Strike King pro Keith Combs highlights common water conditions and fish patterns in Zone 2 in the month of December.
“Expect clear, low water conditions with temperatures in the mid-50s,” shares Combs. “Fish are relating to creek channels and main lake points in search of shad,” Combs adds.
If the water is clear, Combs prefers TN Shad 2.0. In stained water, he switches to Green Back Chartreuse. For muddy water, Combs will favor Black Back Chartreuse.
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. Combs relies on the 6XD when fish are deeper on creek channel turns and off main lake points. It is superior in the 20-foot range.
His choice for clear water is TN Shad 2.0, while he opts for Green Back Chartreuse if the water is stained. In muddy water, Combs opts for Citrus Shad.
When fish are too shallow for the 6XD, he will tie on a 5XD which is exceptional for probing the 15-foot range.
He opts for TN Shad in clear water, and switches to Black Back Chartreuse if the water is stained. In low-vis conditions, Combs reaches for Citrus Shad.
Perfect for shallow water and power fishing, the 2.5 Squarebill design and unique “hunting” action will constantly wander with erratic movement, while still running true. It also deflects perfectly off cover to entice strikes.
If the water is clear, Combs will throw Chartreuse Sexy Shad, while more stained water calls for Chrome Black. Oyster is his go-to when fishing in muddy water.
The 1/2 oz Red Eyed Shad Tungsten 2-Tap is designed with a unique tungsten sound chamber that emits a double tapping cadence for a unique sound that can trigger even the most finicky fish to bite.
He opts for Crystal Shad in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw Natural Shad, while he will switch to Citrus Shad if the water is muddy.
The KVD J300 has the perfect combination of roll, wiggle, and flash. The combination of our proprietary weight transfer system for increased castability, with 3D eyes, and premium black nickel hooks, results in lethal action.
Strike King pro Todd Faircloth lets anglers in on his favorite places to fish in Zone 2 during the month of December.
“Water temperatures are normally in the 50s or lower 60s during December in Zone 2,” shares Faircloth. “Concentrate on fishing the outside bends of creek channels in 20- to 30-feet and look for bait balls around wood or hard bottoms here,” advises Faircloth.
If the water is clear, Faircloth prefers Chrome. In stained water, he switches to White Chrome. For muddy water, Faircloth will favor Sexy Shad.
Lil Ledge Spoon by Mark Rose is a type of jigging/flutter spoon with a random erratic side-to-side, shimmering, spinning motion that drives fish wild. The built-in swivel eliminates line twist and the premium Mustad® KVD treble hooks up fish better than regular hooks for a better landing ratio.
Faircloth prefers to Carolina rig the Caffeine Shad.
Faircloth’s choice for clear water is Green Pumpkin Sapphire, while he opts for Green Pumpkin if the water is stained. In low-vis conditions, Faircloth opts for Smokey Shad.
Crafted with the world's best plastics, the Caffeine Shad is extremely soft and pliable, loaded with heavy salt, and strongly laced with real coffee scent. This deadly combination maximizes the Strike King Caffeine Shad's appeal, resulting in a healthy increase in positive hook-ups.
He opts for Magic in clear water, and switches to Green Pumpkin if the water is stained. In muddy water, Faircloth prefers Red Bug.
The Strike King KVD Filler Worm is designed to be fished for a finesse presentation, featuring a wide head for added durability, increasing the strength of the plastic to last for multiple fish catches.
Faircloth likes to fish the Z-Too on a Tour Grade Spin Head.
If the water is clear, he will throw Pearl Blue Glimmer Back, while more stained or muddy water calls for Pearl.
This legendary drop shot bait fishes more like a traditional soft plastic jerkbait. When Faircloth needs to slow his presentation for lethargic fish, he will turn to the Z-Too.
Faircloth recommends rigging the Strike King Denny Brauer Structure Jig with a Blue Craw Rage Craw trailer.
He opts for a Blue Craw jig in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw Green Pumpkin, while he will switch to Black and Blue if the water is muddy.
The design of Strike King's Denny Brauer Structure Jig aims at reducing hang-ups and increasing your hookups. The shape and weedguard angle helps the bait move through cover while the wide footprint of the head helps increase your feel of the bottom.
