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
