Buyer's Guide: Swimbaits and Glide Baits!

Today’s Buyer’s Guide is all about big swimbaits! There are so many options between Glide Baits, Multi-Joints, Boot Tails, Wedge Tails, Wakes, Crankdowns, and so many more… How do you know where to start?! Swimbaits aren’t cheap so making the right choices the first time is very important. Come along as we take a look at some of our favorites! 

We break our swimbaits into 3 primary categories: Trout/Kokanee,  Baitfish, and Bluegill Imitators. Trout baits are typically open water baits while baitfish and bluegill imitators are cover oriented, shallow water baits. Knowing how to use each style of bait effectively is an entirely different video. Luckily, we shot an in-depth video on this subject last month and have linked it below. 

In this video we’ve broken 9 baits down into these 3 categories and added 2 bonus baits. You’ll find all of the baits we discussed linked below. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We’ve also included our favorite colors with each bait, hook recommendations for rigging where applicable, as well as links to some of our favorite swimbait rods and reels. 

In-depth Swimbait Video: https://youtu.be/oIck1onpMNs

Previous Buyer’s Guides… 

-High End Combos: https://bit.ly/35PNOeu

-$500 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lW1o5I

-$400 Combos: https://bit.ly/3lSfwwz

-$200 Combos: https://bit.ly/2USSCJv

-$100 Combos: https://bit.ly/37aupED

Trout/Kokanee/Open Water Baits…  

-Baitsanity Explorer Glide: http://bit.ly/33bQyxY

Favorite Colors: Raw, Rainbow, Kokanee

-Huddleston 8” ROF 5: http://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

Favorite Colors: Trout, Hitch

-Huddleston 8” ROF 12: http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Favorite Colors: Trout, Hitch

Baitfish/Cover Baits… 

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

Favorite Colors: Hitch, Gizzard Shad, Bone

-R2S S Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Favorite Colors: Bluegill, TW Phantom, Light Trout

-Megabass Magdraft 8”: http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Favorite Colors: MB Shad, MB Gizzard, White Back Shad

-Scottsboro 6” Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2Oy7CKH

-Owner 8/0 Beast Hook 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

Favorite Colors: Mullins Madness, Natural Light, Ol Smakey

-Savage Gear Shiner Pulse Tail 7”: https://bit.ly/2SDD0Zl

Favorite Colors: Green Back, White, Shad

Bluegill Baits… 

-Savage Gear Pulse Tail RTF Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Favorite Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Bluegill

-Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Favorite Colors: Ghost Gill, Spawn Gill

Bonus Baits… 

-Madness Balam 245: https://bit.ly/36T1epg

Favorite Colors: Laser Hasu, Clear Hasu

-Fish Arrow Riser Jack: https://bit.ly/30FMOqw

Favorite Colors: Biwasagi, Lemonade, Pro Blue

Rods… 

-G Loomis IMX Pro 966: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

-Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

-Megabass Orochi XX Leviathan: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reels…

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

-Shimano Curado 300K: https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

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Bass Fishing: Top 10 Baits of 2020!!

What were the best baits of 2020? Which baits caught the biggest fish? Which baits caught the most? We were blessed with a bunch of great fish catches this year as we traveled around the country. Come along as we look back on some of the best catches of the year and the great baits that fooled the fish into biting. 

Some of our best baits continue to produce year after year. Others are brand new, but stood out from the crowd this year. Some of these baits made the list because they consistently caught big fish while others made the list because we could rely on them to get bit when nothing else was working. We constantly try new gear, new baits, and new patterns. These are the best of the best of 2020 that are worth a try the next time you're on the water. 

Below you'll find links to all of the baits shown in the video. We've included exact sizes and colors where applicable. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

1) Creatures...

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

Hook- Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football (1/2 oz 4/0): http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

2) Crankbaits...

Bait- R2S Tactical DD 75 Crankbait (Mirrored Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

3) Swimbaits...

Bait- Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" (1/2 oz Wakasagi): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

4) Jigs...

Bait- keitech Tungsten Football Jig (1/2 oz Green Pump/Blue): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Z Man TRD CrawZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

5) GlideBaits...

Bait- G Ratt Sneaky Pete (Hitch): http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

6) Hollow Frogs...

Bait- Jackall Kaera Frog (Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill, White): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

7) Hard Swimbait/Lipless...

Bait- Megabass Vatalion (Gill, Wild Gill, Kinbuna): http://bit.ly/367AOxD

8) Tubes... 

Bait- Big Bite Baits Tour Tube 3.5" (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Hook- Blade Runner Inhaler 3/16 oz 2/0 Hook: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

9) Alabama Rigs... 

Rig- Hog Farmer Flex BFL Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.8 (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v 

10) Soft Jerkbaits... 

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

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

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

______________________________________________________

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Summer Gear Review! New Tackle, Rods, Reels, ICAST 2020 New Releases!

New Tackle! Let's check out some of the best baits and equipment from 2020! We've got you covered from new worms, to crankbaits, to budget reels, and high-end fishing rods! We've waded through the seemingly endless list of new product releases from all of the virtual ICAST launches and came up with a list of our favorites. Be sure to look through the video description for the "honorable mentions" that didn't make it into the video!

Every Summer the market is flooded with new gear. Everything from silly gimmicks to truly innovative tackle hits the market at the same time. How do you wade through it and find the gems without wasting all your money? We've waded through it for you and narrowed it down to a handful of stand-out items that are worth a serious look. Most of this year's picks are ICAST releases but a few are products from the past year that have stood the test of time and have earned their spot on the list.  

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment included in today's video (in order of appearance). Where applicable we've included our favorite colors, sizes, models, etc. Below that you'll find the "Honorable Mentions". These are the baits and gear that didn't make it into the video but certainly could have and are definitely worth a look. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Baits... 

-Jackall TN-50 Lipless: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Threadfin, Scale Minnow, Escape Craw

-Megabass Jamaica Boa Buzzbait: https://bit.ly/3iofbiZ

Colors: Hasu, Black Mamba, White Python

-JackHammer StealthBlade: https://bit.ly/30J8L8h

Colors: Spot Remover, Clear Water Shad, Green Pumpkin

-Jackall Rerange 110 MR: https://bit.ly/2CbWr6X

Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, SG Threadfin

-Savage Gear Prop Walker 4": https://bit.ly/3kwBFAa

Colors: Dirty Silver, American Shad, Golden Shiner

-Netbait Dagger Creature: https://bit.ly/2PCjOto

Colors: Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin, Tilapia Magic

-Big Bite Baits BFE Creature: https://bit.ly/2Ce0tf7

Colors: Junebug Candy, Green Pumpkin, Tilapia

-Magnum Baits Wormser: https://bit.ly/2XM1naf

Colors: Delta Dark Purple, Green Pumpkin, Oxblood

Missile Baits New Colors (Baits Shown)... 

-Quiver Worm (Hillbilly Magic): https://bit.ly/2xehVgx

-New Bomb (Fried Melon): http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

-D Bomb (Ballistic Bruiser): http://bit.ly/2d2dVlt

Rods and Reels... 

-Shimano Zodias Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Favorite Models... 6'10" Medium Heavy, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Medium Heavy

-Shimano Zodias Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/3ab5b9V

Favorite Models... 7' Medium Light, 7' Medium, 7'6" Light

-Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Favorite Sizes: 2500, 3000

-Shimano SLX MGL 70: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Favorite Speeds: HG, XG

-Megabass JDM Destroyer P5 Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

Favorite Models... Tequila Baccarac, Dark Sleeper

-Megabass Destroyer P5 Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/31Pt839

Favorite Model... Wind Buster

Honorable Mentions... 

-Teckel BladeWaker: https://bit.ly/2DuYZxU

This versatile bait can be fished as a bladed jig, ultra shallow swim jig, or buzzbait. 

-FishArrow Riser Jack Swimbait: https://bit.ly/30FMOqw

This bait is a completely different action than you're used to. Its a crackdown with a nose up rise that gets bit. Watch some of the JDM videos and you'll be pumped!

-Norman Speed N Crankbait: https://bit.ly/33Hpj2f

We love to speed crank and this little bait is designed for speed. Its the exact profile of the Deep Little N but in a shallow version. 

-G Loomis IMX Pro Swimbait (Keitech) Rod: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

The 7'2" 863C was designed for small to medium paddle tails. This is the first rod we've seen that is specifically designed to throw finesse swimbaits like the keitech. Great rod, great action, definitely fills a niche. 

-Spro King Daddy: http://bit.ly/2h0LCYd

This giant frog is a big fish catcher! Its proven itself for years but now comes in even more colors! Our favorite are Yellow Sparkle and Navy Seal. 

-Plano Edge FLEX Boxes: https://bit.ly/3kngvEG

We've fallen in love with Edge boxes this past year. The FLEX series allows complete adjustability in all directions, creating an incredibly versatile box.

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

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Best Hooks For Bass Fishing: Senko, Worms, Crankbaits, Topwater, Swimbait!

So many hooks, so little time! Its taken us years (and hundreds of packs of hooks) to develop this short list of the best hooks for different situations. Whether you want to wacky rig a senko, punch a creature, or throw a deep diving crankbait, we've compiled this list for you! Not only do we cover hook styles, we also cover wire sizes, strength, etc... to perfectly match your fishing conditions. 

Tim starts off with reaction baits and wraps it up with soft plastics. The reason for this is most anglers lose fish on treble hook baits. Crankbaits and topwater are the primary heartbreakers in bass fishing. You think you've got that fish hooked well but when the head shakes start, you lose. Almost all of these losses can be avoided if you truly understand treble hooks. When to switch between styles, when to switch to heavier gauge wire, etc. 

Today's video is a lot for you to digest as an angler. We know Tim breezed through a ton of hooks in a short time but its the only way to cover all the information. Below is a detailed breakdown of the hooks in order of appearance in the video. If you click the links (they go direct to Tackle Warehouse) you will see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. This truly is a challenging year with store shelves around the country completely empty and mixed information on future shipments. We hope this video gives you the information you need to be successful throughout the Summer and Fall. 

Treble Hooks... 

Round Bend- Owner ST-36 (1X Strength): http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Curved Point Bend- Gamakatsu EWG (1X Strength): http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Cranking Hook- Owner ST-35 (2X Strength): http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Stronger Hook- Owner ST-56 (3X Strength): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Feathered Treble- Owner ST-36 Dressed Hook (1X Strength): http://bit.ly/2m7XrAx

Split Rings... 

Finesse- Hyperwire Black (Size 2-4): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Heavy Duty- Hyperwire Silver (Sizes 4-5): http://bit.ly/2aTH3f1

Strongest Ever- Owner Ultra Splits (Sizes 5-9): http://bit.ly/3bQgswL

**Big Swimbait Fishermen: You are missing it if you're not using Ultra Split Rings. They're bomb proof and will hold up to giant striper, saltwater fish, mega largemouth, etc**

Swimbait Hooks... 

-Owner Beast Hook: http://bit.ly/2gx3A54

-Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

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

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

-Owner Flashy Swimmer: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Senko Hooks... 

Senko Wacky- Owner Sniper Finesse: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Senko Wacky- Gamakatsu G Finesse Stinger: http://bit.ly/2otYTPg

Senko Texas Rig- Gamakatsu 5/0 G-Finesse Hybrid Worm: http://bit.ly/2GT2T29

Senko Heavy Duty- Owner Jungle Worm Hook: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Dropshot Hooks... 

Matt's Favorite- Trokar Dropshot Hook: http://bit.ly/2ahxJOr

Gamakatsu Aaron Martens Dropshot Hook: http://bit.ly/2zGX441

Tim's Favorite- Owner Mosquito Light Hook: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Flipping and Punching... 

-Owner Jungle Flipping Hook: http://bit.ly/2G5aQTk

-Trokar Flipping Hook: https://bit.ly/39OyCOS

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