Page 97 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2026

could mark a hump where water depths vary. Fish completely surround any cover whenever possible.
During the winter, anglers typically catch the biggest bass of the year. Fish feed heavily to build up strength before the spring spawning season. Females swell with eggs and weigh much more in January or February than they would in July.
A bass can’t resist slurping a crawfish
at any time, but during the winter and early spring, crawfish provide bass with a major protein source. Nothing imitates a crawfish like a jig sweetened with a soft- plastic crawfish imitation. Weedless jigs can slip through entangling structure and grass better than most lures.
During the winter, fish hold as tight to cover as possible. Drop jigs right next to tree trunks or other objects. Drag jigs slowly along the bottom out to deeper water. Plastic worms and similar soft baits also work. The colder the water, the slower the retrieve.
In many areas of South Mississippi, nature doesn’t give anglers very many other options for cover besides cypress trees and vegetation. Learn to fish around the ancient giants for better success all year long.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
ABOVE: Gene Bishop, a professional bass angler, shows off a bass he caught on a spinnerbait under the trees.
Photo by John N. Felsher January 2026 | 97