As cold nights set in and temperatures around the country drop, bass begin acting in peculiar ways. Yes, some of them continue to ambush baitfish in the shallows when they can find it, but many are shifting toward Winter haunts. As these fish gather near outside structures their feeding habits begin to change and the way you target them should as well.
If you live in the Southern half of the country your fish are still feeding aggressively in warmer water than our Northern brethren are currently experiencing. Your fish are most likely actively corralling baitfish in the backs of creeks and coves, feeding voraciously several times each day. During these times an aggressive jerkbait with maximum flash and movement is the key to consistent success. You need to distract these fish from the 1000’s of real prey so they will target the single, injured minnow that you are presenting.
For those in the Northern half of the country, Winter is fast approaching. Many are already seeing freezing temperatures and water temperatures are beginning to plummet. This cold snap marks one of your best opportunities of the year for a giant bass! While many anglers shy away from the cold, you are the stand out who carries on and will be rewarded. When you’re targeting bass in cold water (below 50 degrees) flash becomes less important, the bait’s ability to suspending in place will be the triggering mechanism to make your fish bite.
Below you’ll find links to both styles of jerkbait, the gear we use to throw them, and the terminal tackle we use to modify and perfect this presentation. All links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
If you Could Only Have One Jerkbait…
Bait- Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb
Colors: HT-Ito Tennessee Shad or GP Pro Blue
Aggressive Jerkbaits…
Shallow- Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED
Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, Silver Shad, Hollow Minnow
Shallow- Lucky Craft Flash Pointer SP: http://bit.ly/2aHz588
Colors: Bone Pro Blue, American Shad, Aurora Black
Midrange- Jackall Rerange MR: https://bit.ly/2CbWr6X
Colors: Hollow Minnow, Silver Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, Blue Pearl Shad
Suspending Cold Water jerkbaits…
Small- Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf
Colors: Ito Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad, GG Deadly Black Shad
Standard- Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb
Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, Mat Tenn Shad, Killer Kawaguchi
Deep- Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX
Colors: GP Pro Blue, Mat Shad, GP Skeleton TN
Extra Deep- Megabass Vision 110+2: http://bit.ly/2BLQIBA
Colors: Mat Shad, Ito Tennessee Shad, GP Pro Blue
Hook and Split Ring Upgrades…
Split Ring Replacement- Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
110 Replacement Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Treble (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut
110 Junior Replacement Hook- Gamakatsu 1X Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3oSXVXp
Matt’s Favorite Jerkbait Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 6’10” medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8
Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Alternative Reel: Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa
Mid-Range Jerkbait Combo…
Rod- Shimano Curado 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2gUWTft
Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Budget Jerkbait Combo…
Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6’8″ medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs
Reel- Shimano SLX MGL 70: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Other Great Jerkbait Rods…
-Megabass Orochi XX 6’11” Jerkbait Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH
-Megabass Destroyer Oneten Special: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY
-G Loomis IMX Pro 812 JBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi
-St Croix Legend Elite 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc
-Shimano SLX 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO
Related Jerkbait Videos…
Fall Jerkbait Fishing! Everything You Need To Know! (2020): https://youtu.be/mLkjULrvQFA
Winter Jerkbait Fishing- Tricks To Get More Bites (2019): https://youtu.be/_eOGx2ZXkzY
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
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If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won’t be able to even see a difference but they’ll know you’re one of us!
#bassfishing #Jerkbait #Winterfishing