Top 5 Baits To Catch BIG Smallmouth Bass! (North, South, and Western Fisheries)

These baits catch BIG Bass! Fishing around Clear water like the Great Lakes, Southern Herring Fisheries, and Western reservoirs, requires unique baits. When it comes to Smallmouth (as well as Spotted Bass and Largemouth) there are a handful of baits that consistently catch the big bass. We've narrowed it down through countless hours on the water to a few key baits that you can trust.

During the prespawn you want to cover water quickly. Smallmouth school together, leaving huge parts of the lake virtually barren. The baits we use not only catch big bass, they help you locate fish quickly. After that the baits begin to fit niches. Swimbaits cover a ton of water, jerkbaits draw a core feed response, and the tube can elicit a strike from the wariest clear water bass.

Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt discussed in the video. We've included his favorite colors, rigging components, and even some great rod and reel combos to help you fish these baits effectively. 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

SWIMBAITS...

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

Favorite Sizes: 3" and 3.6"

Favorite Colors: Albino, Natural Shad, Ayu, Real

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

Colors: Top Shad, Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Tennessee Shad, Natural Goby

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

Size: 1/2 oz – 3/4 oz

Favorite Colors: Wakasagi, Morning Goby, Goby Desert

SWIMBAIT HEADS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Favorite Sizes: 1/4 – 3/8 oz

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

Favorite Sizes: 1/8 – 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: Mat Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad, GLX Phantom Minnow

•Megabass Vision 110+2 Jr: https://bit.ly/4cZ29q7

Colors: Tennessee Shad, Elegy Bone

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

Colors: Glitz Shad, See Through Shad, Juvy Gill

SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spinbait Series: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Sizes: 70, 80

Favorite Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait, Ghost Wakasagi

•Great Lakes Finesse Stay Pinned Spybait: https://bit.ly/41mpM6J

Favorite Colors: Ghost Shad, Ghost Perch, Morning Dawn

HAIR JIG...

•Great Lakes Finesse Maribou Jig: https://bit.ly/4iPXoA2

Color: Black

BLADED RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

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

NON BLADED RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

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

TUBES AND TUBE HEADS...

•Xzone Stealth Finesse 2.25" Tube: https://bit.ly/3yEr6aj

Colors: Great Lakes Sand, Goby Punch, Green Pumpkin Black

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Tube Head: https://bit.ly/3WY18YM

Favorite Size: 1/8 – 1/4 oz

•Big Bite Baits 3.5" Scentsation Tube: https://bit.ly/43eGkzS

Colors: Perch Dinner, Green Pump Purp Cop

•Xzone 60 Degree Goby Head: https://bit.ly/3hV3cPE

Size: 3/8 – 1/2 oz

DROPSHOT WORMS...

•MissileBaits BombShot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Colors: Fishalicious, Goby Bite, GP3

•Berkley Lab Series Flat Worm: https://bit.ly/4f3qxtm

Colors: Obsidian Black, Tactical, Oxblood Red Flake

MATT'S SPY BAIT SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 Flyssa: https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

Model: 7'6" Light+

Reel– Shimano Vanquish 2500 Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/4sAmR5X

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

DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel– Daiwa Steez A 100: https://bit.ly/489D4rb

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

TUBE FISHING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'6" Medium: http://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Reel– Shimano Twin Power FE 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label Fluoro (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend X2 6'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/4farXAh

Reel– Daiwa Luvias ST 2500: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Sunline Super FC (6 lb): https://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 apparel and merch! See it here…

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

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

BFS Fishing For Bass: Spring Tricks And Best Baits For Bass Fishing!

When you need to catch a fish, Finesse is your best bet! Finesse Fishing, specifically Bait Finesse Fishing, continues to gain momentum in bass fishing. If you haven't experienced ultra finesse, in the form of BFS, now is the time! In today's video we're covering some of our favorite ways to use BFS gear effectively. From our favorite BFS baits, to rod, reels, and tackle, these ultralight presentations will make your fishing experience more fun!

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 exploded into the US Market in the last few years. Even if you prefer spinning tackle, you can benefit from the new baits being designed for this category, so don't sleep on 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

MICRO CREATURE BAITS...

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin/Black Blue, Green Pumpkin Blue

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

Colors: Grass Craw, Tilapia, Green Pumpkin Blue

MICRO TEXAS RIG COMPONENTS...

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

Size: 1/0

•Epic Baits Tungsten Worm Weight: https://bit.ly/42jgBEt

Size: 1/16 oz

•Nako Tungsten Worm Weight: https://bit.ly/4mGDnzD

Size: 1/16 oz

•VMC Sinker Stop (Small): https://bit.ly/38XLQd4

MICRO CHATTERBAIT...

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

Colors: Pearl Ghost, Spot Remover, Bluegill

•Zman 3" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Electric Shad, Blue Gizzard, Green Pumpkin

KARASHI...

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

Colors: See Through Shad, Glitz Shad, Juvy Gill

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

MICRO TOPWATER...

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

Colors: Bahama Milk Pearl, Downsizing Wakasagi

•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

MICRO SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/4buE4qx

Favorite Sizes: 3.5"

Favorite Colors: Electric Shad, Smelt, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•BKK Armor Point Offset Worm Hook: https://bit.ly/48hOoBq

Size: 1

HIGH END TEXAS RIG COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Models: Kasumi Six Eleven

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

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Sunline Super FC (6 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET TEXAS RIG COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

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

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

HIGH END KARASHI COMBO...

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

Model: 6'6" Light Slow

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

Line– Daiwa Samurai Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

ALL AROUND KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

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

Line– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

ULTRALIGHT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Sierra 7'0" (700): https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Model: 7' Light Extra Fast

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

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

ALL AROUND BFS COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

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

Underwater Shaky Head Worms! (15 Best Worms Compared - Underwater Action Test)

15 of the most popular Shaky Head Worms compared underwater! Let's dive below the surface of the lake and see how your favorite worms compare to the rest of the market. Underwater footage gives us a unique perspective that cuts through the marketing hype, dock talk, and misinformation. Think they're all the same? Think again!

The shakey head is an important Spring bass fishing technique. Around the country, anglers trust this simple rig to put fish in the boat when nothing else will. We were shocked to see just how different some of these worms are from the rest. One worm stands up with perfect action, while the next quickly falls to bottom. We can clearly see what worms look the best, saving a ton of time and money.

Below you'll find links to all 15 of the worms that were shown in the video. We've also included links to the jigheads, as well as some great rod and reel combos to help you fish the shaky head worm effectively, regardless of your budget. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH…

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

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

SHAKY HEADS...

•MissileBaits Warlock Head: https://bit.ly/4bg8DyC

Size: 3/16 oz

•Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shaky: https://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Size: 3/16 oz

•Zman SMH Jighead: https://bit.ly/3OYQ332

Favorite Size: 3/16 oz

THE WORMS LISTED IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE...

•Crush City Janitor Worm: https://bit.ly/3Fy6nsd

Colors: Candy Bug, Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin

•Hog Farmer Utility Player: https://bit.ly/4s8AzxH

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Plum

•Berkley Powerbait 4.75" Bottom Hopper: https://bit.ly/2Q9Qhdt

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Blue Craw, Junebug

•Berkley MaxScent Hit Worm: https://bit.ly/4cxwzkV

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Plum Apple

•Xzone Deception Worm: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Colors: TW Dark Junebug, Junebug, Green Pumpkin Blue

•Xzone MB Fat Finesse: https://bit.ly/4lSgfx4

Colors: Junebug, Tilapia, Green Pumpkin Junebug

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

Colors: Blueback Secret, Junebug Dream, Watermelon Violet

•Yamamoto Sensei Worm: https://bit.ly/3WgAaM5

Colors: Blue Craw, Junebug, Redbug

•Zman SMH Worm: https://bit.ly/3c2orvf

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Purple Rain

•Netbait T Mac Worm: https://bit.ly/41rJOer

Colors: Bama Bug, Junebug

•Big Bite Baits Nekorama: https://bit.ly/48LN6Qr

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Junebug

•Big Bite Baits 8" Finesse Worm: https://bit.ly/384mIjl

Colors: Tilapia, Junebug, Crime Scene

•Zoom Trick Worm: https://bit.ly/2aWkG7E

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Junebug

•Zman Mag FattyZ: https://bit.ly/2Gclyo9

Colors: Black Blue Lam, Junebug, Plum

HIGH END SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Xtreme 6'8" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/37UhrKR

Reel– Shimano Vanquish 2500: https://bit.ly/4sAmR5X

Line– Sunline SX 1 Braid (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (10 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

HIGH END CASTING COMBO...

G Loomis GLX 852C JWR: https://bit.ly/4eTKfF2

Model: 7'1" Medium X Fast

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC A 70: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (12 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

BUDGET SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 6'8" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2000: https://bit.ly/488CsQb

Line– Sunline Super FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET CASTING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'1" Medium X Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Reel– Abu García Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://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 apparel and merch! See it here…

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

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

Early Spring BFS Fishing! (Karashi, Glide Baits, And Finesse Tips)

Jump in the boat for a FUN day on the water with Matt! Today, we’re doing something completely different! Matt has set aside his traditional Spring time baits and filled his deck with BFS rods and finesse baits. He’s targeting bass that are ambushing small baitfish, let’s go!

It’s easy to get caught up in the competition and pressure of social media bass fishing. Today, we’re taking the time to just enjoy a day out fishing. It doesn’t matter how big the fish are, it just matters that you have a great time and catch a few fish along the way. Matt left the pressure behind this morning and has a blast catching 6 different species on a variety of baits!

Below you’ll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. He’s included his favorite colors and any necessary rigging components, as well as the key rod and reel combos he fished throughout the day. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH AND LURE DESIGNS

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

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

KARASHI…

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

Color: Glitz Shad

GLIDE BAIT…

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

Color: Matte Shad

PADDLE TAIL…

•Xzone 2.75” Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color:

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

Size: 1/8 oz

JERKBAITS…

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow

•Duo Realis Rozante 57 MR: https://bit.ly/3YurtNa

Color: Wakasagi

MICRO JIG…

•Great Lakes Finesse Matte Jig: https://bit.ly/3Yj41mp

Color: Green Pumpkin/Brown

•Great Lakes Finesse Snack Size Craw: https://bit.ly/4b8aeHo

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue

KARASHI COMBO…

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Expada

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

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

SWIMBAIT COMBO…

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Kasumi Six Eleven

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

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Super FC (6 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

GLIDE BAIT COMBO…

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 6’10” Medium Light: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

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

Line– Power Pro Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sierra Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

JERKBAIT COMBO…

Rod– Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 700: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Reel– Daiwa Tatula BF 70: https://bit.ly/4b7UbYM

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

MICRO JIG COMBO…

Rod– Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 691: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

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

Line– Power Pro Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

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