Catch Shallow Bass Right Now - Shad Spawn And Shallow Water Tricks

Shallow water bass are EASY to catch if you know what to do! Whether you're on a pond or a giant lake, some very big bass move shallow in the post spawn and we can help you catch them. Some lakes have an incredible shad spawn that you don't want to miss, others just have fish ambushing bluegill. Today we're covering the best techniques to target all of these fish!

Pond and bank fishermen can really simplify their fishing this time of year. You can narrow down your arsenal to two baits that will maximize your time on the water. Get up early and hit the water with a fluke and a weedless underspin, you'll be amazed by the results. 

Anglers on larger lakes should focus their attention on the shad spawn. Its critical that you be on the water at or before first light, armed with key baits that these fish are susceptible to. It doesn't matter where you live, if there are shad in your lake these techniques will work! 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment that we recommend for fishing during the post spawn and early Summer when targeting shallow water bass. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up photos and detailed video descriptions. 

Pond and Bank Fishing Gear... 

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Smokin Shad

Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Superline 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

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

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

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

Spinnerbaits... 

-Damiki TOT Spinnerbait: http://bit.ly/38cxmD6

Colors: Smelt Shad, Snow Shad, Amazing Chartreuse

-Megabass V-9 Spinnerbait: http://bit.ly/2tOaVCt

Colors: Hasu, Kohoku Reaction, Pearl Shad

-War Eagle Screamin Eagle Spinnerbait: http://bit.ly/2w5zoor

Colors: Aurora, Hot White Shad, Mouse

Spinnerbait Trailer... 

-Keitech Fat Swimbait (4.3 or 3.8): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

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

Weedless Underspin... 

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

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

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

Squarebill Crankbaits... 

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

Colors: 4K Shad, Chrome Treuse Shad

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

Colors: I Know It, T-1000, Abalone Shad

Lipless Crankbaits... 

-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Chrome Black, Chrome Blue, Gold Black

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Golden Shiner

All-Around Combo... 

Rod- Zodias 7'5" Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

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

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

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 After They Spawn? (And How To Catch Them During The Spring To Summer Transition)

Did your big fish disappear? We can help! If the big bass vanished after they finished spawning you are not alone! Matt breaks fisheries down into 4 categories and explains exactly what is happening and what will happen next in all 4 fisheries. He then goes on to explain his favorite baits for each scenario and how to use them effectively. If you're ready to get ahead of the fish and continue catching bass into the Summer, this video is for you!

Fisheries around the country can be broken down into Highland Reservoirs, Lowland Reservoirs, Streams/Rivers (includes tidal fisheries), and Natural Lakes (includes ponds). All 4 of these water bodies behaves differently but all are predictable. The guys have spent decades following bass movements and are very comfortable predicting their patterns throughout the seasons. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of the baits Matt discussed in the video. He'll begin with the actual bait he was showing in each category but may include an additional bait or two that will work great as an alternative. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up photos and detailed product descriptions. 

Frogs... 

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

-Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill): http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

-Jackall Kaera (Glitter Hasu): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Senkos/Flukes... 

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

-Yamamoto 5" Senko (Green Pumpkin Blk Flake): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Muddy Water Colors: Chartreuse Pearl (Fluke), Junebug (Senko)

Spinnerbaits... 

-Damiki TOT Spinnerbait 1/2 oz (Smelt Shad): http://bit.ly/38cxmD6

-Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact Swimbait (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Swim Jig... 

-Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig 3/8 oz (Crappie): http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

-River2Sea D Walker 100/120 (White Ice): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Clear Water Colors: Tactical Shad, Blue Glimmer

Deep Diving Crankbaits... 

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors: Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Sexy Blue Back Herring

-Azuma Z Boss 20,22 and 24: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Colors: Grand Shad, Goldie Lox, Ole Blue

Football Jig... 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Green Pumpkin Craw, Bever Craw, Go To

-Keitech Tungsten Football Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Dark Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Black

Jig Trailers... 

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Summer Craw

-Striking King Rage Chunk: http://bit.ly/2Hd4MFA

Colors: Blue Craw, Summer Craw

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper

Great All-Around Summer Fishing Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 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

Summer Topwater Fishing | Grass Fishing Tips

Bass are exploding inches from the rod tip! Its a feeding frenzy!! When Matt woke up he knew he had perfect topwater fishing conditions so he jumped in the kayak and headed out on Clearlake with 3 topwater rods in hand. His hunch was right as bass were exploding through the grass beds ambushing baitfish. Come along and see how Matt adjusts to catch as many bass as possible before the wind and waves get a chance to ruin it all.

Matt started the day with 3 baits tied on. He'd selected a Gavacho (popping frog), Teckel Honker (straight retrieve frog), and a Rage Shad (straight retrieve solid body) for their unique actions. Each bait would meet a different set of possible circumstances and at least one was going to produce. Before day's end Matt also added a Fluke to the arsenal to help convert leery bass.

Fishing weed beds can be overwhelming but it doesn't need to be. The bass treat this cover like any other. They focus on points, funnels, overhead cover, and small protected pockets. Once you learn to look through the expanse of weeds and see the subtle differences between one clump and the next, the bass become very predictable. Once Matt identified prime spots he was able to use the topwater and fluke combination to successfully lure out the bass.

Below is a breakdown of the gear and equipment Matt used today...

The baits...

Teckel Honker Frog (Grey Camo): http://bit.ly/2Xj7Ye4

Strike King Rage Shad (Blue Glimmer, Smokey Shad): http://bit.ly/2dqEf8E

Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill): http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

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

Fluke Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Superline 4/0: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Kayak Storage...

Plano V-Crate: http://bit.ly/2BLjK4f

Plano Hydroflow 3700: http://bit.ly/2PR1kU0

Kayak...

Old Town Predator PDL: http://bit.ly/2WyVQka

Matt's Fluke Combo...

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

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

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

Matt's Rage Shad Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Champion Extreme 746: http://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

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

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

Budget Friendly Frog/Shad Combo...

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

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

Line- 50 lb Power Pro: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Dock Fishing In The Heat - Everything You Need To Know

Summer bass love to hide in shade so today we're taking an in-depth look at fishing docks for bass. Matt explains which docks hold the best fish, how to find the key spots, and then shows his actual dock fishing box and explains why each bait deserves to be there. If you have any questions about catching bass in the heat around docks and overhead cover, this video will answer them!

Some anglers consistently catch bigger fish around docks than others. This is because they understand what makes a "high percentage" dock. If you want to become a better dock fisherman take the information in this video to heart and began looking at the docks in a systematic way. Which docks are transitional? Which docks cast larger shadows? Which docks reach farther into the open? When you begin making intentional moves you'll start catching more fish, even before you start incorporating some of Matt's confidence baits.

Every once in a while we get a video where Matt opens up a dedicated Plano and lets everyone peek inside. Today he opens his "Dock Box" and he's not holding anything back. From Buzzbaits that can be skipped, to slow falling creatures, he explains every trick he uses to pull big bass from the shadows all Summer long.

The baits in order of appearance in the box...

-D&M Slow Roller Buzzbait (Red Bug 1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2t7BMKt

-Dirty Jigs Pro Buzz (Blue Glimmer): http://bit.ly/2cWI6if

-River2Sea D Walker 120 Buzz trailer (PB Red): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

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

-River2Sea Biggie Papa Squarebill (Abalone Shad, TS Minnow): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

-Lucky Craft 1.5 Squarebill (Ghost Minnow): http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

-6th Sense Crush 50 Squarebill (4k Shad): http://bit.ly/2HbaCGT

-Azuma Square Boss Crank (Grand Shad): http://bit.ly/2zfBwuK

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

-Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill): http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

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

-Netbait T-Mac Worm (Kentucky Craw, Junebug): http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

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

-Keitech 4.8" Fat Swimbait (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Swagger Tungsten 3/16 oz Vader Weight: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

-Gamakatsu EWG 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

-Keitech Crazy Flapper 4.4 (Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Fire): http://bit.ly/2c3cXrp

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig 5/16 oz (Alabama Craw): http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grub 4" (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Plano 3700 Stowaway Pro Latch: http://bit.ly/2rFRJpk

Matt's All-Around Dock Combo...

Rod- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

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

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

Budget-Friendly All-Around Dock Combo...

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

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

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