In cold water conditions, the retrieval of large glide baits should be adjusted to match the reduced metabolism and activity level of bass. Here are some effective retrieval techniques based on the video context provided:
Slow and Steady Retrieve: As the water temperature drops below 60°F, glide baits can still be very effective. However, it's important to slow down your retrieve. A steady, slow retrieve allows the glide bait to maintain a natural swimming action, which can be critical in colder water when bass are less likely to chase down fast-moving prey.
Twitch and Pause: Incorporating pauses and subtle twitches can be very effective. After a few slow turns of the reel handle, add a couple of twitches to the rod. This action makes the glide bait dart or "glide" to the side, imitating a dying or injured baitfish, which can trigger a predatory response from bass. Then, allow the bait to pause, giving nearby bass time to strike.
Depth Control: Be mindful of the depth at which you're fishing the glide bait. In winter, bass may be holding at different depths depending on the body of water. Glide baits are generally most effective in shallower water (less than 10 feet), but if you're fishing a shallow body of water or know that bass are holding shallower, you can effectively use glide baits throughout the winter.
Subtle S-Motion: For a more nuanced approach, retrieve the bait with a very gentle 'S' motion. This can be particularly useful when the fish are not responding well to more aggressive glides.
Glide-Pause Technique: Cast out the glide bait, let it sink to the desired depth, then use a series of glides followed by a pause. This can be done by a sequence of rod movements that create the glide action, followed by a moment of stillness to let the bait suspend or slowly sink.
Remember, the colder the water gets, the more important it is to have a glide bait that has a good action even on a slow retrieve. Baits like the River2Sea S-Waver or the Bait Sanity Explorer are designed to have an enticing glide on a slow, steady retrieve, which is crucial as the water temperature approaches the 50s and below.
If you're targeting bass in winter, adjust your retrieval speed and action to match the fish's activity level. Slow, methodical retrieves with occasional twitches to provoke a reaction strike can be very effective when the water gets cold. Keep these techniques in mind, and you'll increase your chances of enticing those lethargic winter bass.