Simple Trick To Catch Bass When Its Cold!

When cold snaps hit, fishing can be brutal! Here's a quick trick we use to get fish to react and bite when they won't touch anything else! Whether they've suspended, gone deep, or just developed lock jaw, cracking a tube is a great way to catch bass in the cold. 

We all love to power fish in the Fall but when cold weather comes in, that bite can shut down in a hurry. Turning to baits like the dropshot, Neko rig, Ned rig, or slow dragging a tube are all great ways to get a bite. But if you still want to get them to react, try cracking the tube. Instead of using your standard tube head, grab a 1/2 - 3/4 ounce head. Let the bait fall to bottom then use a sharp double snap of the rod to get the bait to hop up off the bottom and fall back down on a semi-tight line. Something about these erratic movements draws a reaction strike, even during these tough conditions. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment Tim used throughout the day. We've also included some of our other favorite baits for this technique. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

TODAY'S BAITS... 

Tube- Big Bite Tour Tube: http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors: Green Pump Orange Firetail, Green Pump Purp Copper

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

Dropshot- Megabass Hazedong 3": http://bit.ly/2CIwgzt

Colors: Ghost Shad, Tennessee Shad

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

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

OTHER GREAT TUBES... 

-Netbait STH 4" Finesse Tube: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Colors: Frosty Pumpkin, Ten Point

-Savage Gear 4" Goby Tube: https://bit.ly/33QGXzy

Colors: Brown Pump Copper Purp, Watermelon Copper Purple

-Dry Creek 3.5" Double Dip: https://bit.ly/38BgQ15

Colors: Watermelon Craw, Bama Craw

TIM'S TUBE CRACKING COMBO... 

Rod- G-Loomis NRX+ 854C: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

Reel- Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC 12lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TIM'S DROPSHOT SETUP... 

Rod- Expride 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q 

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

"BANG FOR THE BUCK" TUBE CRACKING COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Curado 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC 12lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET TUBE CRACKING COMBO... 

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

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

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

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

The BEST Summer Lure Everyone FORGOT!

Don't forget these when its hot! We've all fished a tube but somehow, most anglers have forgotten. Tubes doesn't stop working when Summer rolls around but you rarely see anyone using them! If you want to show the fish something different this year, we're going to show you which tubes to use, the best way to rig them, and which retrieves will help you get bit this Summer. 

When someone talks about a tube most anglers immediately think of smallmouth bass or reservoir fishing. Almost no one adapts it for Summer fishing in grass, let alone for getting out on the ledges or deep offshore structure. The tube is one of the most adaptable soft baits with a range of effectiveness that touches trophy smallmouth and trophy largemouth alike. 

If this bait doesn't have a place in your current line up for Summer bass, its probably time to add it. Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt discussed in the video, including favorite colors and rigging. We've also included our favorite tube rods along with some great budget options. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

NORTHERN TUBES...

Tube- Netbait STH 2.5": https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Favorite Colors: Juvenile Goby, Dark Melon Gold Purple

Hook- Blade Runner Inhaler (1/0 Hook): https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Tube- Savage Gear 3D Goby: https://bit.ly/33QGXzy

Favorite Colors: Light Pumpkin, Brown Pumpkin, Goby

Hook- Blade Runner Inhaler (2/0 Hook): https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

MID-COUNTRY TUBES...

Tube- Netbait STH 4": https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Favorite Colors: Dark Melon Purple, Green Pumpkin, Ten Point

Tube- Big Bite Tour Tube: http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Favorite Colors: Green Pump Blue, Tilapia

MID-COUNTRY TUBE HEADS...

Standard- Bite Me Flat Eye (1/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2diyVXK

Strong- Blade Runner Inhaler (3/0 Hook): https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Heavy- Bite Me Big Dude (3/8 - 3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2CV3o7S

HEAVY COVER TUBES...

Tube- Big Bite 4" Flipper Tube: https://bit.ly/3htKA6h

Favorite Colors: 1099, Tilapia, Ozark Craw

Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Weight- Swagger Vader Tungsten 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

HIGH-END TUBE COMBO #1... (Pre-Order Available)

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 872S JWR: https://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

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

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC (7 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

HIGH-END TUBE COMBO #2... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Elite 7'6" Medium: http://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2000: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC (7 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET TUBE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'3" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 2500: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

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

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

OUR FAVORITE HEAVY COVER FLIPPING COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'11" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC (HG): http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

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

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR?

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

Top 5 Baits To Catch BIG Smallmouth Bass!

Which baits catch the BIGGEST fish? That's what we all really want to know! When it comes to smallmouth (as well as spotted bass and largemouth) there are a handful of baits that really stand out from the rest. We've narrowed it down through countless hours on the water to a few key baits that can be fished in unique ways when you really want to catch a big one. 

During the prespawn you want to cover water quickly. Smallmouth school together, leaving huge parts of the lake virtually barren. The baits we use not only catch big bass, they help you find them quickly. After that the baits begin to fit niches. Swimbaits cover a ton of water, jerkbaits draw a core feed response, and the tube can elicit a strike from the wariest clear water bass. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits, rods, and equipment Matt discussed in the video. We've included his favorite colors, hooks, etc... to really help you dial in your gear. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

A-Rig... 

-Hog Farmer Tactical Bladed Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

-Hog Farmer Tactical Non-Bladed Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

Tube Baits... 

-Netbait STH Tube: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Colors- Dark Melon Gold Purple, Juvenile Goby, Ten Point

-Big Bite Tour Tube: http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors- Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin Purple Copper

-Savage Gear 3D Goby Tube: https://bit.ly/33QGXzy

Colors- Brown Purple Copper, Goby, Light Pumpkin

Tube Heads... 

-Blade Runner Inhaler Jighead: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

2.5" Tube- 1/8 oz with 1/0

Standard Tubes- 1/8 - 1/4  oz with 2/0

Hair Jigs... 

-Andy's Custom Maribou: https://bit.ly/3uYqDsw

-Outkast Feider Fly: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Sizes: 3/32 - 1/8 oz

Color: Black

Swimbaits... 

Bait- Megabass Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors- Wakasagi, Donko, Haze

Sizes- 3" 1/2 oz and 3" 3/4 oz

Bait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact (3.8"): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors- Smallmouth Magic, Green Pumpkin Fire, Electric Bluegill

Head- Tactical Finesse (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Bait- Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors- Crystal Shad, Dark Sculpin, Electric Bluegill

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

Jerkbaits... 

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

Colors- Matte Skeleton Shad, Matte Pro Blue, Matte Shad

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

Colors- GP Pro Blue 2, Elegy Bone, Ito Clear Laker

Matt's Hair Jig Combo... 

Rod- Megabass P5 Spinning (Baby Plugging): https://bit.ly/31Pt839

Reel- Shimano Vanford 1000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Alternate Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 1000: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

Line- Sunline 5 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tube Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 872S JWR (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/3y0Ss5m

Reel- Shimano Twin Power 2500 FD: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

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

Keitech/Dark Sleeper Rods... 

High End- Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

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

Budget- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Keitech/Dark Sleeper Reels... 

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

Mid Range- Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Budget- Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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

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