Top Five Baits for Fishing in December

December fishing can be some of the toughest—but also some of the most rewarding—of the year. As water temperatures drop, fish metabolism slows, baitfish school up, and bass become more selective. Choosing the right lure is critical for getting bites when conditions are cold and tough.

Here are the top five baits that consistently produce in December and why they work.

1. Jigs

A jig is arguably the most reliable cold-water bass bait. As bass move deeper and relate to structure, jigs excel at mimicking crawfish and bottom forage.

Why it works in December:

• Can be fished slowly along the bottom

• Excellent for targeting deep structure and cover

• Subtle profile appeals to lethargic bass

Best uses: Rock piles, ledges, brush, docks, and timber

Pro tip: Use darker colors like black/blue or green pumpkin and pair with a compact trailer.

2. Lipless Crankbaits

Lipless crankbaits are deadly when bass are schooling on shad or suspending over grass. In December, a yo-yo retrieve can trigger reaction strikes from cold fish.

Why it works in December:

• Covers water efficiently

• Mimics dying or injured baitfish

• Excellent for colder, clear water

Best uses: Grass flats, creek channels, points

Pro tip: Let the bait fall on a semi-slack line and watch for bites on the drop.

3. Jerkbaits

A suspending jerkbait is a cold-water classic. As bass become less aggressive, the long pauses between twitches give fish time to commit.

Why it works in December:

• Suspends in the strike zone

• Triggers bites from neutral or negative fish

• Perfect for clear water conditions

Best uses: Points, bluff banks, and transitions

Pro tip: Slow your cadence—sometimes a 5–10 second pause makes all the difference.

4. Finesse Worms (Drop Shot or Shaky Head)

When bass refuse to chase, finesse presentations shine. A small worm worked slowly can get bites when nothing else will.

Why it works in December:

• Subtle action appeals to pressured fish

• Keeps bait in the strike zone longer

• Works in deep or shallow water

Best uses: Deep points, offshore structure, and clear water lakes

Pro tip: Natural colors like watermelon, green pumpkin, and smoke work best in winter.

5. Alabama Rig (Umbrella Rig)

When regulations allow, the Alabama Rig is one of the most powerful winter tools for targeting schools of bass.

Why it works in December:

• Mimics a school of shad

• Effective for suspended and deep fish

• Can catch multiple fish in one cast

Best uses: Open water, channel swings, deep points

Pro tip: Match your swimbait size to local forage and keep your retrieve slow and steady.

Final Thoughts

December bass fishing requires patience, slower retrieves, and confidence in your bait selection. These five baits consistently produce because they match cold-water conditions and keep your lure in front of fish longer.

If you slow down, pay attention to depth, and trust these proven winter baits, December can deliver some of your biggest bass of the year.

At Bassin and Birdies, we believe smart lure choices lead to better days on the water—even in the coldest months.