This Is What Winter Fishing Is All About! Big Bass And Good Fun!

Come along for an awesome day on the water with the Tactical Crew! The air temps are 16 degrees at the boat ramp but that won't stop the guys from catching fish! Tim starts the day off solo and dials in a great pattern, fishing flats near moving water. When Matt arrives the duo steps it up and catches some really nice fish!

We talk a lot about how fun Winter bass fishing can be. This is such a great example! The air is cold, but the boat is full of laughs and big fish. Don't be afraid to fish when the weather dips below freezing. It's all about layering up with the right clothing to be comfortable so that you're focused on fish catching instead of the temperature.

Below you'll find links to all the baits the guys were throwing today. We've included the exact sizes, colors, as well as the rod and reel combos they were using. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


TIM'S TACTICAL RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Screwed Up Head: https://bit.ly/3U5RsIx

Size: 1/4 oz

•Main Baits: Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad

•Dummies: Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Color: American Shad


MATT'S TACTICAL RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Screwed Up Head: https://bit.ly/3U5RsIx

Size: 3/16 oz

•Main Baits: Keitech 4.5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

•Dummies: Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad


BLADE BAIT...

•Damiki Vault Blade (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Holo Silver


UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 3/8 oz


•Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Smokin Blue


JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr: https://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Color: Wagin Hasu


TIM'S LAYERED COLD WEATHER CLOTHES...

Beanie– Summit Beanie: https://bit.ly/3vLCEGR

Jacket– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/426eOnu

Bibs– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/3FS21bC

Puffy Jacket– Crosswind Puff Hooded: https://bit.ly/4jausEt

Mid Layer Top– https://bit.ly/3Wgk2Jo

Mid Layer Bottom– https://bit.ly/3tXLIbr

Gloves– Aftco Breakwater Waterproof: https://bit.ly/3C73i0q

Boots– Aftco Deck Boot: https://bit.ly/3OhVo7z


TACTICAL MINI FLEX RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'7" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Tranx 200 A (HG): https://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

Line– Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3pF7HBK


JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer 6'5" Medium Slow: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: OneTen Stick

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Sunline Super FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Winter Jerkbait Fishing! (All The Tricks)

Jerkbait Fishing Is Easy... If you Know The Tricks! Winter brings a new set of challenges to Jerkbait fishing and you need to adapt if you're going to be successful. Slowing down and paying attention to your cadence becomes critical, as does the baits you choose to throw. Not all baits are created equal!

The key to cold water jerkbait fishing is cadence. Taking the time to let your bait sit still in the water is how you'll draw fish up, but it requires the right baits to be able to do that. Neutrally buoyant baits that can dive near the bottom, without sinking or rising on the pause are what you're looking for. After that, it comes down to color selection.

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits for this time of year. We've included our favorite colors for each, some of our favorite hook upgrades, modifications, as well as the rods and reels we rely on to fish jerkbait effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


STANDARD JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: French Pearl US, HT Ito Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad


•Megabass Vision 110+1: https://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

Colors: French Pearl US, Killer Kawaguchi, Mat Shad


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

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Shad, French Pearl OB


DEEP DIVING JERKBAITS...

•Rapala PXR Mavrik Deep: https://bit.ly/3DkIy5P

Colors: Metallic Moss Back Shiner, Matte Shad


•Shimano World Diver: https://bit.ly/3o1BwrR

Colors: Black Silver, Ghost Ayu, S Hasu


•Megabass X–Nanahan+2: https://bit.ly/48fHMSj

Colors: Kasumi Ito, French Pearl, LZ Satoshin Chiayu


SPRING TRANSITION JERKBAITS...

•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Colors: S Hasu, Black Silver, Macchiotto


•Duo Realis Raz 105: https://bit.ly/4foltw8

Colors: Prism Smelt, River Bait, Ghost Minnow


WEIGHTING AND FLOATATION...

•Storm SuspenDots: https://bit.ly/3d80ez6

•Baitsanity Tungsten Adhesive Weights: https://bit.ly/4534Fpg

•Zappu Floating Board: https://bit.ly/4gDN2Td


MEGABASS VISION 110 HOOK 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


SHIMANO JERKBAIT HOOK UPGRADES...

World Diver– Hayabusa TBL930 NRB (Size 5): https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Zumverno 95 SP – Hayabusa TBL930 Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/44qgm9n

Split Ring Replacement– Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX


ALL AROUND JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Sunline Super FC 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


HIGH END JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 OneTen Stick: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0


SPINNING JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Medium: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel– Shimano Sustain 3000: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Humminbird Mega Live 2 ( On The Water Real World Test and Sonar Settings )

Let's head out on the water for a first look at Humminbird's NEW Mega Live 2 Forward Facing Sonar transducer! We've just installed this unit and are checking it out before we even finish dialing it in! Our first priority is to see its bait tracking abilities, how it does with target separation, and to get a look at all the new color palettes we've been hearing about! Take a look and let us know what you think in the comments!

Our first impression is, it's a HUGE improvement over the original Mega Live! This new Mega Live 2 is superior in every way, with incredible clarity and drastically improved bait tracking! It's hard to choose a favorite color palette but if we had to choose two to get started, it would be Alabama Amber and Doppler. Also, pay close attention to Tim's sonar settings if you're looking for a starting place as you dial in your new Live 2.

We'll let you make your own judgement based on the footage, but from what we can see, Humminbird has a WINNER with this new Live 2! Whether you use FFS technology to locate structures and speed up your search for fish, or you're isolating single fish and targeting them with a Strolling bait, this new transducer has the ability to help you fish more effectively.

Below you'll find links to all the gear Tim used in today's video. From the Live 2 Transducer, to the Target Lock, to the electronics he uses to get these images. We've also included some great budget friendly units as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


MEGA LIVE 2...

•Humminbird Mega Live 2 Transducer: https://bit.ly/40FHMJR


TARGET LOCK TURRET...

•Humminbird Mega Live TargetLock Adapter Kit: https://bit.ly/3DWobfm


TIM'S HUMMINBIRD UNITS...

•Humminbird Apex 16 Fishfinder: https://bit.ly/3QBaOli

•Humminbird Apex 13 Fishfinder: https://bit.ly/3pdaK1q


THE LATEST BUDGET FRIENDLY UNITS...

•Humminbird Xplore 12 Fishfinder: https://bit.ly/4jjdcwJ

•Humminbird Xplore 10 Fishfinder: https://bit.ly/4hmChFf

•Humminbird Xplore  9 Fishfinder: https://bit.ly/4hl9tgy


TIM’S TROLLING MOTOR...

*MinnKota Ultrex Quest 115 lbs: https://bit.ly/41RErpY

Shaft Length: 52"

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

The Truth About Winter Fishing! (How To Prepare For Tough Conditions)

Come along for a day of Winter bass fishing with Matt! The weather is cold, the fishing is tough, but Matt is determined to catch some bass! Listen to the details as he adapts to the conditions. What how he focuses on confidence baits and pieces together a pattern for a mixed bag of fish.

Winter isn't always easy! Sure, you've got a chance at a giant, but sometimes it's downright tough! Don't panic! Focus on your confidence baits, fish them slowly and effectively, and you can catch fish despite the conditions. Your next bite could be the fish of a lifetime, so stay focused, even when the bites are few and far between!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included his hook upgrades, bait colors, as well as the rods and reels he used to fish the baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


FULL SIZE RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

•Matt Allen Swimbait Heads (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

•Keitech 5" Easy Shiner Swimbaits: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Tennessee Shad

•Keitech 4" Easy Shiner Swimbaits: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Crystal Shad


MID SIZE RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Matt Allen Swimbait Heads (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

•Keitech 4.5" Easy Shiner Swimbaits: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

•Keitech 4" Easy Shiner Swimbaits: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad


BLADE BAIT...

•Damiki Vault Blade (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Holo Mossback

•BKK Hook Upgrade– Spear EWG: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 8


CRANKBAIT...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: Ghost Minnow


FULL SIZE RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'7" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Shock Leader (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB


MID SIZE RIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Seaguar InvizX (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y


BLADE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Sufix 832 Sunrise Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3vbtuDw

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


SPEED CRANK COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Line– Sunline Crank FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz