The winter cold has arrived in record style. The winds and cold weather have run the bass out of the shallows finally. You will find them in the warmer water deep on the ledges where they can ambush the bait fish. Deeper running crank baits as well as jigs or Carolina rigs will get their attention. You must be persistent as the fish will be in a lethargic state and need some finessing. When you find a creek where the wind has not effected the water and the sun has warmed up the surface temp, you may find bait activity close to the top and you can change to a surface plug or finess plastics. You will probably catch more small fish this way, the larger bass will lay a little deeper and let the younger bass work on the surface bait. Let your bait work a couple of feet beneth the surface and you will hook a bigger fish. Be sure and take plenty of warm clothe and keep warm. Cold weather fishing can be fun as you will not find so many fishermen out there with you. Crappie have begun to school up and are being taken at night around the bridges and causeways. This is very cold also but lots of fun. Minnows and jigs are the trick. Daytime crappie fishermen are doing will trolling slowly with jigs or minnows after the sun gets up good. Cats and bluegills are always good for the still fishermen. It is best to wait 'till the sun gets up and the morning cold has passed. Worms and crickets work well and the fresh catch is so good on the table. Be sure and visit www.leekingbenefit.org and check out all the great ways you can become a "Partner for a Cure" and help us find a cure for this terminal disease. The boat is a great way to make a donation and have a deduction on yout tax's. "till next report, God Bless & Good Fishn' Capt. Sam Williams