Fishing Cold Water Crankbaits For Big Winter Bass

Come along for a fun day chasing Cold Water Bass! The plan is to throw a Ned Rig, Jig, Dark Sleeper, and Crankbait. It doesn't take long before BIG bass start coming in the boat! Winter bass fishing doesn't have to be tough, let us show you the tricks along the way that will make all the difference. If you understand where the fish position in Winter and how to trigger a feed response, Winter bass fishing becomes a lot more fun!
At the start of the day the plan was to use slow bottom contact baits to catch the majority of fish then try to get a bigger bite on a crankbait. It became apparent very quickly that the "traditional" methods of Winter fishing simply were not working. The bass were completely shut down and uninterested in biting. These are some of the best conditions for the crankbait because it does not rely on the bass' desire to feed, instead triggering a core reaction response.
While many of the baits Matt threw didn't work well on this day, they are all proven producers in the Winter months so we've linked them all below. Additionally, we've included a detailed list of the potential "cold water crankbaits" that we have confidence in so that you can start cold water cranking right away if that is a technique you'd like to try. The Tactical Crankbait is backordered into March but it would still advisable to get in line if that is a bait you would like to try this coming season.
Today's Baits...
-River2Sea Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: bit.ly/37dclbX
(Ghost Minnow, Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow)
-Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" 1/2 oz: bit.ly/2TyR1GT
(Donko, Wakasagi)
-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 1/2 oz: bit.ly/2d2apsm
(Supermatt Brown)
-Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: bit.ly/2db9w1p
(Cinnamon Black and Purple Flake)
-Roboworm Ned Worm 3": bit.ly/2j9F0Xy
(Oxblood Light Red Flake, Peoples Worm)
-Swagger Tungsten 3/16 oz: bit.ly/2KcIB6M
Other Cold Water Crankbaits...
-Megabass Deep Six: bit.ly/2A3clKP
-Megabass Deep X 300: bit.ly/2sSQHpt
-Spro RK Crawler 55: bit.ly/2NFPA5t
-6th Sense Curve 55: bit.ly/37hZ1TD
Matt's Crankbait Combo...
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL XG: bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Budget Cranking Combo...
Rod- Fury 7' Medium Heavy Cranking: bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Reel- Shimano SLX HG: bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: bit.ly/2h4LNjm
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What we wear...
Sun Mask: bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: bit.ly/2vgTOst
Light Fishing Pants: bit.ly/2foDx10
Reaper Hoodie (Hoodie with Warm Face Cover built in): bit.ly/2yRURSd
Horizon Sweater (Water resistant, great for layering): bit.ly/2gTC1oB
_________________________________________________________________
Equipment We Recommend...
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: bit.ly/2CMF1NP
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero7 Camera: bit.ly/2RsLpjB
ElectroSamson Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: 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!

[@bdaquatics7584]

Texas parks and wildlife just stocked our river with 2500 rainbow trout. So while everyone was using an ultralight rod with powerbait dough I was dragging a Huddleston trout on my massive swimbait set up. I caught 2 GIANTS too lol shout out to Matt for sharing the knowledge💯✊✊

[@roninmax8189]

How big?

[@BrandonBReelKillerFishn]

Where you at...I'm in Granbury I want some daggum trout bad never caught one

[@itsazazell5549]

@@BrandonBReelKillerFishn you saying you wouldn't throw a swimbait over there? ya know to pass the time while you're trout fishing haha

[@rodiebobwilliams1330]

The swimbait swimjig works bouncing bottom slow..Thanks Matt as well.

[@tatebuster73]

@@BrandonBReelKillerFishn granbury has been fishing good. Been smashing on a jerkbait

[@johnhancock517]

I love it when they hit right at your feet. Best adrenaline rush EVER!

[@OldLadyAngler]

Wow. What a cat!!! All those bass look so healthy and plump! Thanks for sharing.

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

🏆🏆I don't know how I missed this one ,Awesome day Matt🏆🏆

[@koenccx765]

It’s great watching you guys fish and all the info you provide. It might be just me, but on just fishing days like this is it possible for you guys to show your graph and how you set up on a spot?

[@caseywebb5178]

Flip flops and big bass .. dude you truly are a badass fisherman

[@MrJudicater]

When you set the hook at 13:38 and the rod just stops. When I'm bass fishing and hook a big catfish or drum, the heart rate goes to another level until I see the fish. Nice video! LOVING the time lapse pop-ups. "30 minutes later" etc. Really keeps things in perspective and helps tell the "story" of how the day is going.

[@christopher9076]

Merry Christmas to Matt, Tim, their families, as well as all of my TacticalBassin family!!!

[@conniebennett6646]

Thank you for the time stamps at intervals in vid. When we that don't have great skills and experience watch fishing vids and see people catching fish after fish in a 15 min vid it's very discouraging when we fish all day without one fish. Your time stamps help keep a reference to just how long u crank and how much patience is required. Thank you!

[@mikeseal7075]

Man good job Matt I could wake up to this every morning thanks for taking us along hope you and Tim rest of the tactical family have a wonderful holiday God bless

[@raycedennen5891]

Just want to say thank you for sharing this technique. I tried it this weekend on a small lake. We fished every bait we could think of with no luck. It was a shallow lake so I used a Berkeley Bad Shad. 8.5 ft diver within 20 mins i had landed 3 fish. Fished 4 1/2 hours prior to that. I'm sold on burning them. Burn burn burn short pause, worked like a champ. Almost every o e of them hit on the pause, or just after you started the move again. It was awesome. Can't wait to try this more.

[@peev3z]

43 degrees and Matt's in flip flops. You beast. 😆

[@pjr.6664]

Right on Matt.... Was thinking of hitting Los Banos creek res after xmas... Thanks for the winter tactics..

[@johnnythepillpopper1974]

Let’s go fishing! I’m in shorts right now, but let’s go. I’m right there in the boat with you ,Bro

[@larryd3403]

so great to hear i can catch bass with my spro cranks all winter!!

[@kimsatterfield2749]

Matt real good day on the water love it

[@mryoung3040]

thanks for your time i really enjoy all your videos

[@Mr2rojan]

Went and bought a couple of those crankbaits, had to wait nearly 3 weeks before the backorder finally was filled. Absolutely love those things! They cast so nicely and I definitely got some bites, on a new lake that I've never fished before. Keep up the good work guys!

[@Mr2rojan]

I should also add a huge thank you as well, in prior years I had only ever really been a passable angler, catching whatever bit my worm and bobber but this year I caught some absolutely beautiful fish and just simple fact, more fish overall than any 5 previous years combined. Thank you!

[@marleymayfield2635]

Wow that's some serious success for winter fishing, unreal.

[@robertdiehl1281]

Wow, some pretty good fishing. And a big ol’ catfish to spice it up. Great video. Perfect weather.

[@lstaples007]

Unreal... blown away by the numbers and the size, like 5 of those Larry's would've been new PB for me... I've got mine coming shortly, Happy Holidays! Thx TB

[@OPENPEEPER]

Merry Christmas🎄🎁 to the Tactical Bassin Family. May their always be bass under your lily pad. Tight lines!

[@hunterstephenson9979]

The curve 55 will hammer them. I lost a DD at the boat today on one, never would have picked one up if not for your videos thanks guys!!

[@kayakangle]

Putting in work with that new crank. Good stuff!

[@sbaner5]

Merry Christmas to both of you and your families! The two of you are helping this old dog actually learn new tricks. I look forward to your continued work in 2020.

[@jonathangreen6088]

I love to start my week off with some TB! Every week! I got my ghost minnow and blood craw ready for Guntersville! Can't wait!

[@damondunaway950]

Keeping it Cali with the flip flops...... Pretty much the the mascot!.........

[@damondunaway950]

Mattscot!

[@Dudecatchesfish]

The legendary hammer that is Matt Allen💰🔨🎯

[@efakter1]

Nice day Matt!! Solid crank fish

[@mickmaples]

Matt....LOVE your vids and learn SO much from them. Thank you (and Tim) for being so open and such great teachers. I will be just a touch critical here, in that, it looks like you started off running without your life jacket on. I might be wrong, and if so, I'm sorry for calling it out. I survived a horrific boat accident in Aug. and so I'm particularly observant to that. Love your channel. Keep 'em coming. Big fan!

[@arr0w_sniper415]

Water temp in ohio, 40 today, got a 14in crappie at 40ft and that was it, nice video Matt !

[@brianmcgroarty8063]

Received my Tactical DD today. Can't wait to try it out this week. Great video Matt.

[@robertdtimmerman6507]

Just getting to this video after my Christmas break. After watching you crush those tanks, I sure am glad I ordered 4 of those Cranks!!! Hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

[@ColeAviation]

Good morning Matt!! You look like me wearing those flip flops in the winter. Lol

[@Griswald1968]

I was admiring that Afto jump suit when I noticed them. 43° and still in the flips.

[@rolandtexbutler1063]

Finally got my R2S DD in last week and have been huuurtin em since on my lake! As always love the content boys!

[@zekereed5990]

I have never wanted to live in california, till this morning....LOL. great vid guys, thanks

This place is very good, its fishing was amazing, congratulations friend. hug!!!👍🎣😊 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[@jamesamaro]

Thanx tactical bassin team and merry Christmas.

[@buellrichmond2842]

Ok, I ordered the Megabass deep X and I'm gonna go hard on some winter bass!

[@MsBassSmasherStevenGossjr]

Hey Matt! I got my new river to sea crankbaits. Love them! Caught some good fish the past 3 days on them here in Mississippi.

[@John_D2]

43* and cuz has on flip flops. This FL boy couldn’t hack that. 😆 Nice fish , Matt 🎣

[@ChuckCooper]

Great promo for the Tactical DD 75. I just got mine today but of course the pond froze solid two days ago AHHHHHHH can't wait for the thaw. Great video

[@getn_bit4363]

Glad I bought some of those crankbaits, can't wait to try them tomorrow, this definitely made me a believer

[@sirronbailey3109]

Thanks for your tips and advice 👍🏽

[@Just8Ns]

Received my new Tacticalbassin R2S DD Crankbaits on the day before Christmas. Can't wait to put them to use! Love you're videos guys! Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to you and your family!

[@shtty17]

Thanks Matt n Tim, it’s been a great year putting your tips into action. Merry Christmas to your families and to your wonderful selves!

[@completetuningsolutions]

Nice chunks, that catfish was a nice touch

[@dagarhart]

Awesome catches! Definitely some fish envy!

[@mxbass1036]

I really like this kind of video. I should be getting my tactical crank anyday now. Merry Christmas guys and thanks for all the great content this year.

[@mikegardiner3934]

Awesome video matt! I know other people are commenting, but you wearing winter gear and flip-flops, cracks me up. LOL

[@mikegardiner3934]

Lol When I saw the “three minutes later”… Mr. whiskers is exactly what I thought. What a fight!

[@thetzel70]

Merry Christmas Matt and Tim!! Thanks for all the great videos and for helping me become a better fisherman!

[@galva777tx]

Merry Christmas to you, Tim and your families.

[@lbz_on_crack]

This vid raised my confidence on this winter a ton, thanks

[@patricksmith8281]

Awesome video thanks for the info with the big crankbaits and for those two people that didn't like that video y'all obviously do not fish

[@jacobwallfishing]

Matt I'm more impressed by the fact your still rocking the flip flops 😝

[@johndrx165]

Great vid! Thanks.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I watch your videos and as a Rayburn guy I can't imagine what it's like to turn the boat 180 degrees and no other boats come into view.... i do that and they'll be 20!

[@patrickmccracken1065]

nice catch and release on the catfish!!!

[@terryjohnson666]

‘We’re not gonna blank today.” Such confidence. I love it. My kind of weather, too, almost, since it did not snow and rain on you, Matt. So sad I could not make it over this year. 2020 for sure! P.S. your boat looks fantastic!

[@brandonknuckles48]

4 stops 5 miles and 3 minutes and a few nice bass later he caught Christmas dinner NICE CATFISH

[@mooreoutdoors21]

Awesome video as always. Merry Christmas Matt,Tim an to your families!!

[@kongvang4132]

Merry Christmas Matt, Tim and families.

[@terryclowers4433]

Merry Christmas Matt and Tim and your family's great video 👍

[@DTSsb95]

Hey Matt, that was a super fun video to watch. Merry Christmas

[@jeffskynyrdoutdoors4991]

Matt lol!! It’s mid 40’s and you still got flip flops on 😂😂😂.

[@justinapfel1037]

Still rocking the flip flops lol great video!

[@tressbassing]

What an awesome day matt! Great work. Merry christmas to you and all the tactical family.

[@BACKYARDFISHING_VA]

Been working 4 me... Been crushing with deep diving CRANKBAIT a.. nice tips

[@perrygross5733]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Matt and Tim awesome videos thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@davidthomas4476]

That’s awesome man I need to get some of those baits! Thanks awesome video

[@ejzabojnik834]

Awesome video Matt. That cat was huge. LOL

[@prohushdarakeo]

Mad props damn made it look easy! 😎👍🎣

[@chaseD707]

I know Tim enjoys fishing from the bank. A review video of one of the castable fish finders would be a sweet video I’m on the fence about buying one

[@mikecrowley9773]

Just got my back-order Tactical DD's! Cant wait to try them out.

[@nickmcdaniel5676]

Merry Christmas Matt and Tim.

[@stevevoelker2733]

lol - 42 degrees with coveralls and flip flops

[@waynelagarde7956]

I ordered my Tactical DD cranks the day they dropped and I just got mine in yesterday, cant wait to catch a Giant on them.

[@GGAMBIT]

the Foot swipe on the net gave me chills lol

[@Rapapapapapa1]

Hey Matt, Great video wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas & A wonderful New year!

[@catfish6138]

Always great stuff. Merry Christmas Matt and Tim! 🎄🎅🏻🐟🐟🐟🐟

[@jerrycox998]

Just wanted to say THANK U and wish u and urs a very merry Christmas

[@jehill87]

Great video. Just got all but 1 of my DD 75 in headed to lake to try them out. Going to be in 70 here around lake fork.

[@NoRedemptionOutdoors]

Great vid Matt!

[@thebibleisright100]

I love clear lake! I caught my Pb there on a tournament. Plenty of stenchoroo there. I gotta get myself one of those crankbaits really sweet color.

[@jbjgibbons]

Some of my best bass fishing days Have come with some random giant catfish bites too. When the 2 species group up and start feeding...well it really doesn’t get much better than that!

[@xdh10x]

Another great video

[@BudjetBassin]

Great tips!Thanks Matt!

[@BrandonBReelKillerFishn]

Yeeeees been awhile since y'all fished this much on channel, love watching this.

[@fishingfam9154]

The man, the beard, the legend...

[@arsola74]

Awesome video man

[@caseynorris1]

Merry Christmas, Really enjoy what your doing. Learned a lot this year👍🏻

[@patrickwhitby5561]

Merry Christmas Matt. Great video👍

[@stevencaldwell838]

Wow!!! Looks like my wallet is gonna get thinner! Luckily I have a Diawa Fuego 8:1, and, a 13, 7’6”, 7’9”& my tried and true 7’3” MH! Heading to Tennessee 1/1/21. I’ll be mostly finesse fishing. But, I think ill dig a few deep crankbaits outta my tackle box and bring em with for good measure! Very compelling video! Intriguing. A must try technique! Cheers!

[@blindsquirrel]

A catfish on a crank bait. Too funny. It was massive!

[@timsmith7822]

That was fun

[@aaronfortner6582]

Merry Christmas guys! Would love to hear or see more about the structure and or cover you are fishing.

[@jacoblewis3353]

as much as I LOVE watching you guys catch monsters it is encouraging to see even the teachers don't catch them EVERY cast all the time. love the realism and "struggle" of winter fishing you showed in this video!

[@tonybrown3346]

"Air temperature is 43°, and it's pretty comfortable [catching studs in my flip flops] overall..." LEGEND 🤘😜

[@nathannatividad5824]

Merry Christmas Matt too you and your Family “FISH ON”

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

when you so good you know what fish is hitting your bait.. dam yes master jedi fisherman.