Tackle Prep Tips For Spring Bass Fishing

Quit waiting until the last minute! Get your tackle prepped early this year and you'll be ready for Spring. Don't wait until products are backordered in March and April to find out you're out of hooks, worms, or that favorite jerkbait. Spend a little time organizing your gear now and it will pay off in the long run.

Matt carries 4 "go boxes" with him all Spring long. Those 4 boxes contain swimbaits, treble hooks, assorted terminal tackle, and assorted hardbaits. This time of year its important to keep your tackle in waterproof boxes to avoid rust. These are the boxes we use...

-Plano Deep Waterproof Undivided Box: http://bit.ly/2WWIrU9

-Plano Deep Waterproof Divided Box: http://bit.ly/2xjccls

-Plano Standard Waterproof Divided Box: http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB

As you sort your tackle and select a variety of hard baits to carry its important to check the hooks, split rings, boxes, etc for damage. Be sure that your baits are ready for battle because in the coming weeks and months you'll need them at a moment's notice. Below is a break down of the gear Matt is carrying on board.

Swimbaits...

-S-Waver 168 and 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

-Baitsanity Explorer: http://bit.ly/2DcI1yM

-Triple Trout 8": http://bit.ly/2E8Up5P

-Sneaky Pete: http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

-Bull Shad 6" and 7": http://bit.ly/2eJ8gWM

Treble Hooks and Split Rings...

Standard Strength- Owner ST-36: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Extra Strong- Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Angled In Points- Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Jerkbait Trebles- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano: http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

Split Rings- Owner Hyper Wire: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Assorted Hardbaits...

-Biggie Poppa Squarebill: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

-Jackall TN-70 Lipless: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

-LV-500 Lipless: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

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

-Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

-Jackall Rerange Jerkbait: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

A-Rig Components and Storage...

-Bladed A-Rig- http://bit.ly/2bgDGNu

-Non-Bladed A-Rig: http://bit.ly/2nD76fw

-Matt Allen Swimbait Heads (in stock this week): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

-Keitech 4.8" Fat Swimbaits: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper Swimbaits: http://bit.ly/2bf1uEn

-Owner CPS Springs (Medium): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

-Plano A-Rig Storage Box: http://bit.ly/2DUvbJN

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Try This Trick For Early Spring Bass

When the water temperature reaches 50 degrees its time to reach for red! Red crankbait, red spinnerbait, chatterbait... as long as its red! There are a lot of theories on why it works but all that really matters is that the fish love to eat it.

Early spring brings a lot of challenges. Between the unstable weather and water color you have enough to worry about without trying to figure out lure color. If you're looking for a reaction bite, start with red or orange. If the water is leaning toward the clear side, the ghost reds will be best and if its leaning to the muddy side, the day glow oranges are the best bet. The only exception is the orange-accented chartreuse/white spinnerbait. That bait almost defies logic but its wise to keep one close at hand in the early Spring.

Below is a break down of the baits by style, model, and color. They're in no particular order though we tended to list our favorites first.

Squarebill/Shallow Crankbaits...

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

This squarebill is mid-sized, has a deep knocking sound and is a proven fish catcher. Comes with size 2 trebles. Recommended colors- Cold Blooded, Delta Craw

-Spro Little John: http://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

This bait features an extremely tight action. It excels as a fast-burning shallow cover bait. Comes stock with small hooks that should be replaced with appropriate size 4's. Recommended colors- Blood Craw, Western Craw

-Luhr Jensen Speed Trap: http://bit.ly/2fyC098

This bait features a mid-wobble and high-pitched sound. It excels around grass and other cover where it can be ripped or banged along. Size 4 trebles. Recommended color- Crystal Crawdad, Orange Crawfish

-Strike King 4.0: http://bit.ly/2dzeCUk

This is an oversized squarebill. Perfect for banging through shallow cover and targeting larger fish. Upgrade to stronger size 1 trebles. Recommended colors- Chili Craw, Delta Red.

Mid and Deep Diving Crankbaits...

-Strike King 3XD: http://bit.ly/2oSMj8s

This miniaturized "XD" bait is everything you'd expect. hard pulling, great rattle, and excellent cover deflection in a small package. Recommend upgrading to size 4 short shank trebles. Recommended Colors- Chili Craw, Delta Red

-Spro RockCrawler: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

This crank is a hard pulling bait in a smaller package. Think "finesse cranking" but be prepared for big bites! Great hooks but replace with size 4 short shanks when the time comes. Recommended colors- Red Bug, Red Crawfish.

-Lucky Craft Classical Leader: http://bit.ly/2zKkhlV

This tight running bait is great at deflecting and fast movements. Comes equipped with thin size 6 trebles that should be upgraded. Recommended Colors- Craw

-Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP

This tight action crankbait shines in the early spring. When you need to reach deeper but maintain a refined look, this is the bait. Size 2 hooks can be upgraded to stronger options. Recommended colors- Fire Craw, Stealth Craw.

Lipless Crankbaits...

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

This bait has a tight action, loud rattle, and fast sink rate. Upgrade stock hooks with size 4's. Recommended Colors- Aurora Craw, Spring Craw, Wakin.

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

This high-pitched, slow sinking bait excels around grass. Upgraded size 4 hooks are a must! Recommended colors- Rayburn Red, Royal Red.

-Jackall TN -70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

This is a very refined bait with great action, sound, and profile. Upgrading hooks to size 4 is wise. Recommended colors- Crawfish, RT Escape Craw.

-Red Eye Shad: http://bit.ly/2fqX1RT

This is a great all-around/ Do-everything bait. Rip grass, burn open water, or slow roll deep. Size 4 hooks for 1/2 oz or size 2 hooks for 3/4 oz. Recommended Colors- Royal Red, Delta Red.

Spinnerbaits...

-River2Sea 1/2 oz Bling Spinnerbait: http://bit.ly/2diSwqq

The Bling is a light wire spinnerbait great for covering water. Recommended colors- Cold Blooded.

-Revenge Double Willow: http://bit.ly/2bwYnaP

Another amazing spinnerbait. Great hook, great components, very refined. Recommended colors- Habanero, Orange Crush.

-Blade Runner Double Willow: http://bit.ly/2ShreWf

This bait is designed with heavy components for big fish. Recommended colors- Delta Craw

-Bling w/ Colorado and Indiana Blades: http://bit.ly/2t5jecE

This is the bait with a small orange Colorado blade. Give it a try and you might be surprised! Recommended colors: Lemonade Twist.

Chatterbaits...

-Evergreen JackHammer: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

The most refined chatterbait on the market! Perfect balance and excellent start up speed. Recommended colors- Hite's Hot Craw

-Picasso Tungsten Shock Blade: http://bit.ly/2Tt2tne

This shock blade has been a deadly bait for years. The addition of the tungsten offering takes it to a different level in a smaller package. Recommended colors- Dark Red Craw RT.

Crankbait Hooks/Split Ring Upgrades...

-Direct Replacement- Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

-Short Shank Replacement- Owner ST-35: http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

-Strong Replacement- Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings Size 3: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Bass Fishing: Swimbait Vs. Underspin Challenge

Today we go head to head with a weedless swimbait and an underspin! Matt is throwing a Beast Hook paired with a variety of paddle tail swimbaits while Tim is using a Flashy Swimmer weedless underspin. Which one will catch the most? Which one will catch the biggest bass? Come along for the fun and a BIG catch!

Both hook styles can be incredibly effective. The Beast Hook has a deep gap, resulting in an amazing hook up ratio. The gap also allows the hook to pair with a variety of baits. The Flashy Swimmer has a narrower gap but is offered in heavier weights and includes a fish attracting blade. The flashy swimmer has incredible drawing power for its size and is a great option around baitfish.

Today the fish were clearly favoring the Beast hook. The natural presentation proved irresistible to fish of all sizes. Below is a break down of the hooks, baits, and tackle we were using.

The hooks...

Beast Hook 4/0 with 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

Flashy Swimmer 5/0 with 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

The baits...

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

Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper: http://bit.ly/2bf1uEn

Strike King 4.75 Rage Swimmer: http://bit.ly/2evZF8j

Little Creeper Trash Fish: http://bit.ly/2xRdCFP

Tim's Combo...

Rod- G Loomis GLX 894 JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

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

Leader- 18 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt's Combo...

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

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

Line- 50 lb MaxCuatro Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 18 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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Top 10 Bass Lures of 2018

Here are the top 10 baits of 2018. From plastic worms to huge swimbaits, we break down the best baits of the year. To make it even better, Matt included his Overall Top Picks for all 10 categories as well! Don't miss it!

Whether you're a brand new angler wondering how to catch a bass or a seasoned pro wondering if a JackHammer is really worth the price, this video is packed with answers you can trust. The "best" title refers to Matt and Tim's on the water experiences this year with the various baits.

Christmas is almost here so this concludes the Holiday Buyer's Guide series for 2018. Leave a comment and let us know how you enjoyed the series. Below is a breakdown of the (10) "best of 2018" and (10) "Overall best picks" including links to each product on Tackle Warehouse.

The Top Picks...

Creature Bait- Jackall Archelon: http://bit.ly/2uo4sN5

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

Worm- Yamamoto Senko 6": http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Worm- Strike King Dream Shot: http://bit.ly/2KNXuK9

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

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig: http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Topwater- River2Sea Whopper Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Topwater- Evergreen Shower Blows: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Spoon/Head- Blade Runner Duh Spoon: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Spoon/Head- Matt Stefan Guppy Head: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Bonus Head- Matt Allen Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

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

Swimbait- Basstrix 6" PaddleTail: http://bit.ly/2aiy7SR

Spinnerbait- River2Sea Bling Spinnerbait: http://bit.ly/2diSwqq

Spinnerbait- Nichols Mother lode Spinnerbait: http://bit.ly/2ynNe6n

Chatterbait- Z Man Custom: http://bit.ly/2Ix71mI

Chatterbait- Evergreen Jack Hammer: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

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

Crankbait- Strike King 3XD: http://bit.ly/2oSMj8s

Glidebait- River2Sea S-Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Glidebait- Baitsanity Explorer Glide: http://bit.ly/2DcI1yM

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