Bass Lures UK | Dec Blog
Believe it or not we caught more 4lb + bass last year in December than any other month during 2021. All bass caught between 1st Dec and 28th February need to be returned as per the regulations for sea bass from the IFCA (Inshore Fisheries and conservation Authority). The quality and strength of the bass in December is out of this world. The only problems with December is the weather but generally it's more settled than November but colder. As you're already aware Nov & Dec is normally either lovely or really bad. Wind and weed is the enemy to all lure anglers. These both happen frequently during and after storm conditions.
We've also taken the biggest risks along the coast in December and it's not worth it to catch a fish. Please ensure you all stay safe and don't take any unnecessary risks especially when there are large waves present always wear a life jacket if there is any risk and especially when it's rough.
Estuary: Fishing the estuary changes in Dec and if you normally fish with surface lures it is unlikely you will catch as the fish will be swimming below most retrieved lures especially if the colour of the water is chocolate (if it's cloudy water or night time use white) but if the water is clear then it's always worth trying a surface lure but ensure you use longer pauses than normal in Dec. We would suggest you cast a soft weedless plastic (with a tail preferably) into the tide (up tide). Try and mimic what's swimming around your feet, typically a small brown fish similar to the picture below and allow the lure to completely drop to the bottom. “Drag” the lure as slowly as possible (1 full turn every 2 seconds) along the bottom and ensure you are holding your rod nice and tight because if a 6/7 lb bass strikes you will certainly know about it. Ensure your drag is set so the bass can take line and you must ensure all your knots are securely & tight. A large bass will shake its head to try and escape so you must not not rush the retrieve. One last bit of advice is constantly move all the time. Don't stay in the same place for very long and try and read an estuary. Ask yourself if I was a bass where would I be swimming to munch on an easy snack? The answer is probably with the tide and they could be in 2 ft of water so never rule anything out.
DoLive Shads (NEW LURES)
A 65cm Bass (below) caught on a brown lure with a good tail being dragged along the bottom of an estuary.
Open Water: Occasionally it can be a beautiful day in December where everything aligns. Clean surf and clear blue seas happen once in a Blue Moon but when they do you must take advantage of these conditions. We generally use a 40g lure (black, white, blue & green) to fly out into the surf in December. The shoals of bass are larger in Dec and they will be looking to capitalise on bulking up on fry. Cast your lure into the white water and wait for those huge takes when the bass hit. If you get no hits after a few casts then move to another spot. They are either there or not. They won't come to you, you must find them yourself. Before you start casting think “if I catch a large bass how will I land it” really think about that before you cast your lure.
Please take care on the coast in Dec and wear a life jacket if you own one. If you don't then buy one and use it.
Sidewinder Style Surf Lures
Take care and tight lines 🎣
Thank you for your support 👍
Merry Christmas and HNY.
