It takes energy to lay and fertilize eggs, and that comes from eating. Until the water starts warming, a bass’ metabolism will be on survival-only standby. The fish still has to eat, but not as much or as frequently. And in cold water, he -- or she -- doesn’t want to work too hard for a snack. A bass might feed only an hour or two a day. To catch one this time of the year, you need to put your bait where the fish are and make it easy for them.

Which raises the point of knowing where they are. Early in February, the bass are likely to be in deeper water. When the water temperature moves above 50 degrees, the bass are going to move closer to shore. They’ll be hanging around major and secondary points, structure, channel edges and creek mouths.

Having retired early, the fisherman who told me that anybody can be a successful angler in the spring goes fishing almost every day of the year using a sit-on-top kayak. He likes urban water because it’s convenient, but he’s fished all over. Time, talking to other fishermen and plenty of trial and error has conferred on him what amounts to a BA (Bass Action) degree.

“In February, or any time during the winter,” he says, “you need to be patient. I fish shallower and I fish slower.”

That’s because the baitfish are moving as slow as the bass, which are not at all inclined to chase after bait this time of the year.

His biggest cold-weather bass measured 9.14 on the digital scale he keeps in his kayak. Not bad in our area, but a couple of days after he pulled that hefty bass out of a cold-water creek, someone else made the local newspaper with a 12-pounder.

Whether it’s February or April or October, this serious fisherman doesn’t much vary what he throws.

“I fish a 5 3/4-inch cut-tail worm year ‘round,” he says. “With a sinker weight on it, it goes down like a wounded minnow. That’s what I caught that 9.14 on.”

Having retired early, the fisherman who told me that anybody can be a successful angler in the spring goes fishing almost every day of the year using a sit-on-top kayak.

Worm-fishermen like their soft offerings rigged with a bullet sinker for weedless work. The idea is to retrieve them very slowly, using a drag-and-twitch motion.

Given the lethargy of the fish you’re trying to catch, it’s hard to over-emphasize a slow retrieve. One pro bass angler pointed out that the retrieve on each cast ought to approach two minutes in duration. If a bass sees bait moving too fast, on some instinctive level it will realize that it’s not real. A minnow or other morsel is not going to be any livelier in February than he is.

Many other winter fishermen favor large jigs rigged with up to 4 inches of pork, the so-called “jig-and-pig.” In colors, veteran guides like black and blue, light green, orange or solid white. The kayak fisherman also likes to work Shaky Heads.

If a jig or spoon doesn’t work, start with large, deep-diving lipless crankbaits in chartreuse or something that looks like a sunfish. As many of you know, big spinners also work. Whatever you offer, reel it in as slowly as possible.

Another reason February fishing is such a challenge is that bass don’t strike hard when they’re still in their winter power-saving mode. Fish hit so softly it can hardly be called a hit. The challenge is to make yourself be particularly aware of even the slightest pressure on your line. When you feel faint activity on the other end of the line, use the energy you have to set the hook hard.

In February, Cupid’s arrow may strike fast -- but the bass don’t.