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.
Filler Worm
If the water is clear, Suggs prefers Morning Dawn. In stained water, he switches to Magic. For muddy water, he will favor Tequila Sunrise Orange Flake.
“This is a big deal in October with any lake that has standing timber. I’m using to a 3/16 oz. to a ¼ oz. weight in 25-to 30-feet of water. I cast past the timber and essentially swim the dropshot slowly through the timber. It’s truly an incredible bite,” says Suggs.
Ebare’s choice for clear water is the KVD J300 Pro Blue, while he opts for Chartreuse Sexy Shad if the water is stained. In muddy water, Ebare opts for the 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.
Tour Grade Skipping Jig
He opts for the Green Pumpkin Tour Grade Skipping Jig in clear water, and switches to a Black Blue if the water is stained.
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.
5XD Crankbait
If the water is clear, he will throw a Chartreuse Sexy Shad, while stained and muddy water call for a Chartreuse Blue Back Splatter.
The curved bill of the 5XD causes faster and deeper dives, making it a top choice in Ebare’s line up.
Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbait
He opts for Mouse in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw the White, while he will switch to a 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.”
Strike King KVD J300
If the water is clear, Hackney prefers the Strobe Shad. In stained water, he switches to the Chrome Sexy Shad. For muddy water, Hackney will favor a Clown.
Diving up to 7-feet, the KVD J300 has increased castability, 3D eyes, and premium black nickel hooks for lethal action.
Strike King Red Eyed Shad
Hackney’s choice for clear water is the Blue Gizzard Shad, while he opts for Chrome Blue if the water is stained. In muddy water, Hackney reaches for a Chartreuse Baitfish.
The Red Eyed Shad has incredible action, premium hooks, 3D eyes, and free-floating rattles.
Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig
He opts for the Sexy Shad in clear water, and switches to a White if the water is stained.
The paddle-shaped tail on the Rage Swimmer creates 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.
Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig
If the water is clear, he will throw Olive Shad, while more stained water calls for a White. Black Blue is Hackney’s go-to when fishing in muddy water.
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.
Strike King Hybrid Hunter
He opts for Green Gizzard in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw the Delta Red, while he will switch to a 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.
