I live in the midwest, which means we’ve gotten to the time of year where unless you ice fish you don’t fish. Cold-weather bass fishing isn't really my thing. I’ve never ice fished and I don’t really plan to. The main reason being I like fishing for being outside, walking around, casting, and obviously catching fish. You don’t really get to do those things (besides catch fish) while ice fishing. On top of that I don’t have any of the gear.

Now I did try some late-season bass fishing for the first time this year. It was a cold day in November (low 40s) and I just bought a new pole so I wanted to get out and try it. I also found a new pond nearby to try out. I kind of expected to not catch anything. But I did, and I’ll be going back to this pond because I suspect there are some bigger fish hiding. But besides the fish, I had a good time. I got outside, walked around, and tried something new.

Now that there is snow on the ground and I’m cooped up inside, I would give anything to go back to those relatively warm late-season fishing days. I would be happy with cold hands and no fish. The lesson learned here is to go fishing even when you think you won’t catch anything. Because cold weather fishing is fun for more than just catching fish, so take every advantage you have to get out there!