Winter Bass Fishing: Crankbaits, Blade Baits, and A-Rigs For Cold Water Bass

We’re back on the water at Chickamauga and the bass are biting! Most anglers think of January as finesse fishing time but that’s not what we’re doing! While finesse can be effective, there is something rewarding about successfully power fishing in cold water. Come along as we throw everything from crankbaits to A-rigs in search of Winter bass.

There are 3 ways to consistently catch fish in cold water. Two weeks ago Matt talked about the power of a swimbait for drawing bites from large fish. Last week Tim discussed the benefits of finesse fishing and how you can consistently catch fish in Winter. Today we’re demonstrating how to power fish in Winter by eliciting a core feed response in the bass. Its not about whether or not they want to bite, its about reacting to a fast moving, erratic bait.

Below you’ll find links to all the baits Matt fished in the video. He’s included the color he was throwing for each as well as the hook upgrades for the crankbait. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

The Baits…

-Rapala Ott’s Garage Bait 06: https://bit.ly/3hJdLke
Color: Live River Shad
**Can Be Backordered**

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd
Color: Ghost Minnow
Hooks- Owner ST-56 (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

-Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response Blade: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL
Color: Ito Hiuo

-Damiki Vault Blade: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2
Color: Real Shad

-Hog Farmer Flex BFL Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK
Hooks- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN
Baits- Keitech Swing Impact 4.3 Fat: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-River2Sea Tactical DD75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Color: Ghost Minnow

Crankbait Hooks and Split Rings…
Rings- Owner Hyperwire #3: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Hooks- Owner ST-35 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Matt’s Lipless Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt’s A-Rig Combo…
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’5″ Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW
Reel- Shimano Curado 200K (HG): http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Sunline FC-100 System Leader 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Matt’s Deep Crank Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
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Want TacticalBassin Apparel?

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 Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz
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Major Equipment We Use Daily…

Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Net- Frabill Conservation PLD 2612: https://bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: http://bit.ly/2KQ0VEI

Favorite Tools and Gear…

Favorite Storage Box: https://bit.ly/3kngvEG
Favorite sunglasses: http://bit.ly/2glE3eN
Favorite Pliers: http://bit.ly/2MpUBEr
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: https://bit.ly/2JyvFJI
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
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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!

#Winter #Bassfishing #Chickamauga

Catch Fish Every Time! How To Speed Crank For Bass Right Now!

This is THE BEST technique to consistently catch fish in the Fall and Winter. Over the past few years we’ve dialed in our crankbait fishing and developed a style we call “speed cranking”. It requires specialized baits (We even designed our own specifically for the technique), high-speed reels, and a very unique cadence with the retrieve. Done correctly, it produces incredible results all around the country throughout the Fall and Winter.

Today we’re demonstrating the technique on Dale Hollow Lake on the Kentucky/Tennessee border. This world-renowned lake is home to the world record smallmouth but is also a great largemouth and spotted bass fishery. Before we even left the marina we were catching bass on the crankbait. Throughout the day we found success using a high speed retrieve with aggressive pauses. We caught fish on both the Tactical Crankbait and the Rock Crawler with our best results split between outside grass lines and deep rock points.

There are a handful of lures that are capable of triggering a feed response in bass when they’re not in a feeding mood. The jerkbait, Speed Cranking a deep diving crankbait, and an Alabama Rig are all great methods to trigger a bass but of these, the crankbait is the most predictable around the country. Whether you’re looking for a GIANT largemouth, a world-class Smallmouth, or a trophy Spotted Bass, it can be done by speeding up your retrieve, mixing up cadence, and choosing a bait with the right vibration.

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment we use for speed cranking. First is today’s baits and specific colors used, then we separated all of the baits by category and included very specific color recommendations that you can rely on to get bit. We’ve also included the exact gear we use so you’re prepared when the right bite comes and even added in budget-minded alternatives that will help you land these crankbait fish without breaking the bank. The links go direct to Tackle warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

The Bait We Designed…
-River2Sea Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Today’s Baits…
-Spro RkCrawler 55 (Phantom Green, Red Crawfish): http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t
-R2S Tactical DD 75 (Green Pumpkin Craw): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Cranks For Primarily Baitfish Eaters…
-Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt
-Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP
-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Cranks For Primarily Crawfish Eaters…
-Spro RkCrawler 55 MD (Shallower): https://bit.ly/3juD6hS
-Spro RkCrawler 55 (Deeper): http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t
-Teckel Drunker: http://bit.ly/2xryClV
-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Consistent Shad Colors…
Deep X 300: MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu, Sexy Shad
Deep Six: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Sexy Shad
Tactical DD: Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow, Mirrored Minnow

Consistent Craw Colors…
RkCrawler: Phantom Brown, Phantom Green, Red River Craw
Drunker: Phantom Green Craw, Phantom Brown Craw, Phantom Red
Tactical DD: Green Pumpkin Craw, Blood Craw

Hook and Hardware Upgrades…
Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 3): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Light Wire Hook- Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY
Heavy Wire Hook- Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Hook Sizes…
Size 2: Deep Six
Size 4: Deep X 300, Tactical DD
Size 6: Drunker, RkCrawler

Braided Line Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- 12 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Fluorocarbon Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Low Budget Combo…
Rod- St Croix Bass X 7’2″ MH Moderate: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs
Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Other Budget Rods…
Dobyns- Fury 7′ Medium Heavy Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Shimano- SLX 7′ Medium Glass (Pre-Order Available): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Daiwa- Tatula XT 7′ Medium Glass: http://bit.ly/2FXhNpO
Falcon- Lowrider 7’6″ Medium Heavy Moderate: https://bit.ly/3negdkY

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
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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 #crankbait #TacticalBassin

Post Spawn Crankbait Fishing Tricks – Speed Cranking For Aggressive Bass!

Forget the way you fish crankbaits! If you’re not speed cranking in the post spawn, you’re missing an amazing opportunity to catch big bass. Its all about TRIGGERING a reaction strike. Whether you’re a Southern Largemouth guy or a Northern Smallmouth guy, you have an amazing opportunity right now to force feed your crankbaits to the bass. The crank’s ability to fire up a feeding frenzy is second to none as bass are moving toward their Summer haunts and you don’t want to miss it!

This technique works incredibly well this time of year. It doesn’t matter if your fish are 20′ deep feeding on outside ledges or 2′ deep on shallow rock bars. The method works in both scenarios, you just need to adapt the specific baits to maintain the speed at different depths. We find that carrying a variety of squarebill crankbaits, mid divers, and deep divers will allow you to adapt to changing conditions. Also, traditional knowledge would encourage using ghost colors in clear water but we’ve found that during this period you can see incredible results fishing bold colors like Chartreuse or chartreuse/Blue, even in gin clear water.

Below you’ll find a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt discussed along with size and color recommendations. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Summer Bait…
-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M
Colors: Chart Sexy Shad, Powder Blue Back Chart

Squarebills…
-Strike King KVD HC 1.0 Squarebill: http://bit.ly/2Pz3HvE
Colors- The Shizzle, Summer Sexy Shad
-Lucky Craft BDS-3: http://bit.ly/2blTVwI
Colors- Golden Shiner, Ghost Minnow
-Damiki BTC 60: https://bit.ly/35yagXK
Colors- Baby Bow, Threadfin Flash

Deep Cranks…
-River2Sea Tactical Crank DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Colors- Metallic Shad, Natural Gill
-Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt
Colors- See Through Chart, Blue Back Matte Chart, Sexy Ayu
-Norman Deep Little N: http://bit.ly/2acSLUd
Colors- Chart/Blue, Chartreuse Shad, Nutter Shad

Mid Cranks…
-Norman Deep Baby N: http://bit.ly/2O9CAcu
Colors- Chart Blue, Nutter Shad, Sexy Shad
-SPRO Rock Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN
Colors- Phantom Green, Missouri Craw, MudBug

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades…
-Owner Hyperwire Size 3 Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
-Owner ST-56 Size 4 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW
-Gamakatsu EWG Size 4 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Fluorocarbon Crankbait Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR (7’6″ MH): http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Braid Crankbait Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR (7’6″ MH): http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: 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
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What we wear…

Sun Mask: http://bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
Light Fishing Pants: http://bit.ly/2foDx10
Reaper Hoodie (Hoodie with Warm Face Cover built in): http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7
Horizon Sweater (Water resistant, great for layering): http://bit.ly/2gTC1oB
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Equipment We Recommend…

Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: http://bit.ly/2CMF1NP

Favorite Storage Box: http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: http://bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: http://bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: http://bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero8 Camera: http://bit.ly/37hVTX4
ElectroSamson Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: http://bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
________________________________________________________________

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!

#crankbait #tacticalbassin #Summerfishing

Did He Catch A 10 lb Bass?? Spring Crankbait Bass Fishing!!!


Matt caught a monster bass on a crankbait! Crankbaits are a great way to cover water and catch bass in Spring. If you know how to adapt them to changing conditions they’re an excellent way to specifically target GIANT bass. Come along as Matt shows cast to catch footage of this big Clearlake bass then explains exactly why he caught it and how you can do the same.

We began teaching how to use the Tactical DD Crankbait to specifically target big bass back in November. Since that time a TON of big fish have been landed across the country. Not all crankbaits are created equal in cold water but once you understand the differences and how to apply baits with key vibrations to your fishing, your catch rate on bigger bass will increase.

Landing giant bass on light line isn’t just about choosing the right bait, you’ll also need the right equipment and a very patient approach to successfully battle a big fish on light tackle. Take your time, stay calm, and your new personal best could be just a cast away. Below is a breakdown of all the gear we used in the video along with some additional baits and gear that we recommend for cold water and prespawn crankbait fishing.

Keep in mind that many of the Tactical Crankbait colors are currently sold out. It will be a bit longer before all the colors are back in stock so you may want to try some of the colors currently in stock or backorder a specific color so you’re in the front of the line once they’re back in stock.

Matt’s Exact Equipment…
Bait- Tactical DD Crankbait 75 (DD Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR (7’6″ MH): http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Net- Frabill Knotless Conservation 9512: http://bit.ly/2FNdnQr

Other Great Crankbaits For This Technique…
-Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP
-Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt
-Spro RK Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t
-6th Sense Curve 55: http://bit.ly/37hZ1TD

Budget Cranking Combo…
Rod- Fury 7′ Medium Heavy Cranking: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Related Videos On Cold Water Cranking…
How To Fish Crankbaits In Cold Water: https://youtu.be/G-DR1mmX9d8
TacticalBassin’s New Cold Water Crankbait: https://youtu.be/HAtzFASSeGY

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
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What we wear…

Sun Mask: http://bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
Light Fishing Pants: http://bit.ly/2foDx10
Reaper Hoodie (Hoodie with Warm Face Cover built in): http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7
Horizon Sweater (Water resistant, great for layering): http://bit.ly/2gTC1oB
_________________________________________________________________

Equipment We Recommend…

Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: http://bit.ly/2CMF1NP

Favorite Storage Box: http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: http://bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: http://bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: http://bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero8 Camera: http://bit.ly/37hVTX4
ElectroSamson Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: http://bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
________________________________________________________________

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!