As Winter sets in, the bass make one final transition. The fish that had been ambushing baitfish in the shallows suddenly vanish. You look across the lake and there is no longer any kind of surface activity. Where has everything gone? And most importantly, can you still catch bass? Yes you can! Best of all, you can catch really big bass all Winter long!
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 quickly move up and down the water column with changing weather, but more importantly these are the same areas the baitfish will gather for Winter.
There are a variety of ways to catch these fish. Traditional information would tell you to fish a jig, small keitech, or a dropshot very slowly along the bottom. These techniques can be incredibly effective! Big bass knowledge would tell you to throw a swimbait and slow crawl it along the bottom. The most cutting edge information would tell you to draw reaction strikes from the biggest bass with a cold water crankbait, jerkbait, or A-rig.
With all of these methods to choose from, its hard to decide what to throw. We’re linking our 5 favorite below. These are the baits that we always have tied on this year to help trigger a feed response from the bass. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
Reaction Baits…
-Crankbait- Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Favorite Colors: DD Minnow, Mirrored Minnow
-Jerbait- Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX
Favorite Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, Tennessee Shad
-Alabama Rig- Hog Farmer Flex BFL Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK
-Secondary Rig- G Funk Baits Cali Rig: http://bit.ly/2nD76fw
Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN
Baits- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.8 (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Big Baits…
-Swimbait- Huddleston 8″ Trout: http://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ
Favorite Colors: Silver/Blue, Hitch, Trout
Finesse Baits…
-Underspin- Cool Baits Down Under 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA
Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 2.8 (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v
-Dropshot- Roboworm 4.5″ Fat Worm (MMIII): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM
Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3
Weight- Swagger Tungsten 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2V2B63h
Crankbait 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
A-Rig Combo…
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’5″ Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW
Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Sunline FC100 Shock Leader 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB
Budget Dropshot/Keitech Combo…
Rod- Shimano Intenza 7’6″ Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn
Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC
line- Power Pro 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b
Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju
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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Equipment We Use Daily…
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY
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 Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
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: https://bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
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 #Winterfishing #Winter