The 3 Worst Winter Fishing Mistakes! ( And How You Can Avoid Them )

Don't be caught making these mistakes! Winter bass fishing is really simple, but if you're making these mistakes you're ruining your own fishing. Subtle details like time of day, lure speed, and movement, are often overlooked. These details have huge impacts on your catch rate! If you successfully avoid these mistakes, you're going to catch more bass this Winter!
Anglers (us included) are constantly making mistakes that hurt our fishing. But if you can avoid these 3, you're going to have a lot more fun this Winter! Focus on fishing during low light periods, especially early morning. Next, stop trying to be comfortable. Forget about your "go to" baits and focus on fishing the extremes. And finally, pay attention to the way you're working your bait. This isn't the time of year for aggressive shaking or hard hopping along the bottom.
Below you'll find links to the baits Matt discussed in the video, in the order they appeared. We've also included a few key budget-friendly rod and reel combos to help you fish these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
BAITS FOR FISHING THE EXTREMES...
•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: bit.ly/2nyUJRS
Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 Hook
•Megabass 3" Spark Shad Swimbait: bit.ly/2XcLZk4
Colors: Real, Albino
•Megabass 8" Magdraft Swimbait: bit.ly/2mc8bfK
Colors: White Back Shad, MB Shad
•River2Sea S Waver 168: bit.ly/2aiu8Sh
Colors: TW Cali Hitch, Lite Trout, I Know It
SPEED CRANKBAIT...
•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: bit.ly/37dclbX
Color: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad
SUBTLE NED RIG...
•ZMan Finesse TRD: bit.ly/2hs4RtR
Color: Mood Ring, PB&J
•ZMan NedLockZ EWG: bit.ly/3OWdp9W
Size: 1/10 oz
ALABAMA RIGS...
•Hogfarmer Tactical Flex Bladed: bit.ly/38xd1es
•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex Bladed: bit.ly/3uwY6Md
•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI (Non Bladed): bit.ly/3isTio0
Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait (1/8 oz): bit.ly/29RrTYN
Heads- Screwed Up Swimbait Heads (1/8 oz): bit.ly/3U5RsIx
SUBTLE BAITS FOR A-RIGS...
•G Ratt 4" Thin Swim Swimbait: bit.ly/3TJVbxv
Colors: Pro Blue, Trout Smolt
•Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: bit.ly/2bxJK6H
Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Crystal Shad
JERKBAIT...
•Megabass Vision 110+1 Jr: bit.ly/2LnK389
Colors: Matte Shad, Kasumi Ito
BLADE BAITS...
•Damiki Vault: bit.ly/2rnO7e2
Size: 1/2 oz
Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu
•Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response: bit.ly/2R7FlvL
Size: 1/2 oz
Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu
FOOTBALL JIG...
Bait- Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Finesse Football: bit.ly/2d2apsm
Color: Supermatt Brown, The Go To
Trailer- Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: bit.ly/2db9w1p
Color: Green Pumpkin Blk
BUDGET NED RIG COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: bit.ly/2s7kaQn
Reel- Shimano Miravel 2500: bit.ly/3QZnwL5
Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: bit.ly/2p7fxju
BUDGET ALABAMA RIG COMBO...
Rod- Shimano SLX A 7'5" Medium Heavy: bit.ly/2L3wppO
Reel- Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- Power Pro Braid (50 lb): bit.ly/2aFg46b
Leader- Sufix Advance Green Mono (20 lb): bit.ly/3GJEUix
AFFORDABLE SPEED CRANKING COMBO...
Rod- St. Croix Mojo Glass Trigon 7'4" Medium Heavy: bit.ly/2YIxLy5
Reel- Daiwa Fuego CT (HS): bit.ly/35hugfH
Line- Sunline FC (15 lb): bit.ly/2h4LNjm
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!
#Winterfishing #bassfishing #fishingtips

[@MarcusSpjut]

There is just one period when it's "to cold" to fish and thats when the water actually freezes but not frozen enough to go ice-fishing. Have had that sweet spot for a week now so well, my baits have never been more orginazed. xD

[@TheTrident1982]

Matt changed my fishing life last year with his winter videos, can't thank him enough! Metal baits, getting up and uncomfortable.....juicy stuff!

[@debtheuniversityofgods2842]

I've been bank fishing in 25 or lower degree weather cause I want to be like Matt and Tim. That's my motivation

[@smoochumsmcgee]

same here lmao whenever i feel unmotivated to get out of bed early and get after em i think of what tim and matt would do

[@jamesbarron1202]

But do you man up and wear flip flops 🩴 🩴

Get a kayak and get off the bank. Fish deeper water.

[@debtheuniversityofgods2842]

Thank you bro I have a kayak

[@Steve-ev6vx]

I have a kayak too, but there is something said for bank fishing too. The drainage ponds in my town are all posted "no swimming or boating" but they don't say no fishing and they are loaded with bass.

[@stevencaldwell838]

Yes! Perfect example; I took my 10 year old daughter fishing this Wednesday ( first time bass fishing ), and it was cold, light winds, and raining ) and we went straight to the dark side of a point, I got the boat positioned, she casted ( Dirty Jigs swim jig )over a submerged tree, let the bait just fall ( no reeling/tight line ) and bam!!! Her first largemouth bass! We did everything suggested in this video and it worked !

[@rickyd865VOL]

A day either of you will never forget. Priceless

[@bigfah2506]

Love your stuff guys!

[@romaloboda2280]

Thanks.

[@mattyg5566]

Great advice. This is pure gold. You guys are the best - thanks for all you do!

[@dennisederer3594]

Thank you for an excellent presentation today. I just received my new mini TB A rig yesterday. Looking forward to throwing the lure this weekend.

[@SurprisinglyKorean]

Awesome video. Your tips for winter time have opened up a new season where I usually hang up the rods traditionally the last few years. Would also love to see content oriented for the bank guy since water draws down a bit and bass seem to congregate in closer proximity to deeper water/hard structure. I’ve found I pond hop more during the winter due to shorter time available on the water. Regardless, you guys are gentleman and scholars in the bass fishing community

[@michaelgraham7316]

I have been trying some of your suggestions since I watched your video on speed cranking and I have to say it has been working for me. I have been catching 4+ lb bass almost every time I go out now. Almost all on the River2sea Tactical DD, but yesterday I caught a 4lb and a 3 lb 15oz on a crawdad 10xp speed cranking it. Thanks for the advise and I plan to continue fishing this way thru the winter.

[@scottcameron3559]

Good stuff Matt well done

[@rodneychandler82]

Good one Matt 👍. One for my library 😊

[@vincentgelles3805]

I catch a large percentage of my winter bass on that 3” spark shad/guppy head combo! If I’m having a tough day I can usually pick it up and at least catch a few bass to salvage the day.

[@302FISHING]

Matt as always a great instructional and informative video. I love watching your channel to gain much more insight on how to fish bass effectively. Happy New Years to to you fine gentlemen. All the best for 2024 !!!

[@douglasspickler4925]

Excellent video. Great tips. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@seantobin8547]

Great video. They allways are but this one was much needed. Thank you

[@FreedomFishing]

Mindblowing. 🤯 I've been thinking about the extreme cadences. My theory is to go fast with less than realistic baits, and ultra slow with the super realistic ones. I say that because appearance seems less important to me when trying to get a reaction strike, and the fish doesn't get to get a good look at it. And if a bait is gonna sit there or suspend for a fish to come check out, its gotta sell them that its real when they examine it.

[@jeremytjensvold9936]

Clearlake winter trip this weekend! Let’s goooooo

[@Huntn_fish365]

Good morning fellas!! Thanks for the great videos!! Hope y’all have a blessed day

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you!!

[@jasonrutherfordbassfishing]

Ugh, gave up the juice on the chartreuse head… good tips, thanks!

[@BassAddictofficial]

Good morning from lake cherokee. Going to head out early tomorrow to get on some smallies!

[@johnowens7435]

Went out this morning at safe light just before sunrise and followed your advice. I tried topwater and the s-waver but no bites. I then switched to Tim’s tip, Neko rigging a Yamamoto D Shad and caught multiple bass but no large ones. I then saw them busting on baitfish and switched to an A-rig with largo shads and caught several nice bass and lost what must have been the biggest bass I have seen in my pond at the boat 😉

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺 Very well done video Matt🤠.

[@Tylerbone96]

Here in the Dallas area (I’m specifically about 30 min north of Dallas, roughly an hour 15 from Lake Fork) the weather simply can’t make up its mind. Today I’m outside in shorts and a t shirt, have a light jacket with me just in case I get chilly. Next Tuesday it’s gonna be in the teens, high of like 30 or something like that. I feel the poor fish are just as confused as I am 😂 I’ve actually been checking my pre spawn spots lately while I’m out, dedicating 10-15 min to them just to see, it’s tough to tell what’s going on personally. When I lived in GA on Lanier things were a little easier to figure out in my mind

[@clintacres3710]

Thanks for all your great content! Love the technique specific videos the most. Could you please make one on hair jigs both marabou and bucktail? Thanks again

[@jeffahrens6246]

Great information! Going tomorrow, Slow, Slow Down. Thanks

[@sanmansfishingadventure]

Lol😂 I'm one them guys laying in my warm bed watching fishing videos

[@keithpinkerton2933]

Good morning Matt. Got me going. Have to head out today.

[@tacticalbassin]

Good luck Keith!

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you, Matt. We've been dealing with cold fronts here in Florida lately, but it's been nice to get some rain. When is your Florida trip happening this year? I was glancing back through your archive, and it looks like it's been a while since your last in-depth punching / flipping video; I hear that's a thing down here 🙂. Good luck to all of those heading out to have a go at the bass this weekend, and I hope everyone has a fantastic Friday!

[@tacticalbassin]

Oh, we should be down that way a few times over the next 2-3 months 🙂

[@TheFishCatcher]

I like the cold weather especially with less fishing pressure

[@ciscoamaro2772]

I’m throwing big swimbaits and glides this winter, my first time trying this. Mixing in 3in swimbaits and drop shots

[@KyleBungah]

Matt! Look forward to these videos every morning! Love them and love all that you and Tim do! Quick question, why the 8" Magdraft over the 8" Huddleston in this video? I know that in former videos I have watched you usually preach the wedge tail ovef the boot tail this time of year. Looking forward to a response and thanks in advance!

[@Tbowie13]

Mornin Matt. Megabass sprk is good, but that hazadong is where its at for me when downsizing. About to head to my Bull Shoals property again for about 2 months very soon. Watch out BIGS! 😂 Can't wait to tie on a Vision 110, as silly as it sounds Im excited to whack those huge crappie. The # of 14-16 inch blacks I catch over the brush piles this time of year is off the chain. The X-Nanahan +1 as well... oh man! 😊

[@dylanschannel6275]

Rewatch your swimbait winter bass fishing and went out today and caught a nice bass on 8 inch hud🙏

[@joecontinetti6594]

Great tips as always! Matt - Do you abandon mid strolling when the water temps are in the 40s?

[@clintonbruning]

How do you retrieve your smaller A rig matt? I’ve got the small swimbaits with tighter action on, but I think I might be pumping it too aggressive or something.

[@rodneyrandolph2128]

Hey Matt, great video! Have you tried out the Megabass x-nanahan yet? They make it in a +2 which dives to 10’ so it’s like the junior 110 but dives deeper. I fish an hour or so west of you on some highland reservoirs and I’ve been killing them on it so far, you should give it a try if you find some deeper fish! I feel like I’m getting right in their face where they don’t see that presentation very often. Hope you had a great new year!

[@tacticalbassin]

That X Nanahan+2 is a great option! We lean toward the vision for that 3rd hook unless we absolutely need the depth 👍🏼

[@basstobasscookingbrentbabi5411]

Matt- What rod are you using at 3:57 with your DD crank bait? It looks light with a great tip action. Please let me know the make & model. Great video as always. Thank you

[@brandonhannon3518]

Have you guys bought the new hangover from sixth sense would be cool to see you guys do a review on the different sink rates you guys go very deep into the details would love your input

[@kevinsmith9142]

For me, I love the cold, but I’m a night owl. I’ll fish until the wee hours of the morning, but there is nothing in life or on the face of this earth I enjoy enough to wake up pre-dawn. Heck, I don’t want to wake up before 10am. I guess I’m just going to miss out. And I’m ok with that if it means I’m still asleep at 4, 5, or 6 am.

[@maqboolkhatieb6988]

I'm one of those that when i fish in winter it's predominantly on a warmer winter's day 😅

[@robertrodriguez4587]

I get to the ale before the sunrise I just have the right gear, but I don’t get the big bite. I catch a bunch of 3-4’s, but not the big ones.

[@Southcherokeehunt_fish]

Do you have tips for topwater during these same temperatures? Both in creeks and on lakes.

[@alanrasmussen4097]

Hey Matt could you tell me the specs on that spinning rod you were throwing the Ito 110 jr. on? Are they the same specs you suggest for a jerkbait casting rod? Thanks guys and tightlines!

[@luckybassturd7260]

I read years ago the light transition can hinder eye sight just like us. This might mean the bass can’t see your mistakes/line/hook/ as easy? ✌️🤟🤙

[@anthonybenoit222]

Do you guys have any advice for bank fishing in the winter

[@alexalt2888]

Please make 1 tacticalbassin icefishing video and i will never ask again

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Thank you Matt ❤and what are your water temps there in Tennessee?

[@tacticalbassin]

It totally varies lake to lake. On the Tennessee River, you can find Temps clear up to low 50s on the main river, but you go in the coves, and they have ice on them. Our reservoirs are mostly low to mid 40s.

[@ethanlee5487]

Hey Matt, I'm looking to get more into cranking. Do you guys ever recommend reels in the 6:1 area for cranking, or do you guys only use the 7:1s and 8:1s? Are there any advantages to these higher gear ratios for things like deep cranking?

[@bassjack9374]

In case they don’t respond, most people typically use ratios in the 5-7 range for cranking…..a 6:1 would be perfect 👍

[@rodrigoelgu]

Good juice 🥤

[@larryvilla6869]

I’m bank fishing winter north Idaho for bass and it’s very very cold and I haven’t had luck yet I just don’t know where to fish from the bank

[@jarviusjackson6700]

Don’t give out all the secrets 😂😂😂💪🏾

[@onfootbassin]

Hey Matt, could you please clarify when you would opt for speed cranking vs slow cranking in the Winter and vice versa? You mention speed cranking a lot in the winter, but when would you recommend slow cranking?

[@rodneychandler82]

Would also love to hear his take on this 😊

[@huskerluva]

I heard them say on a podcast one time that they were keeping speed cranking a secret for now because it works to good for everyone to do it. Their words not mine.

[@kunaiwithchain5278]

Any of you guys ice fish for bass? I feel like it’s usually walleyes, perch, and crappie

[@fisherofmen9897]

What are your thoughts on fishing a vibrating jig in the winter Matt? I would like to see a video on that.

[@krispyk.1786]

Personally I think they’re for “slow rolling” something like a slobberknocker with a subtle and heavy knocks, works terrificly when bouncing it off the bottom

[@fisherofmen9897]

@krispyk.1786 Do you focus on more shad or crayfish patterns?

[@krispyk.1786]

@@fisherofmen9897 I’m from the northern Midwest so focusing on the gross browns similar to craws seem to get me more bites and follows- we don’t have a lot of big “shad” or baitfish around us.

[@fisherofmen9897]

@krispyk.1786 thanks man!

[@jakeross21]

When fishing super slow, I'm assuming you already have a good guess that bass are using the area?

[@nickready1278]

I've tried to follow your advice, but I break too many baits when they hit the ice and the treble hooks seem to create a lot of drag retrieving them through the snow. Maybe I should be using a topwater?

[@tacticalbassin]

Cast higher... approaching terminal velocity will help penetrate the ice 🥶

[@rodneychandler82]

​@@tacticalbassin🤣🤣🤣🤣👍

[@huskerluva]

😂😂

[@nickready1278]

@@tacticalbassin So I should switch to an 8' rod with thin diameter braid to cut thru the wind? I knew you guys would have a solution! If you ever get to the western UP look me up. I can put you on huge smallies....it's up to you to get them away from the muskies. Might want to wait until spring. As my previous comments said, it's tough fishing right now. All the best to you, Matt and Tim. Watch you every day.

[@rodneychandler82]

I'm stubborn as he'll. Will be fishing in the worst of weather 🤣🤣💪

[@DonFinesseTV]

What size owner hooks do you replace your stock s-waver hooks with?

[@tacticalbassin]

Owner ST-56 (size 2)

[@DonFinesseTV]

Thank you @@tacticalbassin

[@nathanbrinker1149]

STILL havent caught fish in the winter yet

[@jonathangreen6088]

Every time I go crush the fish on a particular lure that is a particular color within the next two videos I will see that lure in that color on a tactical bassin video, guaranteed every time!

[@TheDarkdanik]

Hey man you should do time stamps on the videos. I think a lot of people would appreciate it!!

[@rancejaco8086]

Would a Zoom Super Fluke work of you slow itbway down or like a baby brush hog.

[@LeeSHuff]

I Would Fish A Fluke Weightless On A 5/0 EWG. Slow Roll And Twitch Around Cover.

[@marquisbeasley8817]

Man, let me get back into fishing.

[@timg185]

If you got as cold as I get . You would want to stay warm too. 😂 I could fish in the colder weather if I could keep my hands warm. My fingers hurt so bad I can’t stand it. Even with gloves. Unless I wear gloves so bulky that I can’t hold on to my rod,

[@tacticalbassin]

We fish without gloves but you can't see all the disposable hand warmers stuffed in our pockets 👍🏼

[@fishing630addictionjcmg4]

Lest go

[@83jbbentley]

Nobody is on the water Fish are less pressured Big’guns gonna eat

[@ghostbox2]

I think Matt doesnt own a single pair of socks😅

[@tacticalbassin]

😂 This may be true

[@glennschramm7255]

can't be that cold wearing flip flops🤔

[@fishdisc7022]

I'm uncomfortable watching you winter fish in flip flops. Will this help?

[@logansherman3648]

winter bass fishing is impossible from the shoreline. no matter what you throw

[@ciprynus]

Interesting you prefer winter fishing. Without a fish finder fishing in winter is like fishing in the sink

[@savage_shvt1045]

If you cant fish in the cold, fishing isn’t for you.