10 Dropshot Tricks For Cold Winter Bass Fishing!

Dropshot fishing is great in Winter, these tips will make it even better! Jump in the boat with Tim as he highlights 10 key tips for Winter dropshot fishing. The presentation is familiar, but the nuances of Winter bass fishing are completely different from other times of year. If you want to catch more fish this Winter, apply these dropshot tips to your fishing and you'll see an immediate difference!

Winter bass fishing brings a lot of challenges. From rough weather conditions to frigid water temperatures, the fish are more lethargic than any other time of year. Understanding the differences in their behavior will help you catch more fish. Understanding how to apply each of these 10 tips will change your whole season! From subtle differences between worms, to hook and weight differences, to how to detect a cold water bite, these are the tips you need to be successful!

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear Tim discussed in the video. We've broken them down by category, including size and color recommendations, as well as excellent rod and reel combo recommendations at every price point. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz


TIM'S 10 TIPS...

1) Go Smaller Than You Think (downsize presentation)

2) Go Slow

3) Downsize Your Line (4 to 6 lb Test)

4) Use Lighter Dropshot Weights (1/8 oz)

5) Focus on vertical presentations

6) Nose Hook Your Baits

7) Watch For Deflection

8) Look For The Sunny Shorelines

9) Expect Bites To Feel "Heavy"

10) Slow Down Even More!


FAVORITE HOOKS...

Standard Wire – Gamakatsu G Finesse (Size 2): https://bit.ly/2zGX441

Ultralight Wire – Owner Mosquito Light (Size 2): https://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weedless – Owner Cover Shot (Size 2): https://bit.ly/2ISr7bR


FAVORITE WEIGHTS...

•Xzone Tungsten Cylinder Tie On Weight: https://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Size: 1/8 oz


•VMC Teardrop Tie On Weight: https://bit.ly/4gFECei

Size: 1/8 oz


FLAT TAIL BAITS...

•Missile Baits BombShot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Colors: Fishalicious, Goby Bite


•Berkley Flat Worm: https://bit.ly/3lAAorL

Colors: Smallmouth Secret, Green Pumpkin


•Big Bite Baits Scentsation Smasher: https://bit.ly/3xEADuo

Colors: Bully, Smoke Black Purple


UNIQUE BAITS...

•Xzone Steath Finesse Minnow: https://bit.ly/3yAOQfo

Colors: Gas, Moondust, Pro Blue Red Pearl


•Keitech 3" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


•Megabass Haze ST: https://bit.ly/4l1S2Tq

Colors: Ayu, Moroko


HIGH END DROPSHOT COMBO #1...

Rod– St. Croix Legend X2 6'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/4farXAh

Reel– Daiwa Luvias ST 2500: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

Line– Sunline Super FC (6 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


HIGH END DROPSHOT COMBO #2...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 822 DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel– Shimano Exsence 2500: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (6 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


MID PRICED DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Sierra 7' Light Fast (701): https://bit.ly/2EyotZU

Reel– Daiwa Tatula MQ LT: https://bit.ly/3IWhxbv

Line– Sunline SX1 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ


BUDGET DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'1" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/47GAOVA

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2500D – XH: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Line– Sunline Super FC 8 lb: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

5 Life Hacks Every Winter Angler Needs To Know! (This Saved Matt's Life)

Cold weather brings unique challenges, this is what you need to know to be successful! Today we're covering Tackle Tricks for cold water fishing, gear hacks to keep you safe, and tool tricks that we've learned through years of trial and error. Don't let Winter get the best of you, use these hacks to have a great experience on the water!

We constantly highlight the benefits of Winter Bass Fishing. Today, we're reminding you that Winter fishing comes with challenges and risks. Rather than focusing on the negative, we're showing you how to overcome each of these challenges. These 5 Winter hacks were born from our own life lessons through years of trial and error on the water. We hope you never need them, but if you do you'll be prepared!

Below you'll find links to everything Matt discussed in the video. From the line and baits, to the apparel and gear, we've broken it all down in an easy to understand list. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


FISHING LINE...

•Sunline FC Assassin: https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Favorite Size: 10–15 lb


•Seaguar InvizX: https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

Favorite Size: 6–12 lb


FOOTBALL JIGS...

•Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Finesse Football Jig: https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: Supermatt Brown

•Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Color: Cinnamon Black Purple


•Keitech Tungsten 1/2 oz Football: https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Color: Green Pumpkin Black


TACTICAL APPAREL...

•Tactical Beanie: https://bit.ly/4q1NNdp

•Tactical Black Camo Hoodie: https://bit.ly/4rLN3et

•Tactical Reaper: https://bit.ly/3XKjFHJ

•All Tactical Apparel: https://bit.ly/4aK4Egt


FAVORITE APPAREL FOR LAYERING...

Beanie: https://bit.ly/4q1NNdp

Fortress Jacket: https://bit.ly/42LrGQ8

Fortress Bibs: https://bit.ly/4aPp45O

Crosswind Puff Jacket: https://bit.ly/47M4t13

Tactical Reaper: https://bit.ly/3XKjFHJ

Coastal Layer Hoodie: (Aftco Website): https://bit.ly/4qS1xZC

Deck Boots: https://bit.ly/3OhVo7z

Wool Socks: (Source Locally)

Hydronaut Gloves: https://bit.ly/48R40LH

Breakwater Gloves: https://bit.ly/3C73i0q


DRY BAGS...

•Aftco Stuff Sacks: https://bit.ly/48zhZag

•Spro Dry Bag: https://bit.ly/3XMTNek


Dry Bag Contents:

•Towel/Blanket

•Mask/Beanie

•Base Layers

•Puff Jacket

•Warm Pants

•Hand Warmers

•Lighter


JUMPER BOX...

•Noco Boost Plus Lithium Jump Starter: https://bit.ly/3xVnaOD


LIFE JACKET...

•Mustang Elite 120: https://bit.ly/2odXXIP


GENERAL TOOL LIST...

•Plano Guide Series Waterproof 3700 Box: https://bit.ly/3XJFya2

•Bob's Machine Prop Wrench: https://bit.ly/44nnaYe

•Water Weld Epoxy

•3M 5200 Sealant

•Flex Tape

•Saw

•Lighter

•Wrenches

•Sockets

•Spare Prop (Outboard and/or Trolling Motor)


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

January Bass Fishing! (Tim And JD On The Water)

Come along for a fun day on the water with Tim and JD! The boys are on a lake they haven't visited in years and they're feeling the pressure to find fish quickly. Tim begins on main lake structures but quickly works his way back into pockets, where he finds bass corralling baitfish. Despite the cold conditions, he's able to target these fish with reaction baits.

Spotted Bass can be very aggressive, even in cold water. In the background of some of the fish catches you can see fish breaking the surface. Tim uses a combination of finesse baits, strolling, spoons, and the A–Rig to quickly load the boat. Throw in some gorgeous brown trout for good measure and you've got an amazing day on the water!

Below you'll find links to the baits and gear Tim and JD used throughout the day. We've also included the rod and reel combos they use to land their fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


FUZZY NED...

•ZMan Fuzzy TRD: https://bit.ly/48y7rIA

Color: Green Pumpkin


•Zman Ned Lockz HD: https://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Size: 1/15 oz


STROLLING BAIT...

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Color: Green Shad


•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 3/16 oz


THE SPOONS...

•War Eagle Jiggin' Spoon: https://bit.ly/2H9dJV1

Size: 7/8 oz


•Nichols DUH 2.0 Spoon: https://bit.ly/4iGlkrd

Color: Morning Dawn

Sizes: 3/4 oz


FLEX RIG...

•Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Hooks– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 oz

Baits– Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad


FINESSE JIG...

•Keitech Tungsten Jig: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Size: 1/2 oz

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue


•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue


SPOON COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7' Medium Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3xZbLAy

Reel– Daiwa Kage SV 150: https://bit.ly/3JEBep4

Line– Sunline Super FC (14 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


FINESSE JIG COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 6'10" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

Line– Seaguar InvizX (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y


STROLLING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" M SB: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Model: 6'10" Medium Extra Fast

Reel– Shimano Exsence 3000: https://bit.ly/4oBLYnM

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (21 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


A–RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 7'4" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sunline Super FC (18 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Top 5 Baits For January Bass Fishing!

January bass fishing is totally different than the rest of the year! Catching bass in January is very different than the rest of the year! If you want to catch bigger fish consistently, these 5 baits (actually 6) will help you do it! Come along as we explore our confidence baits to help you catch more fish in January!

In most of the country January is the coldest month of the year. Fish are lethargic and often lying right on bottom. Most anglers lean to finesse presentations, but that's not a requirement. The right reaction baits can trigger a feed response, even in a lethargic bass. We rely on a mix of reaction, finesse, and metal baits to consistently catch fish all through Winter.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we use in January. We've linked the exact colors, sizes, and rigging components to help you find the exact items you're looking for. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


FOOTBALL JIGS...

Jig– Dirty Jigs Finesse Football (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

Trailer– Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Cinnamon Purple, Green Pumpkin Black


Jig– Keitech Tungsten Football (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown/Purple, Green Pumpkin Blue

Trailer– Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Green Pumpkin Blue


MINI FLEX RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Hooks– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 oz

Baits– Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Dummy Baits– Yamamoto Shad Shape: https://bit.ly/4hOE5al

Color: Natural Shad


MICRO FLEX RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

Heads– ZMan Trout Eye Finesse (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

Swimbaits– Damiki Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Color: PB Silver


JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: Mat Shad, Ito Tennessee Shad, Kasumi Ito


•Megabass Vision 110+1 Jr: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Colors: Mat Shad, Ito Tennessee Shad, Kasumi Ito


BLADE BAIT...

•Damiki Vault (1/2 and 1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad


JIG AND MINNOW...

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Electric Shad


•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 3/16 oz (1/0 Hook)


•Zman Graph Shadz: https://bit.ly/3Spu6xP

Colors: Electric Shad, Bad Shad, Smelt


CRANKBAITS...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Green Pumpkin Craw, Ghost Minnow


•Spro Rock Crawler: https://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Green Craw, Phantom Green


BUDGET JIG AND RIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Reel– Seviin GF (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line- Seaguar AbrazX Fluorocarbon (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2aaBBDX


BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'3" MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3xZbLAy

Reel– Shimano SLX XT (HG): https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA


BUDGET STROLLING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC

Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Line– Sunline Super FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz