Blade Bait Tricks You Need To Try This Fall and Winter!

Most anglers have no idea how to fish a blade bait effectively. They might know that its traditionally considered a cold water lure but they have no idea it can be fished shallow around grass, worked aggressively, and even substituted for a lipless crankbait. Blades have so many uses in Fall and Winter, you really need to experience it for yourself. 

Traditionally the blade bait is hopped slowly along the bottom in cold water. It gives a slight vibration on the hop then "dies" and flutters back to bottom. Its remarkably effective for trophy smallmouth in frigid water but for the average angler, its applications stop there. That original cold water use is still effective and should be a part of your Winter arsenal but today is about expanding how you fish the blade bait. We use 2 retrieves throughout the Fall to get consistent bites. 

When the bottom is free of debris we fish the blade on the bottom. We use the exact same hopping motion as we use for the LV-500 to trigger a feed response. While that application is very traditional, you might be surprised to find out we often do it in 2-10 feet of water. The blade is not just a deep water bait, its incredibly effective in the shallows as well! The 2nd retrieve is a burning retrieve. 

We cast and wind the blade much like a traditional lipless crankbait, ripping it free when it comes in contact with grass or other debris. When fish have been pressured by tournaments or negative weather conditions, the switch to the silent vibration of a blade bait is deadly. Blade bait season is just beginning, you need to get out and give it a try!

Below you'll find links to our favorite blade baits along with the rods, reels, and gear we use to fish these baits effectively. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Traditional Blades... 

-Silver Buddy: http://bit.ly/2AcTelj

Preferred Colors: Silver Plated, Stainless Steel

-Blade Runner Blade Bait: http://bit.ly/2XMNoQj

Preferred Colors: Natural Shad, Chartreuse White

Custom-Style Blades... 

-Megabass Vibration X: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Preferred Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukocho Shad, Craw, Gill OB

-Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Preferred Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad, Red Craw, Flash Gill

-Jackall Keeburn: http://bit.ly/2or8sy0

Preferred Colors: Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Red Tiger, Silver

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

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

-Owner STX-38 Treble (Size 8): http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Tim's Favorite Blade Bait... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K XG: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

Matt's Favorite Blade Bait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Blade Bait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Power Pro 30 lb Braided: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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

Top 5 Rod and Reel Combos For Bass Fishing!

Which fishing rod should you get first? Which rods give you the best "bang for the buck?" Are there rods that can do it all? Should I use a spinning reel or a baitcaster? These are questions we get constantly so today we're showing you the top rods every angler should own. We're explaining the different lengths, actions, and powers so you know how to get the most for your money when you're shopping for rods. 

Choosing 5 rods proved more difficult than we expected. Matt and Tim had no problem deciding on the first 4 but when it came to that 5th rod they just couldn't agree. As a result, you're actually getting the top 6 rods every angler should own! Whether you're a brand new angler, looking for one rod that can do it all, or a seasoned pro with an affinity for high-end gear, we've got you covered. 

Today's video description is very detailed. We've broken down the top 6 rods into 3 different categories. The first section is dedicated to versatile high-end gear, the second to mid-priced combos that bring the best "Bank For the Buck", and the last section, to "budget" options that far exceed exceptions. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Budget Casting… 

Medium- Bass X 7'1 Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Medium heavy- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium Heavy 703: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Matching Reel- Daiwa Fuego CT: http://bit.ly/35hugfH

Crankbait- Shimano Intenza 7'2" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Matching Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Heavy- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Matching Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Budget Spinning… 

Medium- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Matching Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Medium Light- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Matching Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

All-Around Casting… 

Medium- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Matching Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

**Best Rod we've found at any price for jerkbaits**

Medium heavy- Daiwa Tatula Elite 7'3" Ehrler: http://bit.ly/2yLDr9z

Matching Reel- Daiwa Tatula Elite HS: http://bit.ly/2ONCBS1

Crankbait- Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Matching Reel- Shimano Tranx 200: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

**Can throw 10XDs, 6XDs, and Squarebills, Awesome all-around combo**

Heavy- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

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

**This Rod is available for PRE-ORDER and is worth every penny!!**

All-Around Spinning… 

Medium- St. Croix 7'1" Medium Legend Tournament: https://bit.ly/3kmQN2F

Matching Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Medium Light- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Matching Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

**Vanford available for PRE-ORDER only**

High End Casting… 

Medium- G Loomis NRX 852C JWR: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

Matching Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

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

Matching Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Crankbait- Megabass Orochi XX 7’11” Launcher: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Matching Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Heavy- Megabass Destroyer P5 Tequila Baccarac: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

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

**This Rod is INCREDIBLY versatile, throwing everything from frogs to swimbaits, to flipping and punching**

High-End Spinning… 

Medium- Conquest 902S SJR: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

Matching Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Medium Light- Megabass Destroyer Flyssa: http://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

Matching Reel- Daiwa Certate LT 3000: http://bit.ly/35Kclij

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

Fishing With Spoons: Everything You Need To Know For Fall and Winter

Spoons are one of the most universal lures in fishing but are often overlooked. Today we're taking an in-depth look at jigging spoons. We start with a look inside Matt's spoon box to see exactly what he's using, then we cover how to modify them, the retrieves, and how to use your electronics for this fishing style. Come along as we explore the world of spooning. 

In the Fall and Winter the vast majority of big bass school in deeper water. Many lures can't reach these depths effectively. Amongst those that can, the spoon is the easiest to fish and arguably the most consistent producer. Once you know how to adapt the baits and retrieves to changing conditions, you'll be able to consistently spoon for bass throughout the cold water months. Don't miss the details on how Matt modifies these spoons, including how he's bending them to create different actions. 

Matt only uses a few baits for this technique but he uses a variety of colors and sizes for different situations. He also modifies his spoons with different hooks, swivels, and bends. Below you'll find links to all the different gear discussed in the video. In addition to the baits Matt has included his favorite spooning rod and reel combos along with the budget combo he has caught so many fish on. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Small Profile Spoons... 

-War Eagle Jiggin' Spoon (both sizes): https://bit.ly/2H9dJV1

Colors: Blue Herring, Nickel, Purple Shad

-Acme Tackle Kastmaster (1/4, 3/8, 1/2): http://bit.ly/2PtUwi3

Colors: Chrome, Chrome Neon Blue

Panfish Shaped Spoon... 

-Duh Spoon 1.25 oz: http://bit.ly/2zXfwGa

Colors: Black Shad, UV Black Crappie, UV Bluegill

Matt's Primary Spoons... 

-Duh Spoon 3/4 and 1 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn, UV Fried Chicken

-Duh Spoon 2 oz: https://bit.ly/2TdgJ52

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn, UV Fried Chicken

Matt’s Spoon Box…

Box- Plano Edge 3700 STD Box: http://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

Swivels- Spro Power (Size 2, 4): http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

1X Hooks- Owner ST-36 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

3X Hooks- Owner ST-56 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Feather- Owner Feather Trebles: http://bit.ly/2m7XrAx

Treble Sizes... 

Size 6: Small Profile Spoons

Size 4: 3/4 Duh

Size 2: 1.25 oz Duh, 1 3/4 oz Duh

Size 1: 2 oz Duh

Matt's Small Spoon Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

Matt's Zodias Spoon Combo...

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

**Available For Pre-Order**

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Spoon Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Fury 704 (7' Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Related Videos... 

Tim's Flutter Spoon Video: https://youtu.be/OH46tQAT634

How To Catch More Bass With Spoons: https://youtu.be/ldW7yW4Fum8

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

Fall Jerkbait Fishing! Everything You Need To Know!

Can you think of a better bait to catch bass in the Fall? Just the idea of Fall jerkbait fishing gets us excited to head to the lake! Jerkbaits are part of a very small group of lures that "trigger" a feed response in bass. Yes they catch aggressive bass, but if you know how to work them properly you can actually get lethargic bass to react and eat when they're not even in a feeding mood! Come along as we explore the world of jerkbait fishing!  

Jerkbait fishing is not a basic technique but its one that anyone, even a beginner angler, can learn. When fished properly the jerkbaits ability to draw bass in and trigger a feed response is remarkable! The key to the technique is in the equipment. We almost never emphasize equipment over technique but this is one category where an angler can have all the right mechanics but paired with the wrong equipment, the bait still won't work properly. 

In today's video Matt begins by explaining exactly what you should look for in a jerkbait rod/reel combo. He also gives some key tips about adapting your existing equipment for a jerkbait. There are some changes you can make including fishing smaller reel sizes and braided line that will help improve your jerkbait fishing even without owning a dedicated jerkbait rod.

Now, choosing the right baits is a whole different animal. While we didn't lean as heavy into the specific lures in today's video we promised to do exactly that in the video description. Below you will find a very detailed breakdown of the baits as well as the rod and reel combos we recommend. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

The baits are separated by depth range so you can easily decide between shallow, medium, and deep divers to match the waters you fish. The colors recommendations are universal and will work around the country but if you're just starting out lean toward the ghost colors in clear water, the reflective colors in stained water, and the bold (chartreuse or white) in murky water. 

Upgrading hooks is also a major consideration once you bend out the stock hooks. Its very difficult to find replacement hooks for jerkbaits without impacting the sink rates of the baits and hurting their action. Luckily, we've found excellent replacement hooks for you and have linked those below between the baits and the rod/reel combos. 

Shallow Jerkbaits... 

-Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

(Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, HL Hasu)

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

(GP Pro Blue,  ITO Tennessee Shad, Killer Kawaguchi)

-Lucky Craft Flash Pointer 115: http://bit.ly/2aHz588

(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)

Mid-Depth Jerkbaits... 

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

(RT Holo Minnow, HL Hasu, SG Threadfin)

-Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

(GP Pro Blue, ITO Tennessee Shad, Elegy Bone)

Deep Diving Jerkbaits... 

-Megabass Vision 110+2: http://bit.ly/2BLQIBA

(MB Gizzard, Elegy Bone, ITO Tennessee Shad)

-Lucky Craft Staysee 90: http://bit.ly/2dBzMmz

(American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad)

-Lucky Craft Pointer 100 DD: http://bit.ly/2e0sQj7

(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow)

Smaller and Oversized Jerkbaits... 

Smaller-Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

(GP Pro Blue, Deadly Black Shad)

Bigger- Megabass Oneten Max LBO: https://bit.ly/3dfhL9y

(ITO Tennessee Shad, MB Gizzard)

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades... 

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

(Size 5 and 6 will fit all of the baits except Pointer DD and Max LBO)

Split Ring- Owner Hyperwire Black: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

(Size 2 for all baits except Pointer DD and Max LBO, They use size 3)

Matt's Favorite Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Jerkbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX MGL 70 (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Other Great Jerkbait Rods... 

-Megabass Orochi XX 6'11" Jerkbait Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

-Megabass Destroyer Oneten Special: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

-G Loomis IMX Pro 812 JBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

-St Croix Legend Elite 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

-St. Croix Bass X 6'8" medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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