Why bass gravitate to rocks in cold water
The Alabama spotted bass and largemouth bass are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is regulated by their environment. Their ideal body temperature typically falls between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, where their metabolism is most efficient. When water temperatures dip below this range, as they did during our trip (45 degrees), bass become sluggish and seek areas where they can stabilize their body temperature.
Rocks play a critical role in providing these ideal conditions. During the day, especially under sunny skies, rocks absorb heat from the sun and retain it longer than surrounding clay or water. This creates microclimates of slightly warmer water near the rocks, attracting bass that need to conserve energy and optimize their feeding efficiency.
Additionally, areas with chunk rock on sunny sides of the lake are prime real estate for these bass. The rocks facing the sun retain more heat, providing the few degrees of warmth the bass need to remain active. Main lake points with good sun exposure also tend to have better water circulation, ensuring the dissolved oxygen levels remain higher—another key factor for active bass in winter.
Why wind improves the bite in these zones
While sunny skies and warm rocks attract bass, the addition of wind significantly enhances the effectiveness of these fishing zones. A light to moderate breeze causes subtle ripples on the water’s surface, which serves two key purposes:
- Disguising Angler Presence: Wind creates surface distortion that reduces water clarity from the bass’s perspective. This makes it harder for bass to detect anglers or their boats, increasing the likelihood that they’ll strike at lures.
- Activating Baitfish and Crawfish: Wind-induced movement stirs up the water column and dislodges prey like baitfish or crawfish hiding among the rocks. The increased activity stimulates the bass’s predatory instincts, making them more likely to chase and strike crankbaits.
Understanding Logan Martin’s winter conditions
Logan Martin is a clay-bottom lake known for its rocky shoreline and abundance of docks. In winter, seasoned anglers typically resort to two main tactics: cranking rocks with crawfish-mimicking crankbaits or targeting schools of bass in open water using forward-facing sonar.
When we arrived, the conditions seemed perfect for the former. Outside temperatures hovered around 55 to 60 degrees with abundant sunshine, warming the sunny-side chunk rock areas where bass might gather to retain heat.
Fine-tuning our approach
We started by cranking chunk rock near docks, hoping the sunlit areas would attract bass. However, we noticed a lack of action in areas with heavy dock cover. It became clear that the bass preferred more open stretches, allowing sunlight to warm the water and rocks more effectively.
The turning point came as the wind picked up. Bass became more active, and we refined our strategy further by targeting main lake points—areas with chunk rock, ample sunlight, warmer water, and a slight breeze. One additional factor made all the difference: stained water.
Bass responded better in slightly muddier water, likely because the murkier conditions allowed them to ambush prey more effectively. Red crankbaits were the clear winner in these areas, mimicking crawfish perfectly against the backdrop of stained water.
The winning combination
Fishing as a team, we maximized our coverage by using different crankbaits. A medium or medium-heavy 7’ to 7’6” moderate-action baitcasting rod paired with a low-profile baitcasting reel with a 5.4:1 to 6.8:1 gear ratio is ideal for cranking. My husband, Josh, opted for a Strike King 1.0 in red crawfish on a spinning rod with a fluorocarbon leader, providing a shallow-water presentation. I paired this with a DT-6 in crawfish color, targeting slightly deeper zones. By working together, we ensured that no productive water went untouched.
By the end of the day, we had built a solid limit—a respectable haul if we had been fishing in a tournament. The experience reaffirmed the value of patience, observation, and adaptation in winter bass fishing. If you’re heading out on a day with similar conditions—sunny skies, a warming trend, and a light breeze—consider cranking rocks with red crawfish crankbaits, focusing on chunk rock near main lake points with stained water.
Bonus tip: Work smarter, not harder
When fishing with a partner, divide your approach to cover both shallow and deeper zones. Experiment with various baits to identify what works best, and don’t be afraid to move to new areas when the bites slow down.
Next time you’re out on Logan Martin or a similar lake during winter, give cranking rocks a try—you might just find yourself with a winning day on the water.
