3 Fishing Tricks To Catch Winter Bass! ( On The Water )

Winter fishing is easy! If you know where to look and what to throw, catching bass in Winter is really simple! Come along for a day on the water as Matt shows how to pattern and catch Winter bass including the big ones!
As water temperatures drop, bass become very predictable. They move to likely locations, make minimal movements after that, and feed during short bite windows. Once you understand where these locations are and what baits can trigger a feed response, the work is done. This mindset can change your Winter fishing experience forever!
Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
THE GLIDE BAIT...
•River2Sea S Waver 168: bit.ly/2aiu8Sh
Color: Cali Hitch
MID STROLLING BAIT...
•Hog Farmer 3.5" Spunk Shad: bit.ly/2UFkCD7
Color: Blue Gizzard
•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: bit.ly/2nyUJRS
Size: 1/4 oz, 3/0 Hook
BLADE BAIT...
•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): bit.ly/2rnO7e2
Color: Black Holo
CRANKBAIT...
•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: bit.ly/37dclbX
Color: True Shad
S WAVER 168 COMBO...
Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Model: 7'5" Medium Heavy Fast
Reel- Shimano Curado M (HG): bit.ly/2acRpsK
Line- Sufix 131 Braid (50 lb): bit.ly/314VoyF
Leader- Sunline Saltimate (20 lb): bit.ly/2O4UElB
MID STROLLING COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Expride B 6'8" Medium: bit.ly/2osaj3q
Reel- Shimano Sustain FJ 3000: bit.ly/3BQLlNP
Line- Sufix 832 (10 lb): bit.ly/2ae93Ji
Leader- Sunline Super FC (8 lb): bit.ly/2p7fxju
BLADE BAIT COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): bit.ly/2ezIBfB
Line- Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): bit.ly/314VoyF
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen (12 lb): bit.ly/2ae97J9
TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)
We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...
TacticalBassin Lure Designs: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
*MAJOR EQUIPMENT WE USE DAILY...
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Camera- GoPro Hero 12: bit.ly/3MwQToy
*FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/3xJFwTu
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3U9y4cl
Favorite Net: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
________________________________________________________________
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 #December

[@billljones979]

Matt got shoes on you know it's cold out

[@bJgravedigger]

100% bro, gotta be below freezing

[@c.shoefish]

I just thought the same thing 🤣

[@arnemueller2112]

So did I. At least he seemingly wore no socks 😂

[@mikegardiner3934]

lol same thing!! no socks. 😂😂

[@chadgregorini5038]

They are OluKai Slippers. I wear the same slippers in winter. They are lined with wool. Amazingly warm and better than most boots

[@mikecollins2476]

In a fishing world full of drama and negativity thanks for always keeping it about the fish and fishing👊

[@richardbossman9875]

Thank you, yes! The world is already full of drama so I don’t want fishing to become filled with it be it the actual sport or even videos.

[@macjig5148]

Yup you are right. In today's world you can get emotionally draining nonsense 24/7. Fishing (either doing or watching) takes us away from that !! Many thx for the great videos.

[@brucesmithoutdoors]

Some of my best bass have come in the winter. Last February I was blessed to catch a 6.6 largemouth. It came on a jerk bait just barely moving it and pausing to warm my hands and 💥. Thanks bud for all you do!!

[@chadgregorini5038]

Funny.. Glad to know Im not the only one that wears OluKai fleeced lined slippers when Im fishing in winter. Warmer than most boots and easy to run the trolling motor. You need to do a video on this.

[@TheCaliforniaBeekeeper]

Just gifted Kelly the new custom pole from Brie -BPM custom rods. Need to pair it up with a reel and hit the lake. Can't wait

[@tacticalbassin]

Thats awesome!!!

[@caseysaunders2137]

I'm fully inspired to fish all winter for the first time in my life. The near total lack of traffic at the ramp is almost reward enough as I usually self launch. I'm also targeting to catch em on 4 oz plus size swim baits and purchased my first dedicated big swimbait rod (8' Dobyns Mag XX) in November. Thanks Matt & Tim for your channel content and the TW links. I'll be sure to post a pic of any sizeable swimbait fish on your website !

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! Go get them Casey!!

[@smallmouthmaster]

I was thinking about all the fog and other boats not seeing you. wow!

[@robertwolfe848]

Awesome video Matt I love fishing in the winter time people think I'm crazy fishing in the winter time but I show them you can catch them

[@alexrivero3299]

I love these guys. Awesome experience and awesome manners. Thank you both for everything you share with the community .

[@roymorgan5498]

Thanks Matt. Great fishing. Merry Christmas to both of you and your families.❤

[@timtighe9718]

Great video. I love on Ky. Lake. I can use this now. Thanks.

[@colfaxpersimmionfestival202]

Great video as always

[@tgaff782]

Great video, always enjoy watching you guys fish and the information you share!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you!

[@user-hq9bh5gi5t]

Hell yeah!!!! Smashin them!!!!

[@shanehamilton6708]

Another great video!

[@kentbrown5369]

Thanks guys for all the great information you share with us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all and your families

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you! Merry Christmas!

[@ericmorton9570]

Looks like the launch at Grasshopper. Thanks again for another informative video.

[@dennisederer3594]

Excellent presentation Matt. I appreciate you sharing your expertise on fishing mid water. I struggle with fishing anything except the bottom.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks! I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@RickyDiffie-lu4dd]

Great job of teaching

[@peterhing3608]

Great Video Matt and enjoy all the great fishing you all have down in the States. We are finally getting snow and ice up here just north of the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada so counting the days till soft water opens up in Spring 2024! BTW, love your Olukai Mocassins! I have the Flip Flops for years and love them and can't wait to use them again in the summer. HAHA

[@markbowers9579]

It’s amazing how you can reel that reel with one hand you’re my hero

[@scottcameron3559]

Everytime I hear Matt Allen say hopefully will catch some fish,it makes me smile

[@tacticalbassin]

😀

[@Whipcreamzz]

Nice!

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

😮wow what a day Matt,thank you for sharing 👏👏👊

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for coming along, Ken!

[@codyreece7871]

Good video man

[@reynaldoherrera3736]

Nice.... thanks..!

[@andybales7318]

"When I saw it, I had to have it" Matt stole my line..I say that too myself every time I look at lures online

[@rodneychandler82]

Awsome Vid Matt . Goung straight into my Library till we see winter down in South Africa . Got a garage full of your recommended baits 🤣👍

[@arnemueller2112]

Excellent! Now I want to go out on the water…

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you, Matt; looked like a fun day of fishing...apart from what I can imagine were some tense moments in the fog. It's an eerie feeling when you can hear another boat coming but can't see it. No flip-flops sighted, so it MUST have been cold. Thanks as always for bringing us along and sharing so much with us; I hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season. Good luck to those heading out to have a go at the bass today, and I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!

[@jeffsihakhom4091]

Just let u know we eat wat we catch

[@jeffsihakhom4091]

Not for fun

[@jeffsihakhom4091]

It's called catch wat u catch

[@jeffsihakhom4091]

But just let u know

[@jeffsihakhom4091]

If u don't u become it if his dead

[@greghiday]

Great video Matt. Enjoy the on the water videos. Merry Christmas! God Bless.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you! Merry Christmas!!

[@johnowens7435]

Matt great video. You make winter bass fishing look too easy 😉 We just had another extended cold front in South Florida which has shut our bass fishing down for the past four days. I need to get out though to some of those deeper points and get my S-Wavers out 😉 Tight lines

[@johnowens7435]

Went out today and got some nice fish on the vision 110 Jr and a big one on a lucky craft squarebill

[@willperryman4559]

I’ve lost count of how many 28* mornings I’ve fished with my brother on Kentucky lake,which I now have some of the best cold weather clothes and winter bibs. I certainly was happily surprised to see you with the S-waiver and nail those big girls back to back along with seeing you with shoes on I felt like I was there Matt, I love these types of videos and you’re so right about only seeing one other boat….. I only wish I could join you 😂🎉😂🍀🎣🍀

[@shaunroberts9361]

You blow my mind sometimes.

[@pj3p488]

ZZ Matt rockin and rollin in the cold

[@timisoutdoors]

Dude. You killed it! I love that you keep fishing. No. Matter. What.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Tim!

[@pondparadisedesignsinc.rob5313]

AWESOME BIGGIN 2nd catch 👏 when you pulled out the net I knew it’s going be BIG!! great video. Thank you.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for coming along!

[@Justin_Mooney11]

Absolute giant so happy to see you back out there , so happy to see You stickin giants again, I have a question though what do you suggest if there is wintertime flooding that has the lake higher than spring ? Lake Champlain right now highest winter water ever

[@codychurch9981]

Thank you, Matt. You had an awesome winter day. I had went to the website and was looking at the guiding service but I do not know if you still do your services since you moved to TN. I'm in NC and would love to travel and come fish with y'all if you still guide.

[@andrewalexander2416]

Best KZbinr for this

[@michaelsanchez3659]

Smoked em on a dropshot after a cold front a couple days ago and never saw a single boat! Truly is such a peaceful time to be fishing. Still can't buy a bite on a big swimbait though!

[@ReactionGiants]

Duo Realis “Versa Shad” 5.0 is killer rn bro, it has good head action for a swim jig trailer too 🤑🤑🤑

[@andrewanaruma2358]

It's already over! 😅 Good stuff.

[@adt83live]

That one handed slack reel in while fishing the blade bait is slick 🧐

[@micahgrim2597]

That’s what picked up on too lol good way to have a chance to warm up your other hand

[@duskycotw8404]

great vid but could you make one for the bank anglers?

[@Fishing_and_Finance]

You know it's cold af when Matt isn't wearing flip flops with his bibs lol

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! It's true!!

[@kentuckytrapper780]

Thats chick...right? Awesome video..got a local tournament this weekend..

[@anthonyhampton3016]

Would be NICE if y'all would ADD the DATE you filmed the videos in the description . Great info in the video.

[@c.shoefish]

This video came out at the perfect time. I'm heading out now, I went the other day to a new fishery and got skunked, I'm hitting it again soon, so ill use some of these tips. Awesome video! Thanks as always. BTW, where's the Champions at?

[@tacticalbassin]

It's funny you ask that... I'm loading tackle in the Champ for another trip as we speak 🙂 It's been too long, she needs to run!!

[@c.shoefish]

@@tacticalbassin heck yeah...the Skeeters are sweet as hell, but the Champs are special.

[@tacticalbassin]

@c.shoe8610 💯 I love my Skeeter, It's the real deal... but nothing could make me sell my Champ!!

[@c.shoefish]

@@tacticalbassin I totally understand, I bought and restored a 196 a few years ago, I love it. I'll soon get to experience it down in TN (retiring from military) Keep up the great vids guys.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

I think Mat is on Nickajack Lake to many guys forget about ole Nickajack IMO better chance of sticking a 7+ than Chickamauga just because it doesn’t see the pressure Chick does. It’s also a Ledge fisherman’s wet dream literally.

[@BasslivesmatterLLC]

Who the heck is this guy with shoes on 😆 🤣 looks like a Matt Allen doppelganger nice vid bro

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Weak moment 😂

[@zacharyholt5718]

I know you at least have gone to lake coeur d'Alene in Idaho if you choose to come back to this area I'd be honored to have you come fish the pot holes near Moses lake Washington you can fish large mouth then Small mouth and have a chance of some good fish. I owe everything I know about bass fishing to you guys and it would be an amazing change to pay you back for all the amazing fish I have caught because of your videos

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you so much! We've been to Potholes, but it's been a really long time! We might make it back to the PNW again soon, and if we do, we'll keep this in mind.

[@johnfugate3432]

Sounds like there wacking them ducks that was some good fishing

[@FishingWithCharlie]

I have a question for when your throwing glide baits are you letting them sink a bit because I have some and they don’t seem to run right and I have never really used them so don’t know if I need it to sink a bit

[@efrainsandoval6480]

Can you recommend a weedless swimbait rod for lures in the 2-3 oz range

[@OGie510]

Would you recommend the Curado M over the Curado K?

[@bibbythemechanic2980]

Do you still run guide services in Tennessee?

[@dylan_eubanks]

This was a really good video for me essentially since I fish Kentucky Lake quite a bit! One question I do have is are the fish your catching related to some sort of cover or are they just relating to the drop off itself?

[@tacticalbassin]

If a piece of cover is available, they'll use it. But in places with no cover, they just use the drop.

[@sheepdad556]

awesome video. the only thing lacking was the fact that you hid your love of winter fishing from us.. at least tells us once so we know😂😂 Did I mention that you loved winter fishing.?😊

[@tacticalbassin]

😂😂😂 I guess I should have mentioned that...

[@michaelleady9089]

👍😎

[@joshuasmits1825]

Been tough as a bank angler here in the southwest part of Florida. Can't reach those deep fish..

[@clintonbruning]

What was the the water temp matt? I just got some damiki vaults I want to get better with the blade bait this winter

[@marcuspierantozzi]

Matt my winter water temps only get down to about 60° at most. Any tips?

[@Fjb.trumpwon]

Watch the hook up tackle . They just talked about it .

[@Fjb.trumpwon]

What was the water temp Matt ?

[@fishing630addictionjcmg4]

Lest go grab u coffee end watch tactical bassin

[@jenlvjim]

Couldn't tell by watching the video. Do you slow roll and throw in a pop here and there

[@martellheatingandairllcmar6894]

Are you using live scope to find or scanning with side scan in this video or just blind casting

[@robertmartin265]

🤣. Are you really not waring socks? Nice video. Ty

[@tacticalbassin]

Yep, hahaha

[@bruteforce2011]

Do you re-tie after every fish on the big swim baits?

[@chuck8202]

Did you sound your safety horn when you heard that bot come close? Its the first thing I get out when its foggy out

[@ETLLoos]

Great vid. Love seeing the curado M. I’ve got a 6.2? Which I love and an 8.5 under the tree. Your product recommendations are always spot on so I thought I’d offer one: Fox River Fingerless Ragg Gloves - these fingerless wool gloves are excellent when fishing in cold weather. I’m sure other brands would too, but I have those and they made a big difference, and handled occasional light moisture well.

[@Zanzabar5]

Tennessee River. That narrows it down..

[@xersrt]

W

[@ZMosGreen]

I’m sorry if I missed you say it but what’s the water temp?

[@roncunningham4025]

Matt whats the water temp

[@NolanSprankles]

Matt, any tips on keeping ice from building up in the guides early in the AM when it's this cold in E. TN..? I fish every weekend and during the week when possible regardless the weather or temps. And have you seen any effect on your guides from frozen line? Any groves or such? I hesitate to use my nicer rods in fear of damaging the fuji guides as I use braid on 95% of them and the line gets ice building on it aswell. Thanks

[@tacticalbassin]

I just power through it. Dunk them periodically if you have to. I've never had any guide damage at all, and I'm super rough on my gear.

[@NolanSprankles]

Thats what I do already. Thanks bud

[@huskyjerk]

What is the water temperature there?

[@lstaples007]

On the waiver? 🤯🤯 dude is a beast!...

[@austinshort6900]

Hey Matt question why braid and leader on all rods?

[@tacticalbassin]

Stronger hook sets, more sensitivity, and quick adjustability. 👍🏼

[@DanaRosasJr.]

From the bank next?

[@hardrockfreak1337]

That channel cat would have been eaten by me, so fast.

[@davidhidalgo5662]

Yes I still wait to see what footwear Matt has on before I truly believe whether it is really cold out or not. No flip-flops it must be somewhat cold. Now if Matt had on socks and or boots then I would say it truly is to cold to fish at all. 🤣🤣🤣

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! In the past my rule was less than 3 hours before its above freezing, stay in flip flops... but I'm getting weaker as the years tick by.

[@adt83live]

Any tips for us guys fishing from shore at partially frozen lakes up north. I've been fishing near the deepest spots I can get to and mostly fishing bottom. The only luck I've had is catching pike and walleye, no bass since November.

[@urbanlegendangling3686]

Im up in massachusetts, also from shore. In shallower ponds the glide baits and smaller jerk baits seem to work. In the deeper reservoirs i have had success fishing neds and very small jigs. Fish seem to be more active as the sun starts to go down. I am working these baits SLOW with long pauses in between movements. Its not always easy but when your in the right spot and they are active you can load up on fish quickly. Good luck!

[@adt83live]

​@urbanlegendangling3686 I appreciate the tips, good luck 👍🏼

[@gslang3489]

What gear reel do you use with the tactical DD crank? I caught a nice bass on it the other day on my new Legends Glass MM ROD. I used a 6 gear bc I was throwing a square bill before but not sure it gets the crank to ideal speed.

[@tacticalbassin]

We use 7:1 or 8:1. We're so glad you caught with it!

[@gslang3489]

@tacticalbassin do you think the crank work better on a glass Medium Moderate or a carbon Medium Moderate Fast? Both Legends Tournament same length.

[@billstopinski2568]

way to whack them. matt im looking at a 2003 206 champion with a yamaha vmax 3.1 225, that rig would be a slug with the 225 correct. may have to hold on the the 181 for a bit

[@tacticalbassin]

That 206 shouldn't be a dog, it will still run well. CC runs a 198 with a 225 and it's scary fast! Depending on what part of the country you're in, JTM outboards in Georgia can turn that 225 into a power house also. 👍🏼

[@caseyhepler2806]

You might want to try a battery heated vest

[@Grumpyjoe301]

Matt I want a pair of them shoes,,,

[@gordywatkins4408]

What lake are you on ?

[@TaylorFranklin-oy3jz]

Now what do you do to your boat when you get back to the house since it is 28 degrees?

[@tacticalbassin]

Thankfully, park it indoors. But in years past we did nothing. Lower the motor, open the drain plug, let it all freeze. We've never had problems.

[@mth2068]

That S-waver is a little heavy for that rod, you not worried it may break tip on cast?

[@tacticalbassin]

Not in the slightest. Consider those ratings as guidelines and nothing more

[@tjlastname5192]

Do you use that S waver 120 much? I bought two of the 168s but I think they are just too big for a lot of the fish where I’m fishing. 3lb is about the biggest I’ve caught in one of the places.

[@tacticalbassin]

The 168 isn't too big at all. We catch tons of 1-3 lb Spots and Smallmouth on them, let alone largemouth 👍🏼 Stick with them and you might be surprised to find a 5 lber living there.

[@tjlastname5192]

@@tacticalbassin gunna try it out this Friday. It’s not going to be as cold as in this vid, so maybe I’ll have some luck. Thanks.

[@adt83live]

Yeah that 168 will get smaller largemouth bass no problem, they'll eat anything half their size, so think 12"+ as a rule

[@helotaxi]

My first fish on the Magdraft 6" was a whole 11" long (maybe). My first Chad Shad fish measured 14". Bass have big eyes. If they think that there's even a 1% chance they can eat it, they will dang sure try.

[@docbrown9054]

I'm having a tuff time tuning the tactical crank. I think i need a finer point on my pliers cuz the eye sits so low in the bill. Is this normal?

[@tacticalbassin]

We don't have any problems but we do have fairly small needle nose. Don't be afraid to get a tad bit aggressive for the first move, you can always work back.

[@kalebherring4396]

Just curious do y’all still use the bantam as much any more, I remember y’all raving about it for throwing your tactical cranks and bacca burrito 5 inch. Lately I’ve seen you use the curado 150 a bunch more didn’t know if there was a specific reason or not? Just because the bantam wasn’t in the buyers guide. I haven’t heard anything from y’all fishing with the bantam recently??? Any brake downs??

[@tacticalbassin]

No break downs, no issues. Speaking for myself, I spooled my Bantams for a striper trip and now I don't want to waste all that line by stripping them back down 😂

[@helotaxi]

The Curado 150 MGL is cheaper and works long casts better, at least that's my experience. The short throw from the spool to the line guide creates more drag on the line with the harder line angle from spool to out the front of the reel. The Bantam will last a heck of a lot longer and is 100% my choice when I've got the drag tightened down and heavy braid spooled up.

[@guyb5333]

Ur a Hardcore fishing Viking. Hopefully you had your running lights on.

[@justincopley1061]

I see y’all throw a lot of braid 2 L my question is what knots do y’all use for connection? I’ve never seen y’all have a video

[@haydenbarnett4491]

Alright alright I’ll make another TW order😅😅

[@Triple87]

I’m surprised you’re not in flip flops. 😂

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! I'm getting weaker as the years wear on 😆

[@wetholeandslickpole]

I don’t wanna hear anybody talking about how cold it is on the Tennessee river when it’s not even cold. Try living in the north east trying to catch bass. You know nothing about the cold. But we’re still out there every day catching them.

[@jamesbarron1202]

I see people killing drum below the dam on my home lake because they think they’re trash fish. Drum eat zebra mussels and they’re also very good eating when they’re small. Deep fried, they taste way better than sandbass (white bass) and stripers. No comparison. I think people see them as being like carp.

[@borreholic7238]

28F and no socks?? My feet would be ice cubes before I was even finished ramping... 😄