Winter Bass Fishing: Finesse Tips To Keep Catching Fish!

Winter is coming fast! If your fish disappear as the water gets cold, there is hope! Over the years we’ve found a handful of key baits that get bit day after day, year after year, even when conditions are tough. If the Winter blues are setting in, turn to these proven choices to keep catching fish. 

Many anglers quit fishing in the Winter. They turn to the woods or the couch to pass the days until Spring returns. Don’t be that guy! The lakes are incredibly peaceful in Winter and there are BIG bass to be caught! Some days you can still catch them on reaction baits but when the going gets tough, turning to finesse is a sure way to keep getting bit. Tim has a handful of baits including worms, jigs, and flies, that work everywhere he goes. 

Below you’ll find a breakdown of all the baits he discussed in the video. We’ve included the rigging, the exact colors he relies on to keep getting bit, and some of the rods and reels he uses to stay successful. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.  

Dropshot Baits… 

-Big Bite Smallie Smasher 3.5” (Green Pumpkin Purple Flake): http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

-Strike King Half Shell (Morning Dawn): http://bit.ly/2iR9awm

-Damiki Armor Shad Fluke (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Dropshot Rigging… 

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (size 2): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Pencil (1/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Jigs… 

Jig-Keitech Tungsten Football (Brown/Purple): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Z Man TRD BugZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 5/8 oz (Green Pumpkin Craw): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Trailer- Yamamoto 5” Double Tail (Green Pump purp copper): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Fly… 

-Spro Phat Fly 1/8 (Grey Ghost): http://bit.ly/2mboisG

Neko Rig… 

Bait- Yamamoto 5” Senko (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Weight- Tungsten Pagoda Nail (1/16): http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Hook- Owner Weedless Sniper Finesse Neko (1/0): https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Ring- G7 Protect Tube (7MM): http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

Ned RIg… 

Bait- Roboworm 3” Ned Worm (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Bait- Z Man Finesse TRD (Green Pumpkin Goby): http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Tungsten Head- Swagger Flanders (1/10th): http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead Head- Owner Block Head (1/16th): http://bit.ly/2qL0A8n

Swimbait… 

Head- Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Bait- Keitech 3.3 or 3.8 Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Bait- Keitech 2.8” Fat Swing Impact (TW Ghost Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Head- Cool Baits Down Under 1/8 oz (Black Silver): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Dropshot/Ned Rig Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Sunline SX-1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Finesse Jig/Swimbait Casting Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

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

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

Budget Finesse Spinning Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Power Pro 15 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb Leader: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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

5 Finesse Tactics For Fall Bass Fishing

When the Fall Transition gets tough, turning to finesse will save the day. It might even get that big kicker bass you've been looking for! Tim is an expert with finesse tactics and today he's discussing the 5 rigs he turns to when the reaction bite shuts down. Do you have a favorite? 

Tim's 5 rigs include a dropshot, shaky head, ned rig, finesse swimbait, and finesse jig. He leans very strongly to the dropshot but each of these options has a key place in the arsenal. Pay attention to the details of his dropshot rigs including different hooks and baits to achieve different actions. While dropshot fishing isn't glamorous its incredibly effective in the Fall and is capable of fooling the biggest bass in the school. 

Below you'll find links to all of the items discussed in the video. We've included color recommendations, weight and size preferences, as well as some of our favorite gear to throw these lures. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Texas-Rigged Dropshot... 

Worm- Roboworm 4" Fat (Prism Shad): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Other Colors: Hologram, Aaron's Pro Shad

Hook- Owner Cover Shot (1/0): http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Dropshot 1/4 oz (Black): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Nose-Hooked Dropshot... 

Worm- Roboworm Alive Shad (Hologram Shad): http://bit.ly/2kDNeYw

Other Colors: Prism Shad, Aarons Blue Smelt

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Dropshot 3/16 oz (Black): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Other Great Dropshot Baits... 

-Berkley Maxscent Flat Worm: https://bit.ly/3lAAorL

Colors: Black Shiner, Natural Shad, Smoke Black Purple

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Silver Smoke Blue, Smoke Purple Flake

-Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Colors: RP Blue Pearl, PB Silver, American Shad

-Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, TW Shad, Electric Shad

Shaky Head... 

Worm- Netbait T-Mac 6.5" Worm (Junebug): http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Other Colors: Texas Craw, Green Pumpkin

Hook- Canterbury Shaky Head 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Ned Rig Baits... 

- Zman Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, The Deal, Canada Craw

-Zman TRD TicklerZ: http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Colors: Drew's Craw, Green Pumpkin, The Deal

-Xzone Ned Zone: http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Minnow Magic, Green Pumpkin Purple

Ned Rig Heads... 

Tungsten- Swagger Tungsten Flanders 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead- Z Man Ned LockZ HD 1/10: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Finesse Swimbaits... 

- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad

- Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Shad, Tennessee Shad

- Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, RP Blue Pearl

-Megabass Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Wakasagi, Shirauo

Finesse Swimbait Head... 

Head- Guppy Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Finesse Jigs... 

Lead- Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig 5/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Colors: Supermatt Brown, Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw

Tungsten- Keitech Football Jig 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown/Purple, Dark Green Pumpkin

Finesse Jig Trailers... 

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Blue Craw

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

Colors: Watermelon Jelly, Green Pumpkin

-Yamamoto 4" Double Tail: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Smoke Black Purple, Cinnamon Blk Purple

"Bang For The Buck" Dropshot/Ned Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2000 (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 12 lb Hi Vis: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Dropshot/Ned/Finesse Swim Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Power Pro 15 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 6 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Favorite Finesse Jig/Shaky Head Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

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

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

4 Finesse Baits That Always Catch Bass (Beginner To Advanced)

Struggling to catch bass during the Fall Transition? You're not alone! While some anglers have located aggressive schools and are catching fish on topwater and reaction baits many others continue to struggle. When the bite is tough, these 4 rigs are what Tim relies on to consistently put fish in the boat. 

We all dream about aggressive schools and big bass but all too often we're met with wind, rain, and tough fishing conditions. We always start with reaction baits in search of aggressive fish but if its not happening, its time to slow down and finesse. The rigs we rely on are a dropshot (both texas rigged and nose hooked), a shaky head, and a senko. Each rig has a purpose and when you learn how to switch between them, the combination can be deadly. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment discussed in the video. The links go directly to TackleWarehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've included our favorite colors for each bait as well as our favorite combos to fish them effectively. 

Weedless Dropshot… 

Bait- Roboworm 6” Straight Tail Worm (MMIII): http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

Hook- Owner Cover Shot 2/0: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Cylinder 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Nose Hook Dropshot… 

Bait #1- Keitech Easy Shiner 3” or 4” (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Bait #2- Damiki Armor Shad 3” (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Hook- Owner Mosquito 1/0: http://bit.ly/2fqYFCR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Cylinder 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Senko… 

Bait- Gamakatsu 5” Senko (Natural Shad or 956): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors- Natural Shad, Watermelon Copper Org Red Lam (956)

Hook- Owner Worm Hook 5/0: http://bit.ly/2D9Pmj0

Shaky Head… 

Bait- Netbait T-Mac 6.5”: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors- Sun Perch, JuneBug

Hook- Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shaky Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Nose Hook Dropshot Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’ Light: https://bit.ly/3ab5b9V

Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Power Pro 15 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Weedless Dropshot Combo…

Rod- Shimano Expride 7’ Light+: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline SX1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Shaky Head Rod… 

Rod- Expride 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

8 Year Old Catches GIANT Smallmouth In Crystal CLEAR Water!

Today we've got JD on the boat with us and he's ready to catch BIG Smallmouth! We're on Lake Michigan and the bass have moved up on shallow rock reefs and sand flats where you can see them in the clear water. Some of them are shallow, others are in 9-12 feet of water but it doesn't matter, you can see them as if the water wasn't there at all. The fish are BIG and they're aggressive, let's go fishing!

Fishing clear water like this requires a finesse touch. Tim and JD focus on a combination of finesse swimbaits and dropshot to catch these bass. In addition to the small baits, light line is critical to consistently fooling these fish. Lines that would be no issue in typical lakes will scare these fish before the bait even reaches the bottom. The bass can see both the line and the shadow of the line as it sinks, and both are enough to scare them off. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment the guys were using to catch these fish. If you want to to target big smallmouth (or any other bass) in crystal clear water, finesse tackle is a great place to start. The baits listed below are our confidence baits for this style of fishing and work around the country. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Swimbaits... 

-Dark Sleeper 3" (Wakasagi): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Other Great Colors... Hanahaze, Donko

-Spark Shad 3" (Purple Haze): http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Other Great Colors... Neon Pepper, Real, Royal Gill

-Megabass Okashira Head 1/16 oz (For Spark Shad): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

Dropshot... 

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher Worm (Light Watermelon Red): http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Other Great Colors... Chick Magnet, Green Pumpkin Purple

-Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1) Hook: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

-Tungsten 1/4 oz Casting (Tie On) Dropshot Weight: http://bit.ly/37AVcrx

Jig... 

-Bass Patrol Round Rubber 3/8 oz Football (Brown Purple): http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x

-Yamamoto Double Tail 4" Grub (Smoke Blk and Purple): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Tim's Combo...

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

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Sunline Sniper 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Spinning Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Xtreme Spinning 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/37UhrKR

Reel- Daiwa Certate LT 3000: http://bit.ly/35Kclij

Line- Sunline SX1 High Vis Yellow Braid 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

"Bang For The Buck" Finesse Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7' Med light: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Reel- Shimano NASCI 3000: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Power Pro Braid 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 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