Finesse Fishing Tricks – Northern Smallmouth and Southern Reservoirs!

The time has come! Northern Smallmouth! Southern Spots and Largemouth! Fisheries are opening up and the bite is beginning to happen throughout the North! Come along as we take a deep dive into both the finesse baits and power fishing techniques that shine in the early season!

From dropshot worms to tubes, and swimbaits to spy baits, these are the baits that consistently catch fish! Matt goes into detail on confidence colors, rigging upgrades, and the subtle tricks he uses to catch more fish. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits, including color recommendations and rigging components. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

DROPSHOT BAITS...

•Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: https://bit.ly/3xEADuo

Colors: Bully, Chick Magnet, Perch Dinner

•Netbait STH Crush Worm: https://bit.ly/3Q3mmyz

Colors: Juvenile Goby Pearl, Bang

•Xzone Finesse Slammer: http://bit.ly/2TJt7L8

Colors: 309, Big Limit, Smallie Magic

DROPSHOT TERMINAL...

Hook– Owner Mosquito Light (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight– VMC Cylinder Weight (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/43Lun2f

TUBE BAITS...

•Netbait STH Finesse Tube (Both Sizes): https://bit.ly/3zAsnf6

Colors: Juvenile Goby, Dark Melon Purple, Ten Point

•Savage Gear Goby Tube (3.5"): https://bit.ly/33QGXzy

Colors: Light Pumpkin Purp Silver, Green Pumpkin

TUBE HEADS...

Small Tubes– Blade Runner Inhaler Head: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Size: 1/8 oz with 1/0 Hook

Standard Tubes– Xzone 60 Degree Head: https://bit.ly/3jCHmR8

Size: 1/4 oz

ALABAMA RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3isTio0

MINI RIG COMPONENTS...

Heads– Matt Allen 1/8 oz Heads: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits– XZone Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Sizes: 3.5", 4"

Colors: Electric Shad, Dirty Shad

Dummy Baits– Damiki 3" Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, Pure Gill

SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spin Bait (3.5): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Komochi Wakasagi

•Spro SpinJohn 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Matte Shad, Herring Pink

HAIR JIGS...

•Outkast Tackle Feider Fly: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Color: Black

SOFT SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass 3" Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Wakasagi, Haze

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

Colors: Albino, Real, Baby Bass

•Keitech 3.8 Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Bass Candy, Yellow Magic, Electric Bluegill

SWIMBAIT HEADS...

•Tactical Finesse Head (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

•Tactical Underspin (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

•Megabass Okashira Screwhead (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

BIG SWIMBAITS...

•GRatt Pistol Pete: http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Colors: Guida's Citrus Shad, Gizzard Shad, Light Trout

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

Colors: MSS, White Back Shad, MB Gizzard

•Big Bite Baits B5: https://bit.ly/3LLU4pm

Colors: Light Shad, Sunny Shad, Blue Gizzard

JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Colors: Matte Shad, Elegy Bone, Mat Skeleton Shad

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Colors: Elegy Bone, GLX Northern Secret, Mat Shad

•Shimano World Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Fwg9F6

Colors: Clown, Chart Silver, Pink Smelt

FAVORITE JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Sunline Super FC 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 "Dark Sleeper": https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Sunline 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

FAVORITE ULTRALIGHT SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 901 SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sunline Super FC (5 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

AFFORDABLE LIGHT SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'6" Light: https://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Reel– Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line– Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

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

Bait Finesse Fishing ( BFS ) For Bass! How Its Actually Done!

We're throwing BAIT FINESSE ( BFS ) all day long! Today is dedicated to the growing segment of bass fishing known as "Bait Finesse". We're using the Shimano Curado BFS reel on a variety of different light and ultralight bait casting rods to effectively fish worms, craws, topwater, and reaction baits. If you've never seen this fishing method in action, you don't want to miss this!

Come along for an awesome day of finesse fishing with Bait Finesse Tackle! Ultralight bait casting gear, micro baits, and quality bass! Matt starts the day fishing a micro craw profile on offshore structure, then moves shallow with a variety of moving baits ( Megabass Karashi, Damiki Umpa, Rapala Ultralight, and the Jackall PikuPiku ). Micro baits and quality bass, can it get more fun?!?!

Below you'll find links to all the gear Matt is using, including the baits, colors, hooks, rods, and reels. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

TODAY'S BAIT FINESSE RODS...

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

Models: 6'10" Medium Light, 7'0" Light

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

Model: Siglett, Bait Finesse 

•Shimano Curado Casting: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Model: 6'10" Light Glass, 7'2" Medium Light

TODAY'S BAIT FINESSE REEL...

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

LINE FOR BAIT FINESSE REELS...

Clear Fluorocarbon: Sunline Super FC (6-7 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Green Fluorocarbon: Daiwa J Fluoro Hidden (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Braid: Power Pro Super Slick (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3vSwa6Z

Braid: Sufix 832 (10 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

MICRO CRAW BAIT...

Bait– Reins 2.5" Ring Craw: https://bit.ly/3U0OQvC

Colors: Watermelon Seed, Green Pumpkin Blue

Weight– Reins 1/16 oz Tungsten: https://bit.ly/3Kx0Fqz

Hook– Gamakatsu Offset EWG (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

THE KARASHI...

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

Favorite Colors: Kasumi Ito, Wagin Hasu, Ito Wakasagi

THE TOPWATERS...

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

Color: Ghost Minnow

•Rapala Ultralight Popper: https://bit.ly/3FzvsNP

Color: Clown

•Jackall PikuPiku: https://bit.ly/399wl59

Color: Lively Wakasagi

CRANKBAITS...

•Shimano Macbeth 39 Tiny: https://bit.ly/3xTsnG0

Color: Sleeper Shad, Clear Green Craw

•Damiki Disco Deep: https://bit.ly/3nwY1rk

Color: Ghost Minnow, Mossy Shad

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

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

This Trick Makes Bass Fishing Way More Fun

Bait Finesse! Have you tried it yet? Nothing will turn a tough day on the water around faster than a BFS setup and some micro baits. A day full of tiny fish that would normally be a "tough day" is suddenly a blast! Its hard to explain just how fun this method of finesse fishing is until you try it for yourself, but if you're ready to change your fishing for the better, its time to try Bait Finesse!

Bait finesse isn't new. Its been around in Japan for decades and has slowly trickled into the US over the past 10 years. However, the arrival of the Curado BFS reel last year kicked the Bait Finesse movement into high gear. If you primarily catch smaller bass, fish small bodies of water, or your fish are heavily pressured, turning to BFS can completely change your fishing for the better!

While there are very few "BFS Baits" there are a lot of awesome finesse baits that work well for Bait Finesse Fishing. Below you'll find links to our favorite rods and reels for the technique, along with many of our favorite baits by category. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

BFS REELS...

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

•Kast King Zephyr: https://bit.ly/3cy03ij

THE RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Micro Flipping– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Micro Topwater/Spy Bait– Megabass P5 Z Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Small Crankbaits– G Loomis IMX Pro 7'2" MH Deep Flex: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Micro Crankbaits– Shimano Curado 6'10" Light Glass: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Micro Swimbaits– Dobyns Sierra 7' 0 Power (700): https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Ultra Sensitivity– G Loomis Conquest 782C MBR: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

Micro Finesse– Daiwa Steen AGS 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/3RhFit1

LINES...

Fluorocarbon– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Braid– Power Pro Spectra (8 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Braid– Sufix 131 (6 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

SMALL CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala Ultralight Crank: https://bit.ly/3qSt14V

Colors: Chrome, Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 39 Tiny: https://bit.ly/3xTsnG0

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

•Megabass Z-1 Crank: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Wild Craw, Mat Craw 2

SMALL TOPWATER...

•Owner Cultiva Zip N Ziggy: https://bit.ly/3BTMLuh

Colors: Natural Minnow, Shiner, Brown Trout

•Whopper Plopper 60: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Phantom Shad, Monkey Butt, Bone

•Rapala Ultralight Popper: https://bit.ly/3FzvsNP

Colors: Chrome, Clown, Yellow Perch

MICRO FINESSE SOFT PLASTICS...

•Zman Micro Finesse TRD: https://bit.ly/3d8bmBm

Colors: Coppertreuse, Green Pumpkin, The Deal

•Zman Micro Finesse TicklerZ: https://bit.ly/3BIABob

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Hot Snakes

NED HEADS... 

Micro– Z Man Micro Finesse Shroomz (1/15th): https://bit.ly/3QDdlw7

Lead– Z Man OG (1/32 - 1/16th): https://bit.ly/3nyFyZc

MICRO TEXAS RIG SOFT PLASTICS...

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper, Mojito

•Zman TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Sprayed Grass, Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

MICRO TEXAS RIGGING...

Weight– Swagger Tungsten Vader 1/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Heavy Wire Hook– Owner Rig-N-Hook Size 1/0: http://bit.ly/2BnniXN

Light Wire Hook– Owner J-Light Size 1/0: https://bit.ly/3HDg0SH

MICRO SWIMBAIT...

•Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

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

Color: Real, Albino

Head– Dirty Jigs Guppy (1/8 with 1/0): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

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

Finesse Fishing Tricks You Need To Try!

Catching fish with finesse techniques can be really easy! But what about when its not? Subtle differences have huge impacts on these presentations. Today we're covering the baits and modifications that we use to consistently catch fish throughout the Winter months. 

These aren't your every day finesse tricks! These are the fine details that make a difference in our personal fishing. From which jig head should go in each tube, to the ned rig with the most natural action. We rely on these subtle differences to give us the upper hand every time we hit the water. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt discusses in the video. We've also included links to Matt's favorite finesse rods as well as some longer budget options to help you tip watch the next time you go fishing. All the links go to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SMALL SWIMBAIT...

•Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 Hook

DROPSHOT...

Bait– Netbait STH Lollipop: https://bit.ly/3zVbE7B

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Shiner, Killer G

Hook– Owner Mosquito Light: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Size: 2

Weight– Swagger Tungsten: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Size: 1/4 oz

TUBES...

•Netbait STH 4" Finesse Tube: https://bit.ly/3zAsnf6

Color: Green Pumpkin, Dark Melon Purple

Head– Xzone Goby Head: https://bit.ly/3hV3cPE

Size: 1/2 oz

•Netbait STH 2" Tube: https://bit.ly/3zAsnf6

Colors: Juvenile Goby, Ten Point

Head– Blade Runner Inhaler: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 Hook

•Dry Creek Tournament Tube: http://bit.ly/2cJwI6r

Colors: Old Ugly, Crazy Eddie, Green Pumpkin

Head– Xzone 60 degree Head: https://bit.ly/3jCHmR8

Size: 1/4 oz

NED RIG...

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Goby

•Xzone Ned Zone: http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Color: Violet Secret

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

Color: MM3, PB&J

NED HEADS...

•ZMan Ned Lockz HD: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Size: 1/10 oz

•Swagger Tungsten Flanders: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Size: 1/10 oz

HIGH END FINESSE COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 822S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel– Shimano Stella FK 2500: https://bit.ly/38LaK2u

Line– Sunline SX1 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

MID PRICED FINESSE COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'6" Light: https://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Reel– Shimano Vanford 3000: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line– Power Pro 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET FINESSE COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Bass 7'6" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3UFPcaO

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

Line– Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

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