How To Catch Bass In Cold Water! (Everything You Need To Know)

Cold water fishing is a challenge, this is what you need to know! With Winter setting in, it's time to adapt your fishing to the changing temperatures. Don't rely on the same baits and locations you used in Fall and expect to continue catching quality fish. Winter is all about triggering bass into biting, and these quick tips will help you do it!

The difference between catching a few bass, and consistently catching giant bass, is in the details. Understanding the difference between waiting on a bass to bite, and triggering a bass into biting, will change your Winter fishing forever. The anglers that succeed in Winter understand how to apply a handful of baits to their fishing that create feeding opportunities.

Below you'll find links to all the baits discussed in the video. We've included the exact sizes, colors, and any other pertinent information. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


THE APPAREL...

•TacticalBassin Fleece Lined Beanie: https://bit.ly/4opNxVk

•Aftco Fortress Bibs: https://bit.ly/4aPp45O

•Aftco Crosswind Puff Jacket: https://bit.ly/47M4t13

•Aftco ArmorLoft Sweatshirt: https://bit.ly/4oTK5ml

•Aftco Coastal Hoodie: https://bit.ly/4qS1xZC


MINI FLEX RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Hooks– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 oz

Baits– Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Dummy Baits– Yamamoto Shad Shape: https://bit.ly/4hOE5al

Color: Natural Shad


MICRO FLEX RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

Heads– ZMan Trout Eye Finesse (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

Swimbaits– Damiki Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Color: PB Silver


SWIMBAITS...

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Colors: Matte Shad, Threadfintastic


•Megabass 8" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: Stealth Rainbow, MB Shad, White Back Shad


JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: Mat Shad, Ito Tennessee Shad, Kasumi Ito


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

Colors: Mat Shad, Ito Tennessee Shad, Kasumi Ito


SPEED CRANKS...

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, True Shad, Mirrored Minnow


•Spro Rock Crawler: https://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Green Craw, Phantom Green


JIG AND MINNOW...

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Electric Shad


•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 3/16 oz (1/0 Hook)


•Missile Baits Eye Roll Head: https://bit.ly/3JiR3BP

Size: 3/16 oz (1/0 Hook)


METAL BAITS...

•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad


•Nichols DUH Spoon (1 3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Colors: Sierra, Shattered Glass


FOOTBALL JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

•Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Cinnamon Purple, Green Pumpkin Black


BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 8' H: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel– Cardiff 300 A: https://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'3" MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3xZbLAy

Reel– Seviin GF (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA


BUDGET STROLLING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC

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

Line– Sunline Super FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

Winter Jig Fishing Made Easy! (Everything You Need To Catch Bass)

Winter jig fishing is easy! Don't let the Winter weather keep you from catching fish. If you've been struggling to catch bass with jigs, that's about to change! A few basic jig colors and a trailer or two, are all you need to start catching fish! The weather might be cold but the jig fishing is heating up!

Jig fishing is easier now than any other time of year. We focus all our attention on a few very simple baits and it pays off big, no matter where we go. From full size football jigs, to downsized presentations, Matt covers everything you need to be successful all Winter.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, sizes, and colors we use. We've also included our favorite trailers, as well as the rods and reels we use to fish these baits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


FULL SIZE JIGS...

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

Size: 1/2 - 5/8 oz

Color: SuperMatt Brown, The Go To, Alabama Craw


•Dirty Jigs Compact Pitchin Jig: https://bit.ly/2hAIyCV

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: SuperMatt Brown, The Go To, Alabama Craw


FULL SIZE JIG TRAILERS...

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

Color: Green Pumpkin, Green Pump Purple Copper


•Damiki 4" Air Craw: https://bit.ly/3AvRsZJ

Color: Dark Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Black


FINESSE FOOTBALL JIGS...

•Keitech Tungsten Jig: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Size: 3/8 – 1/2 oz

Colors: Brown/Purple, Green Pumpkin Black


•Beast Coast OW Jig: https://bit.ly/4gFj0yq

Size: 3/8 – 1/2 oz

Colors: MB Pumpkin, Stealth PBJ, Dirtbag


FINESSE JIG TRAILERS...

•ZMan TRD CrawZ: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw


•Xzone Stealth Finesse Creature: https://bit.ly/3M0BXOU

Colors: Grass Craw, Green Pumpkin Blue


HULA GRUB...

•Yamamoto 2.5" Double Tail Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/497jz1m

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Purple Copper


•Great Lakes Finesse Stealth Football: https://bit.ly/4eQjXTb

Size: 1/4 oz


MATT'S FOOTBALL JIG COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

Model: 7' Heavy

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

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (15 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G


MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


BUDGET JIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 7'3" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Model: 734

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

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


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

This Bait Changed Winter Bass Fishing Forever! (It Will Change Your Fishing Too)

Winter fishing used to be cold and boring...not anymore! Check this out! A few years ago, Winter bass fishing changed forever! Anglers today talk about this technique like they've always done it, but the truth is just a few years ago, almost no one had any idea that bass would react to high–speed retrieves in cold water. Matt is about to demonstrate this amazing technique on the water!

Today Matt is taking us out for a day of fishing. He splits his time between a football jig, a finesse jig, and a crankbait. This turns out to be one of those magical speed cranking days that everyone should get to experience! Jump in the boat, let's go!

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear used throughout the video. We've included sizes, colors, as well as the rod and reel combos Matt used to fish the baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


THE CRANKBAIT...

•R2S Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: Green Pumpkin Craw and Custom Colors


PITCHIN JIG...

•Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Compact Pitchin Jig: https://bit.ly/2hAIyCV

Color: Canterbury Craw

•Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake


FOOTBALL JIG...

•Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Finesse Football Jig: https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: The Go To

•Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake


HOMEMADE JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Cut Replacement Skirt: https://bit.ly/4i3SYpo

Colors: The Go To

•VMC Finesse Football Jighead: https://bit.ly/3CZ1cQK

Size: 3/8 oz

•Reins G Tail Twin: https://bit.ly/3ZWP3o6

Color: Green Pumpkin


JIG MAKING VIDEO...

How To Make Your Own Finesse Jigs: https://youtu.be/VyIwpZLmJ4w


MEGABASS CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Super Griffon Competizione

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


G LOOMIS CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX PRO 906 CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 M (XG): https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

Line– Sunline Crank FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC


PITCHING JIG COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 7'2" X Bites: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC A 70: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (15 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G


FINESSE JIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (12 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

DON'T MAKE THESE WINTER MISTAKES!!! ( Your Life May Depend On It )

We love Winter Bass Fishing! But there is a dark side to it as well. We often highlight the benefits of Winter bass fishing. The size of the fish, the tranquil sounds of an empty lake, and the peaceful time on the water are all huge benefits of Winter fishing. However, if you're not prepared for potential issues, a fun day on the water can turn into a nightmare in an instant! Today we're covering 3 Winter mistakes... two that have to do with fishing, and one that has to do with self preservation.

Like anything in life, bass fishing has associated risks. Those risks increase in the colder months. If you're going out to the lake without taking any precautions, you may not realize the risks you're incurring. Listen as Tim tells a story or two from the dozens of "close calls" we've had on the water. Every item he carries, every box he checks on his mental check list, all come from real life disasters that we've faced on our around the water. Winter is an amazing time to fish, but it requires more preparation to do it safely than any other time of year.

Below you'll find links to the baits Tim recommended for Winter fishing, the apparel he uses to create reliable layers, as well as a few of the basic necessities he carries on the boat to protect himself in case of emergency. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

**We hope our list inspires you to begin creating a checklist for yourself and helps trigger ideas that may inspire you to protect yourself in adverse conditions. This is not a comprehensive list of every tool and safety precaution that we take. You should still brainstorm specific tools, gear, and safety equipment for your boat, conditions, and environment, that may be required for safety in your specific circumstances**


NED RIG...

•ZMan TRD: https://bit.ly/3RaJGMH

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, PB&J


•Xzone Stealth Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Tilapia, Black Blue/Green Pumpkin


SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Albino, Silver Shad, Real


•Keitech 3.5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad


•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook


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

Colors: Dirty Silver, Trout


TIM'S LAYERED COLD WEATHER CLOTHING TODAY...

Jacket– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/426eOnu

Bibs– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/3FS21bC

Beanie– Summit Beanie: https://bit.ly/3vLCEGR

Hoodie– Aftco Reaper Hooded Sweatshirt: https://bit.ly/3EbJxFP

Mid Layer Top– https://bit.ly/3Wgk2Jo

Mid Layer Bottom– https://bit.ly/3tXLIbr

Gloves– Aftco Breakwater Waterproof: https://bit.ly/3C73i0q

Boots– Aftco Deck Boot: https://bit.ly/3OhVo7z


WINTER GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS...

Life Jacket– Mustang Elite Inflatable: https://bit.ly/2odXXIP

Dry Bag– Spro 10L Dry Bag: https://bit.ly/4hb2Uxk

Packable Rain Jacket– Aftco Transformer: https://bit.ly/3t4y4lP

Packable Rain Pants– Aftco Transformer: https://bit.ly/3Zzy89y

Jumper/Battery Pack– NOCO Boost: https://bit.ly/3xVnaOD

Lighter– Source Locally


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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