| Winter may keep you away from the water, but it doesn’t mean your preparation for bass season has to stop. Anglers can study maps to build an understanding of a lake’s layout and bass behavior. Maps allow you to see entire sections of the water with consistent detail, helping identify connections between shallow flats, deep water, and channels. Rotating the map or viewing it from different angles can reveal overlooked structures, such as wind-protected coves or hidden points. Highlighting specific depth contours, like 10- and 30-foot lines, can simplify your focus, showing spawning flats, underwater humps, or productive mid-depth areas. This preparation during the off-season ensures you’ll spend more time fishing key areas when you hit the water. Maps can also help you plan seasonal strategies by identifying areas where bass transition throughout the year, such as staging points near spawning grounds or deep holes for wintering fish. By cross-referencing maps with satellite imagery, you can pinpoint vegetation lines, rock piles, and other underwater features that bass gravitate toward. Studying river systems and reservoir maps is especially useful for locating the bass.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. |
| Regular reel maintenance is essential for consistent performance and longevity. Winter downtime offers the perfect opportunity to take reels apart, clean gears and bearings, and apply fresh lubrication. Basic maintenance can include a quick cleaning and greasing, while a full rebuild might involve disassembling every part for a deep clean. Organize the parts as you remove them to simplify reassembly, and always check for worn washers, bearings, or gears that may need replacing. With clean and properly lubed reels, you’ll notice smoother retrieves and improved casting distance when the season begins. Pay close attention to the drag system, as dirt and wear can affect its smoothness, potentially costing you big fish. Upgrading your reel with high-quality bearings can provide noticeable performance improvements, such as longer casts and greater sensitivity. Take this opportunity to inspect handles, knobs, and screws to ensure they’re secure and free of corrosion. If you fish in saltwater or muddy conditions, cleaning is even more critical to remove grit and prevent long-term damage. Maintaining your reels during the off-season ensures they’re ready to go.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! |
| Your rods and lures deserve just as much attention as your reels. Inspect each rod for damage, such as frayed line guides, and clean cork handles to restore their grip and appearance. For lures, take time to organize them, replace old hooks, and tune jigs or spinnerbaits by trimming skirts and thinning weedguards for better performance. Crankbaits can also be refreshed by touching up paint or sealing worn spots with clear coating to prevent water damage. A well-maintained arsenal of gear not only builds confidence but also gives you a competitive edge when conditions get tough. Don’t forget to check your line, as old or damaged line can weaken over time, replace it with fresh spools to avoid losing fish. For soft plastics, organize them by style and color, ensuring they are stored properly to prevent warping or melting. Pay attention to terminal tackle like weights, swivels, and split rings; replacing rusty or worn components ensures everything is reliable on the water. Fine-tune your bait organization system so you can quickly access the right lure when conditions change. By dedicating time to perfecting your gear, you’ll be fully prepared to adapt and capitalize.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. |
| Casting accuracy can make the difference between a missed opportunity and landing the biggest bass of the day. Use the off-season to set up casting drills in your driveway, yard, or garage. Practice pitching or flipping jigs, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics to targets at varying distances and angles to simulate real fishing conditions. Elevating yourself to mimic the height of your boat deck will help replicate experience of being on the water. This consistent practice will refine your accuracy, making it easier to hit small targets like docks, laydowns, or holes in heavy cover when you’re back on the water. Focus on different casting techniques, such as sidearm, overhand, and roll casts, to prepare for various scenarios you’ll encounter on the lake. Incorporate obstacles like chairs, buckets, or branches to simulate fishing around structure and improve your control. Use different rod and reel setups during practice to build confidence with the gear you’ll use for specific techniques. Smooth motions and quiet entries helps to avoid spooking fish. By dedicating time to mastering your casting mechanics, you’ll not only improve accuracy but also develop the ability to effectively place your lure in the strike zone.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! |
| The off-season is the perfect time to expand your bass fishing knowledge. Watching fishing shows or instructional videos can teach new techniques, rigging tips, and strategies for specific conditions. Pay close attention to subtle details, like how lures are retrieved or how anglers position their boats in relation to structure. Attending fishing seminars or outdoor expos is another way to learn valuable tips from experts while connecting with other passionate anglers. By focusing on education during the downtime, you’ll have new tactics and skills ready to test when the season begins. Take notes on specific techniques or patterns you want to try, and create a plan to apply them on your home waters. Look for videos or articles that explain seasonal bass movements to understand where fish are likely to hold at different times of the year. Study the behavior of forage like baitfish and crawfish, as this can help you match your presentations to what bass are feeding on. Engage in online forums or join local fishing clubs to discuss ideas and strategies with fellow anglers who share your goals. By actively building your knowledge base, you’ll step into the season better prepared and equipped to adapt.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. |
| Setting goals for the new fishing season can help you stay focused and improve your skills. Whether you want to master a specific technique like drop-shotting or target a lake known for big bass, planning ahead is key. Start by identifying waters that suit your goals, such as lakes with rocky structure for crankbaits or deep, clear water for finesse techniques. If you’re preparing for tournaments, organize your schedule early to include practice time and prefishing trips. Having a clear plan ensures you’ll make the most of your time on the water while improving as an angler. Take time to evaluate your previous season, noting what worked well and what areas need improvement. Set realistic goals, such as learning two new techniques, improving your casting accuracy, or focusing on catching larger fish. Research seasonal patterns on the lakes you plan to fish so you can anticipate bass movements and adjust your strategy accordingly. Keep a journal to track your outings, recording water temperatures, weather conditions, and successful lures to identify patterns over time. Staying organized builds confidence, maximizes your productivity, and makes steady progress each season.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! |
| When winter conditions keep you off local lakes, traveling to nearby fishable waters can provide a much-needed bass fix. Research areas where the bass season remains open and plan a short trip to test your skills. Fishing in new waters challenges you to adapt to unfamiliar conditions, helping you become a more versatile angler. Even a weekend trip can provide valuable practice, whether you’re exploring new techniques or fine-tuning your favorite ones. By staying active and learning on the water, you’ll be well-prepared for the upcoming season while keeping the winter blues at bay. Traveling also offers the chance to experience different types of fisheries, such as reservoirs, rivers, or natural lakes, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. Local bass behavior and water conditions can help you gain insights to apply back home. Use the trip to experiment with new gear or techniques without the pressure of familiar fishing spots. Traveling with friends or fellow anglers can also make the experience more enjoyable and allow you to share ideas and strategies. If you’re heading to nearby waters in winter it will keep your skills sharp and your passion for bass fishing alive.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 drop-shotting 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. |