Photo by Ron Sinfelt

The Chinese proverb says: It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. It's also better to bundle up and go fishing than to curse the cold and -- not. If you just sit around complaining about how it's freezing out there, you're going to miss out on some highly agreeable angling.

Besides, you never have to be cold while fishing nowadays, no matter what the weather's like. A good snowmobile suit, insulated underwear, snow boots, a stocking cap and a hood can keep you comfortable even amid the worst that a Georgia winter has to offer. Add some chemical handwarmers in strategic places, or even a propane heater, and you can get all the way to toasty. The best thing, however, for warming you up at this time of year is catching bass. Hook a hawg and you'll forget about the plunging mercury; limit out on 3-pounders and it might as well be a spring day. And so you don't catch much -- who'd rather sit around the house?

Cold weather does affect bass, but since they still have to take in some calories, you can as usual catch them by offering them something that looks in the circumstances like an easy meal. Largemouths and spots are cold-blooded, so they slow down, and don't eat as much -- but they do eat. Adjust your methods and use the right lures, and you can get them to bite.

There are just as many ways to catch bass in January as there are in June, but one thing you must do: Slow down. Bass are less likely to chase a fast-moving lure at this time of year. Also: In cold water they often prefer a small bait to something big. But if you fish your lures correctly you can catch them from the shallows out to the deepest structure.

Three lakes in the middle of our state -- Jackson, Oconee and Sinclair -- are focal points for high-end winter bass action right now. In terms of that action, all have some things in common, but each boasts its own special qualities, too.

Bobby Ferris, who grew up in Monticello, went to college in Milledgeville, and during those years fished with the Baldwin Backlashers Bass Club, which paid regular visits to the three lakes we're reviewing. Ferris' post-collegiate career has involved working for two electric membership corporations in the Middle Georgia area, and he consequently continues to do a lot of angling in this part of the state.

Ferris now fishes with the Flint River Bass Club, where he won seven of 12 tournaments in 2004, and the Spalding County Sportsman Club, both in Griffin. He also enters some pot tournaments at the region's various lakes, whose waters he knows well. Further, he sold boats part-time at Piedmont Outdoors in Covington, which, in addition to his affiliation with the Sports Center in Perry, landed him a spot on Team Triton. Bottom line: When it comes to midstate winter bassing, Bobby Ferris is worth listening to.