Winter Crankbait Fishing! Everything You Need To Know From Shallow To Deep!

Let's dive into the world of Winter crankbait fishing for bass! Matt breaks Winter crankbaits into three unique categories that require different retrieves and timing. Today He's covering all 3 categories. He covers specific baits, crankbait color selection, crankbait tuning, and a detailed breakdown of crankbait rods.

Don't let this Winter slip by. Anglers in the know, catch a ton of giant bass on crankbaits, you can be one of them! Speed cranking for Winter bass is far more effective than everyone realizes, even in the coldest water temperature. Once you understand how to create the right action at different depths, this will become one of your key confidence baits. The words "Burn, Burn, Burn, Pause" will forever be in your head as you set the hook on another giant bass!

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits by category, as well as our favorite colors for each of those baits. We've also included our favorite rod and reel combos for each application and price point. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICAL MERCH AND APPAREL...

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

•Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

SHALLOW CRANKS...

•Berkley Frittside 5: https://bit.ly/4hcwfXJ

Colors: HD Brown Craw, HD Green Craw

•Berkley Frittside 5: https://bit.ly/4qruBGl

Colors: Brown Craw, Special Red Craw, Honey Shad

•Rapala OG Slim 6: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Red Crawdad, Live River Shad

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Classic Craw, Rootbeer Craw, Red Craw

SUBTLE CRANKS...

•Rapala Shad Rap 5: https://bit.ly/3OMINZB

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad, Olive Green Craw

•Rapala Shad Rap 7: https://bit.ly/3D5pWGJ

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad, Blaze

•Megabass IXI Shad: https://bit.ly/4ivhBMQ

Colors: Wild Craw, Imae Classic, Ghost Shad

DEED DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Duo Realis G87 20A: https://bit.ly/2Jh4ktg

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Green Smelt, Morning Dawn

•Megabass Deep Six: https://bit.ly/2A3clKP

Colors: Mat Shad, Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, True Shad, Green Pumpkin Craw

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

Colors: Mat Shad, MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu

•Megabass Super Z Z–3: https://bit.ly/3HDg7wc

Colors: Green Craw, IT Craw, Phantom Green Craw

HOOK UPGRADE...

•Owner ST–35 Treble: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Favorite Size: 2

BIG CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'9" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4jbZGvj

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo Premier LP: https://bit.ly/4e8LPCc

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

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TACTICAL CRANK COMBO...

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

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

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

MID CRANK COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Model: 7'2" Medium Mod Fast (Finesse Carbon Cranker)

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

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

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

BUDGET ALL AROUND CRANK COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'4" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/41ntbDB

Reel– Seviin GF Series (7:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

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

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

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Neko Rig Tricks For Stubborn Winter Bass + Power Fishing Confidence Baits

Jump in the boat with Tim for a fun day on the water! Tim is targeting bass with a variety of swimbaits and power fishing techniques but quickly realizes the fish are shut down, and he's going to need finesse presentations to be successful. Tim immediately pivots to a neko rig, and starts catching big Winter time bass!

Knowing when to switch between power techniques and finesse techniques can save your day on the water. If Tim hadn't adapted, his day could have ended much differently. Instead, he embraced the change, grabbed his confidence bait, and not only caught fish, but caught several big kicker fish! These are the subtle details that make the difference in Winter time bass fishing. Pay attention to the clues, adapt, and overcome.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Tim fished throughout the day. We've also included the rod and reel combos he 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.

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND MERCH)

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

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

SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass 5" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/4gNg7LN

Color: Stealth Rainbow

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

Color: Threadfintastic

PADDLETAIL...

•Dirty Jigs 3/8 oz Guppy HD: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

•Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad

KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Color: See Through Shad

NEKO RIG...

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Color: Electric Shad, Natural Shad

•Xzone Tungsten Pagoda Nail: https://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Size: 3/32 oz

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

Size: 1/0

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

Size: 7mm

NEKO RIG COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer 6'11" Landsat: https://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

Reel– Shimano Exsence 3000: https://bit.ly/4oBLYnM

Line– Sunline SX1 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

MAGDRAFT COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3RhFit1

Model: Utility Player

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

Leader– Sunline Super FC (14 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

KEITECH COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Daiwa PX BF 70 BFS: https://bit.ly/3y0fWw0

Line– Seaguar PEX8 Braid (21 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

BUDGET NEKO RIG COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2000D: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Line– Seaguar Red Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

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10 Dropshot Tricks For Cold Winter Bass Fishing!

Dropshot fishing is great in Winter, these tips will make it even better! Jump in the boat with Tim as he highlights 10 key tips for Winter dropshot fishing. The presentation is familiar, but the nuances of Winter bass fishing are completely different from other times of year. If you want to catch more fish this Winter, apply these dropshot tips to your fishing and you'll see an immediate difference!

Winter bass fishing brings a lot of challenges. From rough weather conditions to frigid water temperatures, the fish are more lethargic than any other time of year. Understanding the differences in their behavior will help you catch more fish. Understanding how to apply each of these 10 tips will change your whole season! From subtle differences between worms, to hook and weight differences, to how to detect a cold water bite, these are the tips you need to be successful!

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear Tim discussed in the video. We've broken them down by category, including size and color recommendations, as well as excellent rod and reel combo recommendations at every price point. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

TIM'S 10 TIPS...

1) Go Smaller Than You Think (downsize presentation)

2) Go Slow

3) Downsize Your Line (4 to 6 lb Test)

4) Use Lighter Dropshot Weights (1/8 oz)

5) Focus on vertical presentations

6) Nose Hook Your Baits

7) Watch For Deflection

8) Look For The Sunny Shorelines

9) Expect Bites To Feel "Heavy"

10) Slow Down Even More!

FAVORITE HOOKS...

Standard Wire – Gamakatsu G Finesse (Size 2): https://bit.ly/2zGX441

Ultralight Wire – Owner Mosquito Light (Size 2): https://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weedless – Owner Cover Shot (Size 2): https://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

FAVORITE WEIGHTS...

•Xzone Tungsten Cylinder Tie On Weight: https://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Size: 1/8 oz

•VMC Teardrop Tie On Weight: https://bit.ly/4gFECei

Size: 1/8 oz

FLAT TAIL BAITS...

•Missile Baits BombShot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Colors: Fishalicious, Goby Bite

•Berkley Flat Worm: https://bit.ly/3lAAorL

Colors: Smallmouth Secret, Green Pumpkin

•Big Bite Baits Scentsation Smasher: https://bit.ly/3xEADuo

Colors: Bully, Smoke Black Purple

UNIQUE BAITS...

•Xzone Steath Finesse Minnow: https://bit.ly/3yAOQfo

Colors: Gas, Moondust, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Keitech 3" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Megabass Haze ST: https://bit.ly/4l1S2Tq

Colors: Ayu, Moroko

HIGH END DROPSHOT COMBO #1...

Rod– St. Croix Legend X2 6'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/4farXAh

Reel– Daiwa Luvias ST 2500: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

Line– Sunline Super FC (6 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

HIGH END DROPSHOT COMBO #2...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 822 DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel– Shimano Exsence 2500: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (6 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

MID PRICED DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Sierra 7' Light Fast (701): https://bit.ly/2EyotZU

Reel– Daiwa Tatula MQ LT: https://bit.ly/3IWhxbv

Line– Sunline SX1 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

BUDGET DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'1" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/47GAOVA

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2500D – XH: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

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

Info

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5 Life Hacks Every Winter Angler Needs To Know! (This Saved Matt's Life)

Cold weather brings unique challenges, this is what you need to know to be successful! Today we're covering Tackle Tricks for cold water fishing, gear hacks to keep you safe, and tool tricks that we've learned through years of trial and error. Don't let Winter get the best of you, use these hacks to have a great experience on the water!

We constantly highlight the benefits of Winter Bass Fishing. Today, we're reminding you that Winter fishing comes with challenges and risks. Rather than focusing on the negative, we're showing you how to overcome each of these challenges. These 5 Winter hacks were born from our own life lessons through years of trial and error on the water. We hope you never need them, but if you do you'll be prepared!

Below you'll find links to everything Matt discussed in the video. From the line and baits, to the apparel and gear, we've broken it all down in an easy to understand list. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

FISHING LINE...

•Sunline FC Assassin: https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Favorite Size: 10–15 lb

•Seaguar InvizX: https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

Favorite Size: 6–12 lb

FOOTBALL JIGS...

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

Color: Supermatt Brown

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

Color: Cinnamon Black Purple

•Keitech Tungsten 1/2 oz Football: https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue