Simple Trick To Catch More Bass This Winter!

Still struggling to catch bass this Winter? This trick will change that! If you prefer to fish slowly and methodically during the cold months and are struggling, learning to fish the "extremes" will change your fishing experience. Most anglers that struggle in the cold are fishing the "middle" and don't even realize they're doing something wrong. Don't understand what we mean? Check out the video... 

The key to consistent Winter success with slow moving baits is to fish the extremes. You either need to commit to throwing a BIG bait or commit to throwing a TINY bait. This ins't the time to be throwing shaky heads, big jigs, texas rigs, etc. If you're going to throw the worm, make it a small ned or tiny dropshot. If you're looking for the big bite, go all the way and focus on 8" to 10" swimbaits!

The idea is that bass are struggling for survival during cold water periods. You're fishing for very few bites each day. By embracing the conditions and sticking to the 2 extremes, your odds of getting bit at all, as well as your odds of getting a giant bite, both go up. Below we'll link the baits we recommend at both ends of the spectrum as well as our favorite rod/reel combo for each technique. 

Big Baits... 

-Savage Gear Pulse Tail 8" and 10" Swimbait: http://bit.ly/399bx97

-Trash Fish 8" Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2hmXtg1

-Huddleston 8" ROF 12 Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2azFTon

-Huddleston 10" ROF 12 Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2nztmdj

Ned Worms and Hooks... 

-Roboworm Ned Worm 3": http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

-Z Man Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

-Swagger Tungsten 1/5 oz Ned Head: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Dropshot Worms and hooks... 

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

-Roboworm 4.5" Straight Tail: http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

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

-Swagger Tungsten 3/16 oz Dropshot Weight: http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

Matt's Favorite Finesse Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

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

Line- 10 lb Power Pro: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- 5 lb Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Matt's Favorite Swimbait Combo...

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 956 Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 35 lb Sunline FC100 System Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Finesse Rod... 

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

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

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

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

Winter Fishing for Bull Bluegill

We're chasing giant bluegill today! We usually focus on bass fishing but at the end of the day, we just love catching fish! During the Winter months, giant Bull Bluegill gather with the other predators and gorge on baitfish. These extraordinary fish are often overlooked but are amazing fighters and a worthy adversary on a cold Winter day. If you're tired of struggling this Winter, take a day off and  let us show you how to chase these amazing fish.

Bass fisherman often fall into the trap of only fishing for bass. While we don't recommend fishing for every tiny little fish that swims, branching out a little can be very healthy. These mental breaks help us to refocus before Spring arrives. Bluegill are a perfect candidate because they're plentiful all over the country and with relatively little effort you can learn to find the GIANTS. It doesn't matter what species it is, when you're catching some of the biggest, its going to be a good time. 

Fishing for oversized bluegill requires no specialized equipment. As a bass fisherman, your lightest dropshot or ned rig rods should be just fine. Carry a few downsized baits (we linked our favorites below) and be prepared for a suprisingly powerful fight. As soon as conditions allow, get back to bass fishing but don't hesitate to take a break and enjoy the plentiful fishing that is around you this Winter. 

The baits... 

-Kastmaster 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2PtUwi3

-Damiki Vault 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

-Spro Phat Fly 1/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2mboisG

-Keitech 2.8" Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

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

Matt's Combo... 

Rod-  Zodias 6'8" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 1000: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Sunline Sniper 4 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Combo... 

Rod- Daiwa Aird-X 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Reel- Shimano Sedona FI: http://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

Line- Maxima Ultragreen 5 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Buyer's Guide: Winter Bass Fishing Baits That Always Work

From giant swimbaits to ultra-finesse, this video is covering everything you need for Winter Bass Fishing. We respect anglers that brave the elements and fish through the Winter so we're giving up all our best tricks to consistently catch fish through the Winter months. Don't fall into the slow fishing trap in Winter; you can catch fish fast, slow, and everywhere in between if you know when to make the adjustments.

Today's video is all about keeping it simple. These are our best confidence baits for the cold water months. The only baits missing are the dropshot and Ned Rig but we'll be covering those in their own video in the coming days. In addition to the baits, Tim gives some awesome tips on the Tube and A-rig and Matt shares some knowledge on the big swimbait and crankbait.

"Winterizing the boat" should be a thing of the past if your lakes don't freeze solid. Get out on the water, apply these tips, and catch some of the best bass of the year! Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment the guys discussed in the video. Each bait is linked direct to Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up photos and detailed descriptions of them.

A-rig...

-G Funk A-Rigs: http://bit.ly/2n8cOGO

-Matt Allen Swimbait Heads 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

-Keitech 3.8 Swimbaits: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Rage Swimmer 4.75 Swimbaits: http://bit.ly/2evZF8j

Crankbait...

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

(Ghost Minnow, Mirrored Minnow, Glass Minnow)

Small Swimbait...

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

(Haze, Hanahaze, Wakasagi)

Underspin...

-Cool Baits Down Under Spin 1/8-3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

-Keitech 2.8" Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Tubes...

-Dry Creek Tournament Tube: http://bit.ly/2cJwI6r

-Big Bite Baits Tour Tube: http://bit.ly/32e23VR

-Bite Me Flat Eye Tube Head 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2diyVXK

Neko...

-Daiwa Fat Neko Worm: http://bit.ly/2o2O3LG

-Swagger Tungsten Nail Weight: http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

-Owner Sniper Finesse Neko Hook: http://bit.ly/2kfdv37

Jig...

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

(Supermatt Brown, Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw)

-5" Twin Tail Grub Trailer: http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

(Green Pumpkin, Tilapia)

Big Swimbait...

-Huddleston Deluxe 8" Swimbait (ROF 5): http://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

-Huddleston Deluxe 8" Swimbait (ROF 12): http://bit.ly/2azFTon

(Trout, Ayu, Silver/Blue)

Where Do Bass Go During The Fall To Winter Transition? (And How To Catch Them)

Is the fishing getting tough on your lake? Are you struggling to find fish that will bite? As the water cools the Fall to Winter transition begins. Bass will seemingly vanish from areas that were productive all Fall and figuring out where they've gone can seem overwhelming. Don't worry, we know where they're going! And even better, we know how to catch them!

This transitional period signals the change from bass feeding heavily before Winter to a focus on Winter survival. Most bass will become lethargic, focusing on minimal movement. This lethargy requires them to find a location that has quick access to food, quick access to deep water, and enough cover to feel "comfortable" through the cold months. Now that you understand the components of a great Winter location, its time to look at a map of your lake.

Focus your time in 3 locations; Bluffs, Points, and Funnels. Bluffs, which are essentially very steep walls with instant deep water access will typically be found on the outside bend of a creek or river channel. Steep points that meet the criteria are typically the largest outside points on the main body of the lake. Funnels refers to anywhere the lake narrows down and "pinches", creating an area that current, fish, and other food will need to pass through.

Once you've found the areas, its time to focus on catching the fish. There are two methods to catching Winter bass. The first is to fool them into biting with realistic presentations that move slowly. A slow moving offering gives the bass time to examine the potential meal and choose to eat it. The second approach is to trigger a feed response with short bursts of movement. This approach is incredibly effective, even in the coldest of water, but must be combined with stationary periods to allow the fish to reach the lure. Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment we have confidence in during the Fall to Winter Transition.

The Baits In Order Of Appearance...

-Damiki Vault Blade Bait 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

(Real Shad, Holo Ayu, Black Holo)

-Blade Runner Duh Spoon 1 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

(Morning Dawn, Electric Chicken, Shad)

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

(Ghost Minnow, Crystal Pro Blue, Baitfish Silver)

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

(GP Pro Blue, HT-Ito Tennessee Shad, M Shad)

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

(Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad)

-Cool Baits "Down Under" Underspin 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

(Silver/Black, Silver Shad, Ol' Faithful)

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head 1/8 oz 1/0 hook: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

(Blue Shad, Gizzard Shad, Naked Shad)

-Finesse Football Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

(Super Matt Brown, Go To)

-Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Trailer: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

(Green Pumpkin/Black Flake)

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

(Green Pump/Purple, Smoke Purple Flake)

-Huddleston 8" Swimbait ROF 12: http://bit.ly/2azFTon

(Rainbow Trout, Hold Over, Hitch, Ayu)

-8" All American Trash Fish Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2hmXtg1

(Just Shad, LC Hitch, Rainbow Trout)

Favorite Jerkbait Combo (Great for Blades, and Small Swimbaits too)...

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

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

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

Budget Jerkbait Combo...

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

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

Line- 12 lb Seaguar Red Label: http://bit.ly/2LOVEwA