Jig Fishing Buyer's Guide: Jigs, Colors, and Trailers For Every Season

Let's talk jigs for bass! Small finesse jigs, giant flipping jigs and everywhere in between! If you want to catch bigger bass this year, the jig is a great way to do it. Matt simplifies the whole process by narrowing it down to 6 jigs, 3 trailers, and a few rods that will work every month of the year. Don't let Winter get you down, you can take this information to the lake tomorrow and start catching fish.

The jig is known for producing larger-than-average bites throughout the year. You can use it to replace a worm, creature bait, or small swimbait and instantly upsize your catch. The trouble is there are dozens of styles and hundreds of colors. Its enough to overwhelm even a seasoned angler! Matt's goal with today's video is to help you understand what each style is for but also to eliminate all the overlap between models. You can go through the entire year with a small handful of baits in a few key colors. 

When selecting jig color always start with natural tones. We typically only turn to dark or bright colors when water clarity is compromised (muddy) by rising water, wind, or algae blooms. Day in and day out a natural Green Pumpkin or Brown jig will catch bass across the country. Your rod selection is also a critical aspect of jig fishing. Finding a proper jig rod is very difficult but we did the ground work for you and will recommend some of our favorites. Below is a breakdown of the jigs, color, trailers, and gear we recommend. Each item includes a link direct to the product on Tackle Warehouse where you can see up close pictures, detailed descriptions, and color selection. 

The Jigs... 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football jig: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

(Brown Craw, Canterbury Crunch, Supermatt Brown, Go To)

-Yamamoto 4" Hula Grub: http://bit.ly/2d7SpgG

(Green Pump/Black Flake, Cinnamon/Black and Purple Flake)

-Hula Grub Head- Owner Ultra Football: http://bit.ly/2t1bY4y

--Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig: http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

(Brown Craw, Supermatt Brown, Go To)

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

(Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw) **Magic Craw for Spring Bass**

-Dirty Jigs No-Jack Flippin Jig: http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

(Hematoma, Go To)

-California Swim Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

(Crappie, Tactical Shad, Citrus Shad)

The Trailers... 

-Yamamoto Double Tail 5" Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

(Cinnamon Black and Purple Flake, Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper Flake)

-Big Bite Baits 5" Grub: http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

(Tilapia, Green Pumpkin)

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

(Green Pumpkin Red, Delicious, Tramp Stamp) **Magic Craw Swirl For Spring Bass**

-Strike King Rage Craw: http://bit.ly/2uoqsLJ

(Blue Craw, Dirty Craw, TW Green Pumpkin)

-River2Sea D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

(PB Red, Ice White, Shamrock Shad)

Matt's Favorite Finesse Jig Rod... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844 MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Line- 40 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 12 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt's Favorite All-Around Jig Rod... 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- 65 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 16 lb Sunline FC-100: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Matt's Favorite Flippin' Stick... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'11" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- 65 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Budget-Friendly Jig Rod... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX 150: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Tackle Storage Buyer's Guide: Which Boxes Work Best???

Tackle storage isn't glamorous but we all struggle with it. Should you use waterproof, breathable, sticky, soft sided, anti-rust or bullet proof? There are so many options on the market its almost impossible to see through the hype. Today Tim shows his favorite ways to store each type of tackle.  It ranges from general storage boxes to technique specific, to bagging his hooks by brand in heavy duty bags. If a tackle junkie can successfully store his gear, you should have no problem storing yours!

Tim has spent years buying containers to store his tackle. He's found some gimmicks along the way but more often than not he's found awesome storage solutions. He's already done the difficult part so today he's sharing the best solutions he's found that will save you time and money while you protect your gear. Whether you're trying to find a way to pack up your keitechs, or a way to dry your frogs, or perhaps a container that let's you pack in a few extra crankbaits, Tim has found a solution.

These buyer's guides are designed to simplify your gear. We covered a wide range of products in today's video but each has a specific purpose. Below you'll find a list of the products mentioned (in order of appearance) with links that go directly to the products on Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up pictures and availability. If you have any questions leave them in the comments and we'll do all we can to help you select the right gear for the job. 

Boxes...

-Plano 3700 Stowaway Box: http://bit.ly/2rFRJpk

-Plano Alabama Rig Box: http://bit.ly/2DUvbJN

-Bass Mafia Bait Coffin: http://bit.ly/2VBdFPe

-Plano Hydro-Flo Stowaway: http://bit.ly/2PR1kU0

-Plano Custom Divider 3770 (Tim's Favorite): http://bit.ly/2XCbMnb

-Plano Edge 3600 STD Box: http://bit.ly/2YBaWYX

-Plano Edge 3700 STD Box: http://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

-Plano Edge Master Plastics Box (Keitechs): http://bit.ly/2PaiAq6

-Plano Waterproof 3740 (Matt's Favorite): http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB

Soft Bags... 

-Bass Mafia Money Bag: http://bit.ly/2P059cO

-Plano KVD Speed Bags: http://bit.ly/2GYT4RC

-Eye Surrender Swimbait storage: http://bit.ly/2h4IN6I

Line Storage... 

-Spoolin' Buddy: http://bit.ly/2YDUaZ3

Backpack... 

-Tackle Warehouse Digital Camo Angler: http://bit.ly/2hvexCd

Buyer's Guide: Dropshot Gear For Bass Fishing

In today's Holiday Buyer's Guide we're exploring Dropshot Tackle. Tim shares his favorite worms, hooks, weights, and gear. Whether you dropshot out of necessity or because its your favorite technique, there is something in here for every bass fisherman. In addition to gear, Tim gives away a couple of his favorite tricks to catch more fish while losing less gear. Don't miss the part about tie-on weights!

Dropshot fishing has been around for nearly two decades but its effectiveness hasn't waned at all. Bass simply cannot resist a suspended worm when it is being worked properly. Learning how to work it properly is the key; don't fall into the trap of working your bait the same year round. As a rule of thumb, baits should be worked much more aggressively in warm water than in cold. When it comes to color, natural is almost always best with a couple of odd exceptions. The colors "Morning Dawn" (Pink) and "Margarita Mutilator" (Bright Purple) work shockingly well despite looking like nothing in nature. These are the kinds of tricks that come with time but Tim is sharing them readily in this video.

Below is a breakdown of the baits (including color recommendations) that Tim has confidence in. You'll also find links to his favorite hooks and weights, as well as rods and reels. Each link goes directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see up close pictures. Whether you're watching this video for yourself or for a loved one, we've made it as easy as possible to find the products you need.

Dropshot Worms...

-Roboworm 6" Straight Tailed Worm: http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

(Morning Dawn, Margarita Mutilator, Oxblood Light Red)

-Roboworm 4.5" Fat Worm: http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

(Morning Dawn, Margarita Mutilator, Oxblood Light Red)

-Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm: http://bit.ly/2CMB33J

(Lickity Split, Spanish Fly, Violator, Green Pumpkin)

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

(Green Pumpkin Purple, Smoke Purple Flake)

-Damiki Armor Shad 3": http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

(American Shad, PB Silver, RP Blue Pearl, Pro Blue)

Dropshot Hooks...

Tim's Favorite- Owner Mosquito Light 1 or 1/0: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

-Owner Cover Shot Dropshot Hook: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Dropshot Weights...

Tim's Favorite- Swagger Tungsten Pencil Tie-On Weight: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

-Swagger Tungsten Teardrop Weight: http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

-Swagger Tungsten Pencil Dropshot Weight: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

-West Coast Quick Drops Lead Weights: http://bit.ly/2BjFCp3

Tim's Favorite Combo...

Rod- G Loomis NRX 822S DSR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline SX-1 Braid 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget-Friendly Dropshot Combo...

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Power Pro 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Buyer's Guide: Big Swimbaits, Glide Baits, and Swimbait Rods

Which swimbaits work the best? Which big baits should you try? Is there one rod that will throw every swimbait? Today's Buyer's guide is here to make your bass fishing life easier! Don't waste time with mediocre baits, focus on the proven options that put big bass in the boat every day. Matt shows his favorite picks for soft baits, hard baits, rods, and reels in today's Big Swimbait Holiday Buyer's Guide.

When it comes to soft baits Matt and Tim prefer baits with a jig hook on top. When necessary they switch to a weedless offering around thick cover. Baits like the Huddleston and Trash Fish are great in cooler water while the more rigid boot tail style baits shine year round. Color selection should be focused on imitating the prey species in your local lake but we've included a few color recommendations with each swimbait to give you a starting point.

For hard baits, we focused on a variety of different profiles. We've selected great options that imitate trout, baitfish, and panfish. No matter where you are in the country, these hard baits will help you catch giant bass. Don't be afraid to upsize your offering this year. You may be shocked to find that larger baits actually get more attention from bass and will often draw them from great distances to inspect your swimbait.

Below is a breakdown of the baits and tackle Matt discussed in the video. You'll find direct links to each product on a Tackle Warehouse, links to the hooks and rigging components when necessary, as well as to the rods and reels. These buyer's guides are designed to keep everything simple so you can share these videos with your loved ones for the holiday season.

Soft Baits...

-Huddleston 8" Trout ROF 5: http://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

-Huddleston 8" Trout ROF 12: http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Colors- Trout, Ayu, Silver/Blue Back

-Osprey Tournament Talon 6" and 7": http://bit.ly/2bqsLS0

Colors- Chartreuse Shad, TW Shad, Reverse Hitch

-Little Creeper Trash Fish 8": http://bit.ly/2hmXtg1

Colors- Chartreuse Shad, LC Hitch, Just Shad, Rainbow Trout

-Owner Beast 10/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 6.8: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors- Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, Ghost Rainbow Trout

-Owner Beast 8/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

-Scottsboro Tackle 6" Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2NpyLjU

Colors- Mullins Madness, ol Smokey, Payback Shad

-Owner Beast 8/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

Hard Baits...

-Baitsanity Explorer Ver. 2: http://bit.ly/33bQyxY

Colors- Trout, Kokanee, Shad

-River2Sea S Waver 168 and 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors- Light Trout, Warden, Rainbow Trout

-Storm Arashi Glide Bait: http://bit.ly/2nHdrL1

Colors- Oikawa Mesu, Green Gill, Threadfin Shad

-Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Colors- Ghost Gill, Spawn Gill

Replacement Hooks and Split Rings...

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire Size 4 or 5: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hooks for Baitsanity, S-Waver 200, Arashi- Owner ST-36 Size 1/0: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Hooks for Gantarel- Owner ST-36 Size 1: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Hooks for S-Waver 168- Owner 3X ST-56 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Favorite Rod/Reel Combo...

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 966: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 35 lb Sunline FC-100: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Rod/Reel Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Cardiff 300: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9