Wide Open Winter Bass Fishing! Its A Slugfest!

Come along for a day on the water as we pound the fish while battling the cold! Most anglers think the Winter is tough fishing but it can be amazing! We're targeting fish with a wide variety of baits but the big ones are eating a tube and a jig on this cold Winter day! 

This is a Highland Reservoir with water temperatures in the mid to upper 40's and water clarity of 5 to 8 feet. We found bass positioned in 20-50 feet of water on outside points and breaks with quick deep water access. At the end of the day we found a bonus pattern with bass in shallow water feeding aggressively around the remnants of a grass mat. We caught fish on a variety of baits today but our best success came on a 5/8 ounce jig with a double tail grub, a 1/2 oz Tube, a blade bait, and a Dark Sleeper. If you're deciding whether or not to fish this Winter, we hope this video inspires you to get back on the water!

Below you'll find links to all of the baits and equipment used in the video. We've included exact colors and sizes so you can perfectly mirror these patterns on your own lake this Winter. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Matt's Jig... 

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 5/8 oz (Pond Bug): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Trailer- Yamamoto Double Tail 5" Grub (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Tim's Tube... 

Tube- Dry Creek 3.5" Full Body (Bama Craw): https://bit.ly/38BgQ15

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

Blade Bait... 

Blade- Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response 1/2 oz (Ito Hiuo): http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Dark Sleeper... 

Swimbait- 3" Dark Sleeper 3/4 oz (Donko): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 904C MBR: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

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

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

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

Tube/Blade Bait Combo... 

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

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

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

Dark Sleeper Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend X 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r3Wskp

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

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

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

Budget Jig Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 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

Buyer's Guide: Best Tackle Storage Solutions And Gear Protection!

In today's Buyer's Guide we're focused on tackle organization and gear protection. Being more efficient on the boat and at home leads to more fishing time on the water. From better organizing your crankbaits, to protecting your reels, there are so many small actions that will lead to better results. Come along as we look at some of our favorites and explain why they're so effective.

There are some amazing new tackle storage solutions this year! Plano's Edge FLEX boxes allow you store virtually anything effectively. 13 fishing's Skull Caps protect reels more effectively than any other cover we've seen, and some simple bands will make line storage much more manageable. Come along as we explore the best of the best when it comes to storage and protection!

Below you'll find links to each of the items discussed in the video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions. We've also included an explanation of the box sizing so you're sure to choose the right item for your needs. 

Reel Protection... 

-13 Fishing Skull Cap Reel Cover: https://bit.ly/37oWmIL

-Plano Guide Series Reel Locker Bag: https://bit.ly/2WvH9A3

Rod Protection... 

-Rod Glove Rod Protectors: http://bit.ly/2vnwYip

(Choose between Casting, Spinning, and Micro Guides)

-Rod Glove Rod Wraps: https://bit.ly/33yasXa

Line Protection... 

Non-Cutting Band- Hareline Large Spool: https://bit.ly/33vOUua

Cutting Band- Maxima SharkTooth Line Control: https://bit.ly/3ltXzDD

Swimbait Storage... 

-Eye Surrender Large 8 Pocket Wrap- http://bit.ly/2h4IN6I

-Tackle Warehouse Single Pocket Wrap- https://bit.ly/36pfozm

-Plano Waterproof Deep 3741 Box: http://bit.ly/2WWIrU9

-Owner Hook Caps: http://bit.ly/2Q3GaTL

Terminal Storage... 

Treble Hook Box- Plano Waterproof Stowaway 3740: http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB

Hook and Weight Box- EDGE Master Terminal 3700: https://bit.ly/2SuzhOm

Hardbait Storage... 

Micro Adjustment (Full Size): Plano Custom Divider 3770: http://bit.ly/2XCbMnb

Micro Adjustment (Thin): Plano Custom Divider 3771: https://bit.ly/3fdjgpE

Crankbait Storage... 

Small- Plano Elite Small Crankbait Organizer: https://bit.ly/3a1hNlX

Medium- Plano Elite Medium Crank Organizer: http://bit.ly/2KwA8Kp

Large- Plano Elite Large Crankbait Organizer: https://bit.ly/3qKt1Bn

All-Around Boxes... 

3600- Plano EDGE Std: http://bit.ly/2YBaWYX

3700- Plano EDGE Std: http://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

Deep- Plano EDGE Deep Box Std: https://bit.ly/3dbdbby

Thin- Plano Edge Thin Box Std: https://bit.ly/2VX5eAL

FLEX Boxes... 

3600/3700 Flex Boxes- Plano EDGE FLEX: https://bit.ly/3kngvEG

**Flex Boxes are available for PRE-ORDER**

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

Previous Buyer's Guides... 

-Jerkbait: https://bit.ly/3qPPOLY

-Spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits: https://bit.ly/2Lj4hjk

-Dropshot: https://bit.ly/2KgBr2w

-Craws and Creatures: https://bit.ly/3lU4vLe

-Ned Rigs: https://bit.ly/3fo75GV

-Deep Diving Crankbaits: https://bit.ly/3kXuH6h

-Big Swimbaits: https://bit.ly/395vTT6

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

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

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

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

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

Fall Bass Fishing For Finicky Bass In Tough Conditions!

In the last 2 weeks the lake has been drawn down for Fall, then a hurricane dumped flooding rains and filled it back to full pool! Where did the bass go and how do you catch them during these crazy changing conditions? Come along for a day on the water as we strategize about the changing conditions, implement 2 patterns, and put fishing in the boat. 

Fall brings so many great fishing opportunities. The bite can be amazing and there are so many awesome techniques that come into play as the water cools. But what about when the weather doesn't cooperate? What do you do when it blows, or a cold snap happens, or it floods? Can you still catch fish? Today was a grind for the guys but watch closely as they analyze the conditions, pick key spots based on those conditions, and start catching fish. 

Using a 2-pattern approach Matt and Tim were able to have consistent action on what should have been a brutally tough day. While they didn't catch giant fish they got a ton of bites and identified a pattern for quality fish. When they just wanted to get bit, they ran the backs of shallow pockets with topwater, lipless crankbaits, blade baits, and a fluke. When they needed a better bite they moved to main lake grass mats and covered water until the right fish ate the frog. 

Below you'll find links to the gear the guys used throughout the day. Some of these baits are staples in their arsenal that you'll immediately recognize, some of them came out to help mimic the small shad that had gathered in the shallows. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you'll see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Topwater... 

Walking Bait- Rapala Skitter Walk (Shad Translucent): https://bit.ly/3mIem6Z

Tim's Frog- Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill): http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Matt's Frog- R2S Bully Wa 2 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Tiny swimbaits and Crankbaits... 

-Spro BBZ-1 Baby Shad (Blue Back Herring): https://bit.ly/325h8ez

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

-Jackall TN-50 Lipless (Scale Minnow): http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Blade Baits... 

-Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

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

Fluke...

-Zoom Fluke (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2OFjvjx

-Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

-Owner CPS Spring (Small): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Tim's Frog Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line- Sunline FX-2 60 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/31u57xA

Matt's Finesse Crank Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro Deep Flex 864 (7'2" MH): http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

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

Fluke Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Stradic 2500 HGFL: http://bit.ly/35Bufnb

Line- power Pro Braided 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb Mono: 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

Blade Bait Tricks You Need To Try This Fall and Winter!

Most anglers have no idea how to fish a blade bait effectively. They might know that its traditionally considered a cold water lure but they have no idea it can be fished shallow around grass, worked aggressively, and even substituted for a lipless crankbait. Blades have so many uses in Fall and Winter, you really need to experience it for yourself. 

Traditionally the blade bait is hopped slowly along the bottom in cold water. It gives a slight vibration on the hop then "dies" and flutters back to bottom. Its remarkably effective for trophy smallmouth in frigid water but for the average angler, its applications stop there. That original cold water use is still effective and should be a part of your Winter arsenal but today is about expanding how you fish the blade bait. We use 2 retrieves throughout the Fall to get consistent bites. 

When the bottom is free of debris we fish the blade on the bottom. We use the exact same hopping motion as we use for the LV-500 to trigger a feed response. While that application is very traditional, you might be surprised to find out we often do it in 2-10 feet of water. The blade is not just a deep water bait, its incredibly effective in the shallows as well! The 2nd retrieve is a burning retrieve. 

We cast and wind the blade much like a traditional lipless crankbait, ripping it free when it comes in contact with grass or other debris. When fish have been pressured by tournaments or negative weather conditions, the switch to the silent vibration of a blade bait is deadly. Blade bait season is just beginning, you need to get out and give it a try!

Below you'll find links to our favorite blade baits along with the rods, reels, and gear we use to fish these baits effectively. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Traditional Blades... 

-Silver Buddy: http://bit.ly/2AcTelj

Preferred Colors: Silver Plated, Stainless Steel

-Blade Runner Blade Bait: http://bit.ly/2XMNoQj

Preferred Colors: Natural Shad, Chartreuse White

Custom-Style Blades... 

-Megabass Vibration X: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Preferred Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukocho Shad, Craw, Gill OB

-Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Preferred Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad, Red Craw, Flash Gill

-Jackall Keeburn: http://bit.ly/2or8sy0

Preferred Colors: Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Red Tiger, Silver

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

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

-Owner STX-38 Treble (Size 8): http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Tim's Favorite Blade Bait... 

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

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

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

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

Matt's Favorite Blade Bait Combo... 

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

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

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

Budget Blade Bait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: 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