Prespawn A-Rig Fishing With BONUS Tricks To Get More Bites!

Come along on Clearlake for an evening of A-rig fishing! Matt has found a school of aggressive prespawn bass that are feeding heavily in the shallow, muddy water. As Matt catches fish he begins explaining how the fish are positioning, why they're there, and modifications he makes to his A-rigs and retrieve to get more bites in the Spring.

Since the Alabama Rig stormed onto the bass fishing scene it has been at the center of endless controversy. Whether you love it or hate it, anglers can all agree that it is incredibly effective on prespawn bass. In today's video the effectiveness is seen yet again but Matt goes in depth on how the fish are positioning, swimbait color selection, and most importantly, how to twitch and pop the rig to imitate scattering baitfish. Once you've learned to twitch the rig properly you can unfold its full bite-triggering potential. 

Below is a breakdown of the exact equipment he's using in the video. We've also included budget equipment options and a few of his other favorite rigs and gear for this fun Spring technique!

Matt's Setup... 

A-Rig- HogFarmer BFL Hitchhiker Rig: http://bit.ly/36EcEuR

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

Swimbaits- Keitech 4.8 (Pro Blue Red Pearl/Light Trout): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Dummy Baits- Reaction Innovations Little Dipper (Bad Shad Green): http://bit.ly/2brnU5I

Matt's Rod/Reel Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Curado 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2gUWTft

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

Line- 65 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 Shock Leader (20 lb): http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Other Great A-Rigs... 

Bladed- Flash Mob Jr: http://bit.ly/2bgDGNu

Non-Bladed- Yum Ultralight A-Rig: http://bit.ly/2cq4pJQ

Hog Farmer Cali Crush: http://bit.ly/39Iuy1M

Budget A-Rig Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- 65 lb Power Pro Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- 20 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

 Component Upgrades to add Dummy Baits and Stronger Hooks... 

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

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

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

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

Best Tricks To Catch EARLY SPRING Topwater Fish!

When Should you start throwing topwater? Are there tell tale signs that bass are moving shallow and willing to hit the surface? Some topwaters get bit WAYYY before others, do you know which baits they are? Today's video is all about helping you get those topwater strikes before the other anglers do!

Early season topwater is all about timing environmental conditions. Warm afternoons, emergent vegetation, and baitfish location are all key factors in getting consistent bites. While its not easy to get bit early in the year, the majority of bites you will get are from bigger than average bass. Put in the time and the big bites will come. 

Matt and Tim maximize their potential by focusing on baits that create commotion while moving relatively slow, giving the lethargic more time to commit to the bait. They also use a very simple method for selecting the best colors. Below is a breakdown of some of their favorite baits and colors for Prespawn topwater fishing. 

-River2Sea Bubble Walker (Both Sizes): http://bit.ly/2e0PZOY

The Bubble walker has a large presence and creates a ton of commotion as it moves slowly across the surface. Both sizes of this bait are excellent but if you want something completely different, try the bigger one. Favorite Colors include Bone, Sooner, and Terminator. 

-Whopper Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

The power of the Whopper Plopper is legendary! The 110 size is a perfect balance of size and fishability. It will catch every species of bass while still drawing giant largemouth to the surface. Favorite colors include Bone, Munky Butt, and Phantom Shad. 

-Megabass Pop Max: http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

This bait has excellent drawing power and perfect balance. It shines as both a walking bait and a popper. Offered in some incredible colors, you'll be impressed by just how good it looks in the water. Favorite colors include Gill (shown in video), Mat Shad, and Pumpkinseed. 

-Yellow Magic Popper: http://bit.ly/2al0dKP

The smaller 1/4 oz Yellow Magic is one of our all time favorite baits. Its balanced well to walk the dog but shines with a slow, methodical pop and wait action. Use the smallest size tight to cover and work it painfully slow for big bites. This bait has amazing colors and our favorites include Japanese Shad, Smoke Shad, and White Shad. 

-Bull Shad Wakebait: http://bit.ly/2yceVRt

Early Season is prime time to throw a BIG bait. The Bull Wake give a great bluegill profile and is that perfect size to get consistent bites. It throws a great wake at moderate speed and the soft tail and finless design allows excellent hookup ratio. If you're looking for a great wake bait that is affordable, the Bull Wake is a great choice. It comes in 2 colors and we're very comfortable throwing either of them. 

-River2Sea Rover 128: http://bit.ly/2acSVea

The Rover is our favorite walking-style bait throughout the year. It has an excellent sound profile landing right between the old Zara spook and RI Vixen. The sound it emits works in a variety of conditions and the result is consistent bites day after day. Its offered in the same colors as the Bubble Walker and our favorites include Sooner, Bone, and Funky Tiger. 

An ideal topwater rod will have a soft tip section and a solid backbone. Small poppers can be thrown on virtually any finesse rod (spinning or casting) but the best rods for walking baits are typically 6'10"-7'2" Medium action rods. A medium rod will offer enough backbone to set the hook yet the soft tip allows you to walk the bait with ease. 

Budget Topwater Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Budget Popper Rod... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- 20 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 8 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Topwater Storage... 

Matt's Favorite- Plano Waterproof Deep 3700: http://bit.ly/2xjccls

Best For Wet Environments- Plano Rustrictor 3700: http://bit.ly/30STK1D

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

Squarebill Crankbait Tricks For Spring Bass Fishing

With all the colors, sizes, and sounds, which crankbaits should you fish? Virtually every company in bass fishing makes a squarebill crankbait but they are NOT created equal! Knowing how to use different crankbaits to match conditions will help you catch way more fish this Spring. It's more than just looks so come along as we dive into the details that make all the difference with square bills. 

Tim splits his square bills into several categories. He's got silent baits for pressured conditions and rattling baits for aggressive fish or murky water. He uses bill size (diving depth) to adapt to different water levels, and size to match the baitfish. He keeps color simple, relying on 3 categories (baitfish, crawfish, and bold) to adapt to changing conditions. Where it really gets interesting is his use of different hooks to adapt to the fish he's targeting. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits Tim has the most confidence in. He's also included his favorite colors in each, all of his favorite hooks and terminal tackle. Additionally, he's listed his favorite Crankbait combo and a few other rods at different price points that will help you land more crankbait fish on your next trip. 

Rattling Baits... 

-River2Sea Biggie: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

(Rooster, Abalone Shad, I Know It)

-6th Sense Crush 100: http://bit.ly/2HbaCGT

(Shad Streaker, Shad Scales, Mudbug Red)

-Spro Little John 50: http://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

(Matte Shad, Blood Craw, Rootbeer Chartreuse)

Silent Baits... 

-Lucky Craft 1.5: http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

(American Shad, Crack, Delta Crazy Red Craw)

-Lucky Craft BDS 3: http://bit.ly/2blTVwI

(TO Craw, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)

-Megabass S-Crank: http://bit.ly/2dPdTxb

(MB Phantom, Fire Craw, Megabass Sexy Shad)

-Strike King 1.5: http://bit.ly/2Pz3HvE

(Delta Red, Olive Shad, Sexy Ghost Minnow)

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

-Owner ST-36: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

(Extremely sharp and reliable, excellent all-around hooks)

-Owner ST-35: http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

(Short shank hooks with 3 hooks positioned specifically for crankbaits)

-Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

(Incredible sharp, light wire, tipped in hook points)

-Mustad Short Shank Triple Grip: http://bit.ly/32U3TN1

(Short Shank, tipped points, and offered in Red)

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings (Size 3 or 4): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Tim's Favorite Squarebill Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Other Great Crankbait Rods... 

Glass- Shimano Zodias 7' Med Light Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Budget- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium Heavy Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Squarebill Storage... 

-Plano Elite Medium Crankbait Organizer: http://bit.ly/2KwA8Kp

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

Where Do Bass Go In Spring? (And How To Catch Them)

Ready to catch more bass?! Spring is coming and the bass are on the move! Today Matt teaches why the bass are transitioning and how to predict their movements in your local lake. Don't struggle through the prespawn unnecessarily, let us show you what the bass will do next so you can catch them before they spawn! 

We all understand that bass are focused on feeding before they spawn. It gets complicated when you start trying to figure out where to start your day. Is it the same in a river as a pond? What about a reservoir? In today's video Matt breaks our fisheries into 4 different groups and explains bass' movements in each type. 

Once you understand why the fish are moving and where they are heading you can predict their movements through changing conditions. Below is a breakdown of Matt and Tim's best confidence baits for Spring bass fishing including their favorite colors. 

Glide Bait...

-River2Sea S-Waver 168 (Light Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Jerkbait... 

-Jackall Rerange 110 (RT Hollow Minnow): http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

Lipless Crankbait... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500 (Ghost Minnow): http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Squarebill Crankbait... 

-River2Sea Biggie Poppa (Delta Craw): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Alabama Rig... 

-Rig: Hogfarmer Baits BFL Hitchhiker: http://bit.ly/36EcEuR

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

-Dummy Baits: Big Bite Finesse Swimmer 3.4: http://bit.ly/3bdZjgv

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

-Dummy Anchors: Owner CPS Springs Medium: http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

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