an angle. The bite is usually very light. If I feel anything, I�ll set the hook.

Making a bumping noise on the boat body is a must. I use my foot but am thinking about getting a thumper. The noise keeps the fish coming back under the boat. It�s not perfect though, and I usually have to move around after a while (say 20 to 30 min) to get over fish again.

Sometimes I�m over fish that just will not bite, and I have to move on to another structure. In a 2 � hour outing I�ll typically fish 3 to 4 structures.This year so far silver Mepps has worked best. Last winter white worked best. All my winter fishing has been here at Cedar Creek Lake, and I post most of my outings on TFF telling which structures I am fishing.

I hope this is helpful. Dennis

White bass along the bottom. Water temp 50 degrees, depth 23 fow


Here from last winter temp was 43 degrees

Thank you .

What is a Mepps #4?

This: https://www.fishusa.com/product/Mepps-Aglia-Spinners-Undressed

Or something else?

Thanks.

sb

Thats it. Check out the link in his sig. It goes to the article all about this method and explains the bait but yes thats the one there you posted.

Appreciate it. Did not notice the link. Will do my due diligence.

sb

Thanks Dennis

Heck yeah DENNIS, I like structure fishing in the winter. For some reason the whites hold better to structure on CC vs. Tawakoni though in the winter. Crazy how different lakes fish differently.

Excellent post! Thanks for taking the time to share your information and tips! I can�t seem to find a decent school of whites in winter but catch them as a by catch of deadsticking for hybrids. I�d love to find a good school like your screen shots : )

Thanks Dennis, are the screen shots what you call " single layer hugging the bottom"?
Not sure if that model humminbird has whiteline feature or not, if it does it might help define the fish
hugging bottom a little better.

My Mepps #4 with the white tail is a trusted go-to anytime of year with the challenge being finding the correct speed and depth.

ML56: Yes, that's what I call single layer. Note the screen shot is on zoom, so the bumps w/o zoom would be much less pronounced. I am not familiar with "white line" feature.

Here's a short video on whiteline feature, by that fella a few posts back, in this thread.
Nice work there RespectTheFish , great comparative screen shots.

I don't see the link.

Great article but didn't see the side scan you were ref. Thanks Scott

My bad, didn't double check my own post, here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x45eePTvHf0