Buyer's Guide: Craw and Creature Baits for Year Round Success!

Creature baits are not all created equal! In today's buyer's guide we're simplifying creatures and craws by narrowing it down to 8 baits for different situations. Each of these baits will help you catch more fish throughout the year! Whether you're punching mats, flipping, throwing a wobble head, or working a jig, there is a creature here that you can rely on.

These 8 baits all have very unique applications. One is best on wobble head, another is a bait we exclusively punch with, and yet another is the bait we turn to early in the year. There are a lot of great baits on the market but when you discover a key situation for a specific bait, you've got a bait that will put fish in the boat over and over again. If you want to shorten your learning curve, pay close attention to why and when we're throwing each of these baits, then give them a try on your lakes.

We've included links to all 8 of these baits below. We've also included our favorite colors for each, the gear we use to rig them, and a couple great "All-Around" creature bait rods at different price points. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

#1... 

-Big Bite Baits Flying Squirrel: http://bit.ly/2sn1FaT

Colors: Tilapia, Tilapia Magic

#2... 

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Tramp Stamp

#3... 

-Zoom Z-Craw: http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

Colors: Junebug, Tilapia, Green Pumpkin

#4... 

-Reaction Innovations Man Bear Pig: http://bit.ly/2s51oIV

Colors: Hematoma, Tramp Stamp

#5...

-Zoom Midsize Brush Hog: https://bit.ly/35Wtmst

Colors: Junebug, Watermelon Candy

#6... 

-Missile Baits Baby D Stroyer: http://bit.ly/3248BXL

Colors: Super Bug, California Love

#7... 

-Jackall Archelon: http://bit.ly/2uo4sN5

Colors: School Bluegill, Green Pumpkin Candy

#8... 

-Keitech Crazy Flapper: http://bit.ly/2c3cXrp

Colors: Green Pumpkin Watermelon, Double Trouble

Jig Heads and Rigging... 

Shaky Head- Dirty Jigs Magnum Stand Up Head: http://bit.ly/2apouhn

Lead Wobble Head- Pivot Point Football Jig (1/2 - 3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Tungsten Wobble Head- Swagger Swing Jig (1/2 oz - 3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2MmBuur

Texas Rig Weight- Swagger Tungsten "Vader": http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Texas Rig Hook (Heavy Wire): Owner Jungle Wide Gap 4/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Texas Rig Hook (Light Wire): Gamakatsu Offset EWG: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

All-Around Texas Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Texas Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'2" Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Leader- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Previous Buyer's Guides... 

-Ned Rigs: https://bit.ly/3fo75GV

-Deep Diving Crankbaits: https://bit.ly/3kXuH6h

-Swimbaits: https://bit.ly/395vTT6

-High End Combos: https://bit.ly/35PNOeu

-$500 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lW1o5I

-$400 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lSfwwz

-$200 Combos: https://bit.ly/2USSCJv

-$100 Combos: https://bit.ly/37aupED

Fluke Fishing Tricks (Double Fluke Rig) - Catch 2 Bass At Once!!

These fish are smashing the Double Fluke Rig! Matt is on the water chasing a fluke bite (soft jerkbait) and the fish are chewing the double fluke AKA Donkey Rig. If you've never thrown a double fluke, its a great option for schooling bass. Matt catches a bunch of fish then sits down and shows exactly how he builds and fishes this rig. Don't miss the end when he catches a double!

The concept behind the double fluke rig is very similar to an A-rig. You've got multiple baits working in unison to trigger a feed response. When you hook up you've got the added bonus of a potential double up at any time because the 2nd bait is still free swinging. Building and fishing the rig are both simple enough but if you really want to fine tune it, we've got some tweaks for you. 

We use different size leaders, different hooks, and different baits to get our baits to run in 2 different water columns (one below the other) to dial in the bite and keep the fish eating our mainline bait first. By changing the hook placement or by switching between the Zoom and Strike King baits you can get the baits to run even farther apart. If you want the whole rig to run deeper, using larger swivels will weigh down the nose of the rig and help it maintain depth after you let it sink at the start of your cast.

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt is using in the video as well as the added gear he uses to adapt the rig. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.  

Today's Baits and Hooks... 

Front Bait- Zoom Super Fluke (Smokin Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Front Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Superline (3/0 Size): http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Back Bait- Zoom Super Fluke (Albino): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Back Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Superline (4/0 Size): http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Favorite Baits For The Rig... 

Standard- Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino, Electric Shad, Tennessee Shad

Heavy- Strike King Caffeine Shad 5": http://bit.ly/2jjyvzr

Colors: Ghost Shad, Pearl Blue, Smokey Shad

Favorite Hooks, Bobber Stops, and Swivels For The Rig... 

Shallow Running Hook- Gamakatsu EWG (3/0 or 4/0): http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Deep Running Hook- Gamakatsu Superline (4/0): http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Swivels- SPRO Power Swivel (Size 6-8): http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

*Larger swivels can be used to achieve great depth*

Bobber Stop- 6th Sense Peg X: https://bit.ly/32aJG6J

Leader Material... 

Maxima Ultragreen Monofilament (15,18, or 20 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

*We use this line because of its shock absorption in a short section of line. This keeps fish from breaking off when pulling against each other on the double rig*

Matt's Exact Combo Today...

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy (Available For Pre-Order): https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

*The longer handle makes a huge difference when casting this rig*

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 18 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Power Pro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Related Fluke Fishing Videos... 

-Underwater Bass Footage With Crazy Fluke Rigging Trick: https://youtu.be/rD8lBI2hxiA

-Fluke Rigging Tricks To Catch Bass Shallow Or Deep: https://youtu.be/U3bP0HkJxk0

-Fluke Fishing Tricks You Need To Try: https://youtu.be/t8rb6gNfSmk

-Underwater Bass Fishing Footage + Fluke Rigging Tips: https://youtu.be/GvhirFFpirk

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

Carolina Rig Tricks! Big Worms And Creature Baits For Bass!

The Carolina Rig is an awesome way to catch big bass! It can be adapted to virtually any fishery if you know what changes to make. From different worms and creature baits, to different hooks and weights, there are a lot of variables to consider. Tim goes in-depth about how and when to fish the Carolina rig and shows all his favorite components in today's video. 

Whether you're on a Southern impoundment with bass gathering on ledges or on a small Northern fishery fan casting open water, the Carolina Rig has a place in your arsenal. If you don't know exactly how to set it up it can be incredibly frustrating to cast and even more frustrating to detect a bite. Tim loves fishing the Carolina rig and understands both the benefits and struggles of the technique. He shares some of the modifications and adaptations he uses to consistently catch fish with this presentation. 

Below is a breakdown of the equipment discussed in the video. From Tim's favorite components, to budget options, its all there. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see details photos and descriptions of each item. 

Tim's Large Carolina Rig Components... 

1) Bobber Stop- Peg X Stoppers: http://bit.ly/2bHjowk

2) Tungsten Weight- Swagger Barrel Weight: https://bit.ly/3f14FNn

3) Bobber Stop- Peg X Stoppers: http://bit.ly/2bHjowk

4) Swivel- SPRO Power Swivel (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

5) Mono Leader- Maxima Ultragreen (20 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

6) Hook- Owner Oversize Worm Hook 11/0: http://bit.ly/2C1EZ4s

Alternative Components... 

Lead Weight- Eagle Claw Egg Sinkers: https://bit.ly/2C5jX5d

Brass Weight- Top Brass Precision Weights: http://bit.ly/2jDhYXu

Glass Bead- Top Brass Precision Glass Bead: http://bit.ly/2iOiqSD

Large Worm Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 6/0 or 7/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Standard Worm Hook- Gamakatsu Offset EWG Hook 5/0: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Curly Tails Worms... 

-Berkley Power Worm 10": http://bit.ly/2cxomPX

Colors: Black Blue Flake, Motor Oil Red Flake, Tequila Sunrise

-Zoom Ol Monster 10.5": http://bit.ly/2adPtjs

Colors: Black Red Flake, Candy Bug, Watermelon Red

-Zoom Ol Monster 12.5": http://bit.ly/2P5QZbq

Colors: Blue Fleck, Green Pumpkin

-Big Bite Baits B2 10": https://bit.ly/2BfL51p

Colors: Green Pumpkin Junebug, Junebug, Watermelon Red

-Zoom Dead Ringer 8”: http://bit.ly/2cRrLVR

Colors: Plum, Green Pumpkin

-Berkley Power Worm 7": http://bit.ly/2ouqzSU

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Red

Creature/Lizard Baits... 

-Keitech Crazy Flapper 4.4": http://bit.ly/2c3cXrp

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Double Trouble

-Zoom Brush Hog: http://bit.ly/2bnpCRx

Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Junebug Red, Black Red Flake

-Big Bite Kriet Tail Lizard 8": http://bit.ly/2bnu34A

Colors: Junebug, Tilapia, Black Neon

Straight Tail Worms... 

-Mann's Jelly Worm: http://bit.ly/2aFOwhe

Colors: Blackberry, Grape, Watermelon/Red

-Yum Mighty Worm: https://bit.ly/2Yajojh

Colors- Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Blue Fleck

-Strike King 10" Bull Worm: http://bit.ly/2IVzvuS

Colors- Black Blue Swirl, Green Pumpkin Candy, Tequila Sunrise

Tim's Carolina Rig Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Champion Extreme 784 (7'8" Heavy): http://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K XG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Budget Carolina Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX DC 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

How To CATCH FISH In CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER! (Finesse and Reaction Baits)

If you've ever seen fish in clear water but couldn't get them to bite, this video is for you! Come along for a day of fishing in some of clearest freshwater on earth! We can see bottom in 35+ feet but with some tricks, we're able to catch plenty of fish. We catch a bunch of really nice fish including some GIANT smallmouth bass on a variety of lures!

Clear water can be so frustrating! You're looking at the fish, they're looking back at you, and no one is falling for it. If you know how to adapt your equipment and which baits to focus on, this can also be one of the most rewarding types of fishing. While its incredibly frustrating to look at a fish that won't bite, its absolutely incredible to watch fish attack your lures! Don't be afraid of clear water. The guys show you exactly what it takes to get consistent bites and BIG bites in clear water. 

Below are a breakdown of the baits and equipment the guys used in today's video, as well as some budget offerings that are perfect for clear water. We've included color and size recommendations for the baits and terminal tackle as well to help you succeed. The links go directly to tackle warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Fluke...

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke (Tennessee Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Spring- Owner CPS Spring Medium: http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Senko... 

Bait- Yamamoto Senko 5" (Natural Shad, Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Hook- Owner Wacky Hook 1/0: http://bit.ly/2x0yBGU

Finesse Swimbaits... 

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" 1/2 oz (Wakasagi): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

-Megabass Spark Shad 3" (Purple Haze): http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

-Okashira Screw Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

-Keitech 3.8 Fat Swing Impact (Smallmouth Magic): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact (TW Ghost Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head 1/8 oz 1/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Matt's Ultra High-End Spinning Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 902S Spinning: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

Reel- Shimano Stella FJ 2500: http://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

Line- Sunline XPlasma Asegai Braid 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Incredible "Bang For The Buck" Finesse Spinning Combo...

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget-Friendly Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

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

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