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

5 Key Finesse Baits For Winter Bass Fishing!

These Winter finesse tricks can save your fishing! If you're struggling to get bit, it's time to adapt. Turning to finesse presentations isn't giving up, it's a smart choice to consistently catch Winter bass. Tim pays close attention to subtle details, as well as key sizes and colors when he's trying to fool stubborn bass in cold water.

Power fishing in Winter is really fun, but it doesn't always work. When fishing gets tough, Tim focuses on 3 key concepts to get bit. Slowing Down, Downsizing, and focusing on baits with subtle action, are all critical pieces of the puzzle for cold water fish. From his football jig to his ned rig, there are subtle nuances that Tim believes give him an upper hand on the water.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Tim discussed in the video. We've included his favorite colors, rigging components, as well as the rod and reel combos he uses to fish these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

DROPSHOT...

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

Colors: Ghost Shad, Live Wakasagi, Moroko

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

Colors: Natural Shad, Goby, Green Pumpkin

•Big Bite Baits Scentsation Smasher: https://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Chick Magnet, Smelt

•Xzone Stealth Minnow: https://bit.ly/3yAOQfo

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Moon Dust

•Gamakatsu TGW Dropshot Hook: https://bit.ly/2zGX441

Size: 2–4

•Xzone Tungsten Dropshot: https://bit.ly/3HgdcMM

Size: 1/4 oz

NEKO RIG...

•Yamamoto 5" Thin Senko: https://bit.ly/43d1Tgn

Colors: Natural Shad, Baby Bass

•Owner Sniper Finesse: https://bit.ly/2kfdv37

Size: 2

•Tungsten Screw Weight: https://bit.ly/3KPTrAs

Size: 5/32 oz

NED RIG...

•Zman Fuzzy TRD: https://bit.ly/48y7rIA

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Green Pumpkin

•Xzone Ned Zone: https://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black Flake, Violet Secret

•Great Lakes Finesse Snack Size Craw: https://bit.ly/4b8aeHo

Colors: Brown Pumpkin Special

•ZMan Finesse Shroomz Jighead: https://bit.ly/2hs2cAe

Size: 1/15 oz

MICRO JIG...

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin ,Green Pumpkin Blue

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin Black

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper

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

STROLLING BAITS...

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

Colors: American Shad, Pure Gill

•Crush City 2.5" Mooch Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Yn4NR6

Colors: Electric Shad, Shad

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

Size: 1/8 oz

DROPSHOT COMBO...

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

Reel– Daiwa Exist G LT 2500 XH: https://bit.ly/453vyds

Line– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

NEKO RIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 6'10" ML XFast: https://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Reel– Daiwa Tatula Elitę 2500: https://bit.ly/4f74P56

Line– Seaguar Smack Down Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3y63F96

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

NED RIG COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 821 NRR: https://bit.ly/4bIiddV

Reel– Shimano Exsence B 2500: https://bit.ly/4oBLYnM

Line– Power Pro Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

FINESSE JIG COMBO...

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

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

Braid– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

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

STROLLING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/47Cdeee

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

Line– Sunline Almight (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3xb44ql

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

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

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

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

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: Best BFS Baits (Micro Hard Baits And Soft Baits For Bait Finesse Fishing)

Today we're covering the best downsized baits for bass fishing! Finesse fishing is becoming more and more important across the globe, and BFS offers a fun way to fish these micro baits effectively. In today's Buyer's Guide we're covering our favorite BFS baits for ultralight casting and spinning presentations. If you're not familiar with BFS, anything you've ever done with a spinning rod can now be done with a bait caster, and with even more precision!

BFS has been around for decades but is now sweeping the US Market. If you've ever been curious about this incredible way of fishing, now is the time to check it out! Today we've broken down all our favorite baits by category. From finesse creatures and craws, to topwater and crankbaits, you've got to give this a try! And don't forget, any of these baits can be fished effectively on spinning tackle as well if that is your preferred method of finesse fishing.

Below you'll find links to all the baits discussed in the video. We've included favorite sizes and colors where applicable to make it as easy as possible for you to find the items you want. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE BEST BAIT FINESSE BAIT...

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

Colors: See Through Shad, Juvy Gill, Glitz Shad

Karashi Tail Hook Replacement: https://bit.ly/4ltPizz

MICRO SWIMBAITS...

•Baitsanity Simple Bait 2" Glide: https://bit.ly/4od827Y

Colors: Bluegill, Baby Shad, Chrome

•Baitsanity Simple Bait 2" Glide Crank Minnow: https://bit.ly/4mOdXz7

Colors: Bluegill, Minnow, Baby Shad

WALKING TOPWATER...

•Owner Cultiva Zip N Ziggy: https://bit.ly/3BTMLuh

Colors: Natural Minnow, Shiner, Brown Trout

•Megabass Dog X Jr. Coayu: https://bit.ly/475zcoD

Colors: GG Wakasagi, Bahama Milk Pearl

UNIQUE BAIT...

•Duo Realis Spinbait 70: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Green Smelt

•Duo Realis Mido Pico: https://bit.ly/45ao366

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Wakasagi

POPPERS...

•Megabass Baby Pop X: https://bit.ly/3QgjPDY

Colors: Mat Shad, MG Sexy Stream

•Damiki Umpa 40 BFS Popper: https://bit.ly/42XSQkD

Colors: Bone, Mossy Shad

JERKBAITS...

•Megabass X80 Jr BFS: https://bit.ly/3KFaLoz

Color: ITO Tennessee Shad, Elegy Bone

•Duo Realis Rozante 63 SP: https://bit.ly/3EFMLOY

Color: All Bait, Komoche Wakasagi

•Duo Realis Rozante 57MR: https://bit.ly/3YurtNa

Color: Ghost Minnow, Ghost Wakasagi

•Daiwa TD Minnow 75 SP: https://bit.ly/3zfelTX

Color: Pro Purple, Wakasagi

CRANKBAITS...

•Megabass BFS Griffin SR–X: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: Phantom Green Craw, Mat Shad, MB Gizzard

•Megabass BFS Griffin MR–X: https://bit.ly/47of55j

Colors: Phantom Green Craw, Mat Shad, MB Gizzard

•Damiki Disco 40: https://bit.ly/432XZaY

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Mossy Shad

•Damiki Disco Deep 38 Crankbait: https://bit.ly/3nwY1rk

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad

•Bill Lewis Gnat: https://bit.ly/3URb85s

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Red Glitter Craw

NED HEADS...

•ZMan Ned Lockz HD: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Size: 1/10 oz

•ZMan Ned Lockz EWG: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Size: 1/10 oz

CREATURE BAITS...

•ZMan TRD Bugz: https://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Sprayed Grass

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

Colors: Grass Craw, Tilapia

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

Colors: Black Blue/ Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue

FINESSE SWIMBAITS...

•Xzone 2.75 Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

•ZMan TRD GobyZ: https://bit.ly/3P35U1R

Colors: The Deal, Goby Bryant

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

Size: 1/8 oz

WACKY RIG...

•Yamamoto 5" Thin Senko: https://bit.ly/43d1Tgn

Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Natural Shad

•Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook (Size 2): https://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

BAIT FINESSE FISHING LINE...

•Daiwa J Fluoro Samurai Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Favorite Size: 7 lb

•Seaguar PEX8: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Favorite Sizes: 16, 18, 21 lb

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Entry Level Combos– https://youtu.be/4O2ewrZzuJw

•Best Budget Baller Combos– https://youtu.be/sTtrvJ6xPYE

•Best "Affordable" Combos– https://youtu.be/HU5KG3rENDA

•High End Combos– https://youtu.be/7tj_awFmJLM

•Best "Enthusiast" Rods And Reels– https://youtu.be/J7ikDrkx6fU

•Spinning Reels– https://youtu.be/vie_pr69cdI

•Casting Reels– https://youtu.be/QLsdeEaVLJg

•Swimbaits– https://youtu.be/nVS6r2V1LvM

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

Two Baits Matt Trusts To Catch Bass When Fishing Gets Tough!

Matt is exploring a new lake today and we’re going along for the ride! He catches a ton of beautiful Smallmouth, but not the way he’s anticipating! What starts out as a crisp morning on the water quickly turns into a wind blown mess, thankfully Matt has a backup plan for these conditions. He turned to two key baits to get the bites and in no time, the fish start biting!

We all have confidence baits. Maybe it’s a crankbait that gets bit during a certain week in Spring, or perhaps it’s a senko color that never fails you. For us, when tough conditions arrive in the Fall, the 3” Spark Shad and a Micro Rig, can turn any day around.

Below you’ll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. From the specific colors of the Spark Shad, to the rod and reel combos that landed the fish, its all included. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SPY BAIT...

•Duo Realis Spinbait 80 (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Color: Ghost Wakasagi

CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Northern Special

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

Mat Shad

ALABAMA RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Bladed Tactical Micro Rig: https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

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

Swimbaits– Crush City 3" Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Color: Gizzard Shad

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

Color: PB Silver

SPARK SHAD...

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

Colors: Real, Baby Bass, Ayu

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

Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

Tungsten Head– Dirty Jigs Tungsten Guppy: https://bit.ly/4nfOJtT

Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

MICRO RIG COMBO...

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

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

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MAIN GUPPY COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Reel– Shimano Twin Power 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

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

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (8 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

TUNGSTEN GUPPY COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 Flyssa: https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

Model: 7'6" Light+

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

Line– Sunline Super FC (6 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