How To Catch Your PB Bass Right Now!

Want to catch bigger bass? This is prime time to do it! Catching a new PB is achievable and we want to help you do it! There are a handful of proven baits that produce consistent success once you understand HOW and WHEN to fish them. Come along as we dive into the mindset behind targeting trophy bass in the Fall and Winter. 

Trophy bass are caught consistently using a two-part method. You'll need to dial in two different patterns to work at different times. You'll want a bait that imitates the bass' favorite forage during "prime time" to fool them into biting, but you'll also need to identify a bait that can trigger a feed response during lower percentage times of day. 

Understanding which baits to throw at what time of day makes all the difference. In previous videos we've discussed exactly where these big bass are located this time of year but the missing piece of the puzzle until today was understanding WHEN to target those fish. 

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits to "fool" the bass along with our favorite baits to trigger a "feed response". The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you'll see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Trout/Kokanee Eaters... 

Soft Swimbait- Huddleston 8" Trout: http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Glide Bait- S Waver 200 (Light Trout/Rainbow Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Crankbait- Tactical DD 75 (Mirrored Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Jig- Dirty Jigs Football Jig 1/2 oz (Go to): http://bit.ly/2d0iJbd

Jig Trailer- Yamamoto 5" Grub (Green Pump purp/cop): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Shallow Shad/Panfish Eaters... 

Crank- Spro Baby Fat John 50 (Matte Shad): http://bit.ly/2V03giW

Jerkbait- Megabass Vision 110 (M Shad): http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Lipless- Lucky Craft LV-500 (Ghost Minnow): http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Topwater- Evergreen Shower Blows 125 (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Glide Bait- S Waver 168 (Bluegill): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Soft Swimbait- Savage Gear Pulse Tail Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2Kd6qct

Deep Shad/Baitfish Eaters... 

Deep Crank- Tactical DD 75 (Ghost Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Spoon- Blade Runner 1 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Deep Jerkbait- Megabass 110+2 (Ito Tennessee Shad): http://bit.ly/2BLQIBA

Blade Bait- Damiki Vault 1/2 oz (Spot Black): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Alabama Rig- Hog Farmer Flex BFL: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

A-Rig Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

A-Rig Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Budget Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Cardiff 300A: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 80 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 35 lb Shock Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

High-End Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Destroyer Onager: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 A HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 80 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 35 lb Shock Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

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

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