Muddy Water - Tips To Catch Bass In Spring

The lake came up 5 feet overnight! The water turned to chocolate milk and completely changed the pattern. Come along as Matt figures out how to catch bass in these crazy conditions! Every Spring we get hit with cold, muddy water, learning how to fish through it will make you a more consistent angler. 

The first step in catching bass in muddy water is knowing what "normal" is on your lake. Its easy to go overboard with the bright, obnoxious colors on a lot of lakes. On the flip side, if your lake went from crystal clear to really dirty, its hard to find baits that are obnoxious enough! Once you've established a base line for your lake, you can easily choose the right colors and begin catching fish. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt had tied on today, as well as some of his favorite colors depending on water clarity. We've also included his exact Chatterbait combo and a couple budget options for the other baits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

CHATTERBAIT... 

Bait- Z Man Jack Hammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Today's Color: Green Pumpkin Shad

Other Great Colors: Fire Craw, White

Trailer- HogFarmer Spunk Shad (4.5): http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Today's Color: Sexy Shad

Other Great Colors: Blue Gizzard, Blizzard Gizzard, Natural Gill

MATT'S OTHER MUDDY WATER BAITS... 

Squarebill- 13 Fishing Scamp 60 (1.5): https://bit.ly/3iMkYAw

Color: MudBug Punch, Natty Light

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

Color: Chartreuse Shad, Spring Craw

Flat Side- Spro Little John 50: http://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Color: Chartreuse Nasty, Nasty Shad, Blood Craw

Spinnerbait- Terminator P1 Painted (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/36B34vN

Colors: Silver Shiner, Nashville Sexy, Chart White Shad

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

Colors: French Pearl, Chartreuse Shad, Sexy Shad

MATT'S CHATTERBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 883C BJR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

BUDGET SPINNERBAIT/CHATTERBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

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

Line- Power Pro Braid 50 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

BUDGET SQUAREBILL/LIPLESS COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'2" Medium: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

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

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

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

Cold Water Tricks That Catch Bass Right Now!

Do you struggle to catch fish in Winter? Not with these tricks! Subtle nuances are what separate the consistent anglers from the guys who struggle all Winter. And don't fall into the finesse trap either, you can catch a ton of fish with reaction baits in cold water if you know the tricks that work!

The colder the water, the more details begin to matter. Anyone can throw a crankbait out, reel it back, and catch a bass in the post-spawn. But knowing how to trigger a feed response in a lethargic fish is completely different. Perhaps you already know to pause your jerkbait longer, but do you know how to balance your bait so it suspends long enough to get the bite? This is only a sampling of what it takes to be a consistent Winter bass fisherman. 

Below you'll find links to the baits and gear Tim discussed in the video. We included upgrades, components, and favorite colors as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

BLADED ALABAMA RIG... 

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

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

Santone Replacement Willow Leaf Blades: https://bit.ly/3ENHfHv

Dummy Baits- Lil Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

Colors: Albino

Swimbaits- Keitech 4.8" Fat: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl

NON-BLADED ALABAMA RIG... 

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

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

Dummy Baits- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v  

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Swimbaits- Keitech 3.8 - 4.3 Fat Swing: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

MEGABASS VISION SERIES 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

Favorite Colors: Pro Blue, Matte Shad, Tennessee Shad

Bold Colors: Elegy Bone, Wakin React, Kohoku Reaction

Storm Suspend Dots: https://bit.ly/3d80ez6

CRANKBAIT... 

-River2Sea Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: DD Minnow, Ghost Minnow

-SPRO Rock Crawler MD 55: https://bit.ly/3juD6hS

Colors: Phantom Green, Phantom Brown

BLADE BAITS... 

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

Colors: Black Holo, Cyber Purple, Real Shad

-Megabass Dyna Response (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jekucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

BLADE BAIT HOOK UPGRADES... 

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

VMC- Bladed Hybrid Treble (Size 8) : http://bit.ly/2oqWODi

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

Ring Size: 2 on line tie, 3 on tail and belly

GLIDE BAIT…

Bait- River2Sea S Waver 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh 

Colors: Lite Trout, Warden

Hook- Owner ST-56 1/0: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

LIVE SONAR... 

-Humminbird Mega Live: https://bit.ly/2VXoaC7

BUDGET A-RIG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET JERKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

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

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

BUDGET FINESSE COMBO... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: 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

TOP 5 BAITS FOR JANUARY BASS FISHING!

Winter bass fishing is in full swing! If you want to catch these fish in January, you need to adapt. These are the top 5 baits we rely on to consistently catch bass during the coldest part of the year. To the surprise of many, its not all about finesse! Come along as we share our confidence baits to help you catch more fish. 

In most of the country January is the coldest month of the year. Fish are lethargic and often laying right on bottom. Finesse is the natural approach for these fish but the right reaction baits can trigger a feed response as well, even in a lethargic bass. Specifically, the Alabama Rig and speed cranking can both fire these fish up in ways that nothing else can. Whether you choose finesse or reaction, this video is full of our favorite options. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we use in January. We've linked the exact colors, sizes, and rigging components, to help you find the exact items you're looking for. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

BLADED ALABAMA RIG... 

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

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

Dummy Baits- Lil Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

Colors: Albino

Swimbaits- Keitech 4.8" Fat: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl

NON-BLADED ALABAMA RIG... 

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

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

Dummy Baits- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v  

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Swimbaits- Keitech 3.8 - 4.3 Fat Swing: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

CRANKBAIT... 

-River2Sea Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: DD Minnow, Ghost Minnow

BLADE BAITS... 

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

Colors: Black Holo, Cyber Purple, Real Shad

-Megabass Dyna Response (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jekucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

BLADE BAIT HOOK UPGRADES... 

Hooks- Owner STX 45 (Size 6): http://bit.ly/2FNnZwR

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

Ring Size: 2 on line tie, 3 on tail and belly

MICRO SWIMBAIT... 

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

MICRO SWIMBAIT HEADS... 

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

Underspin- Cool Baits Down Under (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Spinner- Megabass Okashira Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

DROPSHOT... 

Bait- Netbait STH 3" Finesse Crush: https://bit.ly/3s5BcIn

Colors: Bang, Green Pumpkin, LON Goby Pearl

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

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

NED RIG... 

Bait- Roboworm 3" Ned Worm: http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Colors: TW Black Blue Pumpkin, Aaron's Green Pumpkin

Hook- Swagger Tungsten Flanders (1/10th): http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

"BANG FOR THE BUCK" FINESSE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 6'9" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

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

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

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

BUDGET A-RIG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET FINESSE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: 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

Cold Water Jig Trick When Bass Won't Bite!

Some days the fish don't want to cooperate, that's when this trick works! With snow and freezing rain coming, Tim couldn't get bit on any of his power fishing techniques. He dropped down to a jig and they wouldn't eat that either! When he made a subtle switch to a cold water trick that is often forgotten, the fish started coming in the boat!

The Hula Grub is a bait that most anglers have forgotten. Its a highland reservoir secret when bass don't want to bite but it can work on any lake in the country. Something about its subtle kicking action triggers cold water fish into biting. If you're struggling to get bit on the jig, even a finesse jig, you should give a Hula Grub a try. Its an inexpensive alternative to jig fishing and it gets bit all Winter long!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, heads, and gear Tim was using in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

HULA GRUB... 

Bait- Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Hula Grub: http://bit.ly/2d7SpgG

Tim's Color: Green Pumpkin Large Red Flake

Great Colors: Smoke Black Purple, Mowed Grass, Green Pump Blk Flake

FOOTBALL HEADS... 

Tungsten- Swagger Football Head (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3msaQ2O

Lead- Dobyns Football Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3H8KY44

TRADITIONAL WINTER JIGS... 

FINESSE- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Go To, Supermatt Brown

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

Colors: Green Pump Purp Cop, Cinnamon Blk Purp

LIVING RUBBER- Bass Patrol Football: http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x

Colors: Brown/Orange, Brown/Purple

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

Colors: Cinnamon Blk Purp, Smoke Blk Purple

MICRO- Keitech Tungsten Football: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Brown Purple

Trailer- Z Man TRD CrawZ: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Canada Craw, MudBug

TIM'S RAIN SUIT... 

Jacket- Aftco Barricade (Green Camo): https://bit.ly/3eiR0mb

Bibs- Aftco Barricade (Green Camo): https://bit.ly/3swFjRi

TIM'S HULA GRUB COMBO... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 14 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET HULA GRUB COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

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

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

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