Jig Fishing Buyer's Guide: Jigs, Colors, and Trailers For Every Season

Let's talk jigs for bass! Small finesse jigs, giant flipping jigs and everywhere in between! If you want to catch bigger bass this year, the jig is a great way to do it. Matt simplifies the whole process by narrowing it down to 6 jigs, 3 trailers, and a few rods that will work every month of the year. Don't let Winter get you down, you can take this information to the lake tomorrow and start catching fish.

The jig is known for producing larger-than-average bites throughout the year. You can use it to replace a worm, creature bait, or small swimbait and instantly upsize your catch. The trouble is there are dozens of styles and hundreds of colors. Its enough to overwhelm even a seasoned angler! Matt's goal with today's video is to help you understand what each style is for but also to eliminate all the overlap between models. You can go through the entire year with a small handful of baits in a few key colors. 

When selecting jig color always start with natural tones. We typically only turn to dark or bright colors when water clarity is compromised (muddy) by rising water, wind, or algae blooms. Day in and day out a natural Green Pumpkin or Brown jig will catch bass across the country. Your rod selection is also a critical aspect of jig fishing. Finding a proper jig rod is very difficult but we did the ground work for you and will recommend some of our favorites. Below is a breakdown of the jigs, color, trailers, and gear we recommend. Each item includes a link direct to the product on Tackle Warehouse where you can see up close pictures, detailed descriptions, and color selection. 

The Jigs... 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football jig: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

(Brown Craw, Canterbury Crunch, Supermatt Brown, Go To)

-Yamamoto 4" Hula Grub: http://bit.ly/2d7SpgG

(Green Pump/Black Flake, Cinnamon/Black and Purple Flake)

-Hula Grub Head- Owner Ultra Football: http://bit.ly/2t1bY4y

--Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig: http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

(Brown Craw, Supermatt Brown, Go To)

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

(Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw) **Magic Craw for Spring Bass**

-Dirty Jigs No-Jack Flippin Jig: http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

(Hematoma, Go To)

-California Swim Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

(Crappie, Tactical Shad, Citrus Shad)

The Trailers... 

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

(Cinnamon Black and Purple Flake, Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper Flake)

-Big Bite Baits 5" Grub: http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

(Tilapia, Green Pumpkin)

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

(Green Pumpkin Red, Delicious, Tramp Stamp) **Magic Craw Swirl For Spring Bass**

-Strike King Rage Craw: http://bit.ly/2uoqsLJ

(Blue Craw, Dirty Craw, TW Green Pumpkin)

-River2Sea D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

(PB Red, Ice White, Shamrock Shad)

Matt's Favorite Finesse Jig Rod... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844 MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

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

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

Matt's Favorite All-Around Jig Rod... 

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

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

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

Leader- 16 lb Sunline FC-100: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Matt's Favorite Flippin' Stick... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'11" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

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

Budget-Friendly Jig Rod... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

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

Tackle Storage Buyer's Guide: Which Boxes Work Best???

Tackle storage isn't glamorous but we all struggle with it. Should you use waterproof, breathable, sticky, soft sided, anti-rust or bullet proof? There are so many options on the market its almost impossible to see through the hype. Today Tim shows his favorite ways to store each type of tackle.  It ranges from general storage boxes to technique specific, to bagging his hooks by brand in heavy duty bags. If a tackle junkie can successfully store his gear, you should have no problem storing yours!

Tim has spent years buying containers to store his tackle. He's found some gimmicks along the way but more often than not he's found awesome storage solutions. He's already done the difficult part so today he's sharing the best solutions he's found that will save you time and money while you protect your gear. Whether you're trying to find a way to pack up your keitechs, or a way to dry your frogs, or perhaps a container that let's you pack in a few extra crankbaits, Tim has found a solution.

These buyer's guides are designed to simplify your gear. We covered a wide range of products in today's video but each has a specific purpose. Below you'll find a list of the products mentioned (in order of appearance) with links that go directly to the products on Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up pictures and availability. If you have any questions leave them in the comments and we'll do all we can to help you select the right gear for the job. 

Boxes...

-Plano 3700 Stowaway Box: http://bit.ly/2rFRJpk

-Plano Alabama Rig Box: http://bit.ly/2DUvbJN

-Bass Mafia Bait Coffin: http://bit.ly/2VBdFPe

-Plano Hydro-Flo Stowaway: http://bit.ly/2PR1kU0

-Plano Custom Divider 3770 (Tim's Favorite): http://bit.ly/2XCbMnb

-Plano Edge 3600 STD Box: http://bit.ly/2YBaWYX

-Plano Edge 3700 STD Box: http://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

-Plano Edge Master Plastics Box (Keitechs): http://bit.ly/2PaiAq6

-Plano Waterproof 3740 (Matt's Favorite): http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB

Soft Bags... 

-Bass Mafia Money Bag: http://bit.ly/2P059cO

-Plano KVD Speed Bags: http://bit.ly/2GYT4RC

-Eye Surrender Swimbait storage: http://bit.ly/2h4IN6I

Line Storage... 

-Spoolin' Buddy: http://bit.ly/2YDUaZ3

Backpack... 

-Tackle Warehouse Digital Camo Angler: http://bit.ly/2hvexCd

Where Do Bass Go In Winter? (And How To Catch Them)

Are you struggling to catch fish this Winter? Did your bass disappear? Winter bass fishing doesn't have to be tough! Matt explains where the bass are hiding in ponds, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in this in-depth video. If you're tired of struggling for a bite let Matt show you where to look!

Its time to stop struggling and start catching! Knowing where to look is half the battle. Once you apply these tips and find the fish, the fun is ready to start. Taking it a step further, Matt offers his favorite baits for each style of fishery. Whether you're throwing a ned rig on the deep end of a pond, fishing a football jig through deep rock on a highland reservoir, or cranking on a natural lake, your Winter fishing is about to be a lot more fun! 

Below you'll find a breakdown of the equipment Matt was using in the video (depth finder and mapping software) along with the baits he recommended for each style of fishery. Its time to break out of the Winter rut and catch some fish!

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

Depth Finder- Humminbird Solix 12: http://bit.ly/2AE2YDB

Pond Baits

Ned...

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

(Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Goby, Meat Dog)

Ned Head- Swagger Tungsten Flanders Head 1/6 oz: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Jerkbait...

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

(Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad)

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

(Ghost Wakasagi, Blue Pearl Shad, Holo Minnow)

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

(Sexy French Pearl, Gill, Deadly Black Shad)

River Baits

Jig... 

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig 5/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

(Brown Craw, Hematoma, Go To)

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

(Green Pump Purp Copper, Black and Blue, Cinnamon Purple) 

Jerkbait... 

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

(GP Pro Blue, Ito Clear Laker, M TNG)

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

(Sexy French Pearl, French Pearl OB, Deadly Black Shad)

Reservoir Baits

Blade Bait... 

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

(Holo Ayu, Spot Black, Black Holo)

-Silver Buddy 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2AcTelj

(Stainless Steel, Gold)

Jig...

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

(Brown Craw, Canterbury Craw, Go To, Supermat Brown)

-Big Bite Baits 5" Double Tail Trailer: http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

(Tilapia, Green Pumpkin)

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

(Green Pump Purp Copper, Cinnamon Purple)

Natural Lake Baits

Cold Water Crankbait...

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

(Baits must be backordered due to demand)

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

(Megabass Sexy Shad, Kisyu Ayu,  M Threadfin Shad, Ito Wakasagi)

Jig...

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

(Brown Craw, Canterbury Craw, Go To, Supermat Brown)

-Big Bite Baits 5" Double Tail Trailer: http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

(Tilapia, Green Pumpkin)

Spoon... 

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

(Morning Dawn, Electric Chicken, UV Black Shad)

Buyer's Guide: Dropshot Gear For Bass Fishing

In today's Holiday Buyer's Guide we're exploring Dropshot Tackle. Tim shares his favorite worms, hooks, weights, and gear. Whether you dropshot out of necessity or because its your favorite technique, there is something in here for every bass fisherman. In addition to gear, Tim gives away a couple of his favorite tricks to catch more fish while losing less gear. Don't miss the part about tie-on weights!

Dropshot fishing has been around for nearly two decades but its effectiveness hasn't waned at all. Bass simply cannot resist a suspended worm when it is being worked properly. Learning how to work it properly is the key; don't fall into the trap of working your bait the same year round. As a rule of thumb, baits should be worked much more aggressively in warm water than in cold. When it comes to color, natural is almost always best with a couple of odd exceptions. The colors "Morning Dawn" (Pink) and "Margarita Mutilator" (Bright Purple) work shockingly well despite looking like nothing in nature. These are the kinds of tricks that come with time but Tim is sharing them readily in this video.

Below is a breakdown of the baits (including color recommendations) that Tim has confidence in. You'll also find links to his favorite hooks and weights, as well as rods and reels. Each link goes directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see up close pictures. Whether you're watching this video for yourself or for a loved one, we've made it as easy as possible to find the products you need.

Dropshot Worms...

-Roboworm 6" Straight Tailed Worm: http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

(Morning Dawn, Margarita Mutilator, Oxblood Light Red)

-Roboworm 4.5" Fat Worm: http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

(Morning Dawn, Margarita Mutilator, Oxblood Light Red)

-Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm: http://bit.ly/2CMB33J

(Lickity Split, Spanish Fly, Violator, Green Pumpkin)

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

(Green Pumpkin Purple, Smoke Purple Flake)

-Damiki Armor Shad 3": http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

(American Shad, PB Silver, RP Blue Pearl, Pro Blue)

Dropshot Hooks...

Tim's Favorite- Owner Mosquito Light 1 or 1/0: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

-Owner Cover Shot Dropshot Hook: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Dropshot Weights...

Tim's Favorite- Swagger Tungsten Pencil Tie-On Weight: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

-Swagger Tungsten Teardrop Weight: http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

-Swagger Tungsten Pencil Dropshot Weight: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

-West Coast Quick Drops Lead Weights: http://bit.ly/2BjFCp3

Tim's Favorite Combo...

Rod- G Loomis NRX 822S DSR: 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-Friendly Dropshot 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