Bass can be tough to catch in the wintertime, when they vacate shallow water for the vastness of the main lake. Winter is also the time of year when spotted bass can be more dependable than largemouth and smallmouth.

During winter, spotted bass form tight schools and likewise feed on roaming schools of baitfish in deep water. With the fish holding in depths of 20 feet and greater, the most effective bait is a structure spoon.

Heavy spoons imitate a wounded baitfish, and can be jigged in a school of spotted bass no matter how deep they are holding.

The key to finding the magical triangle of fish, bait and habitat is by studying a topographical map. Premium maps are marked with GPS coordinates, providing a shortcut to finding prime spots. Once there, a depthfinder can determine the presence of baitfish - and spotted bass.