LIP GRIPPER [MU LT I SPECI ES]
HOT TUB FISHING W
FISHERMEN THROUGH THE WINTER. PHOTO: BRAD WIEGMANN
WARM WATER FLOWING OUT OF A POWER PLANT ATTRACTS FISH AND
WARM-WATER DISCHARGE MAKES FOR A WINTER FISHING OASIS BY ROB CHOI
hen the temperature drops and cabin fever sets in, fear not, fishing is still hot. All across the country there are factories and plants dumping warm water into ditches, creeks, lakes and riv- ers. This discharge can raise surrounding water temperatures and attract local fish or even strand migrating species. For most areas, strategies and tactics remain the same as any other time of year. Hobie Kayak fishing pro, Marty Mood has fished warm-water discharges all across America. “No matter where I go, when the water temp drops the fish head to a discharge,” he says. While structure is important, Mood says finding the right water tem- perature is key to finding the bite.
“Structure will concentrate the fish, but water temps and, more specifically, relative temperature is more important,” he says. The best fishing isn’t always in the hottest water. Mood often looks for fish on the edge of the warm water or on a current break. He has also noticed that hot-ditch fish often go on a feed before a cold front. “I caught my biggest trout right before a big air-pressure drop and I’ve had similar experiences in Virginia and Massachusetts.” It only takes a few degrees difference to change the way fish react. A drop in water temperature can turn the fish off. A spike can turn them on. Warm air temps may spread the fish out while a cold snap could concentrate the fish. North Carolina angler Matt Frazier targets bass around his local powerplant. “The best bite isn’t always close to the discharge,” he says, “don’t overlook the outskirts and ar- eas where wind and current push warmer water.” An accurate water thermometer is key. If you don’t have a fishfinder with water temp, use a pool thermometer or a hand-held infrared thermometer. While the most popular lures and baits still work around the dis-
charge, it often takes a slow presentation to spark a reaction. “I look for a lure that hovers in the strike zone,” says Mood. “Rapala X-Raps and SubWalks are good hardbaits while a Hogie softplastic can be rigged with or without weight.” Topwater lures are also effective, especially walk-the-dog style lures which can be worked fast or slow. Even natural bait can be downsized for finicky fish. Angler Mike Kling from Tampa Bay, Florida pops the head off a live shrimp and threads it on a quarter- to half-ounce jighead. “The jighead gives me more control over the bait,” he explains. Many cold weather fisher- men even dead-stick or slow troll to elicit a bite from frosty fish. Be careful. Power plants and factories are private property, so
THE NEW SCOUT EXPEDITION TANDEM Coming Soon
stay safe and stay out of restricted areas. Once you find a winter oa- sis, keep it quiet. If word gets out about hot action and warm water, expect a crowd of winter weary anglers to follow. Kayak angler, artist, blogger and videographer, Rob Choi calls his local warm-water discharge, “Hot Tub Fish Machine”. www.
angling-addict.com.
44 …KAYAK ANGLER WINTER 2013
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