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

Buyer's Guide: Squarebills and Lipless Crankbaits For Every Season

Today's Buyer's guide is all about the reaction bite. In an effort to pack in as much information as possible, we've combined two of the largest crankbait categories into our final buyer's guide of the season. We're looking at shallow crankbaits for triggering a reaction bite, then switching gears to lipless crankbaits and exploring the best baits for fishing shallow grass flats, the best baits for deep water applications, and everything in between. 

Choosing the right crankbait is a combination of 3 variables. First, do you want sound? Second, how large are the baitfish or crawfish you're imitating? And finally, how deep (or shallow) do you need to reach? Answering these 3 questions will guide you to the best bait in your box, every time. From there, a small selection of colors is all you need to meet every situation. 

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits in every size and depth range. We've included our favorite colors, along with the rods, reels, and gear you'll need to be successful on the water. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Magnum Squarebills... 

-Lucky Craft BDS-6: http://bit.ly/2sRZby9

Colors: BP Golden Shiner, TO Craw

-6th Sense Mini Mag: http://bit.ly/31KGyeC

Colors: Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad, Delta Craw

Standard Squarebills... 

-Lucky Craft BDS-3: http://bit.ly/2blTVwI

Colors: BP Golden Shiner, TO Craw, Ghost Minnow

-Lucky Craft 1.5 / 2.5: http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Colors: American Shad, BP Golden Shiner, Ghost Minnow

-River2Sea Biggie Poppa and Smalls: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Abalone Shad, Cold Blooded, I Know It

Small Squarebills... 

-Megabass Super Z Z-1 Shallow Crank: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Craw 2, GG Gill

-SPRO Little John 50: http://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Copper Shad, Natural Herring, Fire Craw, Blood Craw

-SPRO Fat John 50: http://bit.ly/2V03giW

Colors: Matte Shad, Citrus Nasty, Nasty Shad

-Evergreen CH-1: http://bit.ly/2MrsOCG

Colors: Ayu, Fire Craw, Damonde Shad

Large Lipless Crankbaits... 

-6th Sense Quake 80: http://bit.ly/2Kxt4zm

Colors: Shad Scales, American Shad, Crackle Craw

-Spro Aruka Shad 85: http://bit.ly/37seMJN

Colors: Red Crawfish, Spooky Shad, Clear Chartreuse

Primary Lipless Baits... 

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad

-Jackall TN-70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: RT Scale Minnow, RT Escape Craw, Ghost Minnow

Little Lipless... 

-Jackall TN-50: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: SG Threadfin, RT Scale Minnow, Sprinkle Wakasagi

Budget Lipless... 

-Bill Lewis Rattle Trap 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2gm8CjC 

Colors: Cali Craw, Ghost Minnow, American Shad

-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: royal Red, Chrome Black, Chrome Blue

Crankbait Storage... 

-Plano Edge 3700 Deep Box: https://bit.ly/3dbdbby

Our Favorite Lipless/Squarebill Combo... 

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

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Mid-Priced Lipless Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis E6X 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2G5Bc86

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

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Lipless Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 705 CB (7' Med Heavy Cranking): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

Line- Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon 15 lb: 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

Previous Buyer's Guides... 

-Best Jigs and Trailers: https://bit.ly/38cc8XX

-Tackle Storage and Gear Protection: https://bit.ly/2IF0kVf

-Best Jerkbaits: https://bit.ly/3qPPOLY

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

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

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

-Best Ned Rig Baits and Gear: 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

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

Lipless Crankbait Tricks To Catch Bigger Bass This Fall

Lipless crankbaits catch giant bass! They are incredible producers when fished around shallow grass and vegetation but are equally effective in deep water. You can keep your lipless fishing simple and you'll catch a lot of fish this Fall, or you can jump down the rabbit hole with us into a whole different world of lipless fishing where we'll teach you how to use different baits, styles, and modifications to catch more fish!

Many anglers think of a lipless as a bait to cast out and wind back. A simple "chuck and wind" is effective but there is so much more you can do with these baits. From hopping bottom in deep water, to ripping grass in the shallows, the possibilities are almost endless. Tim is a lipless fanatic with the fish catches to back what he's teaching. If you want to take it to the next level, pay close attention to the details. From sink rates to color selection to hook tricks, Tim is giving away all the details in today's video. 

All of the baits described in the video are linked below. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've included our favorite colors, the equipment we use to throw them, and the hook and gear upgrades we use to land more of the fish we hook. 

If you could only have one... 

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

Color: American Shad

Lipless Cranks... 

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

Favorite Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Spring Craw

-6th Sense Quake 70: http://bit.ly/2Kxt4zm

Favorite Colors: Chrome Threadfin, Shad Hammer, Delta Craw

-Jackall TN-70 + TN-50: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Favorite Colors: Super Shad, SG Threadfin, RT Escape Craw

-Strike King Red Eye shad 2 Tap: http://bit.ly/2gmACC5

Favorite Colors: Delta Red, Silver TN Shad, Smoky Chrome Blue

-Damiki Tremor: http://bit.ly/2fVt8H6

Favorite Colors: American Shad, Black Holo, Soft Shell

-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Favorite Colors: Chrome Blue, Royal Red, Copper Craw

Blade Baits... 

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

Favorite Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad

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

Favorite Colors: Clear Shad, Silver

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

Gamakatsu EWG (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Owner ST-56 (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Owner Hyperwire Split Rings (Size 3-4): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Owner STX-38 Zo Wire (Size 6-8): http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Our Favorite Lipless Combo... 

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

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

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Affordable Lipless Combo…

Rod- G Loomis E6X 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2G5Bc86

Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Lipless Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 705 CB (7' Med Heavy Cranking): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

Line- Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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