How To Catch Bass In Cold Water Without Slowing Down!

Winter fishing doesn't have to be boring! So many anglers have fallen into the trap of slow, methodical fishing in the Winter. Did you know you can trigger a feed response by speeding up? Its true! Matt explains the keys to getting consistent bites in the coldest Winter temperatures without ever slowing down. 

The key to consistent Winter bites with reaction baits is understanding what it takes to "trigger" a feed response. Its also key to understand all baits are not created equal. Cold water separates the perfectly balanced, perfectly tuned baits, from the endless stream of new tackle hitting the market every year. If you want to be consistent in Winter, fish the right baits with proper technique and its only a matter of time before you start catching quality fish. 

There are 3 very different approaches to Winter. You can swimbait for a giant, finesse fish for consistent action, or power fish with bite triggering retrieves to try and find the best of both worlds. Whichever path you choose, Winter fishing is worse the effort. Its incredibly peaceful, there is minimal boat traffic, and the odds of catching a big bass are very high. 

Below you'll find links to the 5 styles of baits we use to trigger a feed response. We've included our favorite baits, favorite colors, and hardware upgrades where relevant. We've also included our favorite equipment for some of these techniques. All of the links go directly Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Related Videos... 

-Winter Reaction On Chickamauga: https://youtu.be/hLC67fc3vqw

-Cold Water Crankbaits In-Depth: https://youtu.be/FPaL13899uc

Main Crankbaits... 

Our Deep Diver- R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Ghost Minnow, DD Minnow, Mirrored Minnow

Shallow Diver- Rapala Ott's Garage Slim 06: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Live River Shad, Green Gizzard Shad, Rootbeer Craw

Other Phenomenal Winter Cranks... 

Shallower Cover- Spro Rock Crawler: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN

Colors: Phantom Green, Green Craw

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

Colors: PM Kisyu Ayu, MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu

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

Colors: PM Kisyu Ayu, MB Gizzard, Ito Wakasagi

Alabama Rigs... 

-HogFarmer BFL FLEX Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

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

A-Rig components... 

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

Baits- Keitech 4.3" or 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire #4: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Jerkbaits... 

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

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

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

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

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

Lipless Crankbaits... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad
-Jackall TN-70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin

Blade Baits... 

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

Colors: Black Holo, Cyber Purple, Real Shad

-Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

Blade Bait Component Upgrades... 

Line Tie: Owner Hyperwire #3 Split Ring: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hook Rings: Owner Hyperwire #2 Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hooks: Owner ST-36 Size 6: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Matt's A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

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

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

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

Budget Jerkbait/Blade Bait Combo... 

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

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

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

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Winter Bass Fishing: Crankbaits, Blade Baits, and A-Rigs For Cold Water Bass

We're back on the water at Chickamauga and the bass are biting! Most anglers think of January as finesse fishing time but that's not what we're doing! While finesse can be effective, there is something rewarding about successfully power fishing in cold water. Come along as we throw everything from crankbaits to A-rigs in search of Winter bass. 

There are 3 ways to consistently catch fish in cold water. Two weeks ago Matt talked about the power of a swimbait for drawing bites from large fish. Last week Tim discussed the benefits of finesse fishing and how you can consistently catch fish in Winter. Today we're demonstrating how to power fish in Winter by eliciting a core feed response in the bass. Its not about whether or not they want to bite, its about reacting to a fast moving, erratic bait. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt fished in the video. He's included the color he was throwing for each as well as the hook upgrades for the crankbait. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

The Baits... 

-Rapala Ott's Garage Bait 06: http://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Color: Live River Shad 

**Can Be Backordered**

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Color: Ghost Minnow

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

Color: Ito Hiuo

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

Color: Real Shad

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

Hooks- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech Swing Impact 4.3 Fat: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-River2Sea Tactical DD75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: Ghost Minnow

Crankbait Hooks and Split Rings... 

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

Hooks- Owner ST-35 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Matt's Lipless Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Matt's A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

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

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

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

Matt's Deep Crank Combo...

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

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

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

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

3 Ned Rig Tricks For Winter Fishing!

The Ned Rig is amazing in the Winter Time! Fishing in the cold can be tough, especially if you're second guessing your lure choice. With new brands piling onto the Ned Rig bandwagon every day, its hard to know which baits to focus on and how to dial them in for cold water fishing. In today's video Tim explains how to adjust your weight, how to choose the right ned bait, and when to fish these presentations. 

On the surface, ned rig fishing is very simple. Grab a ned bait, grab a light jighead, throw it out and try not to move it. As the technique has morphed the last few years so has its ability to catch fish in a variety of conditions. Focusing in on details like the weight of the head, whether or not your bait floats, how much it moves underwater when you shake it, are all key pieces of the puzzle. While the Z Man Finesse TRD remains the gold standard, there are so many other amazing baits that will help you get bit in changing conditions. 

Below you'll find links to a handful of Tim's favorite baits. He's included his top 2 colors for each bait, and even included a brand new Salamander ned bait that you should check out. He's also included his favorite heads and the gear he uses to fish them. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Heads... 

-Owner Block Head: http://bit.ly/2qL0A8n

-Swagger Tungsten Flanders Head: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Tim's Favorite Bait... 

-Roboworm 3" Ned Worm: http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Colors: Desert Craw, TW Black Blue Pumpkin

New Bait... 

-Savage Gear Ned salamander: http://bit.ly/3rSNi8g

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Purple Copper

Great Ned Baits... 

-Z Man Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, MudBug

-Z Man TRD CrawZ: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Canada Craw, Green Pumpkin

-XZone Ned Zone: http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Green Pumpkin Purple

-Missile Baits Ned Bomb: http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Colors: Super Bug, Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core

Storage Boxes/Line Box...

-Plano Edge 3700 Thin: https://bit.ly/2VX5eAL

-KVD Speed Bag Small: http://bit.ly/2GYT4RC

Tim's Ultimate Ned Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 902: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

Reel- Shimano Stella 2500: http://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

Line- Power Pro 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 5 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Mid-Range Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Power Pro 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Ned Combo... 

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

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

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

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  
We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

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