Winter Jig Fishing! ( How We Actually Do It )

It's time to show you all the tricks! Come along for an awesome day on the water! We're exploring a highland reservoir and it turns out the jig bite is wide open! Matt is catching big smallmouth and largemouth on a text book Winter pattern and even mixes a few in on other techniques.
Winter bass fishing and jig fishing go hand in hand. If you haven't built confidence in a jig yet, this video will help you do it. You can watch exactly how Matt works his jigs and hear the mindset behind every decision he makes. From color selection, to retrieve, to the gear he uses, he lays it all out while sticking fish!
Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment he used throughout the day. From colors to size, no details are left out. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
CRANKBAIT...
•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: bit.ly/37dclbX
Color: Green Pumpkin Craw
Hook Upgrade: Owner ST-35: bit.ly/2g8uCMj
Size: 2
FOOTBALL JIGS...
Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football: bit.ly/2d2apsm
Sizes: 1/2 oz, 5/8 oz
Colors: Alabama Craw, Canterbury Craw
Trailer- Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: bit.ly/2db9w1p
Color: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper
BOTTOM STROLLING...
Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy: bit.ly/2nyUJRS
Size: 1/4 oz, 3/0 Hook
Bait- Raid Japan Fish Roller Jerk Minnow: bit.ly/3GMrpAg
Size: 4"
1/2 OZ FOOTBALL JIG COMBO...
Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 844C MBR (7' Heavy): bit.ly/2SuZG15
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
5/8 OZ FOOTBALL JIG COMBO...
Rod- Megabass Orochi XX 7'5" Medium Med Fast: bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Model: EMTF (Extreme Mission Type F)
Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: bit.ly/2apmDJt
Line- Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): bit.ly/314VoyF
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb: bit.ly/2ae97J9
SPEED CRANKING COMBO...
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL (XG): bit.ly/2TQHwrP
Line- Sunline Super FC (12 lb): bit.ly/2p7fxju
STROLLING COMBO...
Rod- Daiwa STEEZ AGS 7'6" MLL: bit.ly/44wVwFk
Reel- Daiwa Certate LT 2500: bit.ly/35Kclij
Line- Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): bit.ly/2ae93Ji
Leader- Sunline Super FC (12 lb): bit.ly/2p7fxju
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 #jigfishing #footballjig

[@chuchuvasquez]

Best teachers I have ever come across,, these guys have helped me boost my bass fishing catches, as a budget fisherman I’ve taken all the buyers guides and knowledge they have spoke, and wrote it down, I pass it along to my fishing buddies so we can go out and have a blast in the water/banks Thank you both so freaking much 🔥🔥🔥

[@tacticalbassin]

You're so welcome! We're happy to help!

[@victorvelazquez4175]

I could watch videos like this every morning with my coffee. We appreciate all the lessons and I’m definitely throwing my jig back on thanks to this video.

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! We appreciate you Victor!

[@fundamentawellness9562]

Am I the only one who loves watching Matt and Tim fish because they use braid to leader and it sounds so much better than flouro? 😂

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha!!

[@jetcat132]

I’ve been on that train for 10 years now!

[@fundamentawellness9562]

@@jetcat132 oh I’ve been fishing the same for years too. I honestly can’t stand the sound of fluoro in a baitcaster lol it’s like nail on a chalkboard

[@jetcat132]

@@fundamentawellness9562 You got it brother. This past year I actually switched to Maxima Ultragreen mono for leaders because I was having issues with fluoro breaking on hook-sets. (Another reason to not like it) My river is off color, so visibility isn’t an issue either. I wouldn’t use it as main line, but it’s awesome leader material, and I didn’t break off a single fish all year on a hook set.

[@fundamentawellness9562]

@@jetcat132 yeah I think with braid it leader the little extra stretch in mono is helpful if you can get away with it.

[@c.shoefish]

Great morning, just got back from a nice 2 mile hike down the beach with my dog, now sitting and having recliner coffee with TB. Great video Matt.

[@TtimeOHL]

Love the videos, taken my fish game to a whole new level. Question, you mention dragging the bottom with the jig doing the subtle little pop pops. What depth? If the point is 100yards from shore but 20-25ft are you fishing that depth for bass? Thanks guys!

[@Bdhgzz115buty]

Awesome smallmouth on the jig. Doesn’t get much better than that!

[@jorrdanlease3106]

What i love abput you guys at tactical bassin is you giys dont do or get into drama like on the other youtube channels like umm you know randy & ben little quarrels

[@johnhodson3200]

You and Tim are just so knowledgeable, it's insane. Why don't you guys join some team tournaments and make some extra cash? You guys would clean up. I for one would like to see some tournament videos

[@hunterwyllie8024]

Went out in northern Michigan today to a real clear water lake. 39 degree water temp, couldn’t get bit on anything. Still fun to try out my new toys though

[@greghiday]

Great day Matt. Enjoy seeing you out fishing and teaching! Beautiful smallies!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you Greg!

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

What an awesome Smallmouth day Matt 🏆😃👍

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Ken! This was a fun one!!

[@rickyd865VOL]

That final smallie was such a nice patterned fish. Great video. Thanks Matt

[@tacticalbassin]

For sure! Thank you for coming along!

[@jrockftc]

That one hand slow crank is like second nature 👏💪

[@chives109np]

Thanks for all the videos, it's amazing how you guys know the rods, reels, baits and techniques for catching bass. Guess experience speaks for itself! Maybe someday I'll land a 2 - 3 # smally, it must be exciting! Anyway, make more videos, please!!!

[@brandonembry8297]

I love watching the just fishing videos!! Thanks for the content.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for the feedback! We love doing them!

[@irorky]

This content is GOLD, Matt!

[@salpinto4474]

First of all the jig rules this time of year. I love watching you catch them Matt. Secondly, can you do a video of the one handed drag and reel for us. At least we'll be able to keep one hand warm, lmbo!

[@keithpinkerton2933]

Awesome is the only way i know to describe it. You guys obviously use electronics but keep teaching everyone how you can catch fish without staring at a screen. Cant ignore new tech but so glad you merge the two and can catch fish by fishing

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Keith! We wouldn't be good at what we do if we didn't learn every new twist in the sport, but we recognize it's not for everyone and we want to cater to all 👍🏼

[@jebfishing]

What a great video! I've watched all your jig videos from the past this year and watching you fish this one really helped cement some stuff! Thanks for all the work much appreciated!

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! I'm so glad this tied it together for you!

[@dennisederer3594]

Thank you another exceptional on the water discussion for jig fishing, a weak part of my fishing skill set. Tactical Bassin is one of a few sites that produces on the water training versus most sites that merely preach. Granted, some sites represent areas of the country that are iced over. I appreciate that Matt came out in bone chilling temperatures and smoked the smallies. Thank you again Matt.

[@shaneevans3935]

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos during the winter. Sure enjoy them, come up and do a video on KY lake.

[@BaseballBassfishin-dn9jb]

I’ve been watching your videos for around 5 years and they keep getting better! Thanks for all the great content

[@msowell21]

On a flight home haven't fished in a week I'm ready to get out there. Watching you guys fish is a close second though

[@chipnorris2504]

Come to Bull Shoals lake in North, Arkansas and just try going out there whenever you want and catching a fish every cast in January

[@KirkAllenOutdoorAdventures]

He Crushed it!! DONG!!!! Love it!

[@Grant_Reynolds]

Been waiting to see another winter fishing video 🤙 thanks bud!

[@tacticalbassin]

We're on a roll now! That was a bunch of Buyer's Guides... we needed to get fishing!

[@Grant_Reynolds]

@@tacticalbassin Those were definitely appreciated also. I was just starting to get the itch 😆

[@johndrx165]

Love me some Winter Smallies! Very cool.

[@tacticalbassin]

Us too!!

[@brucemillard8123]

Such a cool bite.

[@toddpossum]

Thanks!

[@caseyhuntfishing]

I love fishing a jig,it's my go to year around at some point in my arsenal!!!

[@tacticalbassin]

It's such a fun way to catch them!

[@brandonwood4249]

I enjoy the vids and definitely don't fast forward between bites. Matt, I like your advice, don't be afraid to be long winded at times. Details help those that pay attention. I love smallmouth fishing in Kentucky on one of my favorite Creeks in the bluegrass. I'm a top water junkie in the warmer months, a long with soft plastics around cover A jerkbait guy in the winter. I definitely want to up my jig game. I hope you've had an awesome Christmas. Happy Holidays!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you for the continued support! We had a great Christmas and hope you did too!

[@danpicciano]

Is there a chance to include some video of what you are looking at on your electronics? I am not sure what I am always looking at. Thank you and great videos!!!

[@jimkingsland1645]

You guys are just over the top amazing how you catch fish! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you for coming along!

[@tylerfish6206]

You are my hero

[@philipfalco7304]

That was an awesome video Matt. Thank's for sharing.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you!!

[@jimwarden9617]

Loved it Matt…thanks.

[@MultiXMeGa]

A different lake and also a lake where you haven't fished in a long time. Yet you're managing to catch fish, BIG fish. The jig bite is special. No fast forwarding here🫡.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for the support!!

[@christianmullins435]

Hey guys, It would be cool to see a video about higher end wood baits, I just made the dive into balsa and picked up a few Black Label cranks and I'd love to hear y'all's opinions and learn more about wood baits in general, thanks! You guys rock!

[@tacticalbassin]

Oh man... thats a whole different rabbit hole... but we might just have to go there.

[@christianmullins435]

@@tacticalbassin sounds great! I look forward to it!

[@madhunter_87]

I wanna learn how to fish one handed in the cold with a baitcaster lol. Awesome Smallies!! 👊😎

[@KirkAllenOutdoorAdventures]

When it's freezing, you figure out all kinds of ways to keep your hands warm

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! You can do it!!

[@helotaxi]

I'm glad you addressed the question I had of "Why the EMTF over the Braillist?" Makes perfect sense and I probably would have figured it out once I realized it was a finesse jig with a lighter hook.

[@helotaxi]

I noticed that it certainly was not the Braillist when you loaded up on the fish and the rod almost doubled over. Made me go look at the gear list in the description.

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! You've got a keen eye!

[@arielsaavedra5223]

I know I’m really behind on it but yesterday I finally spent the money and ordered one your guys mini flex A rigs. Hopefully it catches me some fish, thanks guys

[@tacticalbassin]

Oh awesome! You're going to have fun with that!

[@rickconner4895]

Thank you for fishing with teaching

[@tacticalbassin]

Happy to do it👍🏼

[@johnnylynch8961]

Matt I was just looking into fishing guides to catch my PB. I live in southern illinois and I wanted to know if you still have your guide service since ya moved out east? Appreciate you guys so much! Happy New Year Fellas.

[@kevinloper6551]

Great Video Matt! 😎

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you!!

[@bassinbilliards6279]

Last time I was out the morning was slow and by the afternoon it was on 🔥.

[@tacticalbassin]

Go figure. There's always those odd days but I wouldn't bet on that schedule

[@brandonmerideth5450]

I’m curious about when you might go to living rubber jig? I was thinking maybe if you’re just soaking it and the rubber is moving slightly it might work good in the cold water?

[@fldabdad9644]

Down in central Florida fishing from the bank and docks I struggle with a jig bad. It seems like anything with an exposed hook just isn’t work the frustration. Could you make a vid for new bass anglers down here where it’s all mush and no rock?

[@shaunroberts9361]

Nice. Dude you are amazing...

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Shaun!

[@jerrygutierrez9156]

That last smallie was the prettiest one of them all looked like a tiger

[@moisesramos476]

What was the water temperature 🌡and at what depth were you catching them?

[@timtighe9718]

Another excellent video, as usual. I got an email reply from you about a week ago to contact you on a type of platform I'm not familiar with so I couldn't reply but please keep up the great videos. I really enjoy them.

[@tacticalbassin]

That sounds like a scam, definitely don't respond to that. We don't make odd contacts. You can always ask us here 👍🏼

[@rags7299]

Tim and Matt I really appreciate what you both do. Will you please share what lake you were on? I live in Tennessee and fish most all of the Highland reservoirs except Norris.

[@nickkoski7111]

I agree. I stay on Douglas most the time and hate Norris lol. It’s too clear. Being they live down on chic I’m guessing he is on the bar but it looks very “mountainous”.. could be Cherokee. And they don’t have a good topo of Cherokee so maybe that’s why he didn’t show any map detail? Just a thought lol

[@Danyang1]

Sheesh those were some tanks!

[@tacticalbassin]

For sure! That's fun fishing!

[@TheStackboy5]

@tacticalbassin hey guys I noticed you haven’t done a winter apparel video in a while I see Matt has a new jacket and Tim’s looks like it keeps him warm think we can get a tactical bassin winter/early spring rain jacket?

[@alexanderpetrenko8802]

Have you guys tried the Nrx 904, wondering if it’s just a longer 844 or does it fish like a completely different rod ?

[@johnnyg9223]

Matt on a day like this one do you wear insulated bibs or do you find regular bibs work just as good?

[@JA-xx2wf]

Awesome vid, what was the water temp?

[@davidblake5199]

Merry Christmas and happy new year to you!! Dirty 30 top five 12/24/023 boat part lake in Georgia Life is good 😎🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

[@tacticalbassin]

Thats awesome!! Way to go!!

[@tacticalbassin]

We're still a little slow on the bread crumbs though, no clue what lake 😂

[@davidblake5199]

@@tacticalbassin you came to South Georgia to get some boat parts… Two years ago

[@johndaniels2922]

Are you on dale hollow

[@ctoddskelton2685]

That’s my problem with cranking most of the water I’m In is 25+ feet I have been using the rock crawler lately in shallower spots and do well Been on a bridge piling for 2 weeks now

[@saulrodriguez1250]

How come when I use braid to leader on crank baits I can never get to the bottom

[@brandonsmith606]

Great video as usual thank you

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Brandon!

[@spencercline1957]

Wish you would say witch lake your on

[@justyngilliam4051]

Im sure you dont do it for a reason, but i would love if you said what body of water you’re fishing when you travel to different lakes

[@eddiemendoza6259]

Great stuff , thanks ! Water temp ??

[@ThomasLaughlin-j9z]

Looks like Cherokee Lake or South Holston!

[@robertholt6606]

Another fun and informative video love me some smallmouth. I would like some input on something I am struggling with I mostly fish with mono on my bait casting reel but yall and pretty much every one says use braid or flo but I have used floro before and had a lot of line brakes when setting the hook so I moved off of it and I love braid on my spinning rod but think its the reason why so many casting rods brake because of the power on the hook set and no stretch. Am I really missing out on better hookups by using mono??

[@tacticalbassin]

You're 100% missing out. It's night and day, you've got to make the switch to take your angling to the next level.

[@robertholt6606]

@tacticalbassin great thanks for the reply now I know it depends on the situation and what you are using but is it best to go with straight braid or floro or braid to leader and what pound test for general use? And I appreciate yall answering my dumb questions 🤪

[@e4t662]

I wish I could catch bass year round when I move, but don't want to go too far south. Any suggestions

[@DaleWyman]

I notice the reel handle spinning on your retrieve. Are you just using your thumb for tension until you get a hit?

[@tacticalbassin]

Very little tension at all, it's a perk of braided line, it still lays down smooth. The jig itself is providing the only tension.

[@patrickwhitby4171]

Wondering why you didn't try any blade baits? I had the most epic day of the year yesterday. 43 degree water, over 20 bass 4 lb average on the vault 🎣

[@tacticalbassin]

We've been on a really good Vault bite lately as well. They were eating the jig so good I didn't even bother 👍🏼

[@Hawg-Snatcher]

Would you still use a football jig on a soft bottom? Most lakes around me do no have rock.

[@tacticalbassin]

100% yes. It will puff up that soft bottom and can draw a lot of strikes

[@shannonsullivan2638]

Like to see ya fish'en jigs in the cold weather

[@jasonperry5456]

Looks like Dale Hollow to me

[@lucashedgespeth266]

Definitely Dale hollow

[@isaiahmills7218]

What lake were you was fishing at Matt?

[@jenlvjim]

Could you talk about the difference in fishing for largemouth vs smallmouth in the different times of the year. I live where there are just largemouth and I see a lot of people making videos on winter fishing and it seems like they are always fishing for smallmouth

[@tacticalbassin]

There's very little difference, other than smallmouth can remain more active in the cold. You probably see guys targeting them out of convenience. I expected this day to be a 50/50 split but for whatever reason the smallmouth were fired up.

[@jenlvjim]

@@tacticalbassin thx

[@jordankirsch426]

Great catches! What was the water temp?

[@tacticalbassin]

It varied around the lake. Mostly high 40s but some low 50s. It was actually much warmer than I expected in several areas, given the frigid conditions the last few weeks.

[@dylanteater9561]

Lake Cumberland?

[@ryanjohn9871]

Would you speed crank if the bass were sitting on a ledge at 32 feet?

[@tacticalbassin]

Yous need to switch to the deepest diving Duo Realis to try and call them up, but yes, that can be very effective.

[@BrownTrout1238]

Is there an opportunity for different baits, given the warm weather (50° in MI) we’ve been having?

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes 👍🏼

[@josephvillalobos09]

What was the water temp?

[@BrownfamTV]

What lake you on?

[@roncunningham4025]

Whats the water temp

[@garyheath9531]

Where the heck is that ?? Norris lake??

[@johnnyllop8754]

how do you wear sandals when it's so cold??

[@tacticalbassin]

We all have odd talents... I was born with remarkable circulation in my feet 😂

[@joeg1709]

Do you always use a leader when dragging a jig? Feel more confident in the hookset that way? That's a great day catching hammer smallies. That lake (if it's the one I think it is) has been getting better lately.

[@bigfah2506]

They do, it’s one thing they consistently is run leaders. They are using a 12lb flouro leader. There are a handful of techniques they go straight flouro with or straight braid.

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, that jig is always on leader 👍🏼

[@mattfields2033]

Looks like Lake Cumberland

[@johncoopes1056]

Water temp?

[@vansaukam799]

SALUTE!!!

[@ppfoten211]

How is he reeling in his slack with just one hand on the rod?

[@tacticalbassin]

By reaching around the reel and flicking the star drag with my middle finger 👍🏼

[@chrismalas8747]

Looks like dale hollow

[@joshmize9705]

Is that Dale Hollow ??

[@alford79]

What we all need to take from this is that Matt's mind can also drift when the bite is slow. Who would of thought?

[@tacticalbassin]

😂😂😂 It happens to everyone!

[@michaelleady9089]

Ground and pound bumping, nothing like it

[@richardkeller6940]

Donkeys!

[@GMarshfishing]

How the hell are you reeling with one hand??

[@brettg4386]

Flicking the drag gear/handle with his middle finger

[@helotaxi]

Reeling slack line with a flick of the fingers reaching under the reel seat to hit the reel handle. Big hands and small reels make it easier. Matt's doing it because it's cold and he can keep his other hand in his pocket. I do it a lot on the kayak because I'm adjusting the rudder with my right hand with the rod in my left. Just one of those skills you pick up out of necessity or convenience.

[@GMarshfishing]

@@helotaxi yeah I figured it had to be something like that. I just have never seen it done or thought about it. Gonna have to try it out!

[@Nicky_Boy]

Hey! I’m not fast forwarding between bites! If you do that you miss opportunities to learn something new

[@noahledbetter3969]

Lol.i never fast forward

[@gewglesux]

Throw a Football Jig... catch a Football got it!

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! 100%!

[@MrMynameisozzy]

Uh……., that’s not a Champion 210?

[@nathanbrinker1149]

only 7 or 8 fish