5 Winter Bait Tricks You've Got To Try! ( The Baits We Really Use )

Do You Have The Winter Fishing blues? Try these tricks to start catching fish again! Winter fishing can be tricky when the weather doesn't cooperate, but we have some hacks we use to stand out to the fish and get bit, even on the tough days. Give one of these 5 tricks a try the next time you're at the lake, and need to get a bite.

Most anglers that struggle with Winter fishing don't realize how different it is than the rest of the year. They tend to throw the same baits in the same places, even though they're not catching fish. This year you need to mix it up and try some new techniques! From strange color combinations to unique bait actions, these tricks will get bit, even in the coldest water of Winter!

Below you'll find links to the baits discussed in the video. We've even included our favorite colors, sizes, and some great budget rod and reel combos that will help you throw these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

MODIFIED NED RIG...

Bait– ZMan Finesse TRD: https://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Color: Mood Ring, Meat Dog

Head– ZMan Ned Lockz EWG: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Color: Chartreuse

Size: 1/10 oz

STANDARD NED RIG...

Bait– Xzone Ned Zone: https://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Color: Violet Secret

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

Size: 1/10 oz, 1/0 Hook

TUBES FOR WINTER FISHING...

•Netbait STH Baitfuel Tubes: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Sizes: 2.5", 4"

Color: Green Pumpkin, Dark Melon Purple

Head for 2.5" Tube– Great Lakes Fitness: https://bit.ly/41C1W6g

Size: 3/16 oz

Head for 4" Tube: Xzone 60 Degree: https://bit.ly/3hV3cPE

Size: 3/8 oz

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

ALABAMA RIG SUBTLE SWIMBAITS...

•G Ratt 4" Thin Swim Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3TJVbxv

Colors: Pro Blue, Trout Smolt

•Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Crystal Shad

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

Colors: American Shad, Pure Gill

CHARTREUSE JIG TRICK...

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 Black Purple Copper

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

Colors: Firetiger, Chartreuse Black Flake, Watermelon Lemon

DAMIKI RIG...

•Damiki Rig Jig Head: https://bit.ly/2tg1ajm

Size: 1/8 - 3/8

•Damiki Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Size: 2.5 - 3"

Colors: Pro Blue, American Shad, RP Blue Pearl

BUDGET NED/DAMIKI COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

Models: 6'10" Medium Light Extra Fast

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

Size: 2500HG

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

Leader– Sunline FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

BUDGET JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza: https://bit.ly/3QjR9Kw

Models: 6'10" Medium heavy

Reel– Shimano Caius B: https://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw

Speed: 7.2:1

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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

BUDGET TUBE COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT: https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

Model: 7'3" Medium Extra Fast

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

Size: 2500D–XH

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sunline FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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

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

NEW TacticalBassin Lure Design! THE MICRO FLEX RIG!!! **Full Review**

The "Tactical Micro Flex Rig" is finally here!! We've been prototyping, tweaking, modifying, and dialing in our final rig design! We've known from the day we launched the Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig years ago, that it would eventually become a series of rigs, designed to help anglers in EVERY situation. The time has come!

The new "Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex Rig" bridges the gap between traditional bass fishing, and A-Rig fishing. This compact, little rig is designed to fish with 2" to 3" swimbaits. It can be thrown on spinning gear, bait finesse gear, or traditional bass tackle. The days of being "beat up" by the Alabama Rig are over. We all know the effectiveness of these umbrella rigs but actually fishing them can be cumbersome. Slinging this micro rig is effortless! You can throw it day after day, even if you don't know how to use casting gear.

Below you'll find links to the brand new rigs, as well as to our favorite swimbaits, rod and reel combos, and storage solutions. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

HOGFARMER TACTICAL MICRO FLEX RIG...

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

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

FAVORITE SWIMBAIT PAIRINGS...

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

Colors: American Shad, PB Silver

•ZMan 3" Slim Swimz: https://bit.ly/41BAQfr

Colors: The Deal, Bad Shad, Disco Cisco

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

FAVORITE MICRO FLEX HEADS...

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

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 hook

•Megabass Okashira Head: https://bit.ly/3RNNZxK

Size: 1/8 oz, 3/0 Hook

•ZMan Finesse Eyez: https://bit.ly/3RCkJtx

Size: 1/8 - 3/16 oz

OUR LARGER RIGS...

•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

ALL AROUND MICRO FLEX COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Curado 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

HIGH END MICRO FLEX COMBO...

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

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

Line– Sufix 131 Sunrise Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/3vbtuDw

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

BUDGET MICRO FLEX COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT 7' Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT 100 HS: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

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

SPINNING MICRO FLEX COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7' Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel– Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line– Sufix 832 (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Blue Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/48EP2Hz

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

Best Hooks For Bass Fishing: Senko, Worms, Crankbaits, Topwater, Swimbait!

So many hooks, so little time! Its taken us years (and hundreds of packs of hooks) to develop this short list of the best hooks for different situations. Whether you want to wacky rig a senko, punch a creature, or throw a deep diving crankbait, we've compiled this list for you! Not only do we cover hook styles, we also cover wire sizes, strength, etc... to perfectly match your fishing conditions. 

Tim starts off with reaction baits and wraps it up with soft plastics. The reason for this is most anglers lose fish on treble hook baits. Crankbaits and topwater are the primary heartbreakers in bass fishing. You think you've got that fish hooked well but when the head shakes start, you lose. Almost all of these losses can be avoided if you truly understand treble hooks. When to switch between styles, when to switch to heavier gauge wire, etc. 

Today's video is a lot for you to digest as an angler. We know Tim breezed through a ton of hooks in a short time but its the only way to cover all the information. Below is a detailed breakdown of the hooks in order of appearance in the video. If you click the links (they go direct to Tackle Warehouse) you will see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. This truly is a challenging year with store shelves around the country completely empty and mixed information on future shipments. We hope this video gives you the information you need to be successful throughout the Summer and Fall. 

Treble Hooks... 

Round Bend- Owner ST-36 (1X Strength): http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Curved Point Bend- Gamakatsu EWG (1X Strength): http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Cranking Hook- Owner ST-35 (2X Strength): http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Stronger Hook- Owner ST-56 (3X Strength): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Feathered Treble- Owner ST-36 Dressed Hook (1X Strength): http://bit.ly/2m7XrAx

Split Rings... 

Finesse- Hyperwire Black (Size 2-4): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Heavy Duty- Hyperwire Silver (Sizes 4-5): http://bit.ly/2aTH3f1

Strongest Ever- Owner Ultra Splits (Sizes 5-9): http://bit.ly/3bQgswL

**Big Swimbait Fishermen: You are missing it if you're not using Ultra Split Rings. They're bomb proof and will hold up to giant striper, saltwater fish, mega largemouth, etc**

Swimbait Hooks... 

-Owner Beast Hook: http://bit.ly/2gx3A54

-Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

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

-Owner Flashy Swimmer: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Senko Hooks... 

Senko Wacky- Owner Sniper Finesse: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Senko Wacky- Gamakatsu G Finesse Stinger: http://bit.ly/2otYTPg

Senko Texas Rig- Gamakatsu 5/0 G-Finesse Hybrid Worm: http://bit.ly/2GT2T29

Senko Heavy Duty- Owner Jungle Worm Hook: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Dropshot Hooks... 

Matt's Favorite- Trokar Dropshot Hook: http://bit.ly/2ahxJOr

Gamakatsu Aaron Martens Dropshot Hook: http://bit.ly/2zGX441

Tim's Favorite- Owner Mosquito Light Hook: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Flipping and Punching... 

-Owner Jungle Flipping Hook: http://bit.ly/2G5aQTk

-Trokar Flipping Hook: https://bit.ly/39OyCOS

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

-TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

-TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

-TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

-TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Cold Water A-Rigs Tricks For Bass

Today we're adapting the A-Rig to catch deep cold water bass. Come along for a day on the water and see where these cold Winter fish are staging, how we target them, and what we do to the alabama rig to adapt to the colder conditions. Too many anglers focus on the shoreline during the cold months. Until we reach the prespawn, offshore fishing is an important part of Winter success. 

When probing deep water with an A-rig its important to adjust the sink rate of the rig. Changing from 1/8 ounce heads in shallow water to 3/16, 3/8, even 3/4 ounce heads will allow you to fish much, much deeper water with ease. You can take it a step further however if you're really paying attention. 

RETRIEVE SPEED is probably the single most important component to catching bass with A-rigs. With that in mind, you can fish an Alabama rig in 20 feet of water with 1/8 ounce heads as long as you go ultra slow. You can fish that same depth with 3/4 ounce heads and burn the bait along the bottom. Anglers understand the value of adjusting retrieve speed in shallow water but it is often overlooked in the depths. Pay attention to the speed you're getting bit at, adjust the swimbait heads on your rig to lighter or heavier models and you will be far more successful this Late Winter and early Pre Spawn. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of some of the best A-rigs available, an explanation of the two head styles we use, along with the gear we were using in the video to throw these rigs in deeper water. 

Lighter Wire A-Rigs... 

-Flash Mob Jr: http://bit.ly/2bgDGNu

-Yum Ultralight Rig: http://bit.ly/2cq4pJQ

-Hogfarmer Baits BFL Hitchhiker: http://bit.ly/36EcEuR

-G Funk Baits Cali Rig Bladed: http://bit.ly/2rZhST7

Swimbait Heads... 

-Matt Allen Swimbait Heads: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

-TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Heads: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Matt Allen heads have a heavier hook for big fish and stout gear. TacticalBassin finesse heads feature a lighter wire hook that is excellent for Winter fish, smallmouth, spotted bass, or mid-sized largemouth. 

Equipment Upgrades To Dial In Your A-Rig... 

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

-Owner CPS Springs (Medium): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

-Keitech 4.8 Swimbait (Main Baits): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Reaction Innovations Little Dipper (non-hook baits): http://bit.ly/2brnU5I

Favorite Keitech colors for A-rigs: Pro Blue Red Pearl, TW Pro Blue, Electric Shad

Favorite Little Dipper colors: Bad Shad Green, Purple Smoke

Matt's A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Curado 7'6" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC-100 System 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Tim's A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC-100 System 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G