| During winter, bass prioritize areas that allow them to adjust depth with minimal effort. Steep banks, sharp drops, and abrupt depth changes let bass move vertically instead of traveling long distances. This is important because cold water slows metabolism, forcing fish to conserve energy whenever possible. Flat areas and long tapering points require too much movement and are often abandoned during the coldest periods. Steep structure also tends to concentrate forage, making it more efficient for bass to feed. These areas act like elevators, allowing bass to respond quickly to temperature or light changes. Focusing on steep structure greatly narrows down where winter bass are most likely to be positioned. Steep structure also provides quick access to multiple depth zones without exposing bass to unstable conditions. As sunlight, wind, or water clarity changes throughout the day, bass can reposition with minimal effort. This positioning allows them to remain close to both feeding areas and deeper security. Steep banks often hold fish for longer periods during winter compared to flatter terrain. Prioritizing these areas helps anglers stay around all of the active fish.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 Midnight HellaMite and 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, 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 a catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility. |
| Hard-bottom areas such as rock, gravel, or compacted clay retain heat better than soft, silty bottoms. Even slight temperature differences can attract both forage and bass during winter. These areas also support bottom-oriented food sources that bass rely on when baitfish are less active. When a hard bottom is located near a drop, ledge, or creek channel, it becomes even more valuable. Bass can feed on the flat portion and quickly slide deeper when conditions change. This combination creates a consistent holding zone rather than a temporary stop. Targeting these areas increases the likelihood of finding grouped fish instead of scattered individuals. Hard bottoms also improve bottom contact and feedback, making bites easier to detect in cold water. Bass often use these areas as resting spots between short feeding periods. Because forage relates closely to the bottom in winter, these zones stay productive even when activity levels are low. Hard-bottom transitions can act as predictable stopping points for moving fish. Focusing on these features helps anglers eliminate less productive areas when fishing.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! |
| In cold water, bass tend to school tightly rather than roam across large areas. This means productive spots may be very small but hold multiple fish. Fishing water between key locations often wastes time and energy during winter. Once bass settle into a winter holding area, they may stay there for long periods. Thoroughly working a single productive zone is usually more effective than moving constantly. Smaller changes within a small area can make a big difference in getting bites. Understanding this grouping behavior helps anglers fish more efficiently and with greater patience. Bass group together in winter to conserve energy and take advantage of shared access to forage. This behavior makes precise casting and boat positioning especially important. Small adjustments in depth or angle can turn a quiet spot into a productive one. Because fish are concentrated, bites often come in clusters rather than evenly spaced throughout the day. Staying disciplined and methodical around proven areas increases overall success during the coldest months.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. |
| Periods of warm rain can slightly raise water temperatures in creeks, drains, and shallow coves. Even small temperature increases can trigger bait movement in cold conditions. When forage shifts shallow to find warmth, bass follow closely behind. These feeding windows are often brief and highly localized. Bass typically do not travel far to take advantage of these conditions. Instead, they react to changes occurring within their immediate area. Being ready to fish during these short windows can result in some of the best winter bites of the season. Timing is critical, as these opportunities may only last a few hours or a single day. Water entering the system from rain often carries slightly warmer temperatures than the main lake. This change can concentrate both bait and bass near inflow areas. Fishing too early or too late after the event may result in far fewer bites. Monitoring weather patterns helps anglers anticipate and capitalize on these short-lived feeding windows. These conditions reward anglers who are willing to adjust plans quickly when warming trends appear.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! |
| Feeder creeks, culverts, and runoff points play an important role during winter. These areas funnel warmer water and concentrate baitfish during temperature changes. Bass that are already positioned nearby can respond quickly without expending much energy. Marking these locations ahead of time saves valuable fishing time when conditions align. Instead of searching, anglers can move directly from spot to spot. This approach allows for a strategic approach during productive windows. Over the course of wintertime, these locations consistently outperform random areas. Having these areas marked removes guesswork when weather conditions suddenly improve. Feeder creeks often produce repeatedly throughout the season, not just once. Slight differences in water flow or depth can make one inflow better than another. Visiting multiple feeder locations increases the chances of intersecting active fish. This preparation allows anglers to fish with confidence instead of relying on trial and error.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 restocked our Brown Worms. We also added Midnight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Or you could 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 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. |
| Cold-water bass prefer slow presentations that stay in the strike zone longer. Soft plastics such as worms, craw-styled baits, insect larvae, lizards, and beetles excel in these conditions. These baits can be worked slowly along the bottom or suspended just off it. Long pauses are often more important than movement. Many winter bites occur when the bait is barely moving or completely still. Light twitches or small drags mimic struggling or dormant forage. Fishing slowly and deliberately often leads to higher-quality bites rather than more frequent ones. Slower presentations give bass more time to inspect the bait before committing. This is especially important when fish are lethargic and unwilling to chase. Maintaining bottom contact helps keep the bait in front of inactive fish for longer periods. Adjustments in weight or pause duration can improve effectiveness. Patience and control are often the deciding factors in triggering strikes.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 fishing demands greater attention to comfort and safety than any other season. Cold temperatures can reduce focus and make subtle bites harder to detect. Ice buildup on equipment can weaken line and cause unexpected failures. Staying warm and dry allows anglers to fish longer and more effectively. Slippery surfaces near water increase the risk of accidents during winter conditions. Wearing proper safety gear and fishing with a partner reduces unnecessary risk. A focused, comfortable angler is far more likely to capitalize on the limited opportunities winter provides. Mental sharpness is especially important when bites are light and infrequent. Discomfort can lead to rushed decisions or missed signals that would otherwise result in a hookup. Preparing for cold conditions also reduces the temptation to cut trips short. Proper footing and awareness help prevent slips near banks, docks, or boat ramps. When safety and comfort are handled first, anglers can fully focus on execution and timing. 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. |