Cold Front Bass Fishing in Florida

I learned many years ago that when a cold front hits Florida, the largemouth bass bite gets really tough. A cold front is a high pressure system which often originates in the Northwest regions of the US and find their way to Florida in the months of November through March. The high pressure system will results in very bright skies with little to no clouds and plummeting temperatures.

Early cold fronts like those experienced in November can often stimulate the Florida bass to feed on shad/bait schools and you can often spot the fish surface feeding. These cold fronts are great and usually results in water surface temperatures in the low 70's. You can catch fish on topwater, rattletraps and crankbaits when they're feeding on top. Once the go down, continue with the crankbaits and also try worming either Carolina style if deep or Texas rig if medium to shallow depths are encountered.

The "bad" cold fronts come in the later months of December through the beginning of March. These often cool the water to the mid to high 50's in Central and South Florida. The fish become very inactive as their metabolism slows, but there are ways to find 'em and catch them.

Some of my favorite techniques for cold fronts are:

1- Pitch or flip heavy cover- Use a 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce weight (4/0-6/0 hook) with a worm or craw styled bait and look for the thickest weed mat you can find. This could be hyacinths, Kissimmee grass, alligator weed, or just about any type of weed that results in some type of overhead cover. I prefer some cover coming up from the bottom such as pads or reeds when fishing floating cover such as hyacinths. Pitch/flip to the pads/reeds that stick through the mat and hang on! Most of the time, the hit will come on the fall, so when lifting the lure up, feel for back pressure and if it's there, set the hook! Also try jigging the lure a few times before bringing out the bait. Work the bait near the bottom, then pull up to the mat, and jig a few times there as well.

2- Pitch or Cast to wood- Wood seems to moderate the temperature. Pitch a worm near the wood working any branches very methodically from the wood closest to you, then finish with the wood the furthest from you. This prevents spooking the fish that are closest to you.

3- Deep water Cranking or Carolina rig- Find a drop-off to deep water and crank the edge with a deep diving crankbait. Also work a Carolina rig along the drop. The bites will often be just a mushy feel (especially with the Carolina rig) so you need to pay particular attention to this and set the hook if you feel any resistance.

Use these techniques after a cold front moves through and you'll enjoy more catching with less fishing!

The Largemouth Herald