| Winter fishing success begins long before you ever cast a line. It starts with choosing the right days to be on the water. Calm days often provide the best bite because they warm the shallows and make bass slightly more active despite the cold. While rain and wind can drop the perceived temperature drastically, making it uncomfortable to fish and difficult to control lightweight presentations. Cold fronts also bring changing water levels and stronger currents that can make boating hazardous, especially on rivers. Checking the forecast and monitoring weather patterns several days in advance helps you plan for safer, more productive outings. By waiting for stable conditions, you’ll spend more time fishing effectively and less time struggling. Choosing your days also helps you align with the bass’s natural feeding windows, which tend to be shorter but more predictable in winter. When a stretch of sunny weather follows several cold or cloudy days, water temperatures rise slightly, often triggering a temporary burst of activity. These times can concentrate bass near shallower transition zones, giving anglers a prime opportunity to capitalize. But the sudden temperature drops or harsh north winds can push fish deeper and make them far less responsive. By combining smart weather selection with an understanding of seasonal bass behavior, you’ll turn challenging winter conditions into an advantage to maximize both safety and success on the water.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. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater, along with being made in the USA by real fishermen. We recently restocked the HellaMite Pro Pack, which is loaded with 60 baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also restocked our Green Pumpkin and Smoke Purple HellaMite. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Its 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. |
| Cold weather can cause small but significant issues with your gear that quickly add up on the water. Moisture can freeze around rod guides, reels, and lockers, which makes your line brittle and equipment harder to manage. It’s best to keep an eye on ice buildup throughout the day and remove it regularly before it damages your line or reduces casting distance. Fluorocarbon line performs especially well in winter since it sheds water better than braid or monofilament and maintains strength in cold temperatures. Before launching, always warm your boat’s engine and check your equipment to avoid mechanical surprises later. Proper preparation keeps your focus on the fish rather than fighting your gear. It’s also important to keep your reels and drag systems properly lubricated with cold-weather-safe oil or grease, as standard lubricants can thicken and cause performance issues in freezing temperatures. Store your rods and tackle indoors the night before to prevent ice buildup and brittle lines when you arrive at the ramp. Keep a small towel or cloth handy to dry wet gear and hands, which helps minimize ice formation throughout the day. Having spare line, hooks, and baits stored in a dry compartment ensures you can quickly re-rig if something breaks or freezes up. The more proactive you are about gear organization, the smoother your winter fishing trips will end up going, even when the temperature drops.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, and the 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 that triggers strikes! |
| During winter, bass concentrate tightly in specific areas, which means covering water efficiently and knowing where to look are crucial. Productive locations usually share three characteristics. Deeper water, nearby structure, and an abundance of forage. Bass often gather along steep drops, channel edges, or submerged ridges that provide both stability and quick access to varying depths. Finding baitfish schools with sonar or by observing surface activity can help you pinpoint where bass are feeding. In shallower systems, even subtle depth changes near deep structure can hold fish when temperatures plummet. The more time you spend identifying these prime winter zones, the faster you’ll find active bass instead of fishing empty water. Look for areas that combine both vertical and horizontal structure, such as bluff walls that transition into flat points or creek channels that intersect with submerged timber. These intersections often serve as natural highways for winter bass moving between feeding and resting areas. Using soft plastics like lizards, beetles, or craw-styled baits to probe these zones slowly along the bottom can help you detect smaller bites from inactive fish. If your lake has man-made features like bridges, docks, or rock piles, target those as they retain warmth and attract baitfish. By methodically working through these high-percentage areas and paying attention to small environmental cues, you’ll begin to recognize repeatable patterns that consistently lead to more winter success.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fast, we’ve recently just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Synthetic 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. |
| In cold water, slowing down your presentation is one of the most important adjustments you can make. Bass are still capable of fast movement, but their forage, such as baitfish and crawfish, becomes sluggish and conserves energy. By imitating this natural behavior, your presentation appears far more realistic and enticing. Using soft plastics such as lizards, insect larvae, craw-styled baits, beetles, or worms with slow drags, gentle hops, and long pauses can trigger reluctant winter strikes. Pay attention to small bites or changes in pressure on your line, as winter bass often strike softly. Patience and precision matter more than speed. Deliberate movements often produce the best results. Experiment with how long you let your bait rest between movements, as sometimes the strike will come after several seconds, or even half a minute of stillness. Smaller twitches of the rod tip can make your soft plastic appear alive without spooking finicky fish in clear, cold water. If you’re fishing deeper structure, maintaining bottom contact is key, since bass often hug the substrate for warmth and stability. When bites are light, downsizing your soft plastic or using a lighter weight can create a more natural fall and slower glide that appeals to inactive fish. The goal is to make every movement purposeful and lifelike, allowing the bass more than enough time to commit without feeling pressured by unnatural speed.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! |
| Staying warm and dry is just as important as finding the fish during the winter season. Start with a quality thermal base layer, then add breathable insulation and a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Even on dry days, wind can quickly strip away body heat and make it difficult to concentrate on fishing. Insulated bibs, jackets, and waterproof boots help retain warmth without restricting movement, which is key for casting and maneuvering safely. Pay special attention to extremities. Keep your feet warm with layered socks, your hands protected with gloves that allow finger dexterity, and your head covered to prevent heat loss. Comfort and mobility ensure that you can fish longer and stay alert in challenging conditions. Choosing clothing made from moisture-wicking materials is equally important, since sweat trapped under your layers can quickly chill your body once you stop moving. Always pack an extra set of dry gloves and socks in a waterproof bag in case your first pair gets wet during the day. A neck gaiter or face covering can block cold air and prevent windburn, especially when moving between fishing spots at higher speeds. Sunglasses with polarized lenses not only cut glare but also help shield your eyes from harsh winter wind and sun reflections. Taking the time to dress strategically for warmth and flexibility transforms cold-weather fishing from a struggle into a comfortable, focused experience on the water.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 MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red 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, Electric 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 Restocked 6-inch Worms, including Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin, Black & Blue, Fire TGR, Wild Berries, Bone, 10w30 Synthetic, Zombie Blood, and Chocolate MNT! — 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. |
| Small heat sources can make a big difference when temperatures drop below freezing. Hand and body warmers provide consistent, low-level warmth for hours, keeping your core temperature up and preventing stiffness in your hands. They can be tucked into jacket pockets, gloves, or along your back and neck to maintain steady warmth without adding bulk. When combined with proper layering, they create an insulating system that helps you stay focused instead of distracted by the cold. Many anglers overlook this detail, yet maintaining comfort is often what separates a productive trip from a short, miserable one. The more comfortable you are, the more effectively you can fish through tough conditions. Consider using toe warmers inside your boots as well, since cold feet are one of the quickest ways to cut a trip short. Rotating fresh warmers halfway through the day can help maintain consistent heat during long outings in subfreezing weather. Some anglers also place small warmers near their reel-hand wrist or forearm to keep blood circulating and preserve tactile sensitivity for detecting light bites. Be sure to position them where they won’t restrict movement or interfere with casting and reeling. With a little planning, these can make long hours on the water far more enjoyable, keeping both your body and focus steady all day long.Introducing the Newest 8-Inch MagDingo Worms! These are the ultimate game-changer in bass fishing! Engineered for anglers who know SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a fixation for the larger bait. The MagDingo Worm boasts a solid 8-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. The 10-count packs are now available in a variety of 6 crucial colors, including the 10w30 Synthetic, Black & Blue, Zombie Blood, Green Pumpkin, Wild Cherry, and Watermelon Red. Each worm is made in the USA from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for maximum attraction, the 8-inch MagDingo 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 trophy-sized smallmouth and largemouth bass. |
| Winter water temperatures can be deadly, so safety must always come first. A slip on an icy deck or unstable shoreline can send you into freezing water before you have time to react. Wearing your life jacket at all times ensures that if an accident happens, you’ll stay afloat and have a better chance of recovery. Keep a set of towels or dry clothes in your boat or vehicle to warm up quickly if you fall in. Hypothermia can set in within minutes, so every precaution counts. No matter your experience level, treating safety as part of your fishing strategy protects both your life and your ability to enjoy the season. It’s also wise to let someone know your exact fishing location and expected return time before heading out there, especially if you fish alone. Carrying a whistle or waterproof communication device can help you signal for assistance if you ever find yourself in trouble. Make sure your boat’s safety gear, such as a throwable flotation cushion, flashlight, and first aid kit, is in good condition and easy to reach. Check that your batteries, navigation lights, and bilge pump are all working properly before launch, since winter daylight fades quickly. Taking a few extra minutes to plan for emergencies not only gives you peace of mind but also ensures that every trip ends safely, no matter the conditions you’re up against. We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve 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. Owner Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. 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. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. 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! The WEEDLESS Block Head Jig features high-quality construction that helps increase your hook-up ratios and keep your bait clean from snagging rocks or vegetation. 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 precious 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. We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure. |