GIANT 9 lb BASS + Cold Water Fishing Tips!

Winter fishing is a hunt for big fish! Some days are tougher than others but you always know the right fish is just a cast away. Today was one of those days, as Tim struggled all day, but was rewarded by a MONSTER 9.24 lb largemouth! Come along for a fun day on the water!

We talk a lot about the fun patterns that Winter fishing can bring. We catch them cranking, on jerkbaits, on metal baits, and jigs. But some days, it just gets tough. For whatever reason, those tough days seem to be the days when the really big bass bite! Tim spent a full day on the water and only got one bite from a largemouth, but it was a giant bite!

Below you'll find links to the baits and gear he used throughout the day. Of course, there is a full breakdown of the A–Rig that caught the giant, but also the baits that caught drum, because those are key baits that he was using in the search for big bass. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

STROLLING...

•Rapala Crush City Mooch Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Yn4NR6

Color: Electric Shad

•Dirty Jigs Guppy head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 Hook

SPOONS AND BLADES...

•Nichols DUH Spoon (3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/4cSEVki

Color: Black Shad

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

Color: Holo Silver

TACTICAL RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Screwed Up Head: https://bit.ly/3U5RsIx

Size: 1/4 oz

•Main Baits: Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad

•Dummies: Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Color: American Shad

LURE RETRIEVERS...

Retreiver– Toothy Fishman Retriever: https://bit.ly/3Lcntfd

Knocker– StrikeZone: https://bit.ly/2csyRVT

TIM'S LAYERED COLD WEATHER CLOTHES...

Beanie– Summit Beanie: https://bit.ly/3vLCEGR

Jacket– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/426eOnu

Bibs– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/3FS21bC

Puffy Jacket– Crosswind Puff Hooded: https://bit.ly/4jausEt

Mid Layer Top– https://bit.ly/3Wgk2Jo

Mid Layer Bottom– https://bit.ly/3tXLIbr

Gloves– Aftco Breakwater Waterproof: https://bit.ly/3C73i0q

Boots– Aftco Deck Boot: https://bit.ly/3OhVo7z

TACTICAL MINI FLEX RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'7" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Tranx 200 A (HG): https://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

Line– Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3pF7HBK

STROLLING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" ML XFast: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

BLADE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

Fishing Metal Baits For Cold Water Bass (Spoons, Blade Baits, Tail Spins)

"Heavy Metal Bass Fishing" is even more fun than it sounds! Winter is prime time to fish a variety of metal baits. Blade Baits and tail spins were born out of necessity in the heart of Winter. Jigging spoons and flutter spoons have amazing fish catching abilities any time baitfish are around. If you're not putting these metal baits to work for you, you're leaving fish behind in the cold water months!

A lot of anglers misunderstand Metal baits. They look at these hunks of metal hanging on the pegs at their local tackle shop and can't believe bass would eat them. It's not until you see the action in the water that they'll begin to make sense. After the first few bites, you're shocked by the realization that fish can't resist these lures! Cold water bass fishing with metal baits can be incredible! Now, not all baits are created equal and we definitely have a few favorites.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, and hook upgrades for each. We've also included our favorite rod and reel combos for fishing these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

BLADE BAITS...

•Megabass Dyna Response (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Colors: Jukucho Shad, Ito Hiau

•Damiki Vault (1/4 – 1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Cyber Purple

•Silver Buddy (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2AcTelj

Colors: Silver Plated

HOOK UPGRADES FOR VAULT...

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

FLUTTER SPOON...

•Nichols Lake Fork Flutter Spoon: https://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Colors: Shattered Glass Silver, Purple Threadfin

JIGGING SPOONS...

•Nichols Blade Runner Duh Spoon: https://bit.ly/4cSEVki

Size: 3/4 – 1 3/4 oz

Colors: Morning Dawn UV, Sierra UV, Shattered Glass Silver

•War Eagle Jigging Spoon (7/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2H9dJV1

Colors: Nickel, Purple Shad

TAIL SPINS...

•Jackall Deracoup (1/2 – 3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Colors: Silver, Clear Shad, Dera Shad

•Damiki Axe Blade (3/4 – 1 oz): https://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Colors: Black Holo, Holo Real Shad

BLADE/TAIL SPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

HIGH END SPOON COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'1" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Zata Tact–Z: https://bit.ly/3B8E7Ks

Line– Seaguar InvizX (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BUDGET BLADE/TAIL SPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX XT A (HG): https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

3 Power Fishing Tricks For Winter Bass!

Forget what you think you know about bass fishing! You can power fish all Winter long! Burner reels and fast moving baits have a place in 40 degree water. The key to power fishing in Winter, is understanding how to elicit a feed response in a bass, even when they're lethargic. Come along as Tim explains his favorite methods for getting these fish to bite!

There is certainly a time to downsize and slow down in Winter, as outlined by Tim in his recent finesse fishing video. But there is also a time to speed up, to be aggressive, and to force fish to bite. This "triggering" method we use is incredibly effective and works even when water temperatures are at their coldest!

Below you'll find links to all the gear Tim discussed in the video. From the components for the A–Rigs, to the exact colors for the baits, to the rods and reels we rely on to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

MICRO FLEX RIG...

Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (NON BLADED): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (BLADED): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

Heads– ZMan Trout Eye Finesse: https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

Size: 1/8 oz

Baits– Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Color: American Shad, PB Silver, RP Blue Pearl

MINI FLEX RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (NON BLADED): https://bit.ly/3isTio0

HogFarmer Tactical Mini Flex (BLADED): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

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

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

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Dummy Baits– Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Electric Shad

FULL SIZE FLEX RIG...

Hog Farmer Tactical Flex (NON BLADED): https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

Hog Farmer Tactical Flex (BLADED): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

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

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

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

Colors: Grey Ghost Magic, Sexy Shad

OTHER GREAT SWIMBAITS...

•Crush City Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Electric Shad

•Keitech Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

WINTER CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: Clearwater Minnow, Ghost Minnow, DD Minnow

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

Colors: Sexy Ayu, MB Gizzard, PM Kisyu Ayu

•Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP

Colors: MB Gizzard, Ito Wakasagi, Megabass Sexy Shad

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

Bladed Hook– VMC Bladed Hybrid: https://bit.ly/2oqWODi

Size: 6

GREAT BLADE BAIT COMBO...

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

Model: 7'2" Medium Heavy Moderate

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

FAVORITE SPEED CRANK COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

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

BUDGET ALABAMA RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX XT 150: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Seaguar Red Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET MICRO RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

Lipless Crankbait Tricks + Blade Bait Tips For Spring Bass Fishing!

These two baits catch TONS of BIG Bass in Spring! The lipless crankbait is a staple in most angler's Spring bass fishing arsenal, but very few understand the late season effectiveness of the blade bait. Both options can produce incredible results in Spring and you should fish them with confidence!

Today we're heading down the rabbit hole of lipless and blade baits. Tim begins with a surface level approach, recommending a couple baits for all-around success, but it doesn't take long before we're looking at niche baits, detailed color analysis, and in-depth descriptions of how big bass stage in Spring.

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits, and our favorite gear to throw them. We've included favorite colors, hook upgrades, and more. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

BOTTOM CONTACT LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Lucky Craft LV500: https://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad

•Jackall TN Series: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Size: 70, 60

Today's Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin, Blueback Chrome

TRADITIONAL LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Bill Lewis Rattle Trap: https://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Size: 1/2 oz

Colors: Chrome/Black, Ghost Minnow, Strawberry Craw

•Cotton Cordell Super Spot: https://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Rayburn Red, Royal Red, Chrome/Blue

•Nomad Swimtrex Max: https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Size: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad

•Duo Realis Apex Vibe: https://bit.ly/4brSaIk

Size: 1/2 oz - 1 oz

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow, Sangria Craw

•Bill Lewis Hammer Trap: https://bit.ly/3Uk0Ri1

Size: Chrome Gizzard, Silverado, Rayburn Red

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz, 3/4 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

HOOK UPGRADES BY BAIT...

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

Size: 3

•TN 70/LV500 Hooks– Gamakatsu EWG: https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

Size: 4

•TN 60 Hooks– Owner ST–35: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Size: 6

•Swimtrex Max/Blade Bait Hook– BKK Spear EWG: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 6 (Front), 8 (Back)

•Round Bend Hooks– Owner ST 36: https://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Sizes: 4, 6

LIPLESS STORAGE BOX...

•Plano 3700 Standard Box: https://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

FAVORITE LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 855C CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MID PRICED LIPLESS COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod- Shimano SLX A 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

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

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