Where Do Bass Go In Winter? ( And Best Baits To Catch Them )

Bass are making their final move of the year, are you ready? The shallow fish are vanishing and surface activity is coming to an end. Where has everything gone? The lake seems so dead but guys are still catching giant bass! Don't get left behind, here's what you need to know about Winter bass.

The Winter transition brings completely different bass behavior. Fish will move toward deep water areas where they have ample food sources. You'll find them on the ends of deep points, on the edges of steep slopes near narrow "pinch points", and in featureless lakes, sitting out in the "hollows". The fish use these areas because they can move up and down the water column quickly with changing weather and there is typically an abundance of baitfish in these key locations as well.

There are a variety of ways to catch these fish. You can catch them with traditional methods like jigs, small swimbaits, or a dropshot. But you can also go against the grain and catch them with big baits, or a variety of reaction baits. Below you'll find links to the exact baits that we rely on this time of year. to catch our fish. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as some budget gear that will help you throw these baits effectively.


FINESSE FOOTBALL JIG...

Bait– Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

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

Color: Cinn Black Purp, Green Pumpkin Blk


NED RIG...

•ZMan Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Color: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Goby


•ZMan Ned Football: https://bit.ly/3Ej3Kpm

Size: 1/8


JERKBAIT...

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

Natural: Mat Shad, GP Pro Blue, Elegy Bone


SPEED CRANKBAIT...

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

Color: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad, Northern Special


ALABAMA RIG...

Bladed– Hogfarmer Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

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

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

Dummy Baits– Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8


BIG SWIMBAITS...

•Savage Gear 8" RTF Trout (Fast Sink): https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Color:  Dirty Silver, Trout


•Huddleston 8" Trout (ROF 12): http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Color: Rainbow Trout, Hitch


BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu


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

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu


AFFORDABLE SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

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

Line–Sunline Super FC (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'8" Heavy: http://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

Reel– Shimano Cardiff A 300: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line– Power Pro Braid (65 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (30 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9


BUDGET NED RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3O8zBye

Reel– Shimano Miravel 3000: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Leader– 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 December Bass Fishing!

December is cold but the bass are BIG! If you're ready to catch a giant bass, it's time to go fishing! We typically catch less fish in December but the bites you do get are bigger and you'll have a shot at the fish of a lifetime! Here are the baits we rely on to get bit during the cold month of December...

There are two very different approaches to bass fishing in December. Many anglers turn to finesse presentations and slow retrieves to catch lethargic bass. This can be very effective but it's also monotonous. This Winter, try focusing on baits that get reaction strikes, despite the cold, and you'll be surprised by the results. No matter what you choose, December gives you a great opportunity to catch a giant bass!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, in the exact colors and sizes that we trust to catch these fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included several of the key rod and reel combos we use to consistently catch fish with these presentations.


FOOTBALL JIG...

Bait– Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Blk


NED RIG...

•Xzone Ned Zone: https://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: Violet Secret


•ZMan Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Color: Mood Ring


•BKK Silent Chaser Ned Head: https://bit.ly/3ZvTJ2g

Size: 1/16th, 1/0 Hook


SMALL SWIMBAITS AND HEADS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/8 oz


Head– Dirty Jigs Guppy: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 Hook


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

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad


•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Color: Real, Albino


BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu


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

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu


VAULT BLADE BAIT UPGRADES...

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

Sizes: 2 and 3 (3 on tail and head, 2 on belly)

Hooks– Owner STX 38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6


SPEED CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad


•Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Color: Sexy Ayu, MB Gizzard


ALABAMA RIGS...

•Hogfarmer Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3isTio0


ALABAMA RIG COMPONENTS...

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

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

Bait– Xzone 4" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Dummy Baits– Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8


ALABAMA RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (18 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9


SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 906C CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Line– Sunline Crank FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC


BUDGET NED RIG COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Line– Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

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

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

FIshing The Fall To Winter Transition! Cold Water Fishing Tips!

Come along for a fun afternoon of fish catching! Tim is exploring a large section of river and dialing in a pattern as bass transition toward their Winter haunts. He’s using everything from swimbaits to blade baits to draw a reaction bite as water temperatures drop.

Fall to Winter transition is always an interesting bite window. There are bass that can be found shallow to the end, but most fish have already begun making their moves to deeper water haunts where they will spend the Winter. You can slow down and finesse fish or speed up and look for a reaction bite. Today Tim focused on power fishing throughout the water column.

Below you’ll find links to the exact baits and equipment he used throughout the day. We’ve included his exact colors, bait modifications, and specific gear. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


ALABAMA RIG…

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

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

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

Color: Electric Shad

Dummy Baits– Keitech 4” Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad


MID STROLLING…

Bait– Hog Farmer 4.5” Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Electric Shad

Head– Missile Baits Ned Ball: https://bit.ly/3e9HqSK

Size: 3/16 oz


BLADE BAIT…

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

Color: Black Holo


VAULT BLADE BAIT UPGRADES...

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

Sizes: 2 and 3 (3 on tail and head, 2 on belly)

Hooks– Owner STX 38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6


GLIDE BAIT…

•River2Sea S Waver 168: https://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Bluegill


ALABAMA RIG COMBO…

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7’7” Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate 20 lb: https://bit.ly/2O4UElB


MID STROLLING COMBO…

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 852S JWR: https://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Model: 7’1” Medium

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

Line– Sufix 832 (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sunline Super FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


BLADE BAIT COMBO…

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Model: Carbon Cranker (7’2” MHM)

Reel– 13 Fishing Concept C2: https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Leader– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

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

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

Top 5 Baits For December Bass Fishing!

December is cold but the bass are BIG! If you're ready to catch a giant bass, get outside and go fishing! You may not catch a ton of fish but the bites you get tend to be bigger and you'll have a shot at the fish of a lifetime! Here are the baits we rely on to get bit during the cold month of December!

You have a few different options in December. You can slow down and finesse, hoping to just get bit. You can use aggressive baits to trigger a feed response, despite the cold water (our favorite way to catch them). Or you can pick up a giant swimbait and commit to slowly crawling bottom around likely structures in search of a monster bass! No matter what you choose, you can catch a really big bass all month long. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, in the exact colors and sizes that we trust to catch these fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


ALABAMA RIG...

Bladed– Hogfarmer Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Non Bladed– HogFarmer Tactical Flex: https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

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

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

Dummy Baits– Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8


SPEED CRANKBAITS…

•Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Color: Sexy Ayu, MB Gizzard


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

Color: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad


•Spro Rock Crawler: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Color: Phantom Green, Phantom Watermelon


BIG SWIMBAITS...

•Savage Gear 8" RTF Trout (Fast Sink): https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Color:  Dirty Silver, Trout


•Huddleston 8" Trout (ROF 12): http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Color: Rainbow Trout, Hitch


SMALL SWIMBAITS...

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

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Head– Dirty Jigs Guppy: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 Hook


FINESSE FOOTBALL JIG...

Bait– Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

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

Color: Cinn Black Purp, Green Pumpkin Blk


Bait– Yamamoto Hula Grub: http://bit.ly/2d7SpgG

Color: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper

Hook– Gamakatsu Football (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2CTXHHt


NED RIG BAITS...

•ZMan Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Color: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Goby


•Yamamoto 3" Ned Senko Floater: https://bit.ly/3BIjwL2

Color: Electric Shad, Green Pumpkin Watermelon


NED RIG HEADS...

•ZMan Ned Lockz HD: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Size: 1/10


•ZMan Ned Football: https://bit.ly/3Ej3Kpm

Size: 1/8


BUDGET SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

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

Line–Sunline Super FC (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'8" Heavy: http://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

Reel– Shimano Cardiff A 300: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line– Power Pro Braid (65 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (30 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9


BUDGET NED RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7' medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel– Shimano Miravel 3000: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Leader– 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