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Mastering the Leadhead: Your Secret Weapon for Winter Bass

a man standing on a boat in the water

If you joined us in July or August, you likely spent your time “fly-lining”—tossing a live sardine or anchovy with no weight and letting it swim freely near the surface. That is the go-to method when the water is warm and the fish are chasing bait on top.

But now that we are in the heart of winter (January and February), the game has changed. The water is cooler, and our local Sand Bass and Calico Bass have changed their behavior. To keep your rod bending right now, you need to master a different tool: The Leadhead.

Man on boat holding fish, smiling, with ocean and clear sky in background.

Why the Switch? In colder water, fish metabolism slows down. They are less likely to chase a fast-moving bait across the surface. Instead, they hunker down near structure (rocks, reefs, and hard bottom) or sit lower in the water column. A leadhead jig allows you to get your bait down to where the fish are hiding and keep it in the “strike zone” longer.

The “Squid Strip” Combo While you can fish a leadhead with a plastic tail, the most effective winter tactic is often the “Leadhead and Squid” combo.

  1. The Rig: Take a leadhead (usually 1/2 oz to 1 oz, depending on the current).

  2. The Bait: Hook a fresh strip of squid onto the hook.

  3. The Magic: The leadhead provides the weight to reach the bottom and the visual attraction, while the squid provides the scent and taste that lethargic bass can’t resist.

a person holding a fish

The Technique: The “Slow Roll” The biggest mistake we see anglers make in winter is reeling too fast. Remember, the fish are cold! They don’t want to sprint for a meal.

  • Cast out and let your jig sink all the way to the bottom.

  • Once you feel it hit, put your reel in gear.

  • Wind slowly. We call this the “Slow Roll.” You want the lure to crawl just above the bottom.

  • If you feel a bump or heaviness, keep winding until the rod loads up, then set the hook!

Colors Matter It pays to have a few different colors in your tackle box.

  • Red or Orange: Mimics local crabs and crustaceans (great for Sculpin too).

  • White or Pearl: Mimics squid.

  • Chartreuse/Green: Great for darker, deeper water visibility.

Next time you hop aboard the Sum Fun or the Dana Pride, ask the crew what weight leadhead is working best. Mastering this simple lure is the key to filling your sack this season.

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