How To Catch Bass In Cold Water Without Slowing Down!

Winter fishing doesn’t have to be boring! So many anglers have fallen into the trap of slow, methodical fishing in the Winter. Did you know you can trigger a feed response by speeding up? Its true! Matt explains the keys to getting consistent bites in the coldest Winter temperatures without ever slowing down.

The key to consistent Winter bites with reaction baits is understanding what it takes to “trigger” a feed response. Its also key to understand all baits are not created equal. Cold water separates the perfectly balanced, perfectly tuned baits, from the endless stream of new tackle hitting the market every year. If you want to be consistent in Winter, fish the right baits with proper technique and its only a matter of time before you start catching quality fish.

There are 3 very different approaches to Winter. You can swimbait for a giant, finesse fish for consistent action, or power fish with bite triggering retrieves to try and find the best of both worlds. Whichever path you choose, Winter fishing is worse the effort. Its incredibly peaceful, there is minimal boat traffic, and the odds of catching a big bass are very high.

Below you’ll find links to the 5 styles of baits we use to trigger a feed response. We’ve included our favorite baits, favorite colors, and hardware upgrades where relevant. We’ve also included our favorite equipment for some of these techniques. All of the links go directly Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Related Videos…
-Winter Reaction On Chickamauga: https://youtu.be/hLC67fc3vqw
-Cold Water Crankbaits In-Depth: https://youtu.be/FPaL13899uc

Main Crankbaits…
Our Deep Diver- R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Colors: Ghost Minnow, DD Minnow, Mirrored Minnow

Shallow Diver- Rapala Ott’s Garage Slim 06: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN
Colors: Live River Shad, Green Gizzard Shad, Rootbeer Craw

Other Phenomenal Winter Cranks…
Shallower Cover- Spro Rock Crawler: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN
Colors: Phantom Green, Green Craw

Mid-Depth- Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt
Colors: PM Kisyu Ayu, MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu

Deep Diving- Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP
Colors: PM Kisyu Ayu, MB Gizzard, Ito Wakasagi

Alabama Rigs…
-HogFarmer BFL FLEX Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK
-G Funk Baits Cali Rig: http://bit.ly/2nD76fw

A-Rig components…
Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Heads (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN
Baits- Keitech 4.3″ or 4.8″ Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire #4: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Jerkbaits…
Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb
Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf
Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Colors: GP Pro Blue, Elegy Bone, Ito Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad

Lipless Crankbaits…
-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd
Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad

-Jackall TN-70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh
Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin

Blade Baits…
-Damiki Vault 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2
Colors: Black Holo, Cyber Purple, Real Shad

-Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL
Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

Blade Bait Component Upgrades…
Line Tie: Owner Hyperwire #3 Split Ring: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Hook Rings: Owner Hyperwire #2 Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Hooks: Owner ST-36 Size 6: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

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

Budget Jerkbait/Blade Bait Combo…
Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6’8″ Medium XFast: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs
Reel- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: 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
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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 #Beginner #Bassfishing

Advanced Jerkbait Tricks For Cold Water Bass Fishing

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

Fall Jerkbait Fishing! Everything You Need To Know!

Can you think of a better bait to catch bass in the Fall? Just the idea of Fall jerkbait fishing gets us excited to head to the lake! Jerkbaits are part of a very small group of lures that “trigger” a feed response in bass. Yes they catch aggressive bass, but if you know how to work them properly you can actually get lethargic bass to react and eat when they’re not even in a feeding mood! Come along as we explore the world of jerkbait fishing!

Jerkbait fishing is not a basic technique but its one that anyone, even a beginner angler, can learn. When fished properly the jerkbaits ability to draw bass in and trigger a feed response is remarkable! The key to the technique is in the equipment. We almost never emphasize equipment over technique but this is one category where an angler can have all the right mechanics but paired with the wrong equipment, the bait still won’t work properly.

In today’s video Matt begins by explaining exactly what you should look for in a jerkbait rod/reel combo. He also gives some key tips about adapting your existing equipment for a jerkbait. There are some changes you can make including fishing smaller reel sizes and braided line that will help improve your jerkbait fishing even without owning a dedicated jerkbait rod.

Now, choosing the right baits is a whole different animal. While we didn’t lean as heavy into the specific lures in today’s video we promised to do exactly that in the video description. Below you will find a very detailed breakdown of the baits as well as the rod and reel combos we recommend. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

The baits are separated by depth range so you can easily decide between shallow, medium, and deep divers to match the waters you fish. The colors recommendations are universal and will work around the country but if you’re just starting out lean toward the ghost colors in clear water, the reflective colors in stained water, and the bold (chartreuse or white) in murky water.

Upgrading hooks is also a major consideration once you bend out the stock hooks. Its very difficult to find replacement hooks for jerkbaits without impacting the sink rates of the baits and hurting their action. Luckily, we’ve found excellent replacement hooks for you and have linked those below between the baits and the rod/reel combos.

Shallow Jerkbaits…
-Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED
(Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, HL Hasu)
-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb
(GP Pro Blue, ITO Tennessee Shad, Killer Kawaguchi)
-Lucky Craft Flash Pointer 115: http://bit.ly/2aHz588
(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)

Mid-Depth Jerkbaits…
-Jackall Rerange 110 MR: https://bit.ly/2CbWr6X
(RT Holo Minnow, HL Hasu, SG Threadfin)
-Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX
(GP Pro Blue, ITO Tennessee Shad, Elegy Bone)

Deep Diving Jerkbaits…
-Megabass Vision 110+2: http://bit.ly/2BLQIBA
(MB Gizzard, Elegy Bone, ITO Tennessee Shad)
-Lucky Craft Staysee 90: http://bit.ly/2dBzMmz
(American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad)
-Lucky Craft Pointer 100 DD: http://bit.ly/2e0sQj7
(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)

Smaller and Oversized Jerkbaits…
Smaller-Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf
(GP Pro Blue, Deadly Black Shad)
Bigger- Megabass Oneten Max LBO: https://bit.ly/3dfhL9y
(ITO Tennessee Shad, MB Gizzard)

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades…
Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Trebles: http://bit.ly/2dWWAut
(Size 5 and 6 will fit all baits except Pointer DD and Max LBO)
Split Ring- Owner Hyperwire Black: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
(Size 2 for all except Pointer DD and Max LBO, they use size 3)

Matt’s Favorite Jerkbait Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8
Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Jerkbait Combo…
Rod- Shimano SLX 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO
Reel- Shimano SLX MGL 70 (Pre-Order Available): 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
-St. Croix Bass X 6’8″ medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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
_________________________________________________________________

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 see a difference but they’ll know you’re one of us!

#jerkbait #Fall #bassfishing

Spring Fluke and Jerkbait Tricks To Catch More Bass!

Learn how to adapt to changing conditions during a day of fishing a clear water reservoir with Matt. He starts out with a Zoom Super Fluke on a Texas Rig but is soon mixing it up with traditional jerkbaits and the nose-hook rig (Banjo Minnow Rig) as he adapts from a cold morning to a slick calm, warm afternoon.

A jerkbait is incredibly versatile if you know how to adapt it to changing conditions. We were able to catch fish on a cold morning with a slow retrieve around this cover then switched to a Vision 110 Jr. to match the size of baitfish being ambushed by schooling bass. Ultimately it required a drop to 8 lb fluorocarbon and a small nose-hook rig to catch fish in clear water that were ambushing on an aggressive retrieve. Few baits are as adaptable as the jerkbait.

Below is a breakdown of all the gear Matt was using throughout the day. We’ve included direct links to Tackle Warehouse for the baits, hooks, and gear. We also included links to some of our previous underwater and fluke rigging videos that will help you adapt traditional jerkbaits and soft jerkbaits to the conditions.

The Baits…
-Zoom Super Fluke (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H
Other Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Smoking Shad
-Megabass Vision 110 Jr. (GP Pro Blue): http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf
Other Colors: Clear Laker, Tennessee Shad
-Keitech 2.8 Fat Swimbait (TW Pro Blue): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Texas Rig Hooks…
Faster Sink- Gamakatsu EWG Superline 4/0: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG
Slower Sink- Gamakatsu EWG 4/0: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Nose Hook Rig…
Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Size 1/0: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM
Weedless Hook- Gamakatsu Weedless Finesse Wide Gap 1/0: http://bit.ly/2i57dOP
Nose Screw- Owner CPS Spring Medium: http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Matt’s Texas Rig Fluke Combo…
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’2″ Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Line- 50 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- 15 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt’s Jerkbait Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 6’10” Medium (Backorder Available): http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Nose Hook Combo…
Rod- G Loomis NRX 872S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv
Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 3000: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5
Line- Sunline XPlasma Asegai 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j
Leader- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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
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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
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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 #fluke #jerkbait