Cold water bassing

It is almost that time of the year again, a time when fisherpeople start to second-guess their intentions... “Is it really worth getting out of bed when it is freezing, to try to catch a bass that doesn’t really want to bite?”
Many anglers go into hibernation when the water turns cold because frankly, fishing is tough in the winter.  Not just fishing tough but tough on the body too.
There’s nothing wrong with taking a little time off when it gets cold, maybe pursue a winter sport like hunting or biking, but for those who are dedicated enough to go out and risk frost bite, do not despair. In South Africa you can always find a bass or two to bite, no matter how cold.  In America I have caught bass when there was snow lying on the banks, and even from a lake that was still partially frozen.
The secret is to present the bait in the proper place and to fish at a rate slow enough to entice a bass to bite.  Water temperature is important: look for the warmest water and sunniest banks. I have seen bass move up into the tops of submerged trees to bask in the warmer upper layers of water in the dead of winter.
Baitfish will be more active in the warmer shallow water and bass still need to feed.
Allow yourself a bit of a lie-in when winter fishing, wait for the sun to get nice and high and to start warming those shallows.  Bass like the sun in winter. It is not necessary to get up at the crack of dawn.
Look for drop-offs close to sun-drenched banks, rocky banks or rip rap. In the winter bass will not want to move too far from their deep-water winter sanctuary to feed. If you can find a stretch along the bank that is darker than the rest of the surroundings, chances are it will be warmer because dark colours conduct heat better than light.  
The number one, most productive lure for winter bass fishing is undoubtedly a Jig and Trailer. The larger the trailer, the slower the fall, keeping the lure in the strike-zone longer. Target heavy cover or shallow brush close to drop-offs. Fish slowly and methodically.  Make sure to keep the jig in contact with the bottom at all times. Drag it from shallow to deep, deep to shallow, over the drop or parallel to the drop.
A few other good cold water baits include small soft-plastic grubs/finesse worms rigged on a shakyhead jig / dropshot weight / small Texas weight, crankbaits and vertical jigging spoons.
The winter bite is subtle. You will need to fish with a very sensitive rod so that you can easily detect the slightest tick on the line, or the moment your bait feels ‘weightless’ when it should be making contact on the bottom. Pay attention for the slightest change in the ‘feel’ of your lure and set the hook.
Dress warmly and be prepared for any kind of emergency.  
Remember – hypothermia can kill within minutes. Make sure to stay dry and always try to fish with a buddy.  
This is not a time to be out alone on the water.