Winter Crankbait Fishing! Everything You Need To Know From Shallow To Deep!

Let's dive into the world of Winter crankbait fishing for bass! Matt breaks Winter crankbaits into three unique categories that require different retrieves and timing. Today He's covering all 3 categories. He covers specific baits, crankbait color selection, crankbait tuning, and a detailed breakdown of crankbait rods.

Don't let this Winter slip by. Anglers in the know, catch a ton of giant bass on crankbaits, you can be one of them! Speed cranking for Winter bass is far more effective than everyone realizes, even in the coldest water temperature. Once you understand how to create the right action at different depths, this will become one of your key confidence baits. The words "Burn, Burn, Burn, Pause" will forever be in your head as you set the hook on another giant bass!

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits by category, as well as our favorite colors for each of those baits. We've also included our favorite rod and reel combos for each application and price point. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICAL MERCH AND APPAREL...

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

•Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

SHALLOW CRANKS...

•Berkley Frittside 5: https://bit.ly/4hcwfXJ

Colors: HD Brown Craw, HD Green Craw

•Berkley Frittside 5: https://bit.ly/4qruBGl

Colors: Brown Craw, Special Red Craw, Honey Shad

•Rapala OG Slim 6: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Red Crawdad, Live River Shad

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Classic Craw, Rootbeer Craw, Red Craw

SUBTLE CRANKS...

•Rapala Shad Rap 5: https://bit.ly/3OMINZB

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad, Olive Green Craw

•Rapala Shad Rap 7: https://bit.ly/3D5pWGJ

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad, Blaze

•Megabass IXI Shad: https://bit.ly/4ivhBMQ

Colors: Wild Craw, Imae Classic, Ghost Shad

DEED DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Duo Realis G87 20A: https://bit.ly/2Jh4ktg

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Green Smelt, Morning Dawn

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

Colors: Mat Shad, Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, True Shad, Green Pumpkin Craw

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

Colors: Mat Shad, MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu

•Megabass Super Z Z–3: https://bit.ly/3HDg7wc

Colors: Green Craw, IT Craw, Phantom Green Craw

HOOK UPGRADE...

•Owner ST–35 Treble: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Favorite Size: 2

BIG CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'9" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4jbZGvj

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo Premier LP: https://bit.ly/4e8LPCc

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

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TACTICAL 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

MID CRANK COMBO...

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

Model: 7'2" Medium Mod Fast (Finesse Carbon Cranker)

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

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

MEGABASS CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Super Griffon Competizione

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

BUDGET ALL AROUND CRANK COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'4" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/41ntbDB

Reel– Seviin GF Series (7:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

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

Neko Rig Tricks For Stubborn Winter Bass + Power Fishing Confidence Baits

Jump in the boat with Tim for a fun day on the water! Tim is targeting bass with a variety of swimbaits and power fishing techniques but quickly realizes the fish are shut down, and he's going to need finesse presentations to be successful. Tim immediately pivots to a neko rig, and starts catching big Winter time bass!

Knowing when to switch between power techniques and finesse techniques can save your day on the water. If Tim hadn't adapted, his day could have ended much differently. Instead, he embraced the change, grabbed his confidence bait, and not only caught fish, but caught several big kicker fish! These are the subtle details that make the difference in Winter time bass fishing. Pay attention to the clues, adapt, and overcome.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Tim fished throughout the day. We've also included the rod and reel combos he used to fish the baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND MERCH)

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

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

SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass 5" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/4gNg7LN

Color: Stealth Rainbow

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Color: Threadfintastic

PADDLETAIL...

•Dirty Jigs 3/8 oz Guppy HD: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

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

Color: Electric Shad

KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Color: See Through Shad

NEKO RIG...

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Color: Electric Shad, Natural Shad

•Xzone Tungsten Pagoda Nail: https://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Size: 3/32 oz

•Owner Weedless Sniper Finesse Hook: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Size: 1/0

•VMC Crossover Ring: https://bit.ly/3w0NYdz

Size: 7mm

NEKO RIG COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer 6'11" Landsat: https://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

Reel– Shimano Exsence 3000: https://bit.ly/4oBLYnM

Line– Sunline SX1 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

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

MAGDRAFT COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3RhFit1

Model: Utility Player

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Leader– Sunline Super FC (14 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

KEITECH COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Daiwa PX BF 70 BFS: https://bit.ly/3y0fWw0

Line– Seaguar PEX8 Braid (21 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

BUDGET NEKO RIG COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2000D: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Line– Seaguar Red Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

Underwater Bass Fishing! (How To Catch Bass With Artificial Lures)

Come underwater with us and learn about bass fishing! Let's study bass behavior and learn about different lures at the same time. Watch how bass react to a dropshot, ned rig, texas rig, and jig. These are the details you need to know to catch more fish!

We learn a ton about bass behavior when we go underwater, but we also learn about the lures we're using. Pay close attention to Matt's tips on bait rigging, lure selection, and bait color. Also, you'll notice in the underwater shots that no two baits are created equal so focus your attention on baits with neutral buoyancy and consistent action.

Below you'll find links to the baits featured in the video. We've included our best colors, our preferred rigging components, as well as some great budget–friendly rod and reel combos. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CRAW BAITS...

•Great Lakes Finesse Snack Craw: https://bit.ly/4b8aeHo

Natural Colors: Brown Pumpkin Special, Green Pumpkin

Bold Color: Fire Craw

•ZMan TRD BugZ: https://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Natural Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

Bold Colors: Hot Craw, Green Pumpkin Orange

•ZMan TRD CrawZ: https://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Natural Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

Bold Colors: Hot Craw, Green Pumpkin Orange

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Natural Colors: Green Pumpkin, Grass Craw

Bold Color: Burnt Craw

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Creature: https://bit.ly/3M0BXOU

Natural Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Green Pumpkin Blue

DROPSHOT BAITS...

•MissileBaits BombShot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Colors: Fishalicious, Goby Bite

•Big Bite Baits Scentsation Smasher: https://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Bully, Smashed Goby, Smelt

NED BAITS...

•Savage Gear Ned Salamander: https://bit.ly/3rSNi8g

Colors: Mojito, Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug

•MissileBaits NedBomb: https://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Colors: Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core, Goby Bite

FINESSE JIG...

•Keitech Tungsten Football Jig (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue

DROPSHOT HOOKS...

•Owner Jungle Dropshot: https://bit.ly/4nRKl49

Size: 2

•BKK Armor Point Dropshot: https://bit.ly/4p8e3SL

Size: 2

NED HOOKS...

•ZMan Nedlockz EWG: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Size: 1/6 oz

•ZMan Nedlockz HD: https://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Size: 1/6 oz

BUDGET DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 6'10" Medium Light X Fast: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2500D: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

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

BUDGET NED COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 7' Med Light Fast: https://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Reel– Shimano Sedona FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

Line– Seaguar InvizX (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BUDGET FINESSE JIG COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick 7'1" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4ffgUVe

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

BUDGET BFS COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/47GAOVA

Reel– Abu García Revo X BFS: https://bit.ly/4flqwi3

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

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

Best Fish Hook For Every Situation! (Fishing Hooks Explained And Simplified)

The right hook for every situation can be really confusing! Today Tim is explaining the differences between hooks and what each style is used for. He covers beginner basics, like the name of different parts of a hook, then gets into advanced details with specific hook type and size recommendations for specific baits. Whether you're just learning to fish, or you want to take your bass fishing to the next level, this is for you!

It's shocking how many anglers don't understand the differences between hooks. They use hooks that cost them fish every day, and never realize the issue. The hook point angle on a treble hook can be the difference between landing all your fish, and losing all your fish. The difference between a light wire dropshot hook and a standard hook might mean snagging bottom all day or catching fish without problems. These subtle details have huge impacts on your fishing success!

Below you'll find links to all of Tim's favorite hooks, with an explanation of what each hook is for. He's also included his favorite sizes where applicable. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

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

WORM HOOKS...

•Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook: https://bit.ly/3BVoabb

Size: 4/0 for 5" Stick Bait

•Gamakatsu EWG Hook: https://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Favorite Size: 2/0 – 4/0

(All around for most soft plastics)

•Gamakatsu Superline EWG Hook: https://bit.ly/3AmFDnK

Favorite Size: 3/0 – 4/0

(Big Creatures, Soft Jerkbaits)

•Owner Haymaker Hook: https://bit.ly/3Muie8j

Favorite Size: 3/0 – 4/0

(Flipping Cover With Large Creatures)

•Owner Jungle Flippin HD Straight Shank: https://bit.ly/3NZpvzp

Favorite Size: 3/0 – 4/0

(Punching Heavy Cover With Creatures And Craws)

WACKY RIGGING HOOKS...

•Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Favorite Sizes: 1/0

(Wacky Rigged Worms and Stick Baits)

•Owner Sniper Finesse Weedless: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Favorite Sizes: 1/0

(Weedless Wacky For Stick Baits)

•Gamakatsu G Finesse: https://bit.ly/3JJ0NCM

Favorite Sizes: 1 or 1/0

(Neko Rigging Straight Worms)

DROPSHOT HOOKS...

•Owner Mosquito Light: https://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Favorite Sizes: 4, 2, 1

(Small nose hooked worms in clear water)

•BKK Armorpoint Dropshot: https://bit.ly/4jveyoy

Favorite Size: 2 or 1

(All Around For Most Worms)

•VMC Redline Drop Shot: https://bit.ly/3K4VpbR

Favorite Size: 1 or 1/0

(Targeting Larger Bass with nose hooked worms)

•Owner Cover Shot HD Straight Shank: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Favorite Size: 2/0

(5-7" Straight worms, weedless texas rigged dropshot

JIG HEADS...

Traditional Ned– BKK Silent Chaser: https://bit.ly/3ZvTJ2g

Favorite Size: 1/16 oz, 1/0 Hook

Weedless Ned– Zman Nedlockz EWG: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Favorite Size: 1/10 oz

Shaky Head– Dirty Jigs Canterbury: https://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Favorite Size: 3/16 oz

Standard Football– Owner Ultra Football Head: https://bit.ly/2t1bY4y

Favorite Size: 3/8 oz

Small Football– VMC Finesse Football: https://bit.ly/3CZ1cQK

Favorite Size: 1/4 oz

ROUND BEND TREBLES... (Topwater and Jerkbaits)

Standard– Owner ST–36: https://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Favorite Size: 2 or 4

Heavy Wire– Owner ST–56: https://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Favorite Size: 2 or 4

EWG TREBLES... (Lipless Cranks)

Standard EWG: Gamakatsu EWG: https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

Favorite Size: 4 or 6

Heavy Wire EWG– BKK Spear EWG 71 SS: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Favorite Size: 4 or 6

SPECIALTY TREBLES...

Short Shank– VMC Short Shank: https://bit.ly/4ptcBKN

Favorite Size: 2 or 3

(Topwater Walking Baits)

Crankbait– Owner ST–35: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Favorite Size: 2

(Deep Diving Crankbaits)

Jerkbaits– Gamakatsu G Finesse: https://bit.ly/2dWWAut

Vision 110: Size 5

(jerkbaits)

If you plan to do any shopping, using these affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!