Best Soft Baits For Bass Fishing: Worms, Creatures, Craws, Swimbaits (2026 SPRING BUYER'S GUIDE)

Welcome back to our Spring Buyer's Guide Series! Today we're exploring the best soft plastics for Spring bass fishing. From senkos to Flukes, big swimbaits to creature baits, we're talking all about soft baits. This is a major bass fishing category that confuses a lot of anglers, today we're going to simplify it!

The goal of today's video is to help you focus on the best baits this Spring. We've taken all the major soft bait categories (dropshot worm, creature bait, shaky head worm, ned rig, etc...) and chosen our favorite bait or baits for each category. Our goal is to help you fish with confidence, rather than guessing about what bait to tie on next.

All the baits are linked in the description below, in the order they appeared in the video. We've taking it a step further and included our favorite colors and sizes for each bait as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDE...

•Budget Rods and Reels: https://youtu.be/3yxQzzPMxM0

•Bang For The Buck Rods and Reels: https://youtu.be/zSpUeryIBoE

•High End Rods And Reels: https://youtu.be/eN0jl8xIJR4

•Budget Baits: https://youtu.be/4_M0OoZK2Y8

•BFS Guide: https://youtu.be/BO3GbKkgobo

PLASTIC WORMS...

Straight Worm– Xzone Deception: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Colors: TW Dark Junebug, Green Pumpkin Black

Curly Worm–Keitech Mad Wag Long: https://bit.ly/3dkFMLl

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin

Swimming Worm– Big Bite 7.5" Tour Swim: https://bit.ly/3ut2QR1

Colors: Purpletoma, 1099, Red Bug

Finesse Worm– Berkley Powerworm 4.75" Bottom Hopper: https://bit.ly/2Q9Qhdt

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Blue Craw

Dropshot Minnow– MissileBaits BombShot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Colors: Fishaliscious, CandyBomb

Dropshot Worm– MissileBaits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Colors: Missile Morning, Blueback Secret

CREATURES AND CRAWS...

•MissileBaits DBomb: https://bit.ly/2d2dVlt

Colors: SuperBug, Tilapia Magic, Bruiser Flash

•Xzone Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Summer Craw

STICK BAITS...

•Yamamoto 5” Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: SunGill, Green Pumpkin Black Flake

•Yamamoto Fuzzy Senko: https://bit.ly/3Wgm6B7

Colors: Green Pump Chartreuse, Green Pump Orange

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

NED BAITS...

•Zman TRD FattyZ: https://bit.ly/3y5A2EU

Colors: Goby Bryant, Green Pumpkin Goby

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Creature: https://bit.ly/3M0BXOU

Colors: Black Blue/Green Pumpkin, Grass Craw

TUBE BAIT...

•Big Bite Baits Tour Tube: http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue, Tilapia

PADDLE TAIL...

•Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, Gas

GILL BAIT...

•Berkley Flux Gill: https://bit.ly/4deiBV8

Colors: Bluegill, Dark Gill, Green Pumpkin

MINNOW BAITS...

•Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Blue Gizzard, Green Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Rapala Crush City 6.25" Freeloader: https://bit.ly/3QWwj4b

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Shad

•Yamamoto 7" Hinge Minnow: https://bit.ly/4hCOze1

Colors: Natural Shad, Rainbow Shad

SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass 6" Magdraft: http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: White Back Shad, Ghost Shad Solid

•Berkley 6" Chop Block: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Colors: Shad, Chrome Gizzard

•Savage Gear LT Gill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill, Bream

BUDGET TEXAS RIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 7'3" Heavy (734C): https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel– Daiwa Aird 80 Casting Reel: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx

Line– Seaguar InvizX (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BUDGET FINESSE COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'1" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/47GAOVA

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2500D – XH: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Line– Sunline Super FC 8 lb: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET MINNOW SHAKING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC

Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Line– Power Pro Braid (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

If you plan to shop, using these affiliate links before shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

Best BFS Baits, Rods, and Reels For Bass Fishing! (SPRING BUYER'S GUIDE 2026)

If you're still holding out on BFS fishing, it's time to give it a try. Thousands of new anglers are flocking to this fishing method because of its benefits, don't be the one that misses out! In today's Buyer's Guide we're covering our favorite BFS baits, rods, reels, and tackle for casting ultralight presentations without the need for spinning tackle. 

This fishing method is here to stay, gaining more popularity every day! If you're not familiar with BFS, anything you've done with a spinning rod can now be done with a bait caster. Plus, it's a lot of fun! BFS has been around for decades but has grown exponentially in the US Market the past few years. Even if you prefer spinning tackle, you can benefit from the new baits being designed for the BFS category.

Below you'll find links to the rods, reels, and baits discussed in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDE...

•Budget Rods and Reels: https://youtu.be/3yxQzzPMxM0

•Bang For The Buck Rods and Reels: https://youtu.be/zSpUeryIBoE

•High End Rods And Reels: https://youtu.be/eN0jl8xIJR4

•Budget Baits: https://youtu.be/4_M0OoZK2Y8

BFS REELS...

•Abu Garcia Revo X BFS: https://bit.ly/4flqwi3

•Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

•Daiwa Tatula BF70 BFS: https://bit.ly/4b7UbYM

•Abu Garcia Zenon MG LTX BFS: https://bit.ly/4aSBckW

BFS RODS...

•Daiwa Tatula XT Bait Finesse: https://bit.ly/3LFqEeH

Model: 6'5" Light Fast

•Abu Garcia Veritas BFS: https://bit.ly/3Daye0v

Model: 7'1" Medium Light Moderate

•Cashion Element Z2 Casting: https://bit.ly/43hnh7S

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

•Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse Casting: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Models: 6'9" Light Extra Fast, 7' Light Fast

•Megabass P5 Destroyer: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Models: Pop X Stick, Kasumi Six Eleven

KARASHI RODS...

•Cashion Icon BF Bait Finesse Series: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Models: 7' Light

•Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion Expada: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: 6'6" Light Slow

FISHING LINE...

•Daiwa Samurai Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Preferred Size: 7 lb

•Sunline Super FC: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Preferred Size: 6-8 lb

•Seguar PEX8 JDM Braided line: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Preferred Size: 16 – 21 lb

HARD BAITS...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Tactical Colors: Juvy Gill, See Through Shad, Glitz Shad

Replacement Hook: Tinsel Hook– https://bit.ly/4ltPizz

•Bill Lewis Gnat: https://bit.ly/3URb85s

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Ghost Minnow

•Megabass Griffin SR-X: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: GP Kawamatsu, Phantom Green Craw

•Duo Realis Spinbait 70 (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Morning Dawn

•Duo Realis Rosante 63 SP: https://bit.ly/3EFMLOY

Colors: All Bait, Komochi Wakasagi

•Megabass X Nanahan: https://bit.ly/4uhe6zn

Colors: Elegy Bone, Kasumi Ito

SWIMBAITS...

•Baitsanity BFS Glide Minnow: https://bit.ly/4od827Y

•Baitsanity BFS Crank Minnow: https://bit.ly/4mOdXz7

Colors: Bluegill, Baby Shad, Minnow

•Bucca Brand 2.5" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4blc761

•Bucca Brand Lil Baby Bull Shad: https://bit.ly/46MzYst

Colors: Matte Shad, Threadfintastic

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Baby Pop X: https://bit.ly/3QgjPDY

Colors: MG Sexy Stream, Mat Shad

•Damiki Umpa 40: https://bit.ly/42XSQkD

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad

•Megabass Dog X Jr Coayu: https://bit.ly/475zcoD

Colors: Bahama Milk Pearl, Downsizing Wakasagi

CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman Chatterbait Micro Max: https://bit.ly/4odPVyC

Colors: Bluegill, Spot Remover

•Yamamoto 3" Zako: https://bit.ly/2fKmSRp

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Gizzard

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Xzone 3.5" Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Baby Bass, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Owner J Light Hook: https://bit.ly/3HDg0SH

Size: 1/0

PADDLE TAILS...

•Dirty Jigs Tungsten Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/4nfOJtT

Size: 1/8 oz

•XZone 2.75 Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Albino, Real

TEXAS RIGS...

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Creature: https://bit.ly/3M0BXOU

Colors: Black Blue/Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Grass Craw, Green Pumpkin Black

•Reins Slip Sinker Tungsten: https://bit.ly/3Kx0Fqz

Size: 1/16 oz

•Owner Rig N Hook: https://bit.ly/2BnniXN

Size: 1/0

NED RIGS...

•Savage Gear Ned Salamander: https://bit.ly/3rSNi8g

Colors: Green Pump Purp Cop

•ZMan TRD Bugz: https://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin

•Great Lakes Finesse Ned Head: https://bit.ly/4krhkeA

Size: 1/8 oz

•ZMan NedLockz EWG: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Size: 1/10 oz

SENKO...

•Yamamoto 5" Thin Senko: https://bit.ly/43d1Tgn

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Baby Bass

MICRO BAITS...

•Great Lakes Finesse Micro Snack Craw: https://bit.ly/4lOsTgf

•Great Lakes Finesse Micro Juvy Craw: https://bit.ly/4fdTgKd

Colors: Brown Pumpkin Special, Green Pumpkin

If you plan to shop, using these affiliate links before shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

The Best Baits For BUDGET Bass Fishing! (SPRING BUYER'S GUIDE 2026)

Don't be fooled by junk baits! There are a lot of lures designed to fool fisherman into spending money, don't fall for it! Today we're going to show you the best baits for budget bass fishing.  These "affordable" baits catch a ton of fish, and don't break the bank. We've also included affordable choices for hooks, jigheads, and fishing line.

Not all baits are created equal... Some expensive baits are junk and some cheap baits are amazing! We're always looking for budget friendly lures that catch fish and hold up to the rigors of bass fishing. You'll be shocked at which baits make the cut, and which baits don't. These are our favorites from every major category you'll need this Spring!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and components, in the order we talked about them. We've included our favorite colors and sizes where applicable to make it even easier for you to get the right gear. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDE...

•Best "BUDGET" Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/3yxQzzPMxM0

•Best "Bang For The Buck" Rods And Reels: https://youtu.be/zSpUeryIBoE

•Best High End Rods And Reels For Bass Fishing: https://youtu.be/eN0jl8xIJR4

FISHING LINE...

•Seaguar Basix Fluorocarbon: https://bit.ly/38c1HHr

Favorite Sizes: 12 lb, 15 lb

•Sunline Model FC Fluorocarbon: https://bit.ly/47bYQIm

Favorite Sizes: 12 lb, 15 lb

•Sufix 832 Braid (Green): http://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Favorite Sizes: 40 lb, 50 lb

HOOKS AND TERMINAL...

•Owner Mosquito Light Hook: https://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Sizes: 2, 1, 1/0

•VMC Ike Approved Wacky: https://bit.ly/35Gtj31

•VMC Ike Approved Bulk Pack: https://bit.ly/3LuzxJg

Favorite Size: 1/0

•VMC Heavy Duty Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/3ad5XVc

Favorite Size: 3/0 - 4/0

•Big Bite Baits Shakey Head: https://bit.ly/42dOUvH

Size: 3/16 oz

HARD BAITS...

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.0: https://bit.ly/3kBMuGb

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Red Glitter Craw

•Norman Deep Deep Little N: https://bit.ly/2acSLUd

Colors: TW Ghost Chili Craw, Evoo

•Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Chrome Blue, Royal Red

•Duo Realis Raz 115 SP: https://bit.ly/4ugiIWo

Colors: Morning Dawn, Prism Gill, All Bait

WIRE BAITS...

•War Eagle Screamin Eagle (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2IEHHjA

Colors: Mouse, Blue Herring

•Nichols 33 Mini Double Will (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3jb763A

Colors: Blue Crystal Shad, Bluegill

•ZMan Original Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3abzGOb

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Smokey Shad, Chartreuse

TOPWATER...

•Heddon Super Spook: https://bit.ly/2diThgH

Colors: Okie Shad, Bone

•Damiki D Pop: https://bit.ly/2Pjvqo3

Colors: Black Holo, Spayu

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Hollow Ghost Shad, Shadow Boxer

SWIMBAITS...

•Bucca Brand Baby Bull Gill: https://bit.ly/3IBscss

Colors: Violet Bream, Natural Gill

•Megabass Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Size: 3", 1/2 oz

Colors: Gillko, Haze, Wakasagi

•Savage Gear RTF Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

•Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, Gas

SOFT PLASTICS...

•Zoom Swamp Crawler: https://bit.ly/2arWoA8

Colors: Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin

•Big Bite Baits BFE: https://bit.ly/2Ce0tf7

Colors: Tilapia, Tilapia Magic, Hematoma

•Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Blue Gizzard, Green Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Big Bite Baits Tour Tube Tube: https://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Tilapia, Green Pump Purp Cop

•Big Bite Baits Jerk Minnow: https://bit.ly/4uep6gL

Colors: Alewife, Stealth Glimmer Blue, Tilapia

•Yum Dinger 5" Stick Bait: http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF

Colors: Bama Magic, Elders Magic

•Yum Dinger Bulk Pack: https://bit.ly/3ZRlCRO

Colors: Elders Magic, Green Pumpkin

•ZMan Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: TW Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

If you plan to shop, using these affiliate links before shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

Best High End Rod and Reel Pairings For Bass Fishing! (SPRING BUYER'S GUIDE 2026)

Let's explore the best rods and reels that money can buy! Whether you're a tackle enthusiast, an angler thinking about investing in your first high end combo, or a newer fisherman who's just wants to see what's out there, this video is packed with information for you. Come along as we check out the best of the best for all of our favorite Spring techniques!

There are many reasons to purchase high end rods and reels. Some anglers purchase them for the durability, others for sensitivity, and still others for the feather light weight. Today we’re eliminating all the guess work and showing you our personal favorite models for Spring bass fishing, separated by technique. You can see both angler's unique fishing styles come out in the gear they choose as well as in the information they share about the pairings.

Below you’ll find links to every combo the guys showed in the video. We’ve listed them in the order they were discussed by the anglers, to help you find the exact combo you’re searching for. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDE...

•Best "BUDGET" Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/3yxQzzPMxM0

•Best "Bang For The Buck" Rods And Reels: https://youtu.be/zSpUeryIBoE

JERKBAIT COMBO...

•Megabass P5 Destroyer "OneTen Stick": https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: 6'5" Medium Slow

•Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Speed: 7:1

CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

•Megabass Destoyer P5 "DAEMOS": https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: 7'2" Med+ Fast.

•Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Speed: 7:1

TOPWATER COMBO...

•G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/3PmpCqj

Model: 7' Medium Heavy

•Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Speed: 7.1:1

FINESSE BAITCASTING COMBO...

•St. Croix Legend Elite: https://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Model: 6'10" Medium XFast

•Daiwa STEEZ CT SV TW: https://bit.ly/3esUZjg

Speed: 7.1:1

SWIMBAIT COMBO...

•Shimano Outlier: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Model: 7'10" Heavy+ Moderate

•Shimano Conquest MD 300: https://bit.ly/3ZBEK5p

Speed: 7.5:1

POWER FISHING COMBO...

•St. Croix Legend X2: https://bit.ly/3IOSXcJ

Model: 7'4" Heavy Fast

•Daiwa Tatula Elitę Flip and Pitch: https://bit.ly/41SJ2tJ

Speed: 7.1:1

FLIPPING AND PITCHING COMBO...

•Fenwick World Class: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Model: 7'5" Extra Heavy Fast

•Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Speed: 7:1

REACTION COMBO...

•Daiwa Steez AGS 7'2" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3RhFit1

Model: Moving Bait Versatile

•Daiwa Zillion SV TW G: https://bit.ly/3xobPDM

Speed: 7.1:1

JIG FISHING COMBO...

•Dobyns Xtasy 755: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Model: 7'5" Mag Heavy

•Bates Salty Hundo 100: https://bit.ly/4ueBBcj

Speed: 7.1:1

ALL AROUND CASTING COMBO...

•Fenwick World Class: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Model: 7'1" Medium Heavy

•Abu Garcia Zata Tact Z: https://bit.ly/3B8E7Ks

Speed: 7.1:1

JIG AND MINNOW SPINNING COMBO...

•Shimano Poison Adrena: https://bit.ly/4rlIi9Y

Model: 6'10" Medium+ Extra Fast   

•Shimano Sustain FK: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

Size: 2500

ALL AROUND SPINNING COMBO...

•Daiwa Steez AGS "The One": https://bit.ly/44wVwFk

Model: 7'6" Med Med Light

•Daiwa Exist G LT: https://bit.ly/453vyds

Size: 2500–XH

FINESSE SPINNING COMBO...

•Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 701: https://bit.ly/29OVnDa

Model: 7'0" Light Fast

•Daiwa Luvias ST: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

Size: 2000 – 2500

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

If you plan to shop, using these affiliate links before shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!