Where Do Bass Hide In Winter? (And The Tricks We Use To Catch Them)

Bass are making their final transition, are you ready?? The shallow fish are vanishing and surface activity is coming to an end. Where has everything gone? The lake seem so dead but guys are still catching giant bass! Don't get left out, here's what you need to know... 

The Winter transition brings completely different bass behavior. Fish will move toward deep water access where there are ample food sources. You'll find them on the ends of deep points, on the edges of steep slopes near narrow "pinch points", and in featureless lakes, sitting out in the "hollows". The fish use these areas because they can move up and down the water column quickly with changing weather and there is typically an abundance of baitfish in these key locations as well. 

There are a variety of ways to catch these fish. You can catch them with traditional methods like jigs, small swimbaits, or a dropshot. But you can also go against the grain and catch them with big baits, or a variety of reaction baits. Below you'll find links to the exact baits that we rely on this time of year. to catch our fish. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as some budget gear that will help you throw these baits effectively. 

Also, if you missed Tim's "Top 5 Baits For December" video you can see it here: https://youtu.be/ucnztbv1Y7k


ALABAMA RIG...

Bladed– Hogfarmer Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Non Bladed– HogFarmer Tactical Flex: https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

Heads– Matt Allen Swimbait (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits– Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Dummy Baits– Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8


SPEED CRANKBAITS…

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

Color: Sexy Ayu, MB Gizzard


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

Color: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad


•Spro Rock Crawler: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Color: Phantom Green, Phantom Watermelon


BIG SWIMBAITS...

•Savage Gear 8" RTF Trout (Fast Sink): https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Color:  Dirty Silver, Trout


•Huddleston 8" Trout (ROF 12): http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Color: Rainbow Trout, Hitch


SMALL SWIMBAITS...

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

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

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

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 Hook


FINESSE FOOTBALL JIG...

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: Cinn Black Purp, Green Pumpkin Blk


Bait– Yamamoto Hula Grub: http://bit.ly/2d7SpgG

Color: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper

Hook– Gamakatsu Football (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2CTXHHt


NED RIG BAITS...

•ZMan Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Color: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Goby


•Yamamoto 3" Ned Senko Floater: https://bit.ly/3BIjwL2

Color: Electric Shad, Green Pumpkin Watermelon


NED RIG HEADS...

•ZMan Ned Lockz HD: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Size: 1/10


•ZMan Ned Football: https://bit.ly/3Ej3Kpm

Size: 1/8


BUDGET SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano SLX XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

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


BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'8" Heavy: http://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

Reel– Shimano Cardiff A 300: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line– Power Pro Braid (65 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (30 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9


BUDGET NED RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7' medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel– Shimano Miravel 3000: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Leader– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz