Bass Eat Bluegill! Top Bluegill Swimbaits For Spring Bass Fishing

Bluegill and panfish are a huge part of a bass' diet. Whether you fish small ponds or huge lakes, knowing how to imitate bluegill will help you catch bigger bass in Spring. While visiting his childhood fishery, Tim was inspired to shoot this quick video about applying Bluegill swimbaits to your Spring bass fishing. 

The bluegill swimbait category has exploded in recent years. Where we used to talk about one or two baits, there are now dozens of options on the market and it seems to grow every years. With every company jumping on the bandwagon, its more important than ever to have a little insight into which baits have proven themselves. To help narrow down the selection, Tim is walking us through his favorite soft baits, Hard Baits, and Bluegill-Imitating Glidebaits. 

All of the baits discussed in the video are linked below. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included some of our favorite combos for fishing these baits. While most bluegill baits can be thrown on a stout jig rod, the heavier soft baits and GlideBaits should be thrown on a dedicated swimbait combo. 


Soft Bluegill Baits... 

-Mattlures U2 Bluegill (Shown By Tim): http://bit.ly/2s1dqyf

Colors: Male Bluegill, TW Baby Gill


-Mattlures Ultimate Bluegill: http://bit.ly/2aAuAz5

Colors: Male Bluegill, TW Baby Gill


-Savage Gear Pulse Tail RTF (Jig hook): https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill


-Savage Gear Pulse Tail LB (Weedless): https://bit.ly/2Kd6qct

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill


-All American Sunfish: http://bit.ly/2ahBNOT

Colors: Male Bluegill, Bream

Hook- Owner 4/0 Weighted Beast: http://bit.ly/2ancP66


Hard Bluegill Baits... 

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

Colors: GG Gill, GG Wild Gill


-Jackall Gantarel Jr: https://bit.ly/3pcIzvW

Colors: RT Ghost Gill, RT Spawn Gill


-Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Colors: RT Ghost Gill, RT Bluegill


-Mike Bucca Bull Gill: http://bit.ly/2f1ASHn

Colors: Bluegill


Bluegill Glidebaits... 

-R2S S-Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: Bluegill, New Bluegill

-Arashi Glide: http://bit.ly/2nHdrL1

Colors: Bluegill, Green Gill


Our Favorite Large Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 966: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 (HG): http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- Power pro Maxcuatro (80 lb Braid): http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 Fluorocarbon (35 lb): http://bit.ly/2O4UElB


Budget Large Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Savage Gear Squad 8' Heavy Swimbait: http://bit.ly/3tT8bS2

Reel- Shimano Curado 300K: https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

Line- Power pro Maxcuatro (65 lb Braid): http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 Fluorocarbon (30 lb): http://bit.ly/2O4UElB


Budget Small Bluegill Bait Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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


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

Bluegill web.jpg

4 Hours In Texas, Catches A 10 LB Bass!! Tim's INSANE Day On The Water!

Tim caught a Texas giant! He's driving cross-country with his friend Wes and bad weather ahead forces them to stop in a small Texas town for the night. They decide to hit a nearby lake for a half day before getting back on the road and chaos ensued! They caught 45 bass, had over 34 lbs for the best 5, with a 10.28 lb kicker! Come along for this whirlwind half-day adventure!

The bass had baitfish cornered in a cove, Tim and Wes took full advantage, using a variety of shad-imitating baits to draw reaction strikes. Most of the fish, including the 10 lber came on a brand-new rig that we've been designing with Hog Farmer. Its a 6-wire A-Rig built to our exact specifications so the days of endless A-Rig modifications can finally be over. The HogFarmer TacticalBassin Flex Rig is available for pre-order here: https://bit.ly/38xd1es and should be shipping in 2-3 weeks. 

These fish were in a full pre-spawn feeding frenzy! After all the cold that hit Texas, the bass needed to bulk back up before heading into Spring. They were using bushes and trees as ambush points to attack the shad and the guys were able to capitalize on the behavior. They only had a few hours to fish before getting back on the road but they made the best of it and will never forget this awesome day of Texas Bass Fishing! 

All of the baits they used, the exact colors, as well as their gear, are linked in the description below. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items. 


A-Rig (Available For Pre-Order)... 

-HogFarmer TacticalBassin 6 Wire Bladed Rig: http://bit.ly/38xd1es

-HogFarmer TacticalBassin 6-Wire Rig: http://bit.ly/3vhpSez


A-Rig Components... 

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

Bait- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl


Jerkbait... 

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

Color: Matte Shad


Weedless Swimbait... 

Bait- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Hook- Owner Weighted Beast 4/0: http://bit.ly/2ancP66


Tim's A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'6" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC (HG): http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

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

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


Tim's Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL​

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8​

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


Budget A-Rig Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8​

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

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


Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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


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

OH Ivie web.jpg

We're Going Where?! Chatterbait Fishing For BackWater Bass!

Today we're exploring a crazy backwater! Everyone else is driving airboats but we're determined to stuff our bass boat down the tiny swamp paths, through Lily pad fields, and into untouched waters! We have no idea what we're in for at the start but by the end of the day we put together a great pattern throwing chatterbaits for prespawn bass. Come along!

So many anglers fish the same fisheries over and over. There is nothing wrong with that but if the opportunity to explore ever presents itself, jump at the opportunity! On a recent trip Matt and CC were poking around a few backwater areas and found a tiny path that connected to an area they wanted to explore. Next thing you know they're driving down tiny ditches, plowing through airboat paths, getting stuck, overheating, and catching fish! 

The duo were using a variety of baits to build a pattern but once they pieced it together it was just a couple baits that did all the damage. Below you'll find links to the exact baits, colors, and the gear they were using while exploring this incredible area. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


Stick Bait... 

Bait- Gambler Fat Ace 6" Worm: http://bit.ly/2aJq2AO

Color: JB Blue

Hook- Owner 4/0 Jungle Wide Gap: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z


Chatterbait... 

Bait- Jackhammer Chatterbait 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Matt- Black Blue, CC- Hite's Hot Craw

Trailer- HogFarmer Spunk Shad 5.5": http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Matt- Black Blue, CC- Natural Gill


Matt's Heavy-Cover Chatterbait Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Levante Braillist: http://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB


CC's Chatterbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL 151 (XG): http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB


Budget Chatterbait Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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


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

Going Where web.jpg

How To Choose The Best Jigs For Spring Bass Fishing (Beginner To Advanced Tricks)

So many jigs, so little time! We all know jigs catch BIG bass in Spring but with all the different colors, sizes, and styles, how do you know which jig to fish with? Matt cuts through the hype and the chaos and shows just how simple jig fishing can be. He demonstrates how two or three jigs can be used to match every situation, then gives up his favorite trick to catch bass after Spring storms. 

Spring jig fishing doesn't have to be complicated. As Matt demonstrates, an angler can buy a pitching jig and a pack of trailers and catch fish in nearly every circumstance. Digging a little deeper, that same angler can pick up a football jig and a flipping jig, and dial in the pattern no matter the conditions. Color selection doesn't have to be difficult either. Leaning toward natural tones in clear water and dark tones in muddy water will get consistent bites, and let's not forget Matt's Chartreuse core trick. 

As promised, we've included all our favorite jigs and colors below. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included our favorite jig rods and a budget combo that will help you catch more fish without breaking the bank. 


The Best All-Around Jig... 

Jig- Dirty Jigs Pitchin' 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

Colors: Molting Craw, Canterbury Craw, Brown Craw, Go To

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

Colors: Dirty Wizard, Green Pumpkin, Magic Craw Swirl


Football Jigs... 

Full Profile- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Go To, Canterbury Crunch, Magic Craw

Finesse Profile- Keitech Tungsten Football: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Green Pumpkin Chartreuse, Green Pumpkin Black


Football Jig Trailers... 

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Green Pump Purp Copper, Cinnamon Black Purple

-Big Bite Baits Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

Colors: Tilapia

-Netbait Tiny Paca Chunk: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Summer Craw, Green Pumpkin Red


Flipping Jigs... 

-No Jack Flippin Jig: http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

Colors: Hematoma, Blackend Blue, Pay Day


Flipping Jig trailers... 

-Netbait Paca Chunk Sr: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Black Blue, Toledo Special

-Reaction Innovations Kinky Beaver: http://bit.ly/2XQ1kJ1

Colors: Low Blow, Hematoma


Chartreuse Modification... 

-Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Chartreuse Black Flake, Firetiger


Matt's Favorite Flipping Jig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'6" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC (HG): http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

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


Football Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2lVATTC

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K (HG): https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

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

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


Budget All-Around Jig Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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


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

jigs web.jpg