Fishing The Dog Days Of Summer! (Frog And Topwater Tips)

Come along for some HOT Summer Bass Fishing! Tim and JD are back on the water and the bass are biting! They're exploring shallow, grassy coves with topwater and Tim is teaching JD as they go. From cast angles to subtle bait entry into the water, there are some knowledge gems amongst the fish catches.

Summer heat can be brutal! Scorching Summer temperatures seem to have come early this year, and while it may be uncomfortable to fish in, the bass are biting! Let the high temperatures work for you, as bass position around shade edges. The guys were able to capitalize with a variety of topwater baits, with the occasional dropshot fish mixed in.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear they used used throughout the day. We've also included some great budget–friendly combos for the angler who wants to fish these techniques effectively without spending excessively on the gear. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


DROPSHOT...

Bait– MissileBaits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Color: MissileMorning


Hook– Owner Cover Shot HD: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Size: 2/0


Weight– Xzone Skinny Tungsten: https://bit.ly/40NDHjT

Size: 1/4 oz


TOPWATER...

•Jackall Gavacho: https://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill


•Whopper Plopper 90: https://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Color: Chrome Black


•Baby Pop X: https://bit.ly/3QgjPDY

Color: MG Sexy Stream


TIM'S MAIN TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer Z Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: 7' Medium Regular

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


TIM'S FROG COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ


BUDGET FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'2" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b


BUDGET WALKING BAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Sufix 832 (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

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

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

The Topwater Lures You Missed, But Your Friends Didn't!

Things are changing! Sure, the old staple baits work, but there are new baits in town and they're making waves! From subtle differences between walking baits and frogs, to this new category of straight retrieved, erratic baits... there is a lot to learn about topwater fishing for bass in 2024! Come along as Tim takes a quick dive into his favorite baits, new confidence baits, and how he's adapting to keep catching fish.

We all have a favorite topwater lure or two. Its great to have those confidence baits, but if you're not adapting, you're missing out! Fish are becoming wary of our presentations, and new innovations are emerging. Straight retrieve baits with erratic actions are coming over from Saltwater and you better be ready!

Below you'll find links to all the baits discussed in the video. We've included favorite colors, hook upgrades, as well as the rods and reels we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


RELATED VIDEOS...

•5 "Must Try" Topwater Tricks For Summer Bass!: https://youtu.be/_4NRKoJ2BN4

•Don't Miss These 5 Overlooked Topwater Baits! They're Amazing!!: https://youtu.be/2fTVGa2JsNw


WALKING BAITS...

•Evergreen Shower Blows SB 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Ghost Threadfin Shad, Bone, Full Metal


•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Megabass Sexy Shad, Wagin Hasu 2, White Python


TOPWATER FROG...

•Jackall Gavacho: https://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill, Gold Gill


•Snagproof Bobby's Perfect: https://bit.ly/3rHCOsQ

Colors: Bluegill, Hot Mess


WHOPPER PLOPPER...

•River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90/110: https://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Chrome Black, Bone, Monkey Butt


BUZZBAIT...

•D&M Easy Roller (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

Colors: White Shad, Sexy Shad


•Big Bite Suicide Buzz: https://bit.ly/3iDnLLi

Colors: Pearly Shad, Blue Gizzard


POPPERS...

•Shimano World Pop 69F: https://bit.ly/3sSjJpI

Colors: Clown, N Smelt, T Smelt


•Megabass Pop Max: https://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Gill, Mat Shad


WAKEBAIT...

•River2Sea Tactical 210 Wake: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Colors: Tactical Shad, Chrome Gill


STRAIGHT RETRIEVE BAITS...

•ZMan HellRaizer: https://bit.ly/3P0vseM

Colors: Ghost Shad, Chrome


•Nomad Dartwing: https://bit.ly/4eKzWnd

Colors: Natural Shad, Holo Ghost Shad


HOOK UPGRADES...

•Hayabusa TBL 930 NRB Coated: https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Size: 2, 4


•Gamakatsu Feathered Treble: https://bit.ly/2Ii4IXO

Size: 4, 2


TIM'S MAIN TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer Z Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: 7' Medium Regular

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


TIM'S FROG COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ


BUDGET WALKING BAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Sufix 832 (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


BUDGET FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'2" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

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

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

Targeting Bass With Summer Swimbaits! (Big And Small)

The bass are big and the bite is on fire! Let's go fishing!! Come along with us for a fun day on the water as we explore a new lake! It doesn't take long to find out there are both Largemouth and Smallmouth in this lake, and things really take a turn when Matt figures out they'll eat the Magdraft Swimbait!

It's always a challenge to find fish in a new lake. Step one is to fish likely locations, step two is to build a pattern, step three is to repeat. On this day it doesn't take long to find some aggressive Smallmouth, but thankfully Matt and CC didn't settled there and kept hunting, because the story of this lake is quality largemouth!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we used throughout the day. From the baits, to the colors, to the map card we're using to find the points, we've linked it, to help you fish with confidence on your location fisheries. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


MAP CARD...

•Lakemaster Premium VX Charts: https://bit.ly/3z2RFmK

(Choose Your Local Region From The List)


DARK SLEEPER...

•Megabass 3" Dark Sleeper (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Color: Wakasagi


MEDIUM SWIMBAIT...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Head: https://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Size: 3/8 oz


•Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Bluegill


FINESSE SWIMBAITS...

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz


•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Color: Real


MAGDRAFT...

•Megabass 6" Magdraft Swimbait: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: Nude Rainbow


JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr: https://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Color: HT Ito Tennessee Shad


MAGDRAFT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer Mark 56: https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: 7'6" Heavy Med Fast

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: 7'1" Medium Heavy Fast

Reel– Shimano Metanium 70 A DC: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Line– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


FINESSE SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 891: https://bit.ly/49kagJX

Model: 7'5" Medium Light

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Seaguar Invizx (6 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

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

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

5 "Must Try" Topwater Tricks For Summer Bass!

It's topwater time! These little tricks will get you bites when nothing is working! We all love throwing topwater but some anglers just seem to have a knack for catching bigger fish than the rest. Tim is one of those anglers. Today he's breaking down some of the subtle tricks he uses to out fish everyone around him with a topwater.

From the number of trebles on your bait, to bait modifications, to bait color, subtle differences can be everything. Tim uses specific baits in different conditions and is very intentional about his color selection as well. Don't think topwater color matters? It does!

Below you'll find links to some of Tim's favorite topwater baits. We've also included the components he uses to modify them, along with great topwater combos from high end to budget friendly. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


HARD BAITS...

•Evergreen Shower Blows SB 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Ghost Threadfin Shad, Bone, Full Metal


•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Megabass Sexy Shad, Wagin Hasu 2, White Python


•Jackall PikuPiku: https://bit.ly/399wl59

Colors: Lively Wakasagi, Glitter Secret Bait


FOLLOW UP BAITS...

•Zoom Super Fluke: https://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Electric Shad, Smokin Shad, Chartreuse


•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Natural Shad


FROGS...

Popping– Jackall Gavacho: https://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill, Gold Gill


Walking– River2Sea Bully Wa 2: https://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Colors: Little Allen, TW Bluegill, Ghost


Heavy Cover– Savage Gear DC Walker: https://bit.ly/2VVjRVl

Colors: Olive Chartreuse, Shad, Gill


Finesse– Jackall Kaera: https://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: Glitter Hasu, Glitter Gill


BAIT MODIFICATIONS...

Rattles– Skirts Unlimited 20 Pack: https://bit.ly/3xro58S

Weight– Xzone Tungsten 1/8 oz: https://bit.ly/40NDHjT


FEATHERED HOOK UPGRADES...

•Owner Tournament Trailer: https://bit.ly/2dJH8V6

Size: 4, 2


•Gamakatsu Feathered Treble: https://bit.ly/2Ii4IXO

Size: 4, 2


UPGRADED TREBLES...

Stock Replacement- Gamakatsu Round Bend Treble: https://bit.ly/3oSXVXp

Size: 2, 4


Strong Hook– Owner 3X ST–56 Treble: https://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Size: 2, 4


Slick Coating– Hayabusa TBL 930 NRB Coated: https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Size: 2, 4


TIM'S MAIN TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer Z Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: 7' Medium Regular

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


TIM'S FROG COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ


BUDGET WALKING BAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Sufix 832 (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


BUDGET FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'2" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

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

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