Strike King pro Mark Rose highlights typical patterns in Zone 4 during February.
Even with colder temperatures in Zone 4, there are still some great opportunities to catch bass in February. “Water temperatures on average will still be cold, however this is the time of year that if you do get a couple days that are calm and sunny, the bass will get active,” shares Rose.
If the water is clear, Rose prefers the 3.25" Ghost Shad Rage Swimmers. In stained water, he switches to Pro Blue Red Pearl. For muddy water, Rose will favor Pearl Flash.
The stiffer wire on the Bladed Tour Grade Titanium Umbrella Rig provides more stability than other umbrella rigs while the five blades flash and swivel to attract fish.
He opts for Green Crawfish in clear water, and switches to Rootbeer if the water is stained. Fire Craw is Rose’s top choice when fishing in low-vis conditions.
A small-bodied deep diver, the Strike King Pro Model Series 3 is designed to enhance castability, thus reaching maximum depths. Rose throws the Series 3 around chunk rock or rip rap.
If the water is clear, he will throw Blue Craw, while more stained water calls for Bama Craw. Rose prefers Black and Blue in muddy water. He pairs this jig with a 4" Rage Craw Blue Craw.
The Tour Grade Football Jig is the ultimate jig for deep water fishing. The unique wide shape of the head keeps the bait from getting lodged in rocks and causes the bait to stand up in the water to imitate crawfish.
He opts for Green Gizzard in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw Rootbeer, while he will switch to Fire Craw if the water is muddy.
The Chick Magnet is one of the best options for flat sided crankbaits on the market. The flat size allows for incredible thump while maintaining a tight action. Rose loves that this bait reaches the perfect depth with ease and deflects off of cover to draw reaction bites.
Strike King pro Greg Bohannan recommends the best geographical locations to find bass during the month of February in Zone 4.
Water temperatures are usually in the 40 to 45 degree range in Zone 4 during this time of year, shares Bohannan. “February is when ‘transition’ banks start to play a major role,” he says. “Banks that change from bluffs to chunk rock, and chunk rock to smaller pea gravel style banks will be a great place to start to your search,” Bohannan recommends. “Vertical standing timber in creeks will also play a major role, as will main lake steep banks adjacent to major creeks,” adds Bohannan.
If the water is clear, Bohannan prefers the Pro Blue. In stained water, he switches to the Natural Shad. For muddy water, Bohannan will favor a Pro Bone.
KVD J300 can dive up to 7-feet and has 3D eyes, premium black nickel hooks, and increased castability for lethal action. Anglers from coast to coast keep the J300 on the boat deck this time of year.
Bohannan’s choice for clear water is the Ghost Shad, while he opts for Electric Shad if the water is stained. Bohannan grabs a Pearl Flash when fishing in muddy water. He typically rigs the Rage Swimmer on a 1/4 oz Squadron head to maximize its action and maintain the ideal depth and presentation.
With a unique and exclusive tail design, the Rage Swimmer provides anglers with a custom, hi-grade soft bait with superior action.
