Where Do Bass Go In The Middle Of Winter?! (And How To Catch Them On Your Lake)

This is how to catch bass on those COLD Winter days! Giant bass are caught every Winter, so don't be the guy sitting at home. These are the places you need to fish, and the baits you can trust, whether you fish a pond, lake, or reservoir. The boat ramps are empty, the lakes are peaceful, and big bass are willing to bite!

We're in the heart of Winter and bass have settled into their seasonal pattern. Their locations are set, their feeding patterns are set, and only the most extreme weather can disturb the balance. What that means for you, is that once you find fish you can catch them day after day. Winter can be amazing! Sure it's cold, but the chill in the air vanishes when you set the first hook!

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear Tim discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors, sizes, and equipment for each technique. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see photos and descriptions of the items.

SPEED CRANKING...

•R2S Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad, DD Minnow

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

Colors: Mat Shad, MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu

BLADED ALABAMA RIGS...

Largest– Tactical Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Medium– Tactical Mini Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Smallest– Tactical Micro Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

5 Hook– Tactical Mini 5 Hook Rig: https://bit.ly/429NWTK

WINTER A–RIG SWIMBAITS...

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

Size: 4", 4.5", 5"

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Crystal Shad

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

Colors: American Shad, Pure Gill

A–RIG SWIMBAIT HEADS...

Full Size Heads– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 - 3/16 oz

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

Size: 1/8 oz

JERKBAIT...

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

Colors: Matte Shad, Kasumi Ito

BLADE BAIT...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu

UNDERSPIN...

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

Size: 3/8 oz

•Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Smokin Blue

FOOTBALL JIG...

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

Color: Supermatt Brown, Canterbury Craw, The Go To

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

Color: Cinn Blk Purp, Green Pump Purple Copper

BUDGET ALABAMA RIG COMBO...

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

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

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance Green Mono (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

AFFORDABLE SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

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

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT (HS): https://bit.ly/35hugfH

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

AFFORDABLE FINESSE JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3QjR9Kw

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

Line– Sunline Super FC (14 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 apparel and merch! See it here…

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

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

TacticalBassin Is Expanding! Meet Adam Hinkle!

We're expanding in 2025 with bonus content featuring some of our closest friends! Meet Adam Hinkle, a serious bass angler from the San Diego area in Southern California. Adam brings a unique perspective to the Tactical Family, having grown up in California's "Big Bass Era", and constantly adapting both power fishing and finesse presentations to the clear, pressured waters of Southern California.

Today Adam is showing how different Southern California can be from the rest of the country in "Winter". A hoodie and a shallow crankbait can get the job done on a crisp San Diego morning. Despite the temperate climate, there are many aspects of fishing in this region that translate to the whole country, and Adam is going to help us stay connected to those trends. Expect to see him featured a few times a year in bonus videos, along with the other members of our newly formed "Tactical Family" team of anglers.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Adam was using, as well as some widely available options that are very similar to his custom gear. All the link go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CRANKBAIT...

•Berkley Fritside 5 HD Crankbait: https://bit.ly/4hcwfXJ

Color: HD Green Craw

ADAM'S HOMEMADE JIG...

Jig Skirt: Dirty Jigs Replacement Skirts: https://bit.ly/3Xu0BwC

Jig Head: Boss Mini Ball Head (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/4aeiBRK

ADAM'S CAROLINA RIG...

Bait– Zoom Baby Brush Hog: https://bit.ly/2bnpCRx

Color: Watermelon Red Flake

Hook– Gamakatsu Offset Round Bend (Size 3/0): https://bit.ly/3BVoabb

Swivel– Spro Power Swivel (Size 6): https://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

Weight– Picasso Tungsten Cylinder (1 oz): https://bit.ly/3E2CSxo

SIMILAR CRANKBAIT COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 DC (XG): https://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line– Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3Cje0Rw

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (XG): 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

Winter Jig Modifications: The Tricks That Catch All The Fish!

Take your jig fishing to the next level with these simple hacks! Jigs are a staple technique in bass fishing and these simple tricks will help you catch a lot more fish! From skirt modifications, to trailer tricks, to weed guard changes, these are the tricks that Matt and Tim use to catch fish in the worst conditions around the country!

We've dialed in these jig mods through years of experimentation with jigs, all around the country. The chartreuse trick for murky water, using the exposed hook to catch wary fish, shortening trailers to create a bite sized package; all of these were born from real fishing experiences. If you want to catch more fish, these are the no–nonsense ways to accomplish your goal!

Below you'll find links to all the jigs, jig trailers, and color options Matt discussed in the video. We've also included his favorite rod and reel combos for fishing jigs effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

JIG MOD #1...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin' Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Favorite Colors: The Go To, Hematoma

•Netbait 4" Paca Slim: https://bit.ly/2M5cuGF

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Black Shadow Flare

JIG MOD #2...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Favorite Colors: Supermatt Brown, Alabama Craw, The Go To

•Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Cinnamon Black Purple

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

Colors: Chartreuse Black Flake, Firetiger

JIG Mod #4...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Favorite Colors: Supermatt Brown, Alabama Craw, The Go To

•MissileBaits Micro Football (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3osY6wA

Favorite Colors: Dill pickle, PB&J

•Great Lake Finesse Matte Finesse Jig (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/3Yj41mp

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Brown, Green Pumpkin Black

JIG MOD #5 JIGS...

•Dirty Jigs Compact Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2hAIyCV

Colors: The Go To, Hematoma

•Keitech Tungsten Football (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown Purple, Dark Pumpkin

•MissileBaits Micro Football (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3osY6wA

Favorite Colors: Dill pickle, PB&J

•Great Lake Finesse Matte Finesse Jig (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/3Yj41mp

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Brown, Green Pumpkin Black

FINESSE JIG TRAILERS...

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

•Damiki 3" Air Craw: https://bit.ly/3AvRsZJ

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Green Pumpkin Magic

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

Colors: Grass Craw, Green Pumpkin Black

•Reins 3" G Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/3ZWP3o6

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue

HULA GRUBS...

•Yamamoto 5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/2d7SpgG

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Cinnamon Black Purple

•Gamakatsu Football Jig: https://bit.ly/2CTXHHt

Size: 3/8 oz

•Yamamoto 2.5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/497jz1m

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper, Green Pumpkin Black

•Great Lakes Finesse Stealth Football: https://bit.ly/4eQjXTb

Size: 3/8 oz

MATT'S FOOTBALL JIG COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

Model: 7' Heavy

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

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

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

MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

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

BUDGET JIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Line– Sunline FC 12 lb: 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 apparel and merch! See it here…

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

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

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