Strike King pro Dakota Ebare expects the water temperature to play a huge role in fishing conditions in Zone 1 in January.
“Winter water temperatures in the 55- to 65-degree range will be a big factor in fishing conditions,” shares Ebare. Ebare foresees a normal winter pattern in Zone 1 during January. “I expect a typical winter pattern where fish will be relating to drains, depressions, and the vegetation or cover that surrounds those areas,” explains Ebare.
If the water is clear, Ebare prefers Chrome Blue. Whether he’s fishing in stained water or muddy water, Ebare will favor Rayburn Red Craw.
Ebare favors this crankbait because of its efficiency in covering shallow flats while also being great around rocks and other structure.
Ebare chooses Pro Blue in clear water, while he reaches for Chartreuse Sexy Shad in stained conditions. In muddy water, he uses Pro Bone.
The new KVD J300 Deep Sinking Jerkbait allows you to fish a jerkbait in depths that no other jerkbait can get to. Watch it sink down on your forward-facing sonar until it gets to the depth you desire, then start ripping it back to the boat and watch the fish go crazy.
Ebare’s choice for clear water is Pro Blue, while he opts for Chartreuse Sexy Shad if the water is stained. In muddy water, Ebare opts for Pro Bone.
Diving up to 7-feet, the KVD J300 has great castability, 3D eyes, and premium black nickel hooks for lethal action. Anglers from coast to coast keep the J300 on the boat deck this time of year.
Ebare chooses the Crawdaddy Rodent trailer in all conditions but sticks with a Green Pumpkin Craw Skipping Jig in clear and stained conditions. He picks up a Black and Blue Skipping Jig in muddy water.
Designed for skipping under docks, the Tour Grade Skipping Jig has a uniquely shaped head with strong Gamakatsu hooks for solid hooksets. The Rodent trailer is extremely flat for efficient skipping and easy maneuvering through vegetation.
Green Gizzard is Ebare’s top choice in clear water, but he reaches for Chartreuse Sexy Shad in stained conditions. Chartreuse Blue Black Splatterback is his choice for muddy conditions.
The curved bill of the 5XD causes faster and deeper dives, making it a top choice in Ebare’s line up.
He opts for Mouse in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw White Silver, while he will switch to Chartreuse White if the water is muddy.
A proven go-to bait in the fall and winter months, the Tour Grade Spinnerbait can be fished at virtually any depth and any speed.
Strike King pro Greg Hackney highlights some typical patterns to keep an eye out for in Zone 1 during the month of January.
Hackney says, “Expect clear to stained water with the water temperature being in the mid-50s to high 40s.”
He opts for Sexy Shad in clear water, and switches to White if the water is stained. He picks up Chartreuse Sexy Shad in muddy conditions.
He pairs the swimming jig with a Rage Swimmer featuring a paddle-shaped tail for a more subtle vibration in the water for a realistic presentation. The body of the Rage Swimmer fits perfectly within the profile of the jig head, so it is easy to skip.
If the water is clear, he will throw Olive Shad, while more stained water calls for White. Black and Blue is Hackney’s go-to when fishing in muddy water. He pairs the jig with a Blade Minnow trailer.
One of the best vibrating jigs to hit the market, Strike King’s Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig has a Jungle-style flipping hook and ultra-stiff, stainless steel blade for unmistakable movement in the water.
He opts for Green Gizzard in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw Delta Red, while he will switch to Chartreuse Perch if the water is muddy.
Strike King’s Hybrid Hunter has an incredibly loud rattle system and travels through grass better than any other hard bait.
