There is probably no time of year where fishing becomes more difficult than the transition time from fall fishing to winter fishing. Most fisherman struggle because they seemingly cannot find the fish, they are not in the backs of the creeks nor are they located in their deep winter spots; they are somewhere in-between. These areas in-between are transition spots where the fish stage as they migrate out to the deep for the winter. 

The key to these areas is the location to deep water, as the bass migrate their stopping spots generally have deep water close; areas that they can easily move up on top to feed in the warmer part of the day and quickly run deep if spooked. It is always full of bait fish as the cold water groups up the bait fish on the deep side of the in-between areas and the bass follow them for easy prey. Many times you can scan the bottom with your Lowrance Structure Scan around the deep side of the in-between spots and see the bait balls 4 to 10 ft. in depth and if you expand your vision around the screen you will see the bass staged sporadically around the bait fish. 

These areas where the bait is gathered is generally these in-between locations like bridges, long under water points, back side humps to the river channel ledge, or creeks that wind around the proximity areas to the river ledge. These transition locations are where the bass go as they migrate out to the deep water for the winter. The key is what will these transition fish hit so you can have a great day of fishing; I like flashy baits. 

Jigging spoons, big willow leaf bladed spinner baits 1 oz. rattle baits jigged as a presentation. These baits are flashy and they catch the eye of the bass as they move erratically around these transition areas. Transition areas hold the bass this time of year so if you’re struggling try something different like transition fishing.

To Fish with Capt Mike Gerry on Famous Lake Guntersville in AL visit: fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com