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

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Black

TACTICAL APPAREL...

•Tactical Beanie: https://bit.ly/4q1NNdp

•Tactical Black Camo Hoodie: https://bit.ly/4rLN3et

•Tactical Reaper: https://bit.ly/3XKjFHJ

•All Tactical Apparel: https://bit.ly/4aK4Egt

FAVORITE APPAREL FOR LAYERING...

Beanie: https://bit.ly/4q1NNdp

Fortress Jacket: https://bit.ly/42LrGQ8

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

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

Tactical Reaper: https://bit.ly/3XKjFHJ

Coastal Layer Hoodie: (Aftco Website): https://bit.ly/4qS1xZC

Deck Boots: https://bit.ly/3OhVo7z

Wool Socks: (Source Locally)

Hydronaut Gloves: https://bit.ly/48R40LH

Breakwater Gloves: https://bit.ly/3C73i0q

DRY BAGS...

•Aftco Stuff Sacks: https://bit.ly/48zhZag

•Spro Dry Bag: https://bit.ly/3XMTNek

Dry Bag Contents:

•Towel/Blanket

•Mask/Beanie

•Base Layers

•Puff Jacket

•Warm Pants

•Hand Warmers

•Lighter

JUMPER BOX...

•Noco Boost Plus Lithium Jump Starter: https://bit.ly/3xVnaOD

LIFE JACKET...

•Mustang Elite 120: https://bit.ly/2odXXIP

GENERAL TOOL LIST...

•Plano Guide Series Waterproof 3700 Box: https://bit.ly/3XJFya2

•Bob's Machine Prop Wrench: https://bit.ly/44nnaYe

•Water Weld Epoxy

•3M 5200 Sealant

•Flex Tape

•Saw

•Lighter

•Wrenches

•Sockets

•Spare Prop (Outboard and/or Trolling Motor)

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

5 Keys To Strolling The Jig And Minnow! ( The Details No One Is Telling! )

The Jig And Minnow continues to sweep bass fishing, don't be left behind! There are 5 key elements to strolling that very few anglers understand. These key differences are what sets certain baits apart, and helps select anglers catch fish consistently. If you want to be successful with these baits in cold water, we can help!

This technique is known by many names, but regardless of what you call it, it's working. It's not new, but it's erupted on the bass fishing scene over the last few years. Pairing a pin tailed, fork tailed, order paddle tailed minnow to a jighead and shaking it around bass is incredibly effective in the cold Winter months! If you want to stay consistent all Winter, you'll want to focus on smaller baits in natural colors, as well as much lighter heads than we use in Summer. We're also adapting our rod selection to these lighter offerings so that we can work them more effectively.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt discussed in the video. We've included his favorite colors for each, along with some of the key rods (at different price points) that will fish these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

WINGED AND FLANGED BAITS...

•Deps Sakamata Shad: https://bit.ly/3QMt9yd

Favorite Sizes: 5" and 6"

Colors: Silver Shiner, Electric Shad, Smoke Pepper Clear

•Yamamoto Hinge Minnow: https://bit.ly/4hCOze1

Favorite Size: 5" and 6"

Colors: Rainbow Shad, Electric Shad, Tennessee Shad

ROUND BAITS...

•Zman Jerk Shadz: https://bit.ly/3yRocN0

Favorite Winter Size: 3.5" and 4"

Favorite Summer Size: 7"

Colors: Bad Shad, The Deal

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

Favorite Winter Size: 4"

Favorite Summer Size: 5" and 6"

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Green Shad, Electric Shad

•Hog Farmer Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Favorite Winter Size: 3" and 3.5"

Favorite Summer Size: 4.5"

Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow, Tennessee Shad

FLAT SIDED BAITS...

•Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Colors: American Shad, Pure Gill

•Crush City Freeloader: https://bit.ly/3QWwj4b

Favorite Winter Size: 6.25"

Favorite Summer Size: 4.25"

Colors: Shad, Green Shad, Gizzard Shad

•Megabass 5" Sling Shad: https://bit.ly/41tgaaT

Colors: G Biwahigai, Hasu, Wakasagi

•Crush City Mooch Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Yn4NR6

Favorite Winter Size: 3.5"

Favorite Summer Size: 4.5"

Colors: Electric Shad, Gizzard Shad

HEADS FOR STROLLING...

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

Size: 1/4 – 3/8 oz with 2/0 Hook

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

Small Minnow Size: 3/16 – 1/4 oz with 1/0 Hook

Large Minnow Size: 3/8 – 1/2 oz with 5/0 Hook

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

Size: 3/16 – 3/8 oz

•Owner Range Roller Head: https://bit.ly/42cqaUR

Size: 1/8 – 3/16 oz

HIGH END STROLLING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Poison Adrena 6'10" Med+ Extra Fast: https://bit.ly/4c0fQmq

Reel– Shimano Sustain 2500: https://bit.ly/47SJ3R6

Line– Sunline Almight Braid (16 lb): https://bit.ly/4flJrsg

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (10 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

MID PRICED STROLLING COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Power Scope: https://bit.ly/3FGPr2H

Model: 6'8" Medium Heavy Regular

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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

HEAVY BAIT STROLLING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" MHSB: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Model: 6'10" Medium Heavy Extra Fast

Reel– Shimano Vanford 2500 HG: https://bit.ly/3WAPNO1

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

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

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

Bass Fishing Unwrapped: Christmas Eve Bass Fishing!

Come along for a fun day on the water! Tim is targeting offshore bass this Christmas, and it doesn't take him long to start getting bit! He kicks the catching off with a Spotted Bass, followed by Smallmouth, Largemouth, and even a big trout! When bass are targeting baitfish, you never know what you'll catch!

Many anglers focus on slow bottom contact presentations this time of year, but Tim has located fish that are attacking bait balls in open water. He gets a few bites on the jig and A–Rig but it's clear these fish are ambushing baitfish and that means one thing... it's time for the jigging spoon. Tim quickly ties on 3 different spoons and gets to work!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear he used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors, sizes, as well as his top rod and reel combos. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE SPOONS...

•War Eagle Jiggin' Spoon: https://bit.ly/2H9dJV1

Size: 7/8 oz

•Nichols DUH 2.0 Spoon: https://bit.ly/4iGlkrd

Color: Tactical Shad

Sizes: 3/4 oz and 1 3/4 oz

STROLLING BAIT...

•Hog Farmer 3.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Ghost Minnow

•Dirty Jigs Tungsten Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

Size: 1/4 oz

BIG JIG...

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

Size: 1/2 - 5/8 oz

Color: Alabama Craw

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

Color: Green Pump Purple Copper

FINESSE JIG...

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

Size: 1/2 oz

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue

TACTICAL 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 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad

SPOON COMBO...

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

Reel– Daiwa Kage SV 150: https://bit.ly/3JEBep4

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

FINESSE JIG COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 6'10" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

Line– Seaguar InvizX (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

CRANKBAIT COMBO...

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

Model: 7'2" Medium Heavy Moderate

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

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

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

3 Winter Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Fishing! (And How To Avoid Them)

Don't be caught making these mistakes! Winter bass fishing is really simple, but if you're making these mistakes you're ruining your chances of catching big bass. Subtle details like time of day, lure speed, and size, are often overlooked. These details can make or break your day, so it's time to pay attention! Avoid these mistakes to catch more bass this Winter.

We all make mistakes that hurt our fishing. Some were aware of, some catch us off guard. If you can avoid these three, you're going to have a lot more fun this Winter! Focus on fishing during low light periods, especially early morning. Next, forget about your "go to" baits from other times of year and focus on key Winter actions and profiles. And finally, pay attention to your surroundings so you know when the fish have vacated an area.

Below you'll find links to the baits Tim discussed in the video. We've also included some of Tim's favorite rod and reel combos to help you fish these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

HULA GRUB...

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper

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

Size: 3/8 oz

FOOTBALL JIG...

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin ,Green Pumpkin Blue

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black Flake

SWIMBAITS...

•Hawg Hunter Magnum Trout: https://bit.ly/3WuwJ0P

Colors: TW Gizzard Shad

•Huddleston Deluxe 8" Trout: https://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

Colors: Albino, Brown Hitch, Silver Blue Back

•Baitsanity 11.5" Chimera Shad: https://bit.ly/3U1em4P

Colors: Ghost Gizzard Shad, Hatchery Trout

FINESSE SWIMBAITS...

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

Colors: Real, Albino

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

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

Size: 1/4 oz

MICRO RIG...

Rig– Tactical Micro Rig (Non-Bladed): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

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

Baits– Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: PB Silver, Pure Gill

CRANKBAIT...

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

Colors: True Shad, Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow

MICRO RIG/JIG COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'1" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Zata Tact Z: https://bit.ly/3B8E7Ks

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

BIG SOFT SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 8'0" XH: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Conquest MD 300: https://bit.ly/3ZBEK5p

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (80 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (35 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

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– 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