Zone 3 – January
Strike King pro Mark Menendez expects water temperatures to be in the 38- to 45-degree range in Zone 3 during January.
BAIT 1: Strike King KVD J300 Deep
If the water is clear, Menendez prefers the Summer Sexy Shad. In stained water, he switches to the Oyster. For muddy water, Menendez will favor a Clown.
Diving up to 11-feet, the KVD J300 Deep has increased castability, 3D eyes, and premium black nickel hooks for lethal action.
BAIT 2: Strike King Pro Model Series 3 Crankbait
Menendez’s choice for clear water is the Chartreuse Sexy Shad, while he opts for Sexy Shad if the water is stained. In muddy water, Menendez reaches for a Chili Craw.
A small-bodied deep diver, the Series 3 is designed to enhance castability, thus reaching maximum depths.
BAIT 3: Strike King Series 4 Crankbait
He opts for the Green Tomato in clear water, and switches to a Powder Blue Back Chartreuse if the water is stained.
A medium-sized body with a wider wobble and an oversized bill to deflect off cover. The Series 4 is great for medium depth, heavy cover applications and dirty water.
BAIT 4: Strike King ½ oz Premier Plus Spinnerbait with Rage Grub trailer
If the water is clear, he will throw a Super White, while more stained water calls for a Chartreuse/White. When fishing in muddy water, he switches to a Bluegill.
Featuring the Perfect Skirt® that provides an even blooming effect, Strike King’s Premier Plus creates more action in the water than spinnerbaits with traditional skirts.
BAIT 5: Strike King 3/8 oz Hack Attack Flipping Jig with Rodent trailer
No matter the conditions, Menendez opts for the Black Blue in Zone 3 during this time of the year. He utilizes the Black Blue in clear, stained, and muddy water. He likes to use this flipping jig with a Rodent trailer.
Designed to be fishing in and around the heaviest cover with high pound line on heavy rods, the Hack Attack Flipping Jig has a heavy weed guard to easily slip through vegetation.