Zone 2 – January 

Strike King pro Keith Combs highlights the typical water conditions in Zone 2 during the month of January.

“The water will be cold and stained with temperatures in the mid-50s,” shares Combs. “I recommend fishing in submerged grass or rock to find the most bass this month,” concludes Combs.

BAIT 1: Strike King ½ oz Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig with Blade Minnow trailer

If the water is clear, Combs prefers the Chartreuse Blue Glimmer Thunder Cricket. In stained water, he switches to the Green Pumpkin. For muddy water, Combs will favor a Fire Craw.

An ideal choice when fish are chasing baitfish around vegetation. The Blade Minnow trailer allows efficient movement through grass.

BAIT 2: Strike King ½ oz Red Eyed Shad Tungsten 2-Tap

His choice for clear water and stained water is the TN Shad, while he opts for Rayburn Red Craw if the water is muddy.

While the Red Eyed Shad is already one of the most popular rattlebaits available, the Tungsten 2-Tap elevated this crankbait to the next level. Emitting more noise and vibration than the original, the Red Eyed Shad Tungsten 2-Tap is a guaranteed choice on Combs’ boat deck for cold-weather fishing.

BAIT 3: Strike King 1.5 Squarebill

He opts for the Tn Shad 2.0 in clear water, and switches to a Chili Craw if the water is stained.

The KVD 1.5 is perfect for shallow water, power fishing. The squarebill design and unique “hunting” action will constantly emit erratic movement while still running true.

BAIT 4: Strike King Chick Magnet

If the water is clear, he will throw a Green Gizzard, while more stained water calls for a Natural Shad. In muddy conditions, Combs chooses the Fire Craw.

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. Combs loves that this bait reaches the perfect depth with ease and deflects off of cover to draw reaction bites.

BAIT 5: Strike King Hack Attack Flipping Jig with Scounbug trailer

He opts for Candy Craw Flipping Jig with Summer Craw Scounbug trailer in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw the OkeeChoBee Craw Flipping Jig and Scounbug, while he will switch to a Black Blue Flipping Jig and Scounbug if the water is muddy.

Designed to be fishing in and around the heaviest cover, the Hack Attack Flipping Jig has a heavy weed guard and is best used on heavy rods with high pound line.

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Zone 2 – January 

Strike King pro Todd Faircloth lets us in on his favorite places to fish during the coldest month of the year in Zone 2.

“Water temps at this time of year are normally in the upper 40s or lower 50s. This is usually the coldest month of the year for Zone 2,” shares Faircloth. With the colder temperatures, fish are adjusting their feeding patterns. “Most of the fish are in their winter patterns. Focus primarily on main lake points and the mouths of major creeks – in the 20- to 30-foot depth range,” says Faircloth. In addition to focusing on the 20- to 30-foot depth range, Faircloth also advises that anglers to “look for bait balls around stumps, brush piles, or hard spots – the bass will normally be close by.”

BAIT 1: Strike King Mark Rose Lil Ledge Spoon

If the water is clear, Faircloth prefers the Chrome. In stained water, he switches to the Pearl.

The Lil Ledge Spoon is designed to emit a realistic fluttering action and has a built-in swivel to alleviate line twist. The Mustad tripe grip treble hook delivers strong hooksets.

BAIT 2: Strike King ¾ oz Tour Grade Football Jig with Rage Craw trailer

Faircloth’s choice for clear water is the Peanut Butter & Jelly, while he opts for Blue Craw if the water is stained. In muddy water, Faircloth favors the Black Blue.

Created for deep water fishing, the Tour Grade Football Jig has a wide, football shaped head that helps the bait “stand up” in the water.

BAIT 3: Strike King Caffeine Shad

He opts for the Green Pumpkin Sapphire in clear water, and switches to a Pearl Blue if the water is stained.

Faircloth chooses the best soft twitch bait on the market, Caffeine Shad, for a realistic presentation in the water to attract more bites.

BAIT 4: Strike King Rage Swimmer

If the water is clear, he will throw Electric Shad, while more stained water calls for a Pro Blue Red Pearl. When fishing in low-vis conditions, Faircloth opts for the Pearl.

With a unique and exclusive tail design, Rage Swimmer provides anglers with a custom, hi-grade soft bait with superior action. The Rage Swimmer is also ideal on a Strike King Squadron Head.

BAIT 5: Strike King Rage Bug

He opts for Green Pumpkin in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw the Watermelon Red Flake, while he will switch to a Black Blue if the water is muddy.

Crafted to be the ultimate flip bait, the unique streamlined shape of the body allows it to easily move through cover with an unmistakable crawfish glide.

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