Made in the USA!
Made in the USA!
Winter bass fishing can be frustrating—cold water makes bass slow and hesitant to bite. But with the right lure and presentation, you can turn even the coldest days into a productive fishing trip. The 3” Ned Stick is one of the most effective cold water bass lures, offering a slow, subtle action that entices lethargic bass. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to rig and fish a Ned Stick in cold water, plus expert winter presentation tips that consistently trigger bites.
For cold water bass fishing, a 3” Ned Stick is ideal. Its small profile and subtle action match the slower metabolism of bass in chilly water. Pick colors that imitate natural forage—pale greens, watermelon reds, and shad patterns work best.
Proper rigging is crucial for maximizing action:
Use a light finesse jighead: 1/16 to 1/8 oz works best for slow sinking.
Thread the bait carefully: Insert the hook straight through the center of the stick to maintain a natural, horizontal fall.
Optional trailer: For extra action, you can add a small soft plastic trailer or paddle tail.
Slow and subtle: Let the Ned Stick fall naturally to the bottom. Avoid aggressive twitches—bass are sluggish in cold water.
Drag and pause: Lightly lift and drag your rod tip, then pause. Many bites happen during the pause.
Focus on structure: Target points, humps, and drop-offs where bass seek warmth and cover.
Cold water fishing requires patience. Keep your casts precise and repeat the same spot multiple times. The slow, subtle action of a 3” Ned Stick paired with your winter presentation will trigger strikes from even inactive bass.
Mastering the 3” Ned Stick bass fishing technique in cold water will give you a huge advantage in winter. Remember to focus on slow, subtle presentations, rig your bait correctly, and target the right structure. With these tips, your cold water bass fishing success rate will improve dramatically.