Where Do Bass Go In Winter? (And Our Top Baits To Catch Them)
Bass are making their final move of the year, here's what you need to know! The shallow fish are quickly vanishing and surface activity is coming to an end. Where has everything gone? The lake seems so dead but guys are still catching giant bass! Don't get left behind this year when the fish transition to their Winter haunts.
The Winter transition brings completely different bass behavior. Fish will move toward deep water areas where they have ample food sources. You'll find them on the ends of deep points, on the edges of steep slopes near narrow "pinch points", and in featureless lakes, sitting out in the "guts" and "hollows". The fish use these areas because they can move up and down the water column quickly with changing weather and there is typically an abundance of baitfish.
There are a variety of ways to catch these fish. Below you'll find links to the exact baits we rely on this time of year. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as some budget gear that will help you throw these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
ALABAMA RIG...
Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md
Heads– Matt Allen Swimbait Heads (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/29RrTYN
Baits– Xzone 4" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q
Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl
Dummy Baits– Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q
Color: Electric Shad
JERKBAIT...
•Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389
Colors: Mat Shad, Ito Clear Laker, Tennessee Shad
•Megabass Vision 110+1: https://bit.ly/2iGYOCX
Colors: Mat Shad, Tennessee Shad, Kasumi Ito
CRANKBAIT...
•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX
Colors: DD Minnow, Ghost Minnow, Green Pumpkin Shad
SPOON AND BLADE...
•Nichols Duh Spoon 2.0: https://bit.ly/4pk9J3S
Colors: Tactical Shad, Shattered Glass, Sierra
•Damiki Vault: https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2
Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad
FOOTBALL JIG...
•Dirty Jigs Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm
Size: 1/2 - 5/8 oz
Color: SuperMatt Brown, The Go To
•Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p
Color: Green Pump Purple Copper
PITCHING 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
SPINNERBAIT...
•Nichols Pulsator Metal Flake (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2Sttxpc
Color: Silver Flash
TEXAS RIG...
•Xzone Stealth Finesse Creature: https://bit.ly/3M0BXOU
Color: Pumpin Plum Party, Green Pumpkin
•Owner Rig N Hook: https://bit.ly/2BnniXN
Size: 1/0
•VMC Tungsten Worm Weight: https://bit.ly/3Vo2dbo
Size: 1/16 oz
BUDGET RIG/SPINNERBAIT COMBO...
Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'5" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh
Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 X: https://bit.ly/4ffgUVe
Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji
Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix
BUDGET JERKBAIT COMBO...
Rod– Shimano SLX A 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO
Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ
Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA
BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...
Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'3" MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3xZbLAy
Reel– Seviin GF (7:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ
Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA
BUDGET JIG COMBO...
Rod– Dobyns Maverick 735C: https://bit.ly/3ncP1nX
Model: 7'3" Heavy
Reel– Shimano SLX XT (HG): https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8
Line– Sunline Super FC (15 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
