Catching Winter Bass On Almost Every Cast!

Think Winter Bass Fishing is tough? It doesn't have to be! When you understand how the fish are positioned and which baits will trigger them to feed, it can be amazing! Come along as Tim explores a brand new lake and starts getting bites from big bass on his very first stop!

Most anglers think of Winter as the time to stay at home. If you are going out, you're probably finesse fishing, dragging small plastics along the bottom. While slow finesse fishing can be effective, its a whole lot more fun to get fish to react! In today's video Tim is using a handful of key baits to break down a new lake without any mapping. He's combining visual clues along the shoreline with his vast fishing knowledge, to immediately catch fish. Pay close attention to the details he's teaching throughout the video and apply them to your next day on the water. 

Tim used a handful of baits and some very specific equipment to catch these fish and to map the lake for future trips. Below you'll find links to all of the gear he used. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Swimbait... 

Bait- Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Head- Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Tube... 

Bait- Big Bite Baits Tour Tube (Green Pump Purp Cop): http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Head- Bite Me Big Dude Goby Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2CV3o7S

A-Rig... 

Rig- G Funk Baits Cali Rig: http://bit.ly/2nD76fw

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Heads (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Neko... 

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

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

Harness- G7 Protect Tube: http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

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

Tim's Electronics/Autochart Live... 

Unit- Humminbird Solix 15: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY

Mapping- LakeMaster Plus Digital Charts: http://bit.ly/2Dk5Erc

Map Making- Humminbird AutoChart Live: http://bit.ly/2unEs8y

Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 893C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

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

A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Champion Extreme 784 7'8" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Fluorocarbon 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Swimbait/Heavy Tube Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Where Do Bass Go In Winter? (And How To Catch Them!)

As Winter sets in, the bass make one final transition. The fish that had been ambushing baitfish in the shallows suddenly vanish. You look across the lake and there is no longer any kind of surface activity. Where has everything gone? And most importantly, can you still catch bass? Yes you can! Best of all, you can catch really big bass all Winter long!

The Winter transition brings completely different bass behavior. Fish will move toward deep water access where there are 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 "hollows". The fish use these areas because they can quickly move up and down the water column with changing weather, but more importantly these are the same areas the baitfish will gather for Winter. 

There are a variety of ways to catch these fish. Traditional information would tell you to fish a jig, small keitech, or a dropshot very slowly along the bottom. These techniques can be incredibly effective! Big bass knowledge would tell you to throw a swimbait and slow crawl it along the bottom. The most cutting edge information would tell you to draw reaction strikes from the biggest bass with a cold water crankbait, jerkbait, or A-rig. 

With all of these methods to choose from, its hard to decide what to throw. We're linking our 5 favorite below. These are the baits that we always have tied on this year to help trigger a feed response from the bass. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Reaction Baits... 

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

Favorite Colors: DD Minnow, Mirrored Minnow

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

 Favorite Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, Tennessee Shad

-Alabama Rig- Hog Farmer Flex BFL Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

-Secondary Rig- G Funk Baits Cali Rig: http://bit.ly/2nD76fw

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.8 (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Big Baits... 

-Swimbait- Huddleston 8" Trout: http://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ 

Favorite Colors: Silver/Blue, Hitch, Trout

Finesse Baits... 

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

Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 2.8 (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Dropshot- Roboworm 4.5" Fat Worm (MMIII): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

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

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

Crankbait 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

A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 Shock Leader 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Dropshot/Keitech Combo...

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

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

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

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

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

Buyer's Guide: Swimbaits and Glide Baits!

Today’s Buyer’s Guide is all about big swimbaits! There are so many options between Glide Baits, Multi-Joints, Boot Tails, Wedge Tails, Wakes, Crankdowns, and so many more… How do you know where to start?! Swimbaits aren’t cheap so making the right choices the first time is very important. Come along as we take a look at some of our favorites! 

We break our swimbaits into 3 primary categories: Trout/Kokanee,  Baitfish, and Bluegill Imitators. Trout baits are typically open water baits while baitfish and bluegill imitators are cover oriented, shallow water baits. Knowing how to use each style of bait effectively is an entirely different video. Luckily, we shot an in-depth video on this subject last month and have linked it below. 

In this video we’ve broken 9 baits down into these 3 categories and added 2 bonus baits. You’ll find all of the baits we discussed linked below. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We’ve also included our favorite colors with each bait, hook recommendations for rigging where applicable, as well as links to some of our favorite swimbait rods and reels. 

In-depth Swimbait Video: https://youtu.be/oIck1onpMNs

Previous Buyer’s Guides… 

-High End Combos: https://bit.ly/35PNOeu

-$500 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lW1o5I

-$400 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lSfwwz

-$200 Combos: https://bit.ly/2USSCJv

-$100 Combos: https://bit.ly/37aupED

Trout/Kokanee/Open Water Baits…  

-Baitsanity Explorer Glide: http://bit.ly/33bQyxY

Favorite Colors: Raw, Rainbow, Kokanee

-Huddleston 8” ROF 5: http://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

Favorite Colors: Trout, Hitch

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

Favorite Colors: Trout, Hitch

Baitfish/Cover Baits… 

-G Ratt Sneaky Pete: http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Favorite Colors: Hitch, Gizzard Shad, Bone

-R2S S Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Favorite Colors: Bluegill, TW Phantom, Light Trout

-Megabass Magdraft 8”: http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Favorite Colors: MB Shad, MB Gizzard, White Back Shad

-Scottsboro 6” Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2Oy7CKH

-Owner 8/0 Beast Hook 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

Favorite Colors: Mullins Madness, Natural Light, Ol Smakey

-Savage Gear Shiner Pulse Tail 7”: https://bit.ly/2SDD0Zl

Favorite Colors: Green Back, White, Shad

Bluegill Baits… 

-Savage Gear Pulse Tail RTF Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Favorite Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Bluegill

-Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Favorite Colors: Ghost Gill, Spawn Gill

Bonus Baits… 

-Madness Balam 245: https://bit.ly/36T1epg

Favorite Colors: Laser Hasu, Clear Hasu

-Fish Arrow Riser Jack: https://bit.ly/30FMOqw

Favorite Colors: Biwasagi, Lemonade, Pro Blue

Rods… 

-G Loomis IMX Pro 966: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

-Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

-Megabass Orochi XX Leviathan: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reels…

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

-Shimano Curado 300K: https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

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

How To Catch Your PB Bass Right Now!

Want to catch bigger bass? This is prime time to do it! Catching a new PB is achievable and we want to help you do it! There are a handful of proven baits that produce consistent success once you understand HOW and WHEN to fish them. Come along as we dive into the mindset behind targeting trophy bass in the Fall and Winter. 

Trophy bass are caught consistently using a two-part method. You'll need to dial in two different patterns to work at different times. You'll want a bait that imitates the bass' favorite forage during "prime time" to fool them into biting, but you'll also need to identify a bait that can trigger a feed response during lower percentage times of day. 

Understanding which baits to throw at what time of day makes all the difference. In previous videos we've discussed exactly where these big bass are located this time of year but the missing piece of the puzzle until today was understanding WHEN to target those fish. 

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits to "fool" the bass along with our favorite baits to trigger a "feed response". The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you'll see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Trout/Kokanee Eaters... 

Soft Swimbait- Huddleston 8" Trout: http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Glide Bait- S Waver 200 (Light Trout/Rainbow Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Crankbait- Tactical DD 75 (Mirrored Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Jig- Dirty Jigs Football Jig 1/2 oz (Go to): http://bit.ly/2d0iJbd

Jig Trailer- Yamamoto 5" Grub (Green Pump purp/cop): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Shallow Shad/Panfish Eaters... 

Crank- Spro Baby Fat John 50 (Matte Shad): http://bit.ly/2V03giW

Jerkbait- Megabass Vision 110 (M Shad): http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Lipless- Lucky Craft LV-500 (Ghost Minnow): http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Topwater- Evergreen Shower Blows 125 (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Glide Bait- S Waver 168 (Bluegill): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Soft Swimbait- Savage Gear Pulse Tail Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2Kd6qct

Deep Shad/Baitfish Eaters... 

Deep Crank- Tactical DD 75 (Ghost Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

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

Deep Jerkbait- Megabass 110+2 (Ito Tennessee Shad): http://bit.ly/2BLQIBA

Blade Bait- Damiki Vault 1/2 oz (Spot Black): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Alabama Rig- Hog Farmer Flex BFL: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

A-Rig Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

A-Rig Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Budget Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Cardiff 300A: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

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

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

High-End Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Destroyer Onager: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

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

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

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

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