Winter Fishing Tips: Ultra Finesse Baits When Its COLD!!

Is Winter wearing you down? Are you catching nothing but a cold when you go to the lake? A lot of anglers share your struggle and a few even give up and wait for "fishing season" to come back around in Spring. Don't be those guys! Winter bass fishing can be incredibly rewarding if you know where the fish are and which baits they're willing to bite in the cold water. 

Non-fisherman think we're crazy when they find out we're headed to the lake in Winter! They talk about how cold its going to be, how boring, how miserable... but they don't understand. They have no idea how peaceful it is to be on a giant lake, all alone. There are no wakeboard boats, no jet skis, and if you know where to look, there are a ton of fish to be caught! 

Matt recently did a video about using swimbaits to catch BIG fish this time of year. Today we're talking about how to get consistent bites. We're not worried about the biggest bass, we're focused on getting out on the water and having fun catching fish! We have a handful of baits that produce consistently when the weather and the water turn cold.

Below are links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors, trailers, and heads where applicable. We've also included some of our favorite rods and reels for throwing these different presentations. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Jigs...

Jig- Keitech tungsten Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown/Purple, Green Pumpkin/Black

Trailer- Z Man TRD Bugz: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Canada Craw, Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football (3/8-1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Okeechobee 420, Go To, SuperMatt Brown

Trailer- Yamamoto Double Tail 5" Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Green pump purple copper, Cinnamon black purple

Damiki Rig... 

Head- Damiki Jig Head (1/8 oz 1/0 hook): http://bit.ly/2tg1ajm

Bait- Damiki Armor Shad Jerk Bait: http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o 

Finesse Swimbait...

Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy Head (1/8 oz 1/0 hook): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Bait- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

Flies/Hair Jigs...

Hair Jig- Spro Phat Fly 1/8oz: http://bit.ly/2mboisG

Colors: Grey Ghost, Blue Shad

Fly- Outcast Tackle Feider Fly: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Colors: Black, Shad

Drop Shot Worms...

-Berkley Maxscent Flat worm: https://bit.ly/3lAAorL

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

-Roboworm Sculpin: http://bit.ly/2XMbwoQ

Dropshot Components... 

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 3/16 oz Pencil: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

High-End Finesse Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline SX-1 Braid 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Finesse Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Power Pro 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Finesse Jig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'1" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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

How To Catch Big Bass In Winter: Swimbait Tips For Cold Water Bass Fishing

Swimbaits are easy! They're not complicated, there is no mystery, and you can start catching bass on swimbaits any time you want. Its all about knowing which swimbaits work at different times and how to put them to work for you. Today Matt breaks down the 3 styles of swimbaits that work in cold water and explains what each style is for. 

Do you have a box full of swimbaits but few, if any catches to show for them? Have you lost confidence in the swimbait all together? You're not alone! A lot of bass fishermen have been caught up in the hype without ever being taught the details of how to consistently catch swimbait fish. Today we're focusing on why different styles work and when they should be fished. If you go out with confidence and throw the right baits in the right situations, its a matter of time before you start catching swimbait fish. 

Winter is a tough time of year to get bit on any bait. If you're going to work hard to get bit on anything, you might as well put in the time to get the right bites on big baits. Below are links to our favorite baits, favorite colors, and the gear we use to throw them. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Glide Baits... 

-Baitsanity Explorer Glide: http://bit.ly/33bQyxY

Colors: Trout, Kokanee, Shad, Raw

-River2Sea S Waver 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: Light Trout, Rainbow Trout, Warden Hitch

Boot Tail Baits... 

-Scottsboro Tackle 6" Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2Oy7CKH

Colors: Natural Light, Ol Smokey, Mullins Madness

-Little Creeper 8" Trash Fish: http://bit.ly/2hmXtg1

Colors: LC Hitch, Rainbow Trout, Ghosted Chartreuse Shad

-Little Creeper Fatty 6" Trash Fish: http://bit.ly/2ixaEw2

Colors: LC Hitch, Just Shad, Light Hitch

-Owner Beast Hook: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

Sizes: Scottsboro 8/0, 8" trash fish 10/0, 6" trash fish 6/0

WedgeTail Baits... 

-8" Huddleston Deluxe ROF 5 Jig Hook Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

Colors: Holdover Trout, Hitch, Trout

-Savage Gear Pulse Tail Shiner: https://bit.ly/2SDD0Zl

Colors: GreenBack, White, Shad

Favorite Swimbait Combo For Bigger Baits (Currently Backordered)... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 966: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

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

Line- Power pro Maxcuatro (80 lb Braid): http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

leader- Sunline FC100 Fluorocarbon (35 lb): http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

All-Around Swimbait Combo For Large and Medium Baits... 

Rod- Dobyns Champion XP 806 Heavy: http://bit.ly/2aivwYX

Reel- Shimano Curado 300K: https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

Line- Power pro Maxcuatro (65 lb Braid): http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

leader- Sunline FC100 Fluorocarbon (30 lb): http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Swimbait Combo... 

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

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

Line- Power pro Maxcuatro (65 lb Braid): http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

leader- Sunline FC100 Fluorocarbon (30 lb): 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

Wide Open Winter Bass Fishing! Its A Slugfest!

Come along for a day on the water as we pound the fish while battling the cold! Most anglers think the Winter is tough fishing but it can be amazing! We're targeting fish with a wide variety of baits but the big ones are eating a tube and a jig on this cold Winter day! 

This is a Highland Reservoir with water temperatures in the mid to upper 40's and water clarity of 5 to 8 feet. We found bass positioned in 20-50 feet of water on outside points and breaks with quick deep water access. At the end of the day we found a bonus pattern with bass in shallow water feeding aggressively around the remnants of a grass mat. We caught fish on a variety of baits today but our best success came on a 5/8 ounce jig with a double tail grub, a 1/2 oz Tube, a blade bait, and a Dark Sleeper. If you're deciding whether or not to fish this Winter, we hope this video inspires you to get back on the water!

Below you'll find links to all of the baits and equipment used in the video. We've included exact colors and sizes so you can perfectly mirror these patterns on your own lake this Winter. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Matt's Jig... 

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 5/8 oz (Pond Bug): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Trailer- Yamamoto Double Tail 5" Grub (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Tim's Tube... 

Tube- Dry Creek 3.5" Full Body (Bama Craw): https://bit.ly/38BgQ15

Head- Bite Me Tackle Big Dude Goby Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2CV3o7S

Blade Bait... 

Blade- Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response 1/2 oz (Ito Hiuo): http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Dark Sleeper... 

Swimbait- 3" Dark Sleeper 3/4 oz (Donko): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 904C MBR: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

Tube/Blade Bait Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Sniper 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Dark Sleeper Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend X 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r3Wskp

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

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

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

Budget Jig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'4”: Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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

Catching Winter Bass On Almost Every Cast!

Think Winter Bass Fishing is tough? It doesn't have to be! When you understand how the fish are positioned and which baits will trigger them to feed, it can be amazing! Come along as Tim explores a brand new lake and starts getting bites from big bass on his very first stop!

Most anglers think of Winter as the time to stay at home. If you are going out, you're probably finesse fishing, dragging small plastics along the bottom. While slow finesse fishing can be effective, its a whole lot more fun to get fish to react! In today's video Tim is using a handful of key baits to break down a new lake without any mapping. He's combining visual clues along the shoreline with his vast fishing knowledge, to immediately catch fish. Pay close attention to the details he's teaching throughout the video and apply them to your next day on the water. 

Tim used a handful of baits and some very specific equipment to catch these fish and to map the lake for future trips. Below you'll find links to all of the gear he used. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Swimbait... 

Bait- Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Head- Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Tube... 

Bait- Big Bite Baits Tour Tube (Green Pump Purp Cop): http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Head- Bite Me Big Dude Goby Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2CV3o7S

A-Rig... 

Rig- G Funk Baits Cali Rig: http://bit.ly/2nD76fw

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

Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Neko... 

Bait- Yamamoto 5" Senko (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Hook- Owner Weedless Finesse Sniper Neko (Size 1/0): https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Harness- G7 Protect Tube: http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Pagoda Nail (1/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Tim's Electronics/Autochart Live... 

Unit- Humminbird Solix 15: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY

Mapping- LakeMaster Plus Digital Charts: http://bit.ly/2Dk5Erc

Map Making- Humminbird AutoChart Live: http://bit.ly/2unEs8y

Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 893C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL HG: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Sunline Sniper 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Champion Extreme 784 7'8" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

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

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

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

Budget Swimbait/Heavy Tube Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

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

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