Cooper river winter bass fishing tournament!
Introduction:
Currently as a high school bass angler in South Carolina one of my favorite places to fish during the winter months is the Cooper River. This river offers a unique and challenging experience and with the right techniques and lure selections, you can reel in some impressive bass even when the temperatures drop. In this blog, I'll share my experiences, tips and techniques for winter bass fishing on the Cooper River. I will share my opinion on some of the lures I use to help you make the most of your fishing trips.
Understanding the Cooper River:
The Cooper River is a beautiful and diverse waterway located in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It’s 50-mile stretch flowing through the cities of Moncks Corner and Charleston offer a variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year. During the winter months the river's bass behavior changes and as an angler it is essential to understand these changes to have a successful outing.
Location and Timing:
One of the key factors in successful winter bass fishing on the Cooper River is choosing the right location and timing. Bass tend to move to deeper waters during the colder months so you'll want to focus your efforts on the deeper sections of the river. Look for areas with varying depths, structure, and cover.
Timing is crucial as well. Winter bass tend to be more active during the warmer parts of the day, so plan your trips for late morning and early afternoon when the water has a chance to warm up a bit. Also, pay attention to weather patterns as a warm front can lead to increased bass activity.
Equipment and Tackle:
Before heading out to the Cooper River, ensure you have the right equipment and tackle for winter bass fishing. Here are some of my recommendations:
Rod and Reel: A medium to heavy action baitcasting rod and reel combo is ideal for targeting bass in deeper waters. Spool your reel with 12-15 lb fluorocarbon line for better sensitivity and control.
Terminal Tackle: Use a variety of hooks, including Texas and Carolina rig hooks, as well as drop shot hooks for finesse presentations.
Lures: Winter bass can be finicky, so having a selection of lures to adapt to different conditions is essential. Let's explore some effective lure options for the Cooper River.
Lure Selection:
Jigs: In colder water jigs are a reliable choice. A brown or green pumpkin jig with a craw trailer can mimic the crayfish that bass often target during the winter. Fish these jigs slowly and methodically near structure and cover.
Soft Plastic Worms: Soft plastic worms are a staple in any bass angler's arsenal. Choose natural colors like green pumpkin or watermelon and fish them on a Carolina or Texas rig. Slowly drag them along the riverbed to entice bass.
Jerkbaits: Suspending jerkbaits can be effective when the water is clearer. Work them with a twitch-pause-retrieve action to imitate wounded baitfish. Silver and natural patterns work well in these conditions.
Crankbaits: In stained or muddy water go for lipless crankbaits in bold, contrasting colors. These lures create vibration and noise to attract bass. Retrieve them with varying speeds and pauses.
Blade Baits: Blade baits like the silver buddy can be deadly in cold water. These lures have a tight wobble and can be fished vertically making them effective for vertical jigging.
Spinnerbaits: On warmer winter days spinnerbaits can produce excellent results. Slow-rolling spinnerbaits in chartreuse and white or shad patterns can trigger strikes.
Techniques for Winter Bass Fishing:
Now that you have a range of lures to choose from let's delve into some effective techniques for winter bass fishing on the Cooper River.
Slow and Steady Retrieve: The key to winter bass fishing is to slow down your presentation. Fish are less active in cold water, so a slow and deliberate retrieve is more likely to entice strikes.
Vertical Jigging: When using blade baits or jigging spoons fish vertically near structure. Drop your bait to the desired depth and jig it with short sharp motions to mimic dying baitfish.
Finesse Fishing: On days when bass are particularly finicky switch to finesse techniques. Try drop-shotting with soft plastics or using a shaky head jig. This subtle presentation can be very effective.
Pause and Retrieve: With jerkbaits and crankbaits incorporate pauses into your retrieve. These pauses mimic a wounded or struggling baitfish making them more tempting to bass.
Bounce Off Structure: When fishing around structure like fallen trees or rock piles let your bait bounce off or along these obstacles. Bass often hide in these areas during the winter waiting for an easy meal.
Staying Safe and Comfortable:
Winter fishing can be a test of endurance, so it's important to take care of yourself as well. Here are some tips for staying safe and comfortable during your Cooper River winter fishing adventures:
Dress in Layers: Wear multiple layers of clothing to stay warm. Don't forget to wear waterproof boots and bring a good-quality rain jacket to keep dry.
Use Hand Warmers: Hand warmers can make a big difference in keeping your hands warm and nimble for casting and reeling.
Stay Hydrated and Snack: Even in the cold it's essential to stay hydrated and have some snacks on hand to keep your energy levels up.
Plan for Shorter Outings: Winter days are shorter and it gets dark early. Plan your outings accordingly to ensure you're off the water before it gets too dark.
Tidal currents:
One more thing before I go. Bass fishing on the Copper River, not knowing about the tidal currents can also create a challenging angling experience. The Copper River known for its picturesque surroundings and diverse aquatic life, provides a thrilling environment for bass fishing. Tidal currents play a pivotal role in this adventure creating a dynamic and ever-changing ecosystem for both novice and seasoned anglers.
Tidal currents in the Copper River are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. These currents fluctuate throughout the day impacting water levels, temperatures, and the movement of fish. Bass fishing enthusiasts must adapt to these tidal changes as they can greatly affect the behavior and location of bass in the river. I know I struggled at first how the tidal currents effected the bass during my first tournament on the Copper River.
Successful bass fishing in the Copper River requires anglers to understand the tidal patterns as different stages of the tides offer unique opportunities for catching bass. For example: during high tide bass often move closer to the shoreline to take advantage of the rising water while low tide may lead them to deeper channels or submerged structures.
To excel in this dynamic environment anglers typically use various bait and lures adjusting their techniques to suit the prevailing tidal conditions. Patience and adaptability are key attributes for those seeking to conquer the challenges posed by the Copper River's tidal currents and unlock its bass fishing potential.
Patience and Persistence:
Winter bass fishing on the Cooper River can be challenging and it's important to be patient and persistent. Bass may not be as active as they are during warmer months, but with the right techniques and lures you can still have successful outings. Keep in mind that a slow day on the river is better than a day at home and you'll gain valuable experience with every trip.
Conclusion:
As a high school bass angler, the Cooper River offers a unique and rewarding experience for winter fishing. Understanding the river's characteristics during the colder months, having the right equipment and selecting the appropriate lures are all essential for success. Remember to be patient and adapt to changing conditions and you'll find that the Cooper River can be a fantastic place to hone your bass fishing skills year-round. So gear up & head out to the Cooper River and enjoy the thrill of landing some impressive bass during the winter season. Happy fishing!
In the video below, one of my Bass Fishing Tournament’s took place on the Cooper River Located in Berkeley county in Charleston, SC. This was our second time fishing a tournament on this river. The day started out better than expected but the conditions changed throughout the day and made the fishing tough where we were fishing at. The expectation was the bass would be headed in to the bedding areas but we didn't see them doing that on this trip down.
Check out Logan’s YouTube video below for more insight!