Strike King pro Mark Davis focuses on some typical patterns in Zone 3 during February.
“Clear water between 45- to 55-degrees should be expected in Zone 3 during this time of the year,” shares Davis. “Look for bass at main lake points, humps, creek channels, and swing banks,” advises Davis.
If the water is clear, Davis prefers the 3XD in Bully. In stained water, he switches to the DB Craw. For muddy water, Davis will favor a Chartreuse Belly Craw.
Deep diving crankbaits are common, but the unique curved bills of the XD series allow the bait to dive deeper and faster, changing the deep diving crankbait game forever.
His choice for clear water is the Green Pumpkin Craw with Menace Grub trailer. He opts for Black Blue if the water is stained. When fishing in muddy water, Davis grabs the Texas Craw.
The ultimate jig for deep water fishing – the Tour Grade Football Jig has a football-shaped head that gives a better feel of terrain and helps the bait stand on the bottom.
He opts for the Clear Ayu in clear water, and switches to a Chartreuse Shad if the water is stained. Davis will pick up a Chrome Ayu in low-vis conditions.
Diving up to 7-feet, the KVD J300 has increased castability, 3D eyes, and premium black nickel hooks for lethal action. This bait excels in Zone 3, but anglers from coast to coast keep the J300 on the boat deck this time of year.
If the water is clear, he will throw a Rayburn Red Craw, while more stained water calls for a Chrome Sexy Shad. In muddy conditions, Davis prefers the Orange Belly Craw.
Davis favors the Red Eyed Shad because of its efficiency in covering shallow flats while also being great around rocks.
He opts for Sexy Shad in clear water. If the water is stained he will throw the Green Gizzard Shad, while he will switch to a Green Pumpkin if the water is muddy.
If fish are not chasing a fast-moving bait, the Rage Swimmer will often trigger fish to respond. The beauty of the Rage Swimmer is that the legendary tail maintains its swimming action whether burned through a school of feeding fish, or slowly crawled across the bottom or through cover.
