Advanced Jerkbait Tricks For Cold Water Bass Fishing

As cold nights set in and temperatures around the country drop, bass begin acting in peculiar ways. Yes, some of them continue to ambush baitfish in the shallows when they can find it, but many are shifting toward Winter haunts. As these fish gather near outside structures their feeding habits begin to change and the way you target them should as well. 

If you live in the Southern half of the country your fish are still feeding aggressively in warmer water than our Northern brethren are currently experiencing. Your fish are most likely actively corralling baitfish in the backs of creeks and coves, feeding voraciously several times each day. During these times an aggressive jerkbait with maximum flash and movement is the key to consistent success. You need to distract these fish from the 1000’s of real prey so they will target the single, injured minnow that you are presenting. 

For those in the Northern half of the country, Winter is fast approaching. Many are already seeing freezing temperatures and water temperatures are beginning to plummet. This cold snap marks one of your best opportunities of the year for a giant bass! While many anglers shy away from the cold, you are the stand out who carries on and will be rewarded. When you’re targeting bass in cold water (below 50 degrees) flash becomes less important, the bait’s ability to suspending in place will be the triggering mechanism to make your fish bite. 

Below you’ll find links to both styles of jerkbait, the gear we use to throw them, and the terminal tackle we use to modify and perfect this presentation. All links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

If you Could Only Have One Jerkbait... 

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

Colors: HT-Ito Tennessee Shad or GP Pro Blue

Aggressive Jerkbaits… 

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

Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, Silver Shad, Hollow Minnow

Shallow- Lucky Craft Flash Pointer SP: http://bit.ly/2aHz588

Colors: Bone Pro Blue, American Shad, Aurora Black

Midrange- Jackall Rerange MR: https://bit.ly/2CbWr6X

Colors: Hollow Minnow, Silver Shad, Ghost Wakasagi

Suspending Cold Water jerkbaits… 

Small- Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Colors: Ito Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad, GG Deadly Black Shad

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

Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, Mat Tenn Shad, Killer Kawaguchi

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

Colors: GP Pro Blue, Mat Shad, GP Skeleton TN

Extra Deep- Megabass Vision 110+2: http://bit.ly/2BLQIBA

Colors: Mat Shad, Ito Tennessee Shad, GP Pro Blue

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades… 

Split Ring Replacement- Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

110 Replacement Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Treble (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

110 Junior Replacement Hook- Gamakatsu 1X Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3oSXVXp

Matt's 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 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Alternative Reel: Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Mid-Range Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Curado 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

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

Budget Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6'8" medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX MGL 70: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

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

Other Great Jerkbait Rods... 

-Megabass Orochi XX 6'11" Jerkbait Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

-Megabass Destroyer Oneten Special: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

-G Loomis IMX Pro 812 JBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

-St Croix Legend Elite 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

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

Related Jerkbait Videos... 

Fall Jerkbait Fishing! Everything You Need To Know! (2020): https://youtu.be/mLkjULrvQFA

Winter Jerkbait Fishing- Tricks To Get More Bites (2019): https://youtu.be/_eOGx2ZXkzY

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Blade Bait Tricks You Need To Try This Fall and Winter!

Most anglers have no idea how to fish a blade bait effectively. They might know that its traditionally considered a cold water lure but they have no idea it can be fished shallow around grass, worked aggressively, and even substituted for a lipless crankbait. Blades have so many uses in Fall and Winter, you really need to experience it for yourself. 

Traditionally the blade bait is hopped slowly along the bottom in cold water. It gives a slight vibration on the hop then "dies" and flutters back to bottom. Its remarkably effective for trophy smallmouth in frigid water but for the average angler, its applications stop there. That original cold water use is still effective and should be a part of your Winter arsenal but today is about expanding how you fish the blade bait. We use 2 retrieves throughout the Fall to get consistent bites. 

When the bottom is free of debris we fish the blade on the bottom. We use the exact same hopping motion as we use for the LV-500 to trigger a feed response. While that application is very traditional, you might be surprised to find out we often do it in 2-10 feet of water. The blade is not just a deep water bait, its incredibly effective in the shallows as well! The 2nd retrieve is a burning retrieve. 

We cast and wind the blade much like a traditional lipless crankbait, ripping it free when it comes in contact with grass or other debris. When fish have been pressured by tournaments or negative weather conditions, the switch to the silent vibration of a blade bait is deadly. Blade bait season is just beginning, you need to get out and give it a try!

Below you'll find links to our favorite blade baits along with the rods, reels, and gear we use to fish these baits effectively. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Traditional Blades... 

-Silver Buddy: http://bit.ly/2AcTelj

Preferred Colors: Silver Plated, Stainless Steel

-Blade Runner Blade Bait: http://bit.ly/2XMNoQj

Preferred Colors: Natural Shad, Chartreuse White

Custom-Style Blades... 

-Megabass Vibration X: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Preferred Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukocho Shad, Craw, Gill OB

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

Preferred Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad, Red Craw, Flash Gill

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

Preferred Colors: Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Red Tiger, Silver

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

-Owner STX-38 Treble (Size 8): http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Tim's Favorite Blade Bait... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K XG: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

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

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

Matt's Favorite Blade Bait Combo... 

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

Reel- Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

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

Budget Blade Bait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Power Pro 30 lb Braided: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Cold Water A-Rigs Tricks For Bass

Today we're adapting the A-Rig to catch deep cold water bass. Come along for a day on the water and see where these cold Winter fish are staging, how we target them, and what we do to the alabama rig to adapt to the colder conditions. Too many anglers focus on the shoreline during the cold months. Until we reach the prespawn, offshore fishing is an important part of Winter success. 

When probing deep water with an A-rig its important to adjust the sink rate of the rig. Changing from 1/8 ounce heads in shallow water to 3/16, 3/8, even 3/4 ounce heads will allow you to fish much, much deeper water with ease. You can take it a step further however if you're really paying attention. 

RETRIEVE SPEED is probably the single most important component to catching bass with A-rigs. With that in mind, you can fish an Alabama rig in 20 feet of water with 1/8 ounce heads as long as you go ultra slow. You can fish that same depth with 3/4 ounce heads and burn the bait along the bottom. Anglers understand the value of adjusting retrieve speed in shallow water but it is often overlooked in the depths. Pay attention to the speed you're getting bit at, adjust the swimbait heads on your rig to lighter or heavier models and you will be far more successful this Late Winter and early Pre Spawn. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of some of the best A-rigs available, an explanation of the two head styles we use, along with the gear we were using in the video to throw these rigs in deeper water. 

Lighter Wire A-Rigs... 

-Flash Mob Jr: http://bit.ly/2bgDGNu

-Yum Ultralight Rig: http://bit.ly/2cq4pJQ

-Hogfarmer Baits BFL Hitchhiker: http://bit.ly/36EcEuR

-G Funk Baits Cali Rig Bladed: http://bit.ly/2rZhST7

Swimbait Heads... 

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

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

Matt Allen heads have a heavier hook for big fish and stout gear. TacticalBassin finesse heads feature a lighter wire hook that is excellent for Winter fish, smallmouth, spotted bass, or mid-sized largemouth. 

Equipment Upgrades To Dial In Your A-Rig... 

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

-Owner CPS Springs (Medium): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

-Keitech 4.8 Swimbait (Main Baits): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Reaction Innovations Little Dipper (non-hook baits): http://bit.ly/2brnU5I

Favorite Keitech colors for A-rigs: Pro Blue Red Pearl, TW Pro Blue, Electric Shad

Favorite Little Dipper colors: Bad Shad Green, Purple Smoke

Matt's A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Curado 7'6" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC-100 System 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Tim's A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC-100 System 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Crankbait Tricks For Winter and Early Spring Bass Fishing!

You've been going to slow! High Speed Burner Reels in Winter? Really? Oh that's just the beginning... Come along for a day on the water with Matt and Tim as they burn crankbaits and draw reaction strikes from bass in 46 degree water. The guys hold nothing back as they teach how to trigger a feeding frenzy with the Tactical DD Crankbait. 

Winter was always considered a slow fishing period. Many anglers Winterize their boats and give up completely. Unbeknownst to the masses some of the best fishing of the entire year exists in the dead of Winter. By experimenting with a new style of fishing we've been able to consistently trigger reaction bites from the coldest of bass under the harshest of conditions. They key is a combination of speed, sound, and action. 

In November of 2019 we released the Tactical DD Crankbait with River2Sea. This crank is designed for these exact cold water conditions. It sold out immediately and has been nearly impossible to find ever since. Today the crankbaits are back in stock so we headed out on the water to teach you exactly how to use them. Don't settle for one bass here or one bass there, its time to trigger a feeding frenzy in cold water!

Below is a breakdown of the baits, colors, equipment, and upgrades we use to maximize our time on the water with the crankbait. 

Our Crankbait... 

-River2Sea Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Today's Colors: Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow

Other Great Cold Water Crankbaits... 

-Spro RK Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

-Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP

-Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

-6th Sense Curve 55: http://bit.ly/37hZ1TD

Favorite Colors by Bait... 

Tactical: Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow, Glass Minnow, Ghost Minnow

Deep X 300: Stealth Craw, Sexy Ayu, Megabass Sexy Shad

Deep Six: MB Gizzard, Shadow Craw, Ito Wakasagi

RkCrawler: Missouri Craw, Phantom Brown, Red Crawfish

Curve 55: Craw Bomb, Ghost Missouri Craw, Red Claw

Hook And Component Upgrades...

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire Size 3: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hooks- Owner ST-56 Size 4: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

(These hooks are smaller than "stock" but work extremely well)

Braid Rod/Reel Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

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

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

Fluorocarbon Rod/Reel Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

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

Budget-Friendly Rod/Reel Combo... 

Rod- St Croix Bass X 7'2" MH Moderate: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

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

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G