During the winter, bass tend to stay close to cover for various reasons. Cover provides them with protection from predators and allows them to ambush their prey more effectively. In the videos, they mention different types of cover that bass prefer in different fishing environments.
In ponds, bass will often stay close to areas with structure such as laydowns or submerged logs. These structures provide hiding places for bass and attract smaller baitfish, which the bass feed on. Look for areas where the structure is closest to deep water, as bass will want easy access to deeper areas.
In rivers, bass will seek out areas away from the main current. They will look for current breaks, such as off of current seams or out of the current, where they can still live close to the current but not be directly in it. These areas can include ox bows or slack water areas. Bass in rivers will also utilize deep water access close by.
In lakes, bass will be found near main lake areas and close to creek channels. They will also be where the baitfish are located. Look for areas where creek channels swing into the bank, as these spots often have fast drops into deeper water. Bass can easily move into deeper water when they feel threatened and then suspend or sit out in deeper areas.
It's important to note that bass will also stay close to cover if it's the only available option. For example, in flat, man-made ponds with no deep water access, bass may pull to the shore and seek cover there.
Overall, bass will be close to cover during the winter, whether it's structure, current breaks, or areas with deep water access nearby. These areas provide them with the security and resources they need to survive the colder months.