Winter Bass Fishing: Finesse Tips To Keep Catching Fish!

Winter is coming fast! If your fish disappear as the water gets cold, there is hope! Over the years we’ve found a handful of key baits that get bit day after day, year after year, even when conditions are tough. If the Winter blues are setting in, turn to these proven choices to keep catching fish. 

Many anglers quit fishing in the Winter. They turn to the woods or the couch to pass the days until Spring returns. Don’t be that guy! The lakes are incredibly peaceful in Winter and there are BIG bass to be caught! Some days you can still catch them on reaction baits but when the going gets tough, turning to finesse is a sure way to keep getting bit. Tim has a handful of baits including worms, jigs, and flies, that work everywhere he goes. 

Below you’ll find a breakdown of all the baits he discussed in the video. We’ve included the rigging, the exact colors he relies on to keep getting bit, and some of the rods and reels he uses to stay successful. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.  

Dropshot Baits… 

-Big Bite Smallie Smasher 3.5” (Green Pumpkin Purple Flake): http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

-Strike King Half Shell (Morning Dawn): http://bit.ly/2iR9awm

-Damiki Armor Shad Fluke (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Dropshot Rigging… 

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (size 2): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Pencil (1/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Jigs… 

Jig-Keitech Tungsten Football (Brown/Purple): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Z Man TRD BugZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 5/8 oz (Green Pumpkin Craw): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Trailer- Yamamoto 5” Double Tail (Green Pump purp copper): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Fly… 

-Spro Phat Fly 1/8 (Grey Ghost): http://bit.ly/2mboisG

Neko Rig… 

Bait- Yamamoto 5” Senko (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Weight- Tungsten Pagoda Nail (1/16): http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Hook- Owner Weedless Sniper Finesse Neko (1/0): https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Ring- G7 Protect Tube (7MM): http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

Ned RIg… 

Bait- Roboworm 3” Ned Worm (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Bait- Z Man Finesse TRD (Green Pumpkin Goby): http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Tungsten Head- Swagger Flanders (1/10th): http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead Head- Owner Block Head (1/16th): http://bit.ly/2qL0A8n

Swimbait… 

Head- Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Bait- Keitech 3.3 or 3.8 Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Bait- Keitech 2.8” Fat Swing Impact (TW Ghost Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Head- Cool Baits Down Under 1/8 oz (Black Silver): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Dropshot/Ned Rig Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Sunline SX-1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Finesse Jig/Swimbait Casting Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Leader: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Finesse Spinning Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Power Pro 15 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb Leader: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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

Underspin Tricks You've Never Tried That Catch More Bass!

Underspins are a great way to catch bass in the Fall. They add flash and vibration to your favorite swimbait and help it stand out amongst a crowd of baitfish. Whether you're throwing a big swimbait in search of a giant bass or a tiny finesse swimbait just looking for a bite, rigging it on an underspin can make a huge difference!

Tim has a handful of underspins that he relies on to consistently catch fish. Whether he's throwing a 2.8 keitech on a spinning rod, or a larger swimbait deep in the grass, there is a perfect hook for every application. When the fish are short striking or targeting the blade, he's got a trick to add a stinger hook to the blade to hook those finicky bass as well! If you're not throwing an underpin this Fall, you're missing a great opportunity to load the boat with quality fish. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, hooks, and components Tim showed in the video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included some of his favorite rod/reel combos for these techniques, including a budget combo for anglers that are just getting into this style of fishing. 

The Underspins... 

-Coolbaits Down Under (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Colors: Black Silver, Ol Faithful, Silver Shad

-Blade Runner Screw Lock Spintrix (3/8 - 1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2oocg0a

Colors: Anchovy, Black Shad, Unpainted

-Fish Head Spin Finesse (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3m5tuLv

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino, Raw Shad

-Owner Flashy Swimmer (1/0, 3/0, 5/0): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Favorite Underspin Swimbaits... 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact (2.8, 3.8, 4.3, 4.8): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, TW Ghost Shad, Electric Blue

-Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad, Gizzard Shad

-River2Sea D Walker (100, 120): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Colors: PB Red, Shamrock Shad

-Xzone Swammer (3.5" , 4"): http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: 309, 210, Tennessee Shad

Tim's Stinger Hook Modification... 

Hook- Owner Cover Shot size 2: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

**Cut Off Keeper Barb before threading onto Split Ring**

Tim's Finesse Underspin Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500 HGF (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline SX1 Braided 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Heavy Underspin/Flashy Swimmer Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

**The Longer Handle Makes This New Rod AMAZING For This Technique**

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 20 lb System Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Finesse Underspin Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500 FB: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Power Pro Braided 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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

5 Finesse Tactics For Fall Bass Fishing

When the Fall Transition gets tough, turning to finesse will save the day. It might even get that big kicker bass you've been looking for! Tim is an expert with finesse tactics and today he's discussing the 5 rigs he turns to when the reaction bite shuts down. Do you have a favorite? 

Tim's 5 rigs include a dropshot, shaky head, ned rig, finesse swimbait, and finesse jig. He leans very strongly to the dropshot but each of these options has a key place in the arsenal. Pay attention to the details of his dropshot rigs including different hooks and baits to achieve different actions. While dropshot fishing isn't glamorous its incredibly effective in the Fall and is capable of fooling the biggest bass in the school. 

Below you'll find links to all of the items discussed in the video. We've included color recommendations, weight and size preferences, as well as some of our favorite gear to throw these lures. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Texas-Rigged Dropshot... 

Worm- Roboworm 4" Fat (Prism Shad): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Other Colors: Hologram, Aaron's Pro Shad

Hook- Owner Cover Shot (1/0): http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Dropshot 1/4 oz (Black): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Nose-Hooked Dropshot... 

Worm- Roboworm Alive Shad (Hologram Shad): http://bit.ly/2kDNeYw

Other Colors: Prism Shad, Aarons Blue Smelt

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Dropshot 3/16 oz (Black): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Other Great Dropshot Baits... 

-Berkley Maxscent Flat Worm: https://bit.ly/3lAAorL

Colors: Black Shiner, Natural Shad, Smoke Black Purple

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Silver Smoke Blue, Smoke Purple Flake

-Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Colors: RP Blue Pearl, PB Silver, American Shad

-Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, TW Shad, Electric Shad

Shaky Head... 

Worm- Netbait T-Mac 6.5" Worm (Junebug): http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Other Colors: Texas Craw, Green Pumpkin

Hook- Canterbury Shaky Head 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Ned Rig Baits... 

- Zman Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, The Deal, Canada Craw

-Zman TRD TicklerZ: http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Colors: Drew's Craw, Green Pumpkin, The Deal

-Xzone Ned Zone: http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Minnow Magic, Green Pumpkin Purple

Ned Rig Heads... 

Tungsten- Swagger Tungsten Flanders 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead- Z Man Ned LockZ HD 1/10: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Finesse Swimbaits... 

- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad

- Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Shad, Tennessee Shad

- Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, RP Blue Pearl

-Megabass Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Wakasagi, Shirauo

Finesse Swimbait Head... 

Head- Guppy Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Finesse Jigs... 

Lead- Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig 5/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Colors: Supermatt Brown, Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw

Tungsten- Keitech Football Jig 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown/Purple, Dark Green Pumpkin

Finesse Jig Trailers... 

-Strike King Rage Chunk: http://bit.ly/2Hd4MFA

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Blue Craw

-Netbait Paca Chunk: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Watermelon Jelly, Green Pumpkin

-Yamamoto 4" Double Tail: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Smoke Black Purple, Cinnamon Blk Purple

"Bang For The Buck" Dropshot/Ned Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2000 (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 12 lb Hi Vis: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Dropshot/Ned/Finesse Swim Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Power Pro 15 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 6 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Favorite Finesse Jig/Shaky Head Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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

Topwater, Flukes, and Underspins For Aggressive Fall Bass!

There are dozen of bass busting on the surface and we've got the right baits to catch them! Come along as Matt takes a finesse approach to Chickamuaga. He's throwing a fluke, a topwater, and several bladed swimbaits, but everything has been downsized to match the size of baitfish in the shallows. By "matching the hatch" the bite gets so good he can almost call his shots. Let's go fishing!

One of the biggest mistakes we see anglers make when they downsize their lures is they also downsize their drawing power. Choosing baits that will draw a finesse bite but still maintain drawing power is an art in itself. Today Matt focused in on 4 key baits to accomplish this and ultimately added fifth. 

The fluke is by far the easiest of the bunch, it has natural drawing power at any size because of its aggressive darting action. The topwater was accomplished by choosing a bait with a cupped face that spit water and created a larger disturbance than other similarly sized baits. Upsizing the drawing power of tiny swimbaits is a task but its most easily accomplished by adding flash. Matt used one with a flashing underspin blade and another with a spinner on the nose. And finally, when he backed out to deep water, the tail spin was implemented to maintain a small size but increase drawing power. 

The next time you're met with tiny baitfish in the shallows remember that you can downsize your presentation without downsizing your catch rate. Focus on baits with significant drawing power and you'll catch fish. Below are links to all the baits and equipment Matt used in the video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Fluke... 

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke Jr: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino, Arkansas Shiner

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Support- Owner CPS Spring (Size Small): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Video detailing this rigging method: https://youtu.be/U3bP0HkJxk0

Topwater... 

Bait- Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Skeleton Chartreuse, American Shad, Emerald Shiner

Underspin... 

Bait- Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer 1/8 oz with 1/0 hook: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Screw Head... 

Bait- Megabass Spark Shad 3": http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Albino, Real, Silver Shad

Hook- Megabass Okashira Screw Head (1/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

Tail Spinner... 

Bait- Jackall Deracoup 1 oz (Silver): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Red Hook Upgrade- Owner ST-36 Red (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2wSknXp

Matt's Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Topwater Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7' Medium Light+: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Bantam Metanium MGL HG: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget All-Around Finesse Casting Combo...

Rod- Shimano Intenza 6'10" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX DC: http://bit.ly/2MJyuXN

Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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