Canterbury’s top 10 winter baits

We wanted to put together a gallery of 10 wintertime baits and we needed an Elite Series angler to help us with the task. Any guesses who stepped up to the plate?
We wanted to put together a gallery of 10 wintertime baits and we needed an Elite Series angler to help us with the task. Any guesses who stepped up to the plate?
None other than 2019 Toyota Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year Scott Canterbury.
None other than 2019 Toyota Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year Scott Canterbury.
Time for Canterbury to dig into the rod locker while we take a quick peak at the new Lowrance Ghost on the front end of his redesigned Skeeter FXR 20.
Time for Canterbury to dig into the rod locker while we take a quick peak at the new Lowrance Ghost on the front end of his redesigned Skeeter FXR 20.
Enough drooling, now it’s time to get to work.
Enough drooling, now it’s time to get to work.
Canterbury LOVES crankbaits in the wintertime.
Canterbury LOVES crankbaits in the wintertime.
But crankbaits come in all shapes and sizes. Three styles in particular however, fall inside Canterbury’s Top 10 baits for wintertime fishing.
But crankbaits come in all shapes and sizes. Three styles in particular however, fall inside Canterbury’s Top 10 baits for wintertime fishing.
First up, the flat-sided crankbait. “When the water gets below 55 degrees, I love flat-sided crankbaits. They have a really tight wiggle, and that’s a big deal in cold water when you’re trying to mimic a shad. If you’ve ever seen a shad swimming in cold water, they don’t kick a bunch or move a lot of water. So you want a bait with an action real similar to that.”
First up, the flat-sided crankbait. “When the water gets below 55 degrees, I love flat-sided crankbaits. They have a really tight wiggle, and that’s a big deal in cold water when you’re trying to mimic a shad. If you’ve ever seen a shad swimming in cold water, they don’t kick a bunch or move a lot of water. So you want a bait with an action real similar to that.”
“Flat-sided crankbaits have a lot of top-to-bottom flash too, so I use a bunch of colors that clash like white and black, chartreuse with a black back or gold with an orange back.”
Canterbury loves flat-sided crankbaits so much that he even helped design his own, the Bagley Flat Balsa B.
Canterbury loves flat-sided crankbaits so much that he even helped design his own, the Bagley Flat Balsa B.
All flat-sided crankbaits aren’t created equal however. The differences can be subtle, but critical in cold water. Take the Zoom Mutt and Hicky for instance.
All flat-sided crankbaits aren’t created equal however. The differences can be subtle, but critical in cold water. Take the Zoom Mutt and Hicky for instance.
“The Hicky is thinner. The Mutt is a little rounder and a little wider and has a little more of a kick to it. If the water is a little muddy, the Mutt is a little better than the Hicky. But in the wintertime when it gets really cold, I like the Hicky better.”
Any guesses what bait number two is on Canterbury list of wintertime baits?
Any guesses what bait number two is on Canterbury list of wintertime baits?
That’s right, the original Wiggle Wart. Canterbury has a lot of really nice tackle in his boat, but this box probably holds about half the overall value. “Pre-Rapala
That’s right, the original Wiggle Wart. Canterbury has a lot of really nice tackle in his boat, but this box probably holds about half the overall value. “Pre-Rapala” Wiggle Warts were built differently and have a cult following around the country that will pay megabucks for them.
This Wiggle Wart has a particularly impressive past. “This exact bait has won me close to $100,000.”
This Wiggle Wart has a particularly impressive past. “This exact bait has won me close to $100,000.”
“I finished third on it at Table Rock and won $40,000 in that one tournament. I don’t even throw it unless it’s tournament day anymore. I’ll throw other ones, but not that one. I don’t know if I’d go swimming for it if I ever broke it off because the water is so cold anytime I’m throwing it, but I’d have to make that decision in the moment.”
Here’s a shot of Canterbury’s favorite alongside a near mint condition Wiggle Wart in the same color.
Here’s a shot of Canterbury’s favorite alongside a near mint condition Wiggle Wart in the same color.
And another that’s spent a little time grinding the rocks below. That’s the name of the game with a Wiggle Wart and why anglers believe in the originals more so than the newer models. According to Canterbury, the new ones will still catch fish, but the original Wiggle Warts are better at “hunting”. They deflect off the bottom with an erratic action but regain their track and return to the bottom where the newer ones will blow out and roll over more often. “You can still catch fish on the new ones, but I think I can get one or two more bites a day with an original one. And as a tournament angler, that’s a big deal.”
And another that’s spent a little time grinding the rocks below. That’s the name of the game with a Wiggle Wart and why anglers believe in the originals more so than the newer models. According to Canterbury, the new ones will still catch fish, but the original Wiggle Warts are better at “hunting”. They deflect off the bottom with an erratic action but regain their track and return to the bottom where the newer ones will blow out and roll over more often. “You can still catch fish on the new ones, but I think I can get one or two more bites a day with an original one. And as a tournament angler, that’s a big deal.”
The translucent or “Phantom” colors are among some of the most popular in the Wiggle Wart.
The translucent or “Phantom” colors are among some of the most popular in the Wiggle Wart.
Canterbury believes the Phantom colors are so sought after simply because of the lakes where Wiggle Warts seem to work the best — clearwater, highland reservoirs.
Canterbury believes the Phantom colors are so sought after simply because of the lakes where Wiggle Warts seem to work the best — clearwater, highland reservoirs.
Now it’s time for winter bait No. 3, the Shad Rap. Another cold water staple.
Now it’s time for winter bait No. 3, the Shad Rap. Another cold water staple.
Shad Raps and most baits like them are very light, which makes them difficult to throw, especially in windy situations. The Soul Shad by Jackall that Canterbury is pointing at here, is a bait very similar to a Shad Rap with one key difference — it has an internal weight redistribution system. On the backcast, a ball weight dislodges from a magnet in the belly and rolls to the tail of the bait. This makes the bait cast tail-first, which makes it more aerodynamic overall and results in a longer, easier cast. When the bait hits the water, the ball rolls back to the magnet and the bait regains its balance for the presentation.
Shad Raps and most baits like them are very light, which makes them difficult to throw, especially in windy situations. The Soul Shad by Jackall that Canterbury is pointing at here, is a bait very similar to a Shad Rap with one key difference — it has an internal weight redistribution system. On the backcast, a ball weight dislodges from a magnet in the belly and rolls to the tail of the bait. This makes the bait cast tail-first, which makes it more aerodynamic overall and results in a longer, easier cast. When the bait hits the water, the ball rolls back to the magnet and the bait regains its balance for the presentation.
Many anglers prefer some of the older, more faded colors when it comes to Shad Raps. Colors that are no longer in production.
Many anglers prefer some of the older, more faded colors when it comes to Shad Raps. Colors that are no longer in production.
“Rapala doesn’t make some of the real dull colors that they used to. But you can take a piece of real fine sand paper and buff the new ones to get something pretty close.”
Canterbury, like most anglers, opts for the spinning gear when throwing Shad Raps.
Canterbury, like most anglers, opts for the spinning gear when throwing Shad Raps.
“I can throw most crankbaits on a baitcaster, but a No. 5 and even a No. 7 Shad Rap I’ll throw on a spinning rod. It’s just a lot easier to cast them with spinning gear.”
“I can throw most crankbaits on a baitcaster, but a No. 5 and even a No. 7 Shad Rap I’ll throw on a spinning rod. It’s just a lot easier to cast them with spinning gear.”
No. 4 on the list is the bait that Canterbury relates most to wintertime fishing, a jerkbait.
No. 4 on the list is the bait that Canterbury relates most to wintertime fishing, a jerkbait.
And he has a bunch of them.
And he has a bunch of them.
The key for Canterbury when it comes to picking a jerkbait is finding one that will make contact with the bottom.
The key for Canterbury when it comes to picking a jerkbait is finding one that will make contact with the bottom.
The longer the lip, the deeper the bait will dive. Canterbury likes to reel the bait down and then try to make it hit cover and deflect, much like a crankbait would. That deflection is what often triggers his bites.
The longer the lip, the deeper the bait will dive. Canterbury likes to reel the bait down and then try to make it hit cover and deflect, much like a crankbait would. That deflection is what often triggers his bites.
Be on the lookout for Scott Canterbury’s Signature Series Halo Rods this season. This jerkbait rod is pretty sweet.
Be on the lookout for Scott Canterbury’s Signature Series Halo Rods this season. This jerkbait rod is pretty sweet.
Uh oh, I lost him. Canterbury had to make a few casts right quick.
Uh oh, I lost him. Canterbury had to make a few casts right quick.
And now we’re back. Canterbury puts the jerkbaits up and digs deep for the No. 5 wintertime bait on his list…
And now we’re back. Canterbury puts the jerkbaits up and digs deep for the No. 5 wintertime bait on his list…
... and comes out with a jig. This one in particular is a jig he likes to skip under docks and flip around wood. The Dirty Jigs Matt Herren Flippin' Jig.
… and comes out with a jig. This one in particular is a jig he likes to skip under docks and flip around wood. The Dirty Jigs Matt Herren Flippin’ Jig.
Skipping docks is one of Canterbury's favorite ways to catch fish in the wintertime.
Skipping docks is one of Canterbury’s favorite ways to catch fish in the wintertime.
“You don't get a lot of bites…
“You don’t get a lot of bites…
... but they'll be good ones.”
… but they’ll be good ones.”
Since you’re likely to tangle up with a big one doing this, Canterbury recommends pretty heavy gear.
Since you’re likely to tangle up with a big one doing this, Canterbury recommends pretty heavy gear.
“I like a 1/2-ounce jig when I’m fishing this way, and I just finished designing a 7-foot, 5-inch heavy flipping stick for Halo for skipping a jig like this, and for flipping it around shallow cover. I like to use 17-pound line in the winter and that’s usually plenty. The fish are going to pull, but they're not really going to go absolutely crazy and do a bunch of jumping this time of the year. Once you hook a fish, if you take your time, you're not going to lose many of them as long as you have the right setup.”
“I like a 1/2-ounce jig when I’m fishing this way, and I just finished designing a 7-foot, 5-inch heavy flipping stick for Halo for skipping a jig like this, and for flipping it around shallow cover. I like to use 17-pound line in the winter and that’s usually plenty. The fish are going to pull, but they’re not really going to go absolutely crazy and do a bunch of jumping this time of the year. Once you hook a fish, if you take your time, you’re not going to lose many of them as long as you have the right setup.”
The sixth bait on the list is another jig, this one meant more for casting and fishing through brush — the Dirty Jigs Scott Canterbury Compact Flippin’ Jig. But in the winter, Canterbury prefers to finesse this jig up a bit. “I like to trim the skirt around the head. That kind of gives it that crawfish tail look and makes it a little less bulky.”
The sixth bait on the list is another jig, this one meant more for casting and fishing through brush — the Dirty Jigs Scott Canterbury Compact Flippin’ Jig. But in the winter, Canterbury prefers to finesse this jig up a bit. “I like to trim the skirt around the head. That kind of gives it that crawfish tail look and makes it a little less bulky.”
To do this, Canterbury gathers the half of the skirt that hangs over the band of the jig and pulls it up over the head.
To do this, Canterbury gathers the half of the skirt that hangs over the band of the jig and pulls it up over the head.
Once he has the skirt separated…
Once he has the skirt separated…
... he then clips off a good portion of the top half of the skirt, forming about a half-inch collar around the head of the bait…
… he then clips off a good portion of the top half of the skirt, forming about a half-inch collar around the head of the bait…
... creating a different look altogether.
… creating a different look altogether.
Then he pairs the jig with a NetBait Tiny Paca Craw or a NetBait 3.5 Paca Slim and he’s ready for action.
Then he pairs the jig with a NetBait Tiny Paca Craw or a NetBait 3.5 Paca Slim and he’s ready for action.
No. 7 on Canterbury’s list of wintertime baits is a jigging spoon.
No. 7 on Canterbury’s list of wintertime baits is a jigging spoon.
Though it is a bait that he admittedly rarely uses as is evident by this photo.
Though it is a bait that he admittedly rarely uses as is evident by this photo.
Still, Canterbury respects the fish catching ability of a jigging spoon enough to keep them in his boat throughout most of the year, and especially in the wintertime. Jigging spoons are one of the best baits for targeting suspended fish vertically in cold, winter waters.
Still, Canterbury respects the fish catching ability of a jigging spoon enough to keep them in his boat throughout most of the year, and especially in the wintertime. Jigging spoons are one of the best baits for targeting suspended fish vertically in cold, winter waters.
Hooks are a big deal when fishing a spoon. Canterbury likes to change out the hooks to bigger, wider gapped triple-grips style hooks. But he doesn't stop there.
Hooks are a big deal when fishing a spoon. Canterbury likes to change out the hooks to bigger, wider gapped triple-grips style hooks. But he doesn’t stop there.
Canterbury will also add a stinger hook to his spoons.
Canterbury will also add a stinger hook to his spoons.
He’ll often catch fish only on the stinger hook. But the real advantage comes when you consider that these fish are often grouped up together. That leads to the occasional double on a jigging spoon where one fish tries to take the bait from another and ends up finding the hook on the other end.
He’ll often catch fish only on the stinger hook. But the real advantage comes when you consider that these fish are often grouped up together. That leads to the occasional double on a jigging spoon where one fish tries to take the bait from another and ends up finding the hook on the other end.
The eighth wintertime bait, a blade bait — similar to the spoon yet different enough in how he fishes it. “Blade baits are more for casting and fishing creek channels and ditches. I always throw it and let it sink to the bottom and then just fish it real slow, working it up off the bottom a couple feet and then letting it fall back down. That’s a real killer technique and catches a lot of fish.”
The eighth wintertime bait, a blade bait — similar to the spoon yet different enough in how he fishes it. “Blade baits are more for casting and fishing creek channels and ditches. I always throw it and let it sink to the bottom and then just fish it real slow, working it up off the bottom a couple feet and then letting it fall back down. That’s a real killer technique and catches a lot of fish.”
The old school blade baits like the Silver Buddy (top) still catch fish really well, but there are all sorts of cool designs now that catch both the fish’s and angler’s eye, like the Damiki Vault here for example (bottom).
The old school blade baits like the Silver Buddy (top) still catch fish really well, but there are all sorts of cool designs now that catch both the fish’s and angler’s eye, like the Damiki Vault here for example (bottom).
As the sunlight catches some of these new baits…
As the sunlight catches some of these new baits…
... they go from silver…
… they go from silver…
... to nearly any and every color in the spectrum.
… to nearly any and every color in the spectrum.
But now it’s time to move to our ninth wintertime bait, and this one is a soft plastic, the shaky head.
But now it’s time to move to our ninth wintertime bait, and this one is a soft plastic, the shaky head.
Canterbury likes to start with his signature series Dirty Jigs Scott Canterbury Shaky Jig Head.
Canterbury likes to start with his signature series Dirty Jigs Scott Canterbury Shaky Jig Head.
Then he adds a NetBait T-Mac by twisting it up onto the screw-lock.
Then he adds a NetBait T-Mac by twisting it up onto the screw-lock.
“I like a 1/4-ounce shaky head more than anything, especially in the wintertime when I’m fishing it around brush or dragging it across a roadbed. It’s just easier to keep it in contact with the bottom. But if I’m trying to skip docks with it, I’ll go to a lighter head like an 1/8-ounce.”
“I like a 1/4-ounce shaky head more than anything, especially in the wintertime when I’m fishing it around brush or dragging it across a roadbed. It’s just easier to keep it in contact with the bottom. But if I’m trying to skip docks with it, I’ll go to a lighter head like an 1/8-ounce.”
Though the shaky head is a great finesse presentation and one that catches a lot of fish, there’s still one bait that’s similar, but even more finessy.
Though the shaky head is a great finesse presentation and one that catches a lot of fish, there’s still one bait that’s similar, but even more finessy.
Enter the Ned rig, bait No. 10 on Canterbury’s list of wintertime baits.
Enter the Ned rig, bait No. 10 on Canterbury’s list of wintertime baits.
Canterbury has homemade Ned heads with several different weight and hook combinations, but he primarily only uses two baits with it.
Canterbury has homemade Ned heads with several different weight and hook combinations, but he primarily only uses two baits with it.
For the smaller presentation, he’ll use a Z-Man Finesse TRD. He’ll simply run the bait up on the hook…
For the smaller presentation, he’ll use a Z-Man Finesse TRD. He’ll simply run the bait up on the hook…
... and he’s ready to go.
… and he’s ready to go.
To create a slightly larger offering, Canterbury will take a NetBait Salt Lick and cut about an inch off of the tail of the bait.
To create a slightly larger offering, Canterbury will take a NetBait Salt Lick and cut about an inch off of the tail of the bait.
“I won’t fish a Ned rig around brush like I will a shaky head. I’ll fish it more in open water around points and roadbeds. And for some reason I feel like I can fish a Ned rig a little faster than I can a shaky head.”
“I won’t fish a Ned rig around brush like I will a shaky head. I’ll fish it more in open water around points and roadbeds. And for some reason I feel like I can fish a Ned rig a little faster than I can a shaky head.”
Alright. That’s all folks. Canterbury has talked tackle as long as he can possibly stand it and it’s time for him to go back to fishing. If you head out on the water this winter, be sure to take a few of Canterbury’s Top 10 wintertime bait recommendations with you and hopefully you’ll see why they're on his list.
Alright. That’s all folks. Canterbury has talked tackle as long as he can possibly stand it and it’s time for him to go back to fishing. If you head out on the water this winter, be sure to take a few of Canterbury’s Top 10 wintertime bait recommendations with you and hopefully you’ll see why they’re on his list.