DIY Boat Project: How To Install A Keel Guard (Its Easy, No More Excuses)

This boat got trashed! The previous owners didn't bother to install a keel guard and the gel coat damage is really severe. There are hundreds of nicks and gouges from the boat hitting logs and rocks. A few of the gouges were so bad Matt had to repair them before we could even do a keel guard install! But that's all behind us now, today we're installing a Keel Guard (the quick and easy way) so we never have to worry about damage to the keel again! 

Its amazing how many anglers we know that aren't using a keel guard. They all know they should but they're unclear on how to do the install so they don't bother with it. Unfortunately some of those same friends have ended up with costly insurance claims after running aground, hitting logs, etc. Today I'm demonstrating the installation alone to show how easy it really is. This can be installed by one person in less than an hour.

Below you'll find links to both brands of Keel Guard that we've used over the years. We are not brand specific and to date, have yet to have an issue with either version. The length of Keel Guard is based on the length of your boat and the links below to Tackle Warehouse will include recommendations based on boat length. 

-Megaware Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m

-Gator Guards Keel Guard: https://bit.ly/2YsD8zc

If you missed our previous DIY install you can see it here... 

DIY Boat Project: The First Upgrade I Make To Every Boat! - https://youtu.be/7MyIQp1EhQ8

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

DIY Boat Project: The First Upgrade I Make To Every Boat!

Today we're doing a simple project that every fishing boat on the market should do. Boat Buckles are a retractable rod strap that hold your fishing rods in place when the boat is moving and conveniently store inside the gunwale when you stop.  Most used boats have bungee straps or old velcro straps and are desperately in need of an upgrade. Watch step by step as Matt installs a set of Boat Buckle straps. 

We just picked up CC's new boat, a used Champion 198. Any time you purchase used boats you know there will be some work involved. The Boat Buckles are just the beginning as we plan to upgrade the batteries, trolling motor, electronics, and wiring in the coming weeks. We do these first because its a mandatory upgrade on all our boats, its relatively inexpensive, and can be done very quickly with minimal tools. 

A lot of anglers are afraid to work on their own boats. There is something taboo about pulling off a motor cowling and going to work. While some jobs really do need a boat mechanic, a job like this can be done quickly and easily at home. Below are links to the parts we used for this upgrade. Also linked if you're curious are the additional upgrades we'll be doing to the rest of the boat. 

-Boat Buckle Rod Straps: https://bit.ly/3aC7bYf

**Be sure to add the concealment kit if you want your buckles mounted on the inside of the hull like we did on this boat**

Additional items we're upgrading on CC's boat... 

-Ultrex 112 MEGA I-Pilot Link 52" Shaft Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2RqrT4v

-Humminbird Helix 12 Chirp G3 Electronics: https://bit.ly/2w7u3jx

-Kong Wave Tamer Mount: http://bit.ly/2wsJVbA

-Megaware Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m

-Boat Buckle Retractable Transom Straps: https://bit.ly/2QYpbEz

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Spring Bass Fishing Gear Review - Top New Baits and Rods For 2020!

A TON of awesome new baits and gear have already hit the market this Spring! Between the Bassmaster Classic and the start of prime fishing season across the south, the influx of new offerings is crazy! Today we're wading through the new gear in search of the best of the best. We've tried a huge variety of baits and gear and compiled a short list of items that are worth taking a serious look at. 

Today's video is focused around baits and equipment that will have a tangible impact on your fishing. From the Hog Farmer Flex Rigs and their ability to draw drastically more strikes than stiffer rigs, to the Quiver worm's ability to shake and shimmy unlike anything we've ever seen before, every item in today's video has the ability to help you catch more fish. When it comes to rods, we looked at both ends of the spectrum. 

Crankbait rods are one of the most difficult selections an angler can make because different sizes and styles of crankbaits require such different equipment to maximize their potential. The Intenza comes in at a budget-friendly price and is probably the most adaptable crankbait rod we've used to date. On the higher end of the gear spectrum, both the St. Croix and the Poison Adrena bring incredible sensitivity within reach, and the Twin Power delivers ultra high-end performance at a reduced price. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of all the equipment from today's video in the order they appeared. We've included links that go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see the products in detail. For the baits, we've even included color recommendations and rigging advice. We hope you find this gear review helpful!

-Hog Farmer "FLEX" BFL Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

-Hog Farmer "FLEX" Harvester Rig: https://bit.ly/2x7QPb4

A-Rig Components... 

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Springs- Owner CPS Springs (Medium): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Main Baits- Keitech 4.8 Fat Swing Impact Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

(TW Ghost Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad)

Dummy Baits- Reaction Innovations Little Dipper: http://bit.ly/2brnU5I

(Bad Shad Green, Impact Gill)

-Missile Baits Quiver Worm: https://bit.ly/2xehVgx

(Goby Bite, PB and J, Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core)

-River2Sea S Waver Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

(TW Phantom Trout)

-Baitsanity Antidote Glide Bait: http://bit.ly/2ztUk9z

(Summer Shad, Killer Shad)

-Megabass OneTen MAX LBO Jerkbait: https://bit.ly/3dfhL9y

Matt's Favorite Color: HT-Ito Tennessee Shad

Other Great Colors: GP Pro Blue, Mat Shad, MB Gizzard

-Shimano Poison Adrena Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/3diigiT

(6'11" Medium +, 7'3" Medium Heavy, 7'4" Heavy)

-Shimano Intenza Casting Rods: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

(7'6" Medium heavy Glass)

-St Croix Legend Extreme Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

(7'4" Heavy)

-Shimano Twin Power FD Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

(3000 size for most techniques)

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Spring Bass Fishing Gear Review!

Bass are starting to bite! Spring is just around the corner and the fishing industry has created all kinds of new gear for 2020. Take a look at some of our favorite crankbaits, ned rig worms, keitechs, terminal tackle, and tools in this early Spring gear review for bass fishing!

The criteria for this review is simple: If a product helps us catch a pile of fish, makes our life easier, or shows serious innovation, we're going to share it. Beyond that, any fishing related item could appear in our reviews. Its impossible to choose a "favorite" from today's video because of how important all of these items have become to our fishing. 

If you want to try something new this Spring, all of these are solid options. Big fish guys, check out the Owner Ultra rings and the Vatalion. Bank guys, be sure to try that Spro squarebill. Boaters, the T-H Propeller Stop is going to save you time and storage space. No matter who you are, these are items you can use with confidence this Spring. Below is a breakdown of all the items shown in the video including our favorite colors and sizes. 

The Gear…

-Megabass Vatalion: http://bit.ly/367AOxD

Favorite Colors- Gill, Gin Buna, Wild Gill

-Owner Ultra Split Rings: http://bit.ly/3bQgswL

( Compare to Hyperwire Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2aTH3f1 )

-Split Ring Pliers- Texas Tackle X-Large: http://bit.ly/2uf2Jio

-Missile Baits Ned Bomb: http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Favorite New Colors- Blutonium Green Pumpkin Core, Watermelon Red Core

-Spro Baby Fat John 50 Squarebill: http://bit.ly/2V03giW

Favorite Colors- Matte Shad, Citrus Shad, Honey Shad

-T-H Marine Prop Master Propeller Stop: http://bit.ly/2P1N64L

-T-H Marine Prop Master Prop Wrench: http://bit.ly/2gcaTk5

-Keitech TW Exclusive Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Favorite Color: TW Ghost Shad

-Keitech TW Exclusive Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

All New Colors: TW Ghost Shad, TW Pro Blue, TW Black Blue and Green Pumpkin, TW Green Pumpkin and Watermelon

-Swagger Tungsten Tie-On Dropshot Weights: http://bit.ly/37AVcrx

Favorite Sizes: 3/16, 1/4 oz.

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G