| It’s a common belief that bass head to deep water in winter, but that’s not always the case. In shallow lakes, rivers, or areas with limited depth, bass have no choice but to remain closer to the bank. Even in deep reservoirs, bass often stay shallow, especially if there’s available cover like rocks, stumps, or vegetation. These shallow areas provide warmth, food, and protection, which keeps bass active even in colder months. Anglers should not overlook the shallows when searching for winter bass, as they often hold more fish than expected. When the sun is out, shallow water warms up faster than deeper areas, creating comfortable conditions that attract both bass and baitfish. This is particularly true in the afternoons when the water has had time to absorb more sunlight. Targeting shallow cover like mud banks, submerged trees, and vegetation can be productive because these areas retain warmth and harbor active prey. Bass often take advantage of these smaller ecosystems to feed, conserving energy by staying close to available food sources. By focusing more on shallow patterns and understanding the role of temperature, anglers can unlock hidden opportunities.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 Fun Pack, which is loaded with 18 HellaMite baits in all six proven colors, plus it comes with three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs. 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. |
| No matter the time of year, starting shallow is often a productive approach to finding bass. Fish tend to move toward the shallows for warmth and food, particularly in the morning or on sunny winter days. Key shallow areas to target include creek backs, mud banks, and any structure where current brings food to waiting fish. Early in the day can be the best time to fish these areas before other anglers put pressure on the fish. By starting shallow and observing baitfish activity, you can quickly determine whether to stay or move deeper. Shallow areas with darker bottoms, such as mud or rocks, are particularly attractive because they absorb and hold heat longer. Windblown banks can also be prime spots, as the wind pushes baitfish into these areas, drawing bass in to feed. Shallow water often has more oxygen in winter, making it more appealing to active fish compared to deeper, stagnant areas. Even if you don’t immediately see signs of fish, casting methodically along shallow cover can reveal bass that are waiting to ambush prey. Staying patient and covering the shallows thoroughly will help you take full advantage of this productive zone before moving deeper.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! |
| When targeting shallow bass, versatile presentations can make all the difference. Soft plastics are excellent choices for flipping or retrieving slowly across the bottom, mimicking baitfish or crawdads. One effective method is rigging soft plastics on a dart head and reeling steadily, with occasional rod twitches to trigger strikes. Flipping heavier cover with subtle presentations can also pay off, especially around stumps, trees, or docks. Adapting techniques to match fish behavior whether aggressive or inactive will increase your chances of success in shallow winter water. Experimenting with different retrieval speeds is key, as bass often strike lures that move at a slower, more natural pace during colder months. Downsizing your bait and using lighter line can make your presentation more appealing. Fishing edges of cover, such as the shadowed sides of docks or the outer limbs of submerged trees, is a great way to target bass without spooking them. If conditions allow, use polarized sunglasses to spot fish or subtle movement in shallow water, giving you a visual advantage. Being adaptable with your lure choice and presentation ensures you can effectively target bass.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. |
| Flipping is a precise method ideal for shallow water, especially when bass are holding in cover like submerged trees, stumps, or docks. This technique involves using a long rod and strong line to drop the bait directly into targeted areas without unnecessary splash. Bass often hold tight to structure, so working the bait thoroughly before moving on can be the key to catching fish. Paying close attention to line movement will help detect subtle bites, as winter bass may strike gently. Flipping works efficiently even in cold conditions, allowing anglers to cover productive areas quickly and thoroughly. Focus on specific targets such as the base of trees, dock pilings, or the shaded sides of large cover where bass are likely to hide. A quiet, stealthy approach is critical minimizing boat noise and keeping a controlled presentation increases your chances of success. Use baits that mimic the natural forage, such as crawdads or small baitfish, to entice bass that are conserving energy. A precise flip into a tight spot can produce a quick reaction strike, so be ready to set the hook immediately. By refining your technique and staying persistent, flipping can help you get bites from shallow 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! |
| Doodling is a finesse technique that relies on light line and a small soft plastic bait to target bass holding near structure. Rigging the bait with a brass weight and glass bead creates sound and vibration when the rod tip shakes, attracting fish even in colder, sluggish conditions. The key is subtle shaking rather than hopping, which keeps the bait in the strike zone longer. Drop-offs with structure, such as rocks, stumps, or logs, are ideal places to use this method, as bass often concentrate in these areas during winter. The combination of sound, vibration, and finesse presentation makes doodling highly effective for winter bass. When doodling, patience is essential, as bass may take longer to react during cold periods. Light line helps the bait appear more natural, but it also requires a sensitive rod to detect even the lightest bites. Maintaining contact with the bait is crucial, as fish often strike while the lure is sitting still or barely moving. Working the same area multiple times can also pay off since winter bass tend to group near key pieces of structure. By combining a slow, deliberate presentation with the attention-grabbing sound of doodling, anglers can consistently trigger strikes.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. |
| Spinnerbaits are excellent tools for targeting big winter bass, especially in shallow areas with flats or drop-offs. Fish often move to these spots early in the day to feed, making morning fishing a prime opportunity. By keeping the rod horizontal and feeling every movement of the lure, anglers can detect subtle strikes and set the hook with precision. Covering water persistently is key, try casting in multiple directions and experimenting with retrieval angles can trigger bites from otherwise inactive fish. Once you find one bass, keep working the area, as winter bass often group together in schools by size. Varying the speed of your retrieve can make a big difference, with slower, steady retrieves often being most effective in cold water. If bass seem sluggish, adding slight pauses to your retrieve can imitate injured baitfish and entice strikes. Pay close attention to subtle changes in water depth, as bass often hold just outside drop-offs or along the edges of flats. Clearer water conditions may require downsizing to smaller blades or using natural colors to avoid spooking fish. By adapting to the conditions and presenting spinnerbaits effectively, anglers can draw reaction strikes and locate bass.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. |
| Understanding bass behavior in winter means paying attention to their food sources. Baitfish often move shallow, and crawdads remain active until water temperatures drop below 40°F. This activity makes shallow banks, creek mouths, and areas with cover prime locations for finding bass. Observing signs like surface disturbances, birds feeding, or crawdad remains on the bank can help you locate fish more quickly. By staying aware of baitfish movement and available forage, you can consistently find bass in shallow water throughout the winter season. Shallow areas with current or windblown banks often concentrate baitfish, drawing bass in to feed during key periods of the day. Bass tend to stay close to structure like rocks, stumps, or vegetation where crawdads are likely to hide, offering them an easy meal. On sunny days, warmer water temperatures in the shallows can energize both baitfish and bass, creating brief windows of feeding activity. Keeping your presentations slow and natural can mimic the movements of winter forage and increase your success. By focusing on areas with active prey and staying observant, you’ll improve your ability to catch more bass. 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. |
