How To Catch Bass During The Fall To Winter Transition (Cold Water Baits)

Catching fish can be tricky this time of year! Some anglers are catching big fish every trip out while others are catching nothing at all. The difference is a combination of the baits they're using and their ability to trigger a feed response. 

If you're throwing the same old baits, you're probably going to struggle during this transition. Its time to get out of your comfort zone! Focus your attention on aggressive baits like speed cranking, jerkbaits, A-rigs, and blade baits to get consistent bites. If you insist on slow fishing, focus on key baits like jigs and ned rigs to get bit. This time of year can be amazing, you just have to branch out to experience it. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits we're using, including our favorite colors and sizes. We've also included the key rods and reels we use to throw them. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

FOOTBALL JIGS... 

Bait– Dirty Jigs Finesse Football (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

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

Color: Cinn blk purp, Green Pump Purp copper

Bait– Keitech Tungsten Football (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color: Green Pumpkin Black, Green Pumpkin Blue

Trailer– Zman Crawz: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Color: Green Pumpkin

NED BAITS...

•Zman Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Color: Green Pumpkin

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

Color: Margarita Mutilator

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

Size: 1/10th oz

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu

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

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu 

CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad

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

Color: Sexy Ayu, MB Gizzard

ALABAMA RIG...

Rig– Hogfarmer Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

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

Baits– Damiki 4" Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Dummy Baits– Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

JERKBAIT...

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

Colors: GP Skeleton Tenn, Mat Shad, Elegy Bone

UNDERSPINS...

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

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Head– Cool Baits Down Under (3/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Bait– Storm 3" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Color: Sexy Shad, Albino Shad

Head– Gamakatsu Underspin Mini (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3PbOduU

SWIMBAITS...

•Savage Gear 8" RTF Trout: https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Colors: Dirty Silver, Trout

•River2Sea S Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: I Know It, Light Trout

ALABAMA RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

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

Leader– Sunline Saltimate 20 lb FC: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

BLADE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" ML: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sunline Super FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" MH: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Sunline FC 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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 Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Neko Rig Fishing For Bass: Everything You Need To Know!

The Neko Rig continues to gain popularity as one of the most adaptable finesse presentations for bass fishing. It can be fished shallow, deep, or around cover. Its simple to rig, easy to fish, and bass love it! Here's what you need to know!

The key to the Neko presentation is the rigging. Once you've got that part dialed, the rest is very simple. Its naturally a very adaptable presentation but with a few simple modifications it becomes even more universal! Today we're covering how we set up the rig, our favorite baits for the presentation, and a few tricks we use to get more bites. 

Below you'll find links to all the gear discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors, sizes, and hooks for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item .

SIMPLE NEKO RIGGING COMPONENTS...

Bait– Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Color: Electric Shad

Weight– Swagger Tackle Pagoda: http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Size: 3/32 oz

Rings– VMC Crossover Ring: https://bit.ly/3w0NYdz

Size: 7

Hook– Owner Sniper Finesse Weedless: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Size: 1

CROSSOVER PLIERS...

•VMC Crossover Pliers: https://bit.ly/3ipm9HN

•VMC Crossover Rings: https://bit.ly/3w0NYdz

UNIQUE SOFT PLASTICS...

•Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Electric Shad, Smokin Shad

•Roboworm 6" Straight Tail Worm: http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

Color: Electric Shad, Aarons Pro Shad

Band: Size 5

•Missile Baits 6.5" Quiver: https://bit.ly/2xehVgx

Color: Hillbilly Magic

•ZMan Floating Worm: https://bit.ly/3UFAWPb

Color: Green Pumpkin

TERMINAL BOX...

•Spro Terminal Box: https://bit.ly/3L9Y03F

PRE-RIGGED BLADES...

•Zman TRD Spinz Tail Spinners: http://bit.ly/2mPnyNF

•Talon Custom Lures Worm Blades: https://bit.ly/3htY3xj

NEKO RIG SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 6'8" Medium: https://bit.ly/3AFcaFF

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sunline SX1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET NEKO RIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo 7'1" Medium: https://bit.ly/3UFPcaO

Reel– Shimano Miravel 3000: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Line– Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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 Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Catching Bass With Metal: The Trick Behind Spoons, Blade Baits, And Tail Spins!

Why do big bass eat these crazy things?! What is it about a hunk of metal falling through the water that actually fools fish into biting? And why can't you get them to work for you?! Today Matt is taking you out for a first hand look at the proper retrieves for each of these lure styles so you can start catching fish!

Metal baits catch a ton of fish in the Fall and Winter. The colder the water the more effective they become at fooling sluggish fish. The key to any of these baits is understanding their specialized retrieves. Once you've mastered how to work them, the rest is easy. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, including Matt's favorite sizes and colors for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

JIGGING SPOONS...

•Blade Runner Duh Spoon: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Sizes: 1 3/4 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn, UV Fried Chicken

FLUTTER SPOONS...

•Nichols Lake Fork Flutter Spoon: http://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Size: 1 1/8 oz

Colors: Purple Threadfin, Shattered Glass Holo Silver, Gizzard Shad

•Nichols Mini Magnum Flutter Spoon: http://bit.ly/2IBHjx7

Size: 2.5 oz

Colors: Silver Shattered Glass, Gizzard Shad, Super Shad

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu

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

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu 

TAIL SPINNERS...

•Jackall Deracoup: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Size: 1/2 - 1 oz

Color: Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Silver

•Damiki Axe Blade: http://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Size: 1 oz

Color: Holo Real Shad, Black Holo, Bream

BLADE RUNNER UPGRADES...

Hook– Owner ST 56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW 

Size: 2

Swivel– Spro Power Swivel: http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

Size: 2

VAULT BLADE BAIT UPGRADES...

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

Sizes: 2 and 3

Hooks– Owner STX 38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6

HIGH END SPOON COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (20 lb): http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

MID PRICED SPOON COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (20 lb): http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

MATT'S MINI MAG COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Tequila Baccarac: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

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

Leader– Sunline Saltimate (25 lb): https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

BLADE/TAIL SPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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 Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Fall Finesse Fishing For Big Spotted Bass!

Come along for a day on the water! We're building patterns and breaking down the lake while targeting big Spotted Bass! Tim is teaching his kids how to target Spotted Bass both around cover and offshore, and you have a unique opportunity to learn along with them!

These bass were primarily feeding in open water. Added flash goes a long way in that situation so the main bait today was a small underspin. Tim also successfully mixed in the Jerkbait (big fish of the day) and a unique spy bait with added flash. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear the guys were using. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

UNDERSPIN...

•Gamakatsu Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3PbOduU

Size: 3/8 oz

UNDERSPIN SWIMBAITS...

•Storm 3" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Arkansas Glow, Albino Shad

•Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

JERKBAIT...

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

Colors: Ito Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad, 

SPY BAIT...

•Nishine Baby Abino 70: https://bit.ly/3sb4xDe

Colors: Ghost Shad, Juvenile Bluegill

BFS COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 700: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (6 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Fluorocarbon Leader (5 lb): http://bit.ly/2aiu0Wu

UNDERSPIN/JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Sunline Super FC (10 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Line– Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

MAPPING...

•Lakemaster Plus Digital Charts: http://bit.ly/2Dk5Erc

ELECTRONICS...

•Humminbird Mega Live Target Lock: https://bit.ly/3uWwTmE

•Humminbird Apex 13: https://bit.ly/3pdaK1q

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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 Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz