What's up guys!
Welcome back to The Hookset Weekly!
February's here, and while most folks are hibernating indoors, this is actually prime time for some of the best fishing of the year. The fish might be sluggish, but they're still feeding - you just need to know where and how to find them.
Dad joke of the day: Why don't fish like playing basketball in February?
Let's dive in!
🎣 February Fishing: The Cold Water Advantage
February fishing gets a bad rap, but here's the truth - this is when you can catch some of the biggest bass of the year. While everyone else is waiting for spring, the smart anglers are out there capitalizing on predictable winter patterns.
What's Happening Right Now:
Water temps: 38-45°F in most areas
Bass location: Deep structure, 20-40 feet
Feeding windows: Narrow but predictable (11 AM - 3 PM)
Metabolism: Slow, but they still need to eat
My February Game Plan:
Jigs (1/2 to 3/4 oz): Black/blue or brown with matching trailers
Target: Steep drop-offs and deep structure
Drop Shot: 4-6 inch finesse worms, natural colors
Target: Suspended fish over deep water
Blade Baits: 1/2 oz in silver or gold
Target: Vertical structure and deep points
Pro Tip: Fish SLOW. I'm talking painfully slow. In 40-degree water, a bass might take 30 seconds to decide to bite. Give them time.
📺 Video Spotlight: Baitcasting Reels for Beginners
If you missed my latest video, you're missing out on some serious gear insights that could save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of frustration.
"Top 5 Baitcasting Reels for Beginners (What I'd Buy First)"
Thinking about making the switch to baitcasting but not sure where to start? I break down exactly what matters when picking your first baitcaster, plus my top 5 recommendations that I'd actually buy if I was starting over today.
What You'll Learn:
What actually matters when choosing your first baitcaster
5 specific reel recommendations with real prices ($100-$225 range)
How to avoid the "bird's nest nightmare"
Whether you should upgrade from spinning gear
Why This Matters: Whether you're upgrading from spinning gear or just trying to avoid wasting money on the wrong reel, this video will get you dialed in without breaking the bank.
Bonus: I include links to all the reels mentioned, so you can grab the exact models I recommend without having to hunt them down.
🏕️ Community Update
Sometimes our community posts just make you smile, and this week Chase B delivered exactly that. When there's no paddling to be done, apparently sledding is the next best option - or as Chase put it, "we slad" instead!
His dog clearly approves of this alternative use for the kayak, and honestly, this might be the most creative winter kayak modification we've seen yet. It's posts like this that remind us why our community is special - we find ways to enjoy our gear year-round, even when the water's frozen solid.
This is what 47,000+ members of the Kayak Fishing Dads Facebook group bring to the table - creativity, humor, and proof that fishing dads always find a way to have fun.
Chase B: There's no paddling in this mess, so we sledded instead. Or, would it be "we slid"? 🤔 We slad. 😎
🐟 Brag Board - Weekly Catch
Jesse R proves that February fishing pays off! Look at the smile on this guy's face - and for good reason. That's a beautiful largemouth bass that clearly made his day on the water.
What I love about this photo is it captures exactly what February fishing is all about - blue skies, calm water, and the satisfaction of connecting with a quality fish when most people think the season's over. Jesse's bundled up for the cold but still out there making it happen.
This is the kind of fish that reminds us why we brave the cold weather. Nice work, Jesse!
Want to be featured in the next newsletter? Reply with your recent catch photos and tell us the story behind it!
🛠️ Gear Spotlight: Cold Weather Game-Changers
February fishing requires gear that most fair-weather anglers don't even think about. Here's what separates the year-round anglers from the weekend warriors:
1. Heated Insoles - $49.99
These battery-powered insoles are absolute game-changers for long days in the cold. 8+ hours of heat, and they fit in any boot. Your feet stay warm, you fish longer, you catch more fish.
Why they work: Cold feet = shortened fishing trips. These keep you comfortable all day.
2. Waterproof Dry Gloves - $19.99
Different from regular fishing gloves - these are 100% waterproof with grip dots. You can handle wet fish, tie knots, and your hands stay completely dry.
Why they work: Wet hands in February can be dangerous. These eliminate that risk entirely.
3. Portable Hand Warmers (Rechargeable) - $19.99
Skip the disposable ones. These USB rechargeable warmers last 6+ hours and double as phone chargers. Two problems solved with one device.
Why they work: Always ready when you need them, and they'll charge your phone when the cold kills your battery.
4. Tackle Boxes (3-pack) - $39.99
Keeps your gear organized and dry on the water. These boxes are weatherproof and stand out.
Why they work: Gear that functions properly = more fish caught.
5. Dry Suit - $498
Might be the most critical piece of cold weather fishing gear. Keeps you completely dry if you fall into freezing water. This is not a cheap piece of gear, but it is life-saving gear.
Why they work: Protects you from freezing water and hypothermia if you take a spill.
Know a fishing buddy who needs these tips? Forward this to them so they stop asking you the same questions on the water.
🔗 Connect With the Community
YouTube: Weekly videos with reviews, tips, and occasional chaos.
Facebook Group: 47,000+ kayak anglers arguing about gear and helping each other out daily.
Thanks for reading The Hookset Weekly by Bearded Dad Fishing! Got questions or suggestions for future issues? Hit reply - I read every email.
That’s it for this week. Stay warm, fish slow, and enjoy the grind.
Peace and God bless!
- Jay