Electronics Tricks To Find More Fish! (Winter Fishing Edition)

Winter fishing can be very challenging but mastering your electronics will make it much easier! If you're not catching fish you start wondering if they're even around, if you're in the right part of the lake, or if its what you're using. Step one to consistent Winter fishing for any predatory fish (bass, panfish, catfish, etc...) is to locate baitfish. This can be done very quickly with modern electronics and today we're showing you how to dial them in to maximize your time on the water!

Today Tim is coving a handful of topics including... 

- Adjusting Water Level Offset During Winter Pool

-Measuring Distances on Side Imaging

-Waypointing on Side Imaging

-Adjusting Your Side Imaging Display

-Recognizing fish and baitfish on modern electronics

Most boats are equipped with some sort of depth finding/ fishing finding electronics. Some use 2D sonar, others use advanced technologies like side imaging, down imaging, and Live imaging. We all know the important of these electronics but the majority of boat owners and fishermen have no idea how to use these tools effectively. Spending a bit of time to adjust your electronics will absolutely help you catch more fish in Winter. 

Below you'll find links to the exact electronics that we use to maximize our time on the water and catch more fish. We've also included more budget-minded products that will still do an awesome job while saving a few dollars. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Console Electronics...  

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

(Side Imaging, Down Imaging, Sonar)

-Humminbird Solix 12: https://bit.ly/364OviT

(Dedicated Mapping Unit)

Bow Electronics... 

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

(Sonar, Mapping, 360 Imaging)

-Humminbird Mega 360 MEGA: http://bit.ly/3oUt7oO

Preferred Map Card... 

LakeMaster Plus: http://bit.ly/2Dk5Erc

(Select your region, Chickamauga is in "SouthEast")

MidPriced Side Imaging/Sonar... 

Humminbird- Helix 9 CHIRP G4: http://bit.ly/35OP5Sm

Lowrance- Elite FS 9 Chartplotter: http://bit.ly/3sxIvtm

Garmin- GPSMAP UHD Sonar: http://bit.ly/2XOfETp

Budget Side Imaging/Sonar... 

Humminbird- Helix 5 G2 Sonar: http://bit.ly/2fsOu1I

Lowrance- Hook Reveal 7: http://bit.ly/3k0b7pN

Garmin- Garmin Striker Vivid: http://bit.ly/2KmQurV

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Fishing Below Freezing For Big Bass! Chickamauga In Winter!

Its Frozen solid! Its 21 degrees but Matt and Tim are back on the water for some Winter bass fishing. Come along for a frozen day on Chickamauga as the guys put together a really nice bag of fish. They're throwing reaction baits despite the frigid temperatures and its working!

Winter fishing doesn't have to be boring. The guys were faced with brutal post-front, frozen conditions but were able to power through it with a blade bait and an Alabama Rig. If you're willing to cover water and build patterns, Winter fishing can be a blast! The lakes are peaceful, the fish are big, and when you put the right reaction baits in front of them, they're aggressive! 

Below you'll find links to all the baits used in the videos. We included the colors we were using as well as the hook and hardware upgrades we made to help our hookup ratios in the cold water. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Blade Bait... 

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

Colors: Black Holo, Holo Cyber Purple, Real Shad

Blade Bait Hook Upgrades... 

Hooks- Owner STX-38 (Size 6): http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

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

Ring Sizes: #3 for Belly and Back, #2 for Tail

Tim's Alabama Rig... 

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

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/4 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Swimbait Color: Electric Shad

Matt's Alabama Rig... 

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

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

Baits- 13 Fishing Churro 4.25": http://bit.ly/2LLeRA6

Swimbait Color: Moonlight Clan

Matt's A-Rig Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Tim's Blade Bait Combo...  

Rod- Megabass P5 Z-Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

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

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

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

Budget Blade Bait Combo... 

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

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

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

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

How To Catch Bass In Cold Water Without Slowing Down!

Winter fishing doesn't have to be boring! So many anglers have fallen into the trap of slow, methodical fishing in the Winter. Did you know you can trigger a feed response by speeding up? Its true! Matt explains the keys to getting consistent bites in the coldest Winter temperatures without ever slowing down. 

The key to consistent Winter bites with reaction baits is understanding what it takes to "trigger" a feed response. Its also key to understand all baits are not created equal. Cold water separates the perfectly balanced, perfectly tuned baits, from the endless stream of new tackle hitting the market every year. If you want to be consistent in Winter, fish the right baits with proper technique and its only a matter of time before you start catching quality fish. 

There are 3 very different approaches to Winter. You can swimbait for a giant, finesse fish for consistent action, or power fish with bite triggering retrieves to try and find the best of both worlds. Whichever path you choose, Winter fishing is worse the effort. Its incredibly peaceful, there is minimal boat traffic, and the odds of catching a big bass are very high. 

Below you'll find links to the 5 styles of baits we use to trigger a feed response. We've included our favorite baits, favorite colors, and hardware upgrades where relevant. We've also included our favorite equipment for some of these techniques. All of the links go directly Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Related Videos... 

-Winter Reaction On Chickamauga: https://youtu.be/hLC67fc3vqw

-Cold Water Crankbaits In-Depth: https://youtu.be/FPaL13899uc

Main Crankbaits... 

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, DD Minnow, Mirrored Minnow

Shallow Diver- Rapala Ott's Garage Slim 06: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Live River Shad, Green Gizzard Shad, Rootbeer Craw

Other Phenomenal Winter Cranks... 

Shallower Cover- Spro Rock Crawler: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN

Colors: Phantom Green, Green Craw

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

Colors: PM Kisyu Ayu, MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu

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

Colors: PM Kisyu Ayu, MB Gizzard, Ito Wakasagi

Alabama Rigs... 

-HogFarmer BFL FLEX Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

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

A-Rig components... 

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

Baits- Keitech 4.3" or 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire #4: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Jerkbaits... 

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

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

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

Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Colors: GP Pro Blue, Elegy Bone, Ito Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad

Lipless Crankbaits... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad
-Jackall TN-70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin

Blade Baits... 

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

Colors: Black Holo, Cyber Purple, Real Shad

-Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

Blade Bait Component Upgrades... 

Line Tie: Owner Hyperwire #3 Split Ring: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hook Rings: Owner Hyperwire #2 Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hooks: Owner ST-36 Size 6: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Matt's A-Rig Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Budget Jerkbait/Blade Bait Combo... 

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

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

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

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Winter Bass Fishing: Crankbaits, Blade Baits, and A-Rigs For Cold Water Bass

We're back on the water at Chickamauga and the bass are biting! Most anglers think of January as finesse fishing time but that's not what we're doing! While finesse can be effective, there is something rewarding about successfully power fishing in cold water. Come along as we throw everything from crankbaits to A-rigs in search of Winter bass. 

There are 3 ways to consistently catch fish in cold water. Two weeks ago Matt talked about the power of a swimbait for drawing bites from large fish. Last week Tim discussed the benefits of finesse fishing and how you can consistently catch fish in Winter. Today we're demonstrating how to power fish in Winter by eliciting a core feed response in the bass. Its not about whether or not they want to bite, its about reacting to a fast moving, erratic bait. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt fished in the video. He's included the color he was throwing for each as well as the hook upgrades for the crankbait. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

The Baits... 

-Rapala Ott's Garage Bait 06: http://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Color: Live River Shad 

**Can Be Backordered**

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Color: Ghost Minnow

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

Color: Ito Hiuo

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

Color: Real Shad

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

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

Baits- Keitech Swing Impact 4.3 Fat: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-River2Sea Tactical DD75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: Ghost Minnow

Crankbait Hooks and Split Rings... 

Rings- Owner Hyperwire #3: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hooks- Owner ST-35 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Matt's Lipless Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Matt's A-Rig Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Matt's Deep Crank 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

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz