Topwater Lures Made Easy! (Beginner To Advanced)

Choosing the right topwater can be a real challenge! Between poppers, walkers, crawlers, whopper poppers, buzz baits, frogs, and toads its hard to know what to throw. But just like anything else, there are key baits that seem to work day after day and month after month. Today Matt is opening up his topwater boxes and sharing the key "stand outs" that he relies on to get bit when it counts. 

Matt breaks his spring topwater into 4 categories. He relies on poppers, walking baits, straight retrieve baits, and frogs, to catch fish throughout Spring. Within those 4 categories it gets pretty complicated (as witnessed by the 4 boxes of topwaters he pulls out of the rod locker) but today he is sharing his favorites with us. From each category he's able to quickly select the "key" baits that will get bit when you need them most. 

Below you'll find links to the exact topwater lures shown in the video. We've included the guys favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as some of the different rods they use to throw these baits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

POPPERS... 

All Around- Damiki D Pop 70: http://bit.ly/2Pjvqo3

Colors: Spayu, Phantom, Black Holo

Refined- Yellow Magic 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2al0dKP

Colors: Smoke Shad, Japanese Shad, Alewife

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

Colors: Gill, Pumpkinseed, MB Gizzard

WALKING BAITS... 

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

Colors: Sooner, Bone, Abalone Shad

Refined- Evergreen Shower Blows 105/125: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bone, Half Mirror Wakasagi, Skeleton Chartreuse

Small Profile- Rapala Skitter Walk: https://bit.ly/37DC2Uz

Colors: Shad Translucent, Bluegill

STRAIGHT RETRIEVE BAITS... 

-Whopper Plopper 130: http://bit.ly/2a7ipHL

Colors: Bone, Bluegill, Munky Butt

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

Colors: Bone, I Know It

-Dirty Jigs Skirtless Pro Buzz: https://bit.ly/2WJ85R3

Colors: Silver, Red

-Quad Blade Buzz: https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

Colors: Night Stalker, Red Bug

SMALL FROGS... 

-Jackall Kaera: http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: Glitter Bluegill, Glitter Hasu, Green Frog

-Spro Bronzeye Jr. 60: http://bit.ly/2XkbgxR

Colors: Killer Gill, Red Ear, Neon Glow

MATT'S FAVORITE WALKING BAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

Line- Sufix 131 Braid 40 lb: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

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

MATT'S FAVORITE FROG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

MID-PRICED WALKING BAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

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

BUDGET POPPER COMBO...

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Power Pro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

FINESSE vs BIG BAITS - Spring Bass Fishing!

Come along for a day on the water! Tim is slinging a swimbait while his buddy sticks to the spinning rod. Who's going to come out ahead? We'll see! Pay attention to where Tim focuses with the swimbaits and note the number of fish that commit to a dropshot or shaky head after refusing the big bait. Very interesting!

The Tennessee River is known for "power fishing" but make no mistake, there are a ton of fish to be caught with finesse techniques. Today the advantage went to the dropshot, shaky head and senko. Tim did manage one fish on the Magdraft and a few missed opportunities on other baits, but all in all the finesse gear was the champ. 

Below you'll find links to the baits the guys used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors, as well as a few of our other favorites. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SWIMBAITS... 

-Megabass Mag Draft (6" and 8"): http://bit.ly/2CANTU7

Colors: Albino Pearl Shad, White Back Shad, Brownie

-Mike Bucca 6" Burrito: https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Colors: Who Dat, Disco, Pearl White

-Osprey 6" Tournament Talon: http://bit.ly/2bqsLS0

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, TW Shad, Reverse Hitch

-R2S S-Waver 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Warden Hitch

DROPSHOT... 

Worm- Roboworm 6" straight Tail: http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

Color: Aaron's Morning Dawn

Hook- Owner Cover Shot: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Wes' size: 1/0

Tim's Size: 3/0

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Casting Pencil (1/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

SHAKY HEAD... 

Worm- Netbait T-Mac: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Color: Junebug

Hook- Dirty Jigs Canterbury: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Size: 3/16 oz

SENKO... 

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake

Hook- Owner Jungle Wacky Weedless: https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

Size: 1/0

UNDERSPIN... 

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

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer (5/0, 1/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Blade Upgrade: Nichols Willow (3.5): https://bit.ly/3Mdl8OJ

BIG SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Victory 7'10" Extra Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 80 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC-100 (35 lb): http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

BAITCASTING BUBBA SHOT COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Elite 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line- Sunline Super FC (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET DROPSHOT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 2500: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

Line- Sunline Super FC 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

Sight Fishing Tips And Shallow Water Tricks! + Jet Boat Tour!

Come along for a day on the water as we target shallow prespawn and spawning fish. Along the way we take a tour of the the completely redesigned jet boat, and cover some of the key information you need for ethical sight fishing during the spawn. If that's not enough, we end the day skipping docks with a swimbait!

The spawn is in full swing in much of the country. Its always a hot button issue full of heated debate about the ethics of fishing during the spawn. Our position is that in most of the country its legal, and if guys are going to do it, we'd like to see them doing it right. So today, in the midst of catching fish, Matt sits down and covers what you need to know about fish care, how to catch these big bass, and the baits he relies on to catch them quickly. 

Below you'll find links to the baits Matt caught fish on today, as well as the gear he used. We've also included links to the baits he recommends for the spawn and the glasses he and Tim designed for this purpose. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SIGHT FISHING GLASSES... 

-Eye Surrender TacticalBassin Glasses: https://bit.ly/3cLH0kl

Lense Colors For Sight Fishing: Amber, Copper

...TODAY'S BAITS...

SENKO... 

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake

Hook- VMC Wacky Hook (Size 1): https://bit.ly/35Gtj31

CHATTERBAIT... 

Bait- Zman Mini Max (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3tqztzi

Color: Pearl Ghost

Trailer- Big Bite Kamikaze SwimOn (3.75): https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Color: Pearl

SWIMBAIT... 

-Bucca 6" Burrito Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Color: Who Dat

...SIGHT FISHING BAITS...

DROPSHOT...

Bait- Big Bite Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Grn Pump Org Blk Purp Prl Bl

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

JIG... 

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

Colors: Magic Craw, Warmouth, Bluegill 

Trailer- Netbait 4" Paca Slim: http://bit.ly/2M5cuGF

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Okeechobee Flare 

BLUEGILL SWIMBAITS... 

-Savage Gear 4" Jig Hook Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

-Savage Gear Line Through Bluegill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

-13 Fishing Gill Wedge: https://bit.ly/3pzDsbX

Colors: Natural Sunfish, Natural Gill

JET BOAT TOUR VIDEO: https://youtu.be/zv5Wp7m_0W8

SENKO COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

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

SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 8' Extra Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 (30 lb): http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

BUDGET-FRIENDLY SENKO COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'1" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Suline Super FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

5 Fishing Mistakes We All Make! (And How To Avoid Them)

Don't be the guy who misses his shot at a big bass this year! These mistakes are costing you fish! If you change these habits you'll begin catching more fish right away. Subtle details make a huge difference, especially around shallow water. Bass are coming up from deeper water and they're leery of the shallows. Make these adjustments and see the difference for yourself. 

From accidentally slamming locker lids to muddying up the shallows, we all make mistakes in the Spring. This video isn't about bashing the mistakes, its about showing you better ways to operate so you can begin catching more fish on your next trip. Matt highlights the negatives, then provides a solution for each, and even includes some baits that will help you along the way. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits he discussed in the video. We've included favorite colors, sizes, and rigging for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SENKO... 

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake

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

SHAKY HEAD... 

Worm- Netbait T-Mac: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors: Tilapia, Bama Bug, Junebug

Head- Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shakey (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

FINESSE JIG... 

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Colors: The Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw, Magic Craw Swirl

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin, Tilapia Magic

UNDERSPIN SWIMBAIT... 

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer (5/0): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

SQUAREBILL... 

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

Colors: Cold Blooded, Delta Craw

TOPWATER POPPER... 

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

Colors: Gill, Secret Gill, Pumpkinseed

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