Summer Fishing Tricks: Early Morning Bite (Whopper plopper and Crankbait)

No one likes getting up early but in Summer, its worth it! Midday the lake can feel like a Dead Sea if you don't know where to look but in the morning, everything is alive! Come along with Matt on the Tennessee River as he explores new water and builds a morning pattern with a whopper plopper, lipless crankbait, and wobble head (swing head jig).

Most anglers fish a whopper plopper on a slow, steady retrieve. Most of the time we do too, but there is a time and place for the popping method and today it paid off with 2 nice bites. After the topwater bite slowed Matt turned to a lipless and ultimately a swinging jig to continue catching fish. 

The morning bite window is incredibly easy but is also very short. Its imperative that you get on the water at first light and if you're not prepared to begin shadow fishing and targeting offshore fish, expect the bite to be done before 9 AM. Below we've included links to all the gear Matt used in today's video. We included the exact colors as well as recommendations on some of our other favorites. 

Hard Baits... 

-Whopper Plopper 110 Topwater (Bone): http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Other Favorites- Loon, Munky Butt

-TN70 Lipless Crank (RT Scale Minnow): http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Other Favorites- Super Shad, Ghost Minnow

Swing Head Jig... 

Jighead- Swing Head Football 3/4 oz 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

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

Second Bait- Zoom Z Craw (Junebug): http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

Matt's Topwater Combo... 

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

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

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

Matt's Swing Head Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

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

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

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 Fish Go In Summer? (And How To Catch Them)

Have your fish disappeared? Are you struggling to get a bite? Today Matt explains exactly where Bass go during the Summer in your local lake. Once you understand how fish move throughout the seasons, catching them consistently throughout the year becomes really simple. In closing, Matt takes it a step further and goes in-depth on his confidence baits to consistently catch fish all Summer.

Predicting Summertime fish movements is all about understanding the importance of shadows. In lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, bass use different structures to hunt but it always revolves around the presence of shadows. Pay close attention to the details that apply to your style of fishery and you'll begin seeing success right away. If you missed our previous video on shadows and color lines you can see that video below. 

Where Do Bass Go After They Spawn? (Color Line Video): https://youtu.be/hGMwt7UsFkI

Once you've located your Summer fish its time to turn your attention to catching them. Matt offered his 5 primarily lure types for consistently catching Summer bass in the video. Below you'll find a breakdown of the baits (including color recommendations) that he recommends throughout Summer.

Plastic Worms... 

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

(Green Pumpkin, Green Pump/Watermelon Laminate)

-Netbait 6.5" T-Mac Worm: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

(JuneBug, Bama Bug, Kentucky Special)

Frogs...

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

(Little Allen, Dirty White)

-Jackall Gavacho: http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

(Gold Gill, Lime Frog)

Topwater...

Walking Bait- Evergreen Shower Blows 125: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

(American Shad, Half Mirror Wakasagi)

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

(Smoke Shad, Alewife)

Deep Crankbaits... 

-Azuma Z Boss 22: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

(Blazing Boss, Hot Mess)

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

(Powder Blue/Chart, Chartreuse Sexy Shad)

Squarebills... 

-Lucky Craft Silent 1.5/2.5: http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

(American Shad, Golden Shiner)

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

(T-1000, Abalone Shad)

Swing Head Jigs... 

Jighead- Dirty Jigs Pivot Point: http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

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

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

Small Swimbaits... 

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

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

Exposed Hook- Blade Runner Spintrix 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2oocg0a

All-Around Summer Combo... 

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

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

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

Pond Fishing For Bass - Best Baits and Techniques

Want to fish a pond? These tips will make it much easier! Ponds can be some of the best bass fishing of your entire life if you know what to look for and which baits to throw. Keep it simple this year and use Tim's proven method to break down the water in steps. Don't get caught throwing just your favorite lure over and over again, its time to take your pond fishing to the next level. 

It doesn't matter if you're bank fishing or in a boat, this method will help you maximize your time on the pond. Start by covering water with fast moving baits or topwater to gauge how many fish there are and if they're in a feeding mood. Next, switch to slower moving reaction baits to pick off the remainder of the aggressive bass. Finally, wrap it up with finesse baits to catch as many fish as possible. 

Not all lures are created equal. Unfortunately there is a lot of junk and hype on the market today. Below you'll find an exhaustive list of baits we have confidence in for both pond and lake fishing. If you're looking to fill a particular category, these are lures we trust. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of every item. 

Creature Baits... 

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

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

Texas Rigging... 

Tungsten Worm Weight- Swagger Vader 3/8 oz: https://bit.ly/3c28mks

Bobber Stop- 6th Sense Peg X: http://bit.ly/2bHjowk

Offset Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Fast Topwater... 

Buzzbait- D&M Slow Roller Buzz: http://bit.ly/2t7BMKt

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

Toad- Strike King Rage Toad: http://bit.ly/2dekwdd

Toad- Zoom Horny Toad: http://bit.ly/2aY5lBt

Slow Topwater... 

Popper- Rio Rico: http://bit.ly/2f7gink

Popper- Bubble Popper: http://bit.ly/2yxP2ZQ

Frog- Spro Bronzeye Poppin Frog: http://bit.ly/2HsyqIJ

Subsurface Reaction Baits... 

Swimbait- 4.8" Keitech (Sungill): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

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

Swim Jig- California Swim Jig 3/8 oz (Alabama Bream): http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

Bladed Jig- Chatterbait Custom 3/8 oz (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2Ix71mI

Bladed Jig- Evergreen JackHammer 3/8 oz (BHite Delight): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Trailer- Hog Farmer Spunk Shad (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Soft Jerkbait- Zoom Super Fluke (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Worms... 

Stick Bait- Big Bite Baits Wacky Stick (Watermelon Red): http://bit.ly/2rrNT6g

Stick bait- Yum Dinger (Green Pumpkin Purple): http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF 

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

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

Tim's All-Around Pond Combo... 

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

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

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

Leader- 15 lb Sunline Sniper: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Pond Combo... 

Rod- Denali Attax 7' Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2tDsOa0

Reel- Caius B 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw

Line- 15 lb Sunline Assassin 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

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