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