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 Fishing Tips: Ultra Finesse Baits When Its COLD!!

Is Winter wearing you down? Are you catching nothing but a cold when you go to the lake? A lot of anglers share your struggle and a few even give up and wait for "fishing season" to come back around in Spring. Don't be those guys! Winter bass fishing can be incredibly rewarding if you know where the fish are and which baits they're willing to bite in the cold water. 

Non-fisherman think we're crazy when they find out we're headed to the lake in Winter! They talk about how cold its going to be, how boring, how miserable... but they don't understand. They have no idea how peaceful it is to be on a giant lake, all alone. There are no wakeboard boats, no jet skis, and if you know where to look, there are a ton of fish to be caught! 

Matt recently did a video about using swimbaits to catch BIG fish this time of year. Today we're talking about how to get consistent bites. We're not worried about the biggest bass, we're focused on getting out on the water and having fun catching fish! We have a handful of baits that produce consistently when the weather and the water turn cold.

Below are links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors, trailers, and heads where applicable. We've also included some of our favorite rods and reels for throwing these different presentations. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Jigs...

Jig- Keitech tungsten Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown/Purple, Green Pumpkin/Black

Trailer- Z Man TRD Bugz: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Canada Craw, Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football (3/8-1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Okeechobee 420, Go To, SuperMatt Brown

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

Colors: Green pump purple copper, Cinnamon black purple

Damiki Rig... 

Head- Damiki Jig Head (1/8 oz 1/0 hook): http://bit.ly/2tg1ajm

Bait- Damiki Armor Shad Jerk Bait: http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o 

Finesse Swimbait...

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

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

Flies/Hair Jigs...

Hair Jig- Spro Phat Fly 1/8oz: http://bit.ly/2mboisG

Colors: Grey Ghost, Blue Shad

Fly- Outcast Tackle Feider Fly: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Colors: Black, Shad

Drop Shot Worms...

-Berkley Maxscent Flat worm: https://bit.ly/3lAAorL

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

-Roboworm Sculpin: http://bit.ly/2XMbwoQ

Dropshot Components... 

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

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 3/16 oz Pencil: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

High-End Finesse Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline SX-1 Braid 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Finesse Spinning Combo... 

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

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

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Finesse Jig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'1" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 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

Top 5 Baits For Muddy Water Bass Fishing

Don't be afraid of mud! Murky water can be a real challenge, especially in Winter. If you're tired of being stumped by cold, muddy water, this video is for you! Knowing what baits to use and when to switch between them will make a huge difference. Don't let muddy water intimidate you anymore, its time to adapt and overcome with these quick tips. 

The key to muddy water is understanding when its holding active fish and when it causes them to shut down. In Winter, the distinction is water temperature. Not a specific water temperature but whether the incoming water is warmer or colder than the water in the lake. If its warmer, the baits discussed in this video will help you catch bass consistently. 

Focus on lures that have flash, vibration, and bold colors. Focus ultra shallow as the water rises and around cover as it stabilizes. Below you'll find a breakdown of the baits (with color recommendations) that were discussed in the video. 

Squarebill Crankbait... 

-River2Sea Biggie: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

(Cold Blooded, Delta Craw, I know It)

Spinnerbait... 

-River2Sea Bling 1/2 oz Willows: http://bit.ly/2diSwqq

(Iced, Powder, I Know It)

-River2Sea Bling 1/2 oz Indiana: http://bit.ly/2t5jecE

(Lemonade Twist)

Jig... 

-No-Jack Flippin Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

(Hematoma, Blackend Blue, Pay Day)

-Kinky Beaver Trailer: http://bit.ly/2XQ1kJ1

(Low Blow, Hematoma)

Swim Jig... 

-California Swim Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

(Citrus Shad, Tactical Shad, Dirty Shad)

-D Walker 120 Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

(Pearl, Ice White)

Alabama Rig... 

-Yumbrella Flash Mob Jr: http://bit.ly/2bgDGNu

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

-Reaction Innovations Little Dipper Dummy Baits: http://bit.ly/2brnU5I

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

Favorite Combo For Shallow Muddy Water Fishing... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

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

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

Blade Bait Tricks For Cold Winter Bass ( A Day On The Water )

Today we're on Clearlake throwing Blade Baits for Winter Bass. The blade is deadly in cold water and the bass on Clearlake don't know what hit them! If you're looking to catch more fish this Winter, take note as Matt teaches about the different baits, colors, and equipment to be effective with this awesome technique! 

The blade bait finds its roots in cold water smallmouth bass fishing but its effectiveness reaches far beyond its original purpose. Big largemouth can't resist a blade, even in warmer water temps. If your bass have gone deep for Winter but you don't want to reach for finesse tackle, the blade is your best option to elicit a feed response. 

With all of the new blades on the market in recent years its hard to know where to start. Which baits work the best? Why are there so many different colors? And what do you do with those stock double hooks? Matt is catching a ton of fish on the blade today but he still stops to answer all these questions and more along the way. Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment he used in the video. 

Today's baits... 

-Megabass Dyna Response (Jerking Gill): http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

-Jackall Keeburn (Silver): http://bit.ly/2or8sy0

-Damiki Vault (Black Holo): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Other Great Blade Baits... 

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

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

-Binsky Vibrating Blade: http://bit.ly/2mR2Vwe

Matt's Favorite Blade Bait Combo (jerkbait combo)... 

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

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

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

Matt's Braided Line Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 812 JBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

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

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 10 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Hook Upgrades... 

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

Split Ring Pliers- Texas Tackle: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0

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

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Treble Size 5 and 6: http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

NEW TacticalBassin 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