| In winter, bass behavior changes significantly as water temperatures drop. They become less active, preferring deeper areas where the water is warmer and calmer. Strong currents and high activity zones are generally avoided, as bass prioritize conserving energy. Understanding this seasonal adaptation is crucial for anglers, as it dictates where and how to fish effectively. Targeting bass in these areas with the right techniques increases the likelihood of success during the colder months. Bass often school together in these deeper, more stable environments, making it possible to locate multiple fish in one area. This grouping behavior also allows anglers to focus on fewer, high-potential spots rather than covering vast areas of water. It’s important to use a slow, deliberate presentation to match the bass’s reduced activity levels. Anglers should also pay attention to subtle changes in water temperature, as even slight variations can attract bass to specific areas. By adjusting techniques and focusing on these patterns, anglers can optimize their efforts during the challenging winter season. Understanding how environmental factors such as light penetration and oxygen levels influence bass positioning can further enhance an angler’s ability to locate and catch fish in winter.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. Act quickly, these new colors won’t stay in stock for long. We also recently restocked our Ghost, Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown Bug, Electric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Iits unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility. |
| The Free Rig is a versatile setup that combines elements of popular rigs like the drop shot and Carolina Rig. This hybrid approach allows it to perform well in a variety of situations, making it adaptable to different water depths and conditions. Its design provides natural movement for the bait, attracting bass without overwhelming them. This versatility ensures anglers can adjust their techniques based on where the bass are located, offering an effective tool for winter fishing. Mastering its use can open up new opportunities to catch fish during challenging conditions. The rig’s ability to mimic different bait movements makes it particularly effective for enticing sluggish bass during colder months. Unlike more specialized setups, the Free Rig offers flexibility, allowing anglers to experiment with various retrieve speeds and patterns. Its streamlined design also reduces the chance of snagging, making it suitable for fishing in areas with heavy cover. This adaptability means anglers can confidently use the Free Rig in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs alike. By adding this rig into their winter fishing arsenal, anglers can maximize their chances of success across diverse environments.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action-triggering strikes! |
| One of the standout features of this rig is its ability to perform in both shallow and deep water. During winter, bass are often found at greater depths, but they may occasionally venture into shallower areas for food. The Free Rig allows anglers to seamlessly transition between these depths without changing their setup. This adaptability saves time and keeps the focus on finding and catching fish. By targeting bass in their preferred depth ranges, anglers can increase their success rates throughout the winter season. The rig’s ability to maintain a natural presentation in varying depths ensures that bass remain interested, even in colder waters. Anglers can effectively use the Free Rig to explore ledges, drop-offs, and submerged structures where bass tend to gather. The rig’s design also prevents it from sinking too fast or unnaturally, which is critical when fishing for finicky bass in deep water. Its effectiveness in both shallow feeding zones and deep resting areas makes it a highly reliable tool for adapting to bass behavior. Learningow depth influences bass activity and leveraging the Free Rig’s versatility, anglers can maximize their catch potential in any winter fishing scenario.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fact, we just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost and 10w30 Syntheic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater. |
| Winter bass bites are often subtle, making sensitivity a critical factor in detecting them. The Free Rig’s unique clamped design enhances an angler’s ability to feel even the lightest nibble. This sensitivity allows anglers to react quickly, increasing the chances of hooking the fish. In cold water, bass rarely strike aggressively. Instead, they may lightly grab or nudge the bait. Using a setup that prioritizes sensitivity ensures that no bite goes unnoticed, giving anglers an edge in tough conditions. The heightened feedback provided by the Free Rig helps anglers distinguish between a bite and other underwater obstructions, such as rocks or vegetation. This precision reduces false alarms and allows for better focus on actual fish activity. The rig’s design minimizes resistance, making it easier to detect movements even in deeper waters. Anglers who fine-tune their skills in detecting these faint signals can significantly improve their hookup ratio. With the Free Rig’s sensitivity with careful attention to line tension, anglers can outsmart even the most cautious winter bass.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round! |
| Line control is an essential skill when fishing with the Free Rig during winter. Since bass bites are faint, maintaining a steady connection to the bait is crucial for feeling any movement. Anglers should focus on subtle line tension and pay close attention to any unusual changes. Precision in line control not only helps detect bites but also ensures proper presentation of the bait. Developing this skill enhances effectiveness and allows for better adaptation to the slower feeding behavior of bass in winter. Proper line management also minimizes slack, which can cause missed opportunities when fish strike subtly. By keeping the line taut and avoiding excessive movement, anglers can maintain better contact with the bait and sense even the slightest nibbles. Practicing smooth and deliberate rod movements is another key aspect of effective line control. This approach helps prevent startling bass while maintaining a lifelike presentation. Mastering line control with this rig leads to consistent results, even in challenging conditions.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added new MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Wild Cherry Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electic Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR are all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater. |
| The Free Rig eliminates the need for additional weight, relying on its natural movement to attract bass. This minimalist approach helps create a more lifelike presentation, which is especially important during winter when bass are more cautious. The lack of extra weight also reduces resistance, allowing the bait to move freely and appear more appealing to fish. This design ensures that the bait behaves naturally in the water, increasing the chances of enticing sluggish winter bass. It’s a simple yet effective way to maximize results. The absence of extra weight allows the bait to sink at a slower, more natural rate, which can be critical in colder water where bass prefer slower-moving prey. The rig’s unencumbered motion also makes it easier to mimic the behavior of live bait, enhancing its effectiveness. Without the need for bulky weights, the setup becomes less intimidating to bass, increasing their willingness to strike. This simplicity in design also allows anglers to maintain better control over the bait, improving accuracy in targeting specific depths and structures. Anglers can refine their technique and improve their success in a variety of winter fishing scenarios.Our newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worm is the ultimate game-changer for anglers with a passion! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 8 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round! |
| Winter fishing presents unique challenges, but the Free Rig is designed to address them effectively. Its combination of versatility, sensitivity, and natural presentation makes it a valuable tool in cold-water conditions. By adapting to the slower metabolism and selective feeding habits of bass, anglers can overcome the hurdles of the season. Success in winter fishing often depends on choosing strategies that align with the behavior of the fish. The Free Rig provides a reliable and strategic approach to meet these demands and improve catch rates during the toughest months. Its ability to target bass in both shallow and deep waters ensures that anglers can adjust quickly to changing conditions. The rig also excels in mimicking the natural movements of prey, which is crucial when bass are wary and less aggressive. By offering subtle yet effective bait presentations, the Free Rig minimizes spooking fish in clear and cold waters. It’s an excellent choice for fishing in diverse environments, including lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. With patience and a well-thought-out approach, anglers can use the Free Rig to turn even the most challenging winter fishing days into productive outings.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve recently released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you pressure time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. |