Buyer's Guide: Jerkbaits and Blade Baits For Winter Bass

In today's Holiday Buyer's Guide we take a look at Jerkbaits and Blade Baits. Both are great Winter time producers but have great year round applications as well. A jerkbait is one of the best ways to catch a big bass in cold water but with dozens of models to choose from, it can be difficult to build confidence. When it comes to blade baits, not all lures are created equal. Matt and Tim have done the leg work for you so you can get out and fish with confidence all Winter long.

If you're in search of a quality jerkbait there are no shortage of great options on the market. The key is to understand when to throw each style. Winter jerkbaits require precision balance and increased diving depths, while Spring and Summer jerkbaits focus around flash and aggressive action. In addition to the baits themselves, a quality jerkbait rod is CRITICAL to consistent success.

Blade baits come in a plethora of shapes and sizes. The key with blade baits is finding the baits that have immediate action as soon as you move them. Baits that vibrate with minimal motion will out fish the rest of the offerings throughout the cold months. When you can combine that action with a great color selection, you've got the perfect combination.

Below is a breakdown of the various baits that we recommend from each category. We included live links to the baits on tackle warehouse for ease of shopping and even recommended a few of our favorite colors to make it as easy as possible. If you're searching for the related videos we mentioned in the video they're at the bottom of the list.

Deeper Jerkbaits...

-Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

(GP Pro Blue 2, Tennessee Shad, M Shad)

-Lucky Craft Staysee 90: http://bit.ly/2dBzMmz

(Crystal Pro Blue, Nishiki, MS MJ Herring)

Shallower Jerkbaits...

-Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

(Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, Holo Minnow)

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

(GP Pro Blue 2, Tennessee Shad, M Shad)

-Megabass Vision 110 Silent: http://bit.ly/2mqOuiA

(Gp Pro Blue, Ito Clear Laker, MB Gizzard)

-Rapala Rip Stop Size 12: http://bit.ly/2Vs7HBf

(Carbon, Silver, Speed Monkey)

-Lucky Craft Flash Pointer 100 and 115: http://bit.ly/2aHz588

(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow, Crystal Pro Blue)

Jerkbait Hook Upgrade: http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

(Size 5 and 6 will fit all of the baits)

Blade Baits...

-Damiki Vault 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

(Black Holo, Holo Ayu, Holo Cyber Purple)

-Blade Runner 1/4 -1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2XMNoQj

(Chartreuse White, Natural Shad)

-Jackall Keeburn: http://bit.ly/2or8sy0

(Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Silver)

Favorite Jerkbait Combo...

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget-Friendly Jerkbait Combo...

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

In-Depth Videos…

Jerkbaits In-Depth Video: https://youtu.be/jug12fc0eaI

Blade Bait In-Depth Video: https://youtu.be/kPBIGD7tZEo

Buyer's Guide: Best Spinning Rod and Reel Combos Under $200

Finding the right rods and reels can be very overwhelming! In today's Holiday Buyer's Guide the guys from TacticalBassin show us their top picks for rod and reel combos that cost less than $200. You can find some amazing options in this price range for new and veteran anglers alike. Which models are the most sensitive? Which reels are smooth and reliable? Matt and Tim help you find the best options available in today's video.

Spending $100 on a rod or reel is the threshold where you start seeing huge leaps in technology. The reels become smoother and lighter while the rods become more sensitive and action specific. Since this is the threshold where most anglers advancing from beginner to intermediate tend to purchase, companies often strive to put products in the category that defy their price point. This is great news for the angler looking for the best equipment at the lowest price!

In today's video Matt and Tim focus on 3 combos. These rods and reels stand out from the pack with great sensitivity, actions, and features that rise above the crowd. Below you will find these combos linked in order of appearance. They'll include direct links to Tackle Warehouse where you can see the specific models. To make it even easier for you this holiday season the guys have also included their favorite models from each line of rods. Below that you will find recommendations from a handful of other brands in case you or the angler in your life prefer a specific brand.

Fury/Sedona Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

7' Medium Light (Dropshot, Ned Rig), 7' Medium (All-Around Fishing)

Reel- Shimano Sedona 2500: http://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

(SE2500HGFI for perfect balance with either model above)

Line- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Powell/BG Combo...

Rod- Powell Inferno: http://bit.ly/2O2rh5a

7'1" Light (Dropshot, Ned Rig, Tube), 7'1" Medium (All-Around Fishing)

Reel- Daiwa BG: http://bit.ly/32Xscbb

(BG 2000 For perfect balance with the models above)

Line- Sunline SX-1 Braid 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

SLX/NASCI Combo...

Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

7' Medium Light (Dropshot/Ned Rig), 7' Medium (All-Around Fishing)

Reel- Shimano Nasci: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

(NAS2500FB For perfect balance)

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Other Great Rods By Brand...

Denali- Fission Series 7' Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2OF1j75

St. Croix Bass-X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Cashion CRT 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/35giUc0

Daiwa- Tatula XT 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2qjhX40

Ladies Specific Option...

W&M Trait Zaldain Elite Pink: http://bit.ly/2r3SBHl

Keep an eye out for the rest of the Buyer's Guides! Next up is Monday morning featuring Jerkbaits and Blade Baits. After that we'll be delving into higher-end combos, budget options, and a variety of other lures and equipment.

Buyer's Guide: Best Casting Rod and Reel Combos Under $200

Welcome to the 2019 Holiday Buyer's Guide Series! These are the most requested videos of the year and we're thrilled to bring them back for 2019! We're kicking it off with Rod and Reel Combos Under $200! Matt and Tim show some of the best values on the market in this quick review of rods and reels from a variety of companies.

Why start with $200 combos? $100 for a rod or reel seems to be the threshold where you start seeing huge leaps in technology. The reels become smoother and lighter while the rods become more sensitive and action specific. Since this is the threshold where most anglers advancing from beginner to intermediate tend to purchase, companies often strive to put products in the category that defy their price point. This is great news for the angler looking for the best equipment at the lowest price!

In today's video Matt and Tim explore 7 different combos. These rods and reels stand out from the pack with great sensitivity, actions, and features that rise above similarly priced products. Below you will find links to all of the products in the video. Matt and Tim also picked their two favorite combos each and are listing those above the rest of the combos. To make it even easier for you this holiday season the guys included their favorite actions for each rod and reel model so that you and your loved once can easily select the best "bang for the buck" models.

Tim's First choice... SLX/SLX Combo...

Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

(6'10" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'2" Heavy)

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

(SLX150HG)

Tim's Second Choice... Fury/Daiwa CG Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

(7' Medium heavy, 7' Heavy, 8' heavy swimbait)

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

(CG80HS)

Matt's First Choice... Intenza/Caius Combo...

Rod- Shimano Intenza: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

(7'1" Medium Heavy, 7'4" Heavy)

Reel- Shimano Caius B: http://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw

(CIS150HGB)

Matt's Second Choice... Bass X/SLX Combo...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

(7'1" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

(SLX150HG)

The Other Great Combos Around $200...

Rod- Cashion CRT: http://bit.ly/2qxYIUj

(7' Heavy, 7'3" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Daiwa Fuego CT: http://bit.ly/35hugfH

(FGCT100HS)

Rod- Dobyns Colt: http://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

(7' Medium Heavy, 7' Medium Heavy Cranking, 7'3" Heavy)

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

(CG80HS)

Rod- Lews TP-1 Black Speed Stick: http://bit.ly/2Ovtbxc

(7' Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Lews Speel Spool LFS: http://bit.ly/2xEElEw

(SS1SHA)

The TacticalBassin FINESSE Swimbait Head Is Here!!!

Announcing the TACTICALBASSIN FINESSE SWIMBAIT HEAD! This new head is designed to fill a huge void for bass fishermen. When heavy hooks are too much but you’re not looking for a micro hook either, the TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head is exactly what you’re searching for! This new head incorporates a medium wire 4/0 hook that pairs perfectly with 3 1/2 inch to 5 inch swimbaits and paddle tails.

Many companies offer tiny finesse heads and big heavy wire heads but few have heads that fit the middle (which is exactly where most fishermen are). For this project we partnered with Dirty Jigs Tackle and the already proven design of the Matt Allen Swimbait Head (see link below). We used the exact head shape (fantastic profile), same 30 degree line tie (destabilization to get more bites), and proven twin keeper system (single wire keeper paired with a lead collar keeper). By working from this already proven head design we were able to compare hooks and wire sizes with ease. It didn’t take long to find the perfect hook, a medium wire 4/0.

This 4/0 hook will land big fish with ease but won’t overpower smaller baits when a finesse approach is needed. The reduced wire size (as compared to the Matt Allen Swimbait Head) will also allow anglers to fish this head on lighter line and tackle, allowing for more bites in clear water finesse situations. If you loving throwing small swimbaits and paddle tails and need a hook to “do it all”, this is your hook!

If you’re in a big bass environment, especially around heavy cover, the Matt Allen Swimbait Head is your best bet. If you’re throwing micro swimbaits like a 2.8 keitech, a Guppy Head with its small 1/0 hook is a great match, but if you’re fishing anywhere in the middle, its time to try the TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head.

The Heads…

-TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

-Guppy Head: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Recommended Finesse Swimbaits…

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 3.8 - 4.8: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-River2Sea D Walker 100: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

-Megabass Spark Shad 4": http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

-X Zone Lures Swammer 3.5" - 4": http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

-Basstrix Paddle Tail 4" - 5": http://bit.ly/2aiy7SR

-Strike King Rage Swimmer 3.75 - 4.75: http://bit.ly/2evZF8j

Favorite Combo For This Technique…

Rod- G Loomis GLX 843 MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Chronarch 150 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

5 rods from highest price to most budget-minded that will work great for this technique…

-G Loomis NRX 853C JWR (7’1” MH): http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

-Dobyns Xtasy 7’2” Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

-Shimano Zodias 7’2” Medium: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

-Shimano SLX 7’2” Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

-Daiwa Aird X 7’ Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2Z2JfYG