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

How To Catch Bass With Plastic Worms! **Underwater Footage Of Dropshot, Ned Rig, And Texas Rigs**

Do you want to catch bass? Come underwater with us! Let's study bass behavior and learn about different lures at the same time! Watch how bass react to a dropshot, ned rig, and Texas rig, as well as how the baits behave with different rigging. 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, jig head weight, and lure selection. 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 some of our favorite baits from each category. We've included our best colors, as well as our preferred rigging components. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

DROPSHOT WORMS...

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

Colors: Fishaliscious, Goby Bite, Green Pumpkin

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

Colors: Bully, Smashed Goby, Smelt

•Xzone Hot Shot Minnow: https://bit.ly/3NgPDXv

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Minnow Magic

•Reins 4" Bubbling Shaker: https://bit.ly/3OMsKMs

Colors: Smokey Madness, Baitfish SP, Bluegill

DROPSHOT HOOKS BY STYLE...

•Ultralight– Owner Mosquito Light (Size 2): https://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

•Standard– VMC Redline (Size 1): https://bit.ly/3K4VpbR

•Long Shank– BKK Long Shank (Size 2): https://bit.ly/3ZXXyiQ

DROPSHOT WEIGHTS BY STYLE...

Tungsten Tear Drop (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/3HgdcMM

Tungsten Long (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/40NDHjT

Tungsten Tie On (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/4gFECei

CRAWS AND CREATURES...

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Orange, Drew's Craw

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug, Hot Crawz

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mojito

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin/Black Blue

NED HEADS...

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

Size: 1/15 oz

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

Size: 1/16 oz

TEXAS RIG COMPONENTS...

Light Wire Hook– Owner J Light (Size 1): https://bit.ly/3HDg0SH

Heavy Wire Hook– Owner Rig N (Size 1/0): https://bit.ly/2BnniXN

Tungsten– VMC Tungsten Worm (1/16 oz): https://bit.ly/3Vo2dbo

HIGH END DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 822 DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel– Shimano Stella FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

Line– Sunline SX1 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (6 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

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

HIGH END BFS COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 6'3" Ultra Light Slow: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Pop X Stick

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG LTX BFS: https://bit.ly/4aSBckW

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

MID PRICED BFS COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

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

New TacticalBassin Baits And Designs For 2025!! ** Full Review **

We're thrilled to announces our latest lure collaboration! We've partnered up with Hog Farmer once again, this time to build the ultimate 5–Hook Rig! The Tactical 5 Hook, 4 Blade Rig is here! Anglers have been asking for a 5 hook option for years that has great flexibility, durability, and high end components. We've answered that call with our 7th addition to the Tactical family of rigs with Hog Farmer Bait Company.

The fun doesn't stop there! We've also launched an entire line of Merch! From T Shirts and Sun Shirts, to hats, stickers, and more... you can now get our merch directly from Tactical Bassin for the first time in years! Keep an eye on the merch page, as there are constant additions being made, with all the cold weather staples arriving soon.

Back to the rig... the Tactical "Flex" line of rigs has seen incredible success the last few years. From the full size, to the mini, to the micro, giant bass have been fooled by these rigs all over the country! The one request that constantly arises is from the anglers in states that allow 5 hooks. No matter how you modify the rigging, many anglers just prefer 5 hooks, and today we've answered that call with a perfectly balanced, flexible, and durable 5 hook rig.

Below you'll find links to the baits, apparel, and merch. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse for the baits, and directly to the "Merch" page on TacticalBassin.com for the gear. Thank you for your continued support of Tactical Bassin as we continue to teach as many anglers as possible how to catch more and bigger fish!

THE RIG...

•Hog Farmer TacticalBassin 5 Hook 4 Blade Rig: https://bit.ly/429NWTK

THE MERCH...

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

TACTICAL'S EXISTING BAIT AND GEAR COLLABORATIONS...

•Eye Surrender Tactical Bassin Sunglasses: https://bit.ly/3cLH0kl

Favorite Lenses: Matt– Grey, Tim– Green

•River2Sea Tactical Wake 210: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Favorite Colors: Copper Carp, Tactical Shad, Chrome Gill

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

Favorite Colors: True Shad, Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow

TACTICAL'S EXISTING JIGHEAD AND UNDERSPIN COLLABORATIONS...

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

Favorite Size: 3/16 oz

•Dirty Jigs TacticalBassin Underspin Series: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Favorite Size: 1/2 oz, 4/0 Hook

•Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Favorite Size: 1/4 oz

•TacticalBassin Screwed Up Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/3U5RsIx

Favorite Size: 3/8 oz

•TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Favorite Size: 3/8 oz

TACTICAL'S EXISTING A–RIG COLLABORATIONS...

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

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

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

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

•HogFarmer Tactical Micro Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

If you plan to do any shopping, using our affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't see any change, but they'll know you're part of the Tactical Bassin Family!