Best Jigs for Cold Weather Fishing

Even if you live in Sunny San Diego or the Land of Sun itself: Florida, the weather - and the water - gets cooler this time of year. Can you still fish??? You bet!

Winter fishing might not get as much hype as the summer season, but savvy anglers know the colder months bring the big bites. Off the coasts of California and Florida, there are prime opportunities to hook into some serious cold-water species—if you’ve got the right jigs, of course. So, if you’re ready to brave the chill and keep reeling in, let’s talk about the Submission jigs you’ll want in your tackle box this winter and the species that are more than willing to take the bait.

First up, let’s get to know the *Mercenary*. This bad boy is a year-round favorite, but it really comes alive when you’re targeting colder water species that hold tight to structure—think California spotties, sculpin, or Florida’s redfish, and snapper. With its streamlined design and ability to drop quickly, the Mercenary is perfect for getting down to those deep, chilly depths where these fish are waiting. In winter, the extra glow on these jigs is worth its weight in gold, especially for those low-light, murky water days.

Then there’s the *Sumo*, the heavyweight champ that brings the heat even when the water temps dip. Off the coast of California, the Sumo is fantastic for targeting rockfish and yellowtail, which are more sluggish this time of year but still put up a solid fight. And in Florida, snapper and grouper are prime winter targets, especially on the deeper reefs where the Sumo’s slow pitch action can trigger a big hit. Designed with an aggressive fall and an enticing glide, the Sumo imitates an injured baitfish—a winter snack few predators can pass up.

Now, let’s talk about the *NEW Javelin*, our versatile middleweight with a riffled shape that stands out in colder waters. Available in 100g and 200g, the Javelin is made for working the entire water column, from California’s nearshore depths to Florida’s reefs and wrecks. It’s perfect for when you’re going after species like calicos, yellowtail, and bottom fish that are feeding closer to the surface but may still drop lower during the winter. The unique riffled design creates an erratic falling action that gets fish curious—and when it’s cold out, you need every advantage to lure in those wary predators.

And of course, if you’re looking for a jig that can handle everything winter throws at it, the *Ogre* is your answer. This jig is known for its balanced weight and killer colors, making it ideal for California’s coastal lingcod or Florida’s stubborn snapper. Its asymmetrical design allows for maximum control on the fall, meaning you can slow pitch with precision even when the fish are picky. Cold-water fish like to sit deep, but the Ogre’s high-quality glow and durable paint job keep it visible, so you can keep working it in the strike zone as long as needed.

Winter isn’t the time to slack on gear, and Submission Jigs are here to make sure your cooler isn’t empty. From rockfish off California’s coast to grouper on Florida’s reefs, we’ve designed these jigs to bring in local species all season long. So suit up, grab your Submission favorites, and get ready to make the most of winter fishing while everyone else is still inside.