Tis' the season for cold water. While most fishermen have put their kayaks away for the winter some are still out getting the most out of the low percentage of open water left in the northern states. Southwest Nebraska is no exception. The water is cold and some waters frozen over but there are a few spring fed lakes that tend to keep water in the high 40 degree range. This past Thanksgiving weekend we had an unusual couple of days in the 70's with the surface water temperature soaring to nearly 55 degrees. It was a great time to launch the kayak and try out one my favorites...the Cumberland Sunny Square Bill crank. My sonar located numerous fish stacked up in the creek bed with vegetation around 5 foot from the surface. With a slight current and bluegill in the area the bass were sure to liven up with the addition of a Cumberland Sunny wobbling just above the weed line. Sure enough! It didn't take long to land a largemouth. Most were "ditch pickle" size but the fun was in catching them. The technique used was not the same as in the warmer summer months. When the lure hits the water I usually draw it down to around 3-4 feet and let the lure pause and float back up slowly. I repeat this action until I feel the tug of the weed line which helps me retrieve just above this depth. The strike feels almost like a snag. The fish put up a good fight but in the beginning they don't really run but give one good tug and then the shaking begins. Even in the mid winter months we still use the cranks effectively as the water gets even cooler. . I just use my sonar to find out where the water warms and the bass are usually not far away. The bait fish tend to hang out in these warmer areas with the larger bass not far behind. For those who love to crank the cold water can still be a great time to catch those lunker bass.