These 2 Baits Catch Big Bass In January! (Day On The Water With Matt)

Jump in the boat with Matt for an awesome day on the water! Matt is exploring new water today and it doesn’t take long to start getting bit! He starts out strolling and throwing a jerkbait, then pivots and finds an amazing swimbait bite!

A lot of anglers mistakenly think that Winter bass fishing is tough. Today was cold, but the fishing was incredible! Watch how Matt uses different baits to fire fish up and keep them biting. Make sure you stick around to the end because Matt breaks down the retrieve differences between traditional glide baits and the emerging category of soft glide baits.

Below you’ll find links to all the baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We’ve included his exact colors, hook upgrades, as well as 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 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

STROLLING BAITS…

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow and Green Shad

Sizes: 4” and 5”

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

Size: 3/16 oz

JERKBAIT…

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

Color: GG Illusion Tennessee Shad

Hook Upgrade– Redline Finesse Treble: https://bit.ly/3lZsDkT

Size: 5

GLIDE BAITS…

•Berkley 8” Chop Block Glide: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Color: Shad

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

Color: Matte Shad

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

JERKBAIT COMBO…

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

Model: Oneten Stick Evolution

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

CHOP BLOCK COMBO…

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'8" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Reel– Abu Garcia Beast 200 (7.5:1): https://bit.ly/3VJM3Zp

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

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

TRICK SHAD COMBO…

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 150: https://bit.ly/3yiO3zJ

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

Leader – Seaguar Gold Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

If you plan to do any shopping, using these affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

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

TIM'S NEW PERSONAL BEST SMALLMOUTH BASS! IT'S A GIANT!!!

Tim is about to break his personal best! Let's go!! The conditions are absolutely brutal today with cold temperatures and heavy wind. It doesn't take long for Tim to realize he needs to use every advantage possible. He turns to finesse techniques, uses his Humminbird electronics to locate fish, and slowly dissects likely locations on the lake. What could have been a tough day, changed in an instant!

Tim's message at the end of the video sums it up perfectly, "Keep Grinding It Out. You're just one cast away." This is the time of year when you can catch the biggest bass of your life. It's worth the effort, it's worth battling the elements, you never know when your turn is going to come. Again, today was one of those days where you would normally blank and go home without a fish. It took every ounce of modern electronics and modern techniques to turn these brutal conditions into a truly special day. The fish were grumpy, but Tim was able to make it happen!

Below you'll find links to all the gear Tim used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors and sizes for the baits, Tim's rod and reel combos, as well as the specifics of the electronics he used to locate fish on isolated structure. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

STROLL SHAD...

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

Color: Green Shad

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

Size: 1/4 oz

DROPSHOT...

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

Color: Ayu

•Owner Jungle Dropshot: https://bit.ly/4nRKl49

Size: 4

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

Size: 1/4 oz

SPUNK SHAD...

•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

ALABAMA RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Micro Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

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

Heads– Dirty Jigs Tungsten Guppy (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/4nfOJtT

ELECTRONICS...

•Humminbird Mega Live 2: https://bit.ly/40FHMJR

•Humminbird Apex 16 Fish Finder: https://bit.ly/3QBaOli

STROLLING COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

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

DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 822S DSR: https://bit.ly/3XrALtj

Model: 6'10" Medium+

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (6 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

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Jig And Minnow Strolling Baits, Gear, And Tackle!

Fishing minnow baits on a jighead continues to sweep bass fishing! This technique isn't new, but it's continuing to build momentum amongst bass anglers! There are a ton of new baits coming to market so today we're cutting through the chatter and keying in on the most consistent baits for mid strolling and bottom strolling with a jig and mini.

This technique pairs perfectly with modern electronics but let's be clear, you DO NOT NEED ELECTRONICS to fish these presentations effectively! Anyone can catch big fish on the jig and minnow. After today, you'll understand how to apply this technique to your fishing. Every brand in the fishing industry is hustling to add a bait to this category, but there are key baits that stand out from the crowd and consistently catch fish in a variety of conditions.

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

FULL SIZE MINNOWS...

•Deps 5" Sakamata Shad: https://bit.ly/3QMt9yd

Colors: Purple Shad, Silver Shad

•Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Blue Gizzard, Electric Shad

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

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Shad, Tennessee Shad

UNIQUE MINNOW BAITS...

•ZMan Graph Shadz: https://bit.ly/3Spu6xP

Colors: Electric Shad, Bad Shad, Tennessee Shad

Size: 1/4 - 3/8 oz

•Damiki FAT Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/435tuCj

Colors: American Shad, Gizzard Shad, RP Blue Pearl

•Duo Realis BR Fish: https://bit.ly/3Twy751

Colors: Lively Rikyu, Seguro Katakuchi

•Duo Realis BR Head: https://bit.ly/3MV2y0C

Size: 1/10 – 3/16 oz

FINESSE MINNOWS...

•Yamamoto Scope Shad: https://bit.ly/3MVUjBH

Colors: Natural Shad, Sexy Shad

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Electric Shad, Blizzard Gizzard

•Great Lakes Finesse Hover Minnow: https://bit.ly/3YkWsgL

Colors: Iridescent, Gizzard Shad, Crush Shad

GUPPY HEADS...

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

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

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

Favorite Size: 3/16 – 3/8 oz

STROLLING HEADS...

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

Size: 3/64 – 3/16 oz

•Gamakatsu Horizon LG: https://bit.ly/3QklyHO

Size: 3/16 – 1/5 oz

•MissileBaits Eye Roller: https://bit.ly/3JiR3BP

Size: 3/16 – 3/8 oz

FULL SIZE MINNOW 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 (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

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

FINESSE MINNOW 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 Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Jigs– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

•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

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