| Late fall and early winter are often overlooked, yet these periods can produce some of the biggest bass of the year. As temperatures drop, large bass feed more aggressively to prepare for the colder months ahead. Their feeding windows tend to last longer, giving anglers more time to intersect active fish. Big bass also begin shifting their home areas, which increases their movement and visibility. These changes put trophy fish in more predictable locations than many anglers expect. Understanding this seasonal urgency is key to capitalizing on winter’s big-bass potential. During this time, bass are more focused on feeding than spawning or defending territory. This creates opportunities to catch fish that may otherwise be inactive during harsher winter conditions. Anglers who stay mobile and adjust to daily conditions often find more success. Weather changes such as cold fronts or warming trends can quickly reposition fish. Paying attention to these small shifts can lead to some of the most rewarding bites of the season. Fishing pressure also tends to decrease during this period, giving bass more time to settle into natural movement patterns. This combination of reduced pressure and increased feeding activity makes late fall and early winter especially appealing for trophy hunters.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. |
| Bass do not all behave the same during colder months, especially when it comes to grouping. Smaller bass commonly form large schools, while bigger bass prefer smaller, tighter groups. Trophy fish often position just outside or below main bait concentrations rather than mixing directly with smaller fish. This allows them to feed efficiently while conserving energy. Anglers who recognize this separation can avoid wasting time on schools dominated by small fish. Targeting areas adjacent to bait schools greatly improves chances of contacting larger bass. Big bass also tend to hold in slightly deeper or more stable water nearby. They prefer areas that offer quick access to both food and security. Small structure changes often serve as ambush points for these fish. A single bite in these areas is often a sign of quality rather than quantity. Focusing on these isolated positions helps anglers stay committed to trophy potential. Repeated activity in these zones often indicates a small group of dominant fish using the area consistently. Staying patient in these locations can lead to multiple opportunities with the same class of bass. This rewards discipline rather than constant movement.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 slight 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! |
| As water cools, bass rely heavily on structure and depth changes rather than roaming shallow areas. Anglers must focus on identifying where bass are holding in the water column and how they relate to nearby forage. Small depth differences can determine whether fish are active or dormant. Winter bass often suspend or hold close to the bottom, depending on temperature and feeding activity. Learning to use underwater clues leads to more precise presentations. Precision becomes more important than covering water during colder months. Bass positioning can change daily based on light levels, weather, and water clarity. A spot that produces one day may require a different depth adjustment the next. Paying attention to how fish respond to each presentation helps refine your approach. Small changes in angle or depth can trigger bites from otherwise inactive fish. Consistently dialing in positioning is what leads to steady winter success. Keeping detailed mental notes of successful depths and locations accelerates pattern recognition. Over time, this awareness allows anglers to anticipate bass movement rather than react to it. This proactive approach reduces guesswork and increases efficiency on every trip.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. |
| Creek channels function like underwater highways during late fall and winter. Bass and baitfish use these routes to move between deeper water and feeding areas. Key locations include channel bends, creek mouths, and areas where channels intersect with structure. Bass often stop along these paths to feed, especially where depth changes quickly. Staying close to these routes allows anglers to remain in high-percentage zones longer. Understanding this movement pattern helps anglers stay on fish throughout seasonal transitions. These travel routes also provide bass with quick access to depth changes when conditions shift. Sudden weather changes often push fish slightly deeper along the same channels rather than away from them. Hard-bottom areas or light cover along creek edges can further concentrate bass. Feeding activity tends to repeat in these locations throughout the season. Learning to recognize productive channel features builds confidence and consistency. Revisiting these areas over time helps confirm seasonal patterns as they develop. This repetition allows anglers to fish more efficiently instead of searching randomly.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! |
| Water temperature plays a major role in how bass feed during winter. As temperatures decline, bass metabolism slows, reducing how far and how often they move to feed. Feeding periods become shorter, making timing more important than lure speed. Bass still eat, but they prefer easier meals that require minimal effort. This is when slowing down and maintaining bottom contact becomes critical. Adjusting presentation speed to match temperature changes separates successful winter anglers from the rest. Small temperature changes can quickly alter bass positioning and activity levels. A slight warming trend may trigger brief feeding windows during the day. Cold fronts often push bass tighter to cover and deeper water. Paying attention to daily temperature swings helps anglers anticipate when fish will move. Matching effort and patience to conditions leads to more consistent winter bites. Tracking water temperature trends over several days provides better insight than focusing on a single reading. This broader perspective helps anglers time their trips around the most productive conditions. Combining temperature data with weather forecasts further sharpens decision-making. Over time, this habit builds confidence in choosing when and where to fish during winter.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. |
| Before water temperatures fall too low, bass often target larger prey to maximize energy intake. Soft plastics with larger profiles, such as craw-styled baits, lizards, or full-size worms, closely match what big bass want during this period. These baits can be worked both around suspended fish and near the bottom. Bigger presentations help filter out smaller bass and draw attention from dominant fish. The goal is not speed, but presence and realism. Choosing the right profile can dramatically increase average fish size. This approach also allows anglers to fish more deliberately and cover key areas with purpose. Larger baits tend to stay in the strike zone longer when worked slowly. Tiny movements often outperform aggressive actions during cooling conditions. Big bass are more willing to commit when a meal appears worth the effort. Confidence in upsizing leads to better decisions on the water. This mindset also reduces the urge to change baits too quickly when bites slow. Sticking with a larger profile often pays off with fewer but higher-quality strikes. This type of patience helps bass anglers stay committed to proven areas rather than second-guessing their approach. 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. |
| Once water temperatures drop further, bass concentrate tightly around structure close to deep water. Points, humps, ridges, and channel edges become prime holding areas. Bass positioned here respond best to controlled, vertical presentations kept close to the bottom. Soft plastics like insect larvae, beetles, or compact craws can be subtly worked without excessive movement. Many strikes occur when the bait pauses or slowly falls. Patience and attention to detail are essential for triggering winter trophy bites. Keeping the bait in the strike zone as long as possible increases success. Small rod movements often produce better results than aggressive lifts. Winter bass frequently strike out of instinct rather than pursuit. Detecting light bites becomes critical in colder water. Staying focused and disciplined leads to more consistent hookups. Maintaining contact with the bait helps anglers feel small changes that signal a bite. Over time, this awareness builds confidence when fishing slow and deep. This disciplined approach often results in fewer bites but a higher quality of fish. This style is key to unlocking full potential. 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. |