Jig Fishing Tricks For Fall and Winter Bass Fishing!

Catching bass with jigs is really easy! You can do it, and we're going to help! A few jigs, a few trailers, and you're ready to adapt to anything Fall bass fishing brings your way. Pay close attention to how we adapt the jigs to changing conditions and you'll be ready to start catching fish on your next trip. 

When it comes to jigs, Fall is all about finesse. Lighter hooks and lighter line are the keys to getting consistent bites. Matt prefers football jigs this time of year and focuses on a few basic colors and sizes. Its important to adapt with changing conditions but Matt finds its easier (and cheaper) to change trailers and trailer colors rather than carrying dozens of jigs styles and colors. 

Below is a breakdown of his simplified jig fishing method. There are a total of 4 jigs and 6 trailer styles. If you listen closely and analyze your fishery you should only need 2-3 jigs and 3-4 trailers to adapt to anything your fishery can throw at you this Fall. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

All-Around Jig... 

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin' Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

Colors: SuperMatt Brown, Go To

Football Jigs... 

-Bass Patrol Round Rubber Jig (1/2 - 3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x

Colors: Brown Purple, Brown Orange, Brown Green Pumpkin

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig (3/8, 1/2, 5/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Supermatt Brown, Go To, Brown Craw

-Keitech Tungsten Football Jig: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown Purple, Dark Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Black

Double Tail Trailers... 

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grubs (4" and 5"): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Green Pumpkin elk, Cinnamon blk/purp, Smoke blk/purp

-Big Bite Double Tail Finesse Grub: http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin

Tiny Trailers... 

-Z Man TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug, Hot Snakes

-Z Man TRD CrawZ: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Orange, Canada Craw

Aggressive Trailers... 

-Netbait Paca Chunk: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Crawfish

-Strike King Rage Chunk: http://bit.ly/2Hd4MFA

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Hard Candy

Matt's Favorite Football Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Curado DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Bang For The Buck Football Jig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2czPlZl

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Power Pro Braid: 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Fluke Fishing Tricks (Double Fluke Rig) - Catch 2 Bass At Once!!

These fish are smashing the Double Fluke Rig! Matt is on the water chasing a fluke bite (soft jerkbait) and the fish are chewing the double fluke AKA Donkey Rig. If you've never thrown a double fluke, its a great option for schooling bass. Matt catches a bunch of fish then sits down and shows exactly how he builds and fishes this rig. Don't miss the end when he catches a double!

The concept behind the double fluke rig is very similar to an A-rig. You've got multiple baits working in unison to trigger a feed response. When you hook up you've got the added bonus of a potential double up at any time because the 2nd bait is still free swinging. Building and fishing the rig are both simple enough but if you really want to fine tune it, we've got some tweaks for you. 

We use different size leaders, different hooks, and different baits to get our baits to run in 2 different water columns (one below the other) to dial in the bite and keep the fish eating our mainline bait first. By changing the hook placement or by switching between the Zoom and Strike King baits you can get the baits to run even farther apart. If you want the whole rig to run deeper, using larger swivels will weigh down the nose of the rig and help it maintain depth after you let it sink at the start of your cast.

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt is using in the video as well as the added gear he uses to adapt the rig. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.  

Today's Baits and Hooks... 

Front Bait- Zoom Super Fluke (Smokin Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Front Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Superline (3/0 Size): http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Back Bait- Zoom Super Fluke (Albino): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Back Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Superline (4/0 Size): http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Favorite Baits For The Rig... 

Standard- Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino, Electric Shad, Tennessee Shad

Heavy- Strike King Caffeine Shad 5": http://bit.ly/2jjyvzr

Colors: Ghost Shad, Pearl Blue, Smokey Shad

Favorite Hooks, Bobber Stops, and Swivels For The Rig... 

Shallow Running Hook- Gamakatsu EWG (3/0 or 4/0): http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Deep Running Hook- Gamakatsu Superline (4/0): http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Swivels- SPRO Power Swivel (Size 6-8): http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

*Larger swivels can be used to achieve great depth*

Bobber Stop- 6th Sense Peg X: https://bit.ly/32aJG6J

Leader Material... 

Maxima Ultragreen Monofilament (15,18, or 20 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

*We use this line because of its shock absorption in a short section of line. This keeps fish from breaking off when pulling against each other on the double rig*

Matt's Exact Combo Today...

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy (Available For Pre-Order): https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

*The longer handle makes a huge difference when casting this rig*

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 18 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Power Pro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Related Fluke Fishing Videos... 

-Underwater Bass Footage With Crazy Fluke Rigging Trick: https://youtu.be/rD8lBI2hxiA

-Fluke Rigging Tricks To Catch Bass Shallow Or Deep: https://youtu.be/U3bP0HkJxk0

-Fluke Fishing Tricks You Need To Try: https://youtu.be/t8rb6gNfSmk

-Underwater Bass Fishing Footage + Fluke Rigging Tips: https://youtu.be/GvhirFFpirk

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Catch Fish Every Time! How To Speed Crank For Bass Right Now!

This is THE BEST technique to consistently catch fish in the Fall and Winter. Over the past few years we've dialed in our crankbait fishing and developed a style we call "speed cranking". It requires specialized baits (We even designed our own specifically for the technique), high-speed reels, and a very unique cadence with the retrieve. Done correctly, it produces incredible results all around the country throughout the Fall and Winter. 

Today we're demonstrating the technique on Dale Hollow Lake on the Kentucky/Tennessee border. This world-renowned lake is home to the world record smallmouth but is also a great largemouth and spotted bass fishery. Before we even left the marina we were catching bass on the crankbait. Throughout the day we found success using a high speed retrieve with aggressive pauses. We caught fish on both the Tactical Crankbait and the Rock Crawler with our best results split between outside grass lines and deep rock points. 

The Bait We Designed... 

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

There are a handful of lures that are capable of triggering a feed response in bass when they're not in a feeding mood. The jerkbait, Speed Cranking a deep diving crankbait, and an Alabama Rig are all great methods to trigger a bass but of these, the crankbait is the most predictable around the country. Whether you're looking for a GIANT largemouth, a world-class Smallmouth, or a trophy Spotted Bass, it can be done by speeding up your retrieve, mixing up cadence, and choosing a bait with the right vibration. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment we use for speed cranking. First is today's baits and specific colors used, then we separated all of the baits by category and included very specific color recommendations that you can rely on to get bit. We've also included the exact gear we use so you're prepared when the right bite comes and even added in budget-minded alternatives that will help you land these crankbait fish without breaking the bank. The links go direct to Tackle warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Today's Baits... 

-Spro RkCrawler 55 (Phantom Green, Red Crawfish): http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

-R2S Tactical DD 75 (Green Pumpkin Craw): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Cranks For Primarily Baitfish Eaters... 

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

-Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP

-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Cranks For Primarily Crawfish Eaters... 

-Spro RkCrawler 55 MD (Shallower): https://bit.ly/3juD6hS

-Spro RkCrawler 55 (Deeper): http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

-Teckel Drunker: http://bit.ly/2xryClV

-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Consistent Shad Colors... 

Deep X 300: MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu, Sexy Shad

Deep Six: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Sexy Shad

Tactical DD: Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow, Mirrored Minnow

Consistent Craw Colors... 

RkCrawler: Phantom Brown, Phantom Green, Red River Craw

Drunker: Phantom Green Craw, Phantom Brown Craw, Phantom Red

Tactical DD: Green Pumpkin Craw, Blood Craw

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 3): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Light Wire Hook- Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Heavy Wire Hook- Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Hook Sizes... 

Size 2: Deep Six

Size 4: Deep X 300, Tactical DD

Size 6: Drunker, RkCrawler

Braided Line Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 12 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Fluorocarbon Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Low Budget Combo... 

Rod- St Croix Bass X 7'2" MH Moderate: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Other Budget Rods... 

Dobyns- Fury 7' Medium Heavy Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Shimano- SLX 7' Medium Glass (Pre-Order Available): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Daiwa- Tatula XT 7' Medium Glass: http://bit.ly/2FXhNpO

Falcon- Lowrider 7'6" Medium Heavy Moderate: https://bit.ly/3negdkY

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Fall Jerkbait Fishing! Everything You Need To Know!

Can you think of a better bait to catch bass in the Fall? Just the idea of Fall jerkbait fishing gets us excited to head to the lake! Jerkbaits are part of a very small group of lures that "trigger" a feed response in bass. Yes they catch aggressive bass, but if you know how to work them properly you can actually get lethargic bass to react and eat when they're not even in a feeding mood! Come along as we explore the world of jerkbait fishing!  

Jerkbait fishing is not a basic technique but its one that anyone, even a beginner angler, can learn. When fished properly the jerkbaits ability to draw bass in and trigger a feed response is remarkable! The key to the technique is in the equipment. We almost never emphasize equipment over technique but this is one category where an angler can have all the right mechanics but paired with the wrong equipment, the bait still won't work properly. 

In today's video Matt begins by explaining exactly what you should look for in a jerkbait rod/reel combo. He also gives some key tips about adapting your existing equipment for a jerkbait. There are some changes you can make including fishing smaller reel sizes and braided line that will help improve your jerkbait fishing even without owning a dedicated jerkbait rod.

Now, choosing the right baits is a whole different animal. While we didn't lean as heavy into the specific lures in today's video we promised to do exactly that in the video description. Below you will find a very detailed breakdown of the baits as well as the rod and reel combos we recommend. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

The baits are separated by depth range so you can easily decide between shallow, medium, and deep divers to match the waters you fish. The colors recommendations are universal and will work around the country but if you're just starting out lean toward the ghost colors in clear water, the reflective colors in stained water, and the bold (chartreuse or white) in murky water. 

Upgrading hooks is also a major consideration once you bend out the stock hooks. Its very difficult to find replacement hooks for jerkbaits without impacting the sink rates of the baits and hurting their action. Luckily, we've found excellent replacement hooks for you and have linked those below between the baits and the rod/reel combos. 

Shallow Jerkbaits... 

-Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

(Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, HL Hasu)

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

(GP Pro Blue,  ITO Tennessee Shad, Killer Kawaguchi)

-Lucky Craft Flash Pointer 115: http://bit.ly/2aHz588

(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)

Mid-Depth Jerkbaits... 

-Jackall Rerange 110 MR: https://bit.ly/2CbWr6X

(RT Holo Minnow, HL Hasu, SG Threadfin)

-Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

(GP Pro Blue, ITO Tennessee Shad, Elegy Bone)

Deep Diving Jerkbaits... 

-Megabass Vision 110+2: http://bit.ly/2BLQIBA

(MB Gizzard, Elegy Bone, ITO Tennessee Shad)

-Lucky Craft Staysee 90: http://bit.ly/2dBzMmz

(American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad)

-Lucky Craft Pointer 100 DD: http://bit.ly/2e0sQj7

(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)

Smaller and Oversized Jerkbaits... 

Smaller-Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

(GP Pro Blue, Deadly Black Shad)

Bigger- Megabass Oneten Max LBO: https://bit.ly/3dfhL9y

(ITO Tennessee Shad, MB Gizzard)

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades... 

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Trebles: http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

(Size 5 and 6 will fit all of the baits except Pointer DD and Max LBO)

Split Ring- Owner Hyperwire Black: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

(Size 2 for all baits except Pointer DD and Max LBO, They use size 3)

Matt's Favorite Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX MGL 70 (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Other Great Jerkbait Rods... 

-Megabass Orochi XX 6'11" Jerkbait Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

-Megabass Destroyer Oneten Special: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

-G Loomis IMX Pro 812 JBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

-St Croix Legend Elite 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

-St. Croix Bass X 6'8" medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G