We Made It To Chickamauga! Topwater Bite Is On Fire!

We're finally on Chickamauga in Tennessee! We survived the cross country road trip and now its time to fish! We're starting out in search of a midday topwater bite and will adapt from there. Do that patterns that work on one side of the country work on the other? Let's find out if the Clearlake pattern holds up!

Matt is joined by his nephew Ethan and together they mix up a variety of topwater offerings including a blade waker, buzzbait, walking bait, popper, and frog. It doesn't take long to find aggressive bass willing to eat them all! Later Matt switches to a Keitech while Ethan switches to a chatterbait, and again they find consistent action. This further confirms the old adage "A Bass Is A Bass" no matter where it lives. 

So many anglers are convinced their fish are different, that they won't eat a particular bait or won't follow seasonal patterns like bass in other parts of the country. While a rare example might exist, the vast majority of fish from coast to coast behave very Similarly. Its incredibly rewarding to drive thousands of miles (literally) and find bass eating the exact baits you were throwing before hitting the road. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits in the video. We've included direct links to Tackle Warehouse for each item where you can see detailed photos and descriptions. We've also included trailers, color, weights, etc... where applicable. 

Teckel Topwater... 

Bait- Teckel Blade Waker: https://bit.ly/2DuYZxU

Colors: Pearl White, Silver Shiner, Bluegill

Trailer: Gambler Little EZ Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3jmeYgM

Colors: Alewife, Ghost Shad

Other Topwaters... 

Popper- Megabass Pop Max (Mat Shad): http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Walking Bait- Evergreen Shower Blows 125 (Half Mirror): http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Buzzbait- Dirty Jigs Skirtless (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2cWI6if

Small Frog- Jackall Kaera (Glitter Bluegill): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Large Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 65 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Swimbaits... 

Head- Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Keitech- 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Head- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Rage- 4.75" Rage Swimmer (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2evZF8j

Chatterbait... 

Bait- Evergreen JackHammer 1/2 oz (Green Pumpkin Shad): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Trailer- Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5" (Crystal Shad): http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Blade Waker Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7'5" MH: http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

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

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

Keitech Combo... 

Rod- Jackall Poison Adrena 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3diigiT

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Fluorocarbon 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Popper Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Curado 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel-Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

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

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

Buzzbaits and Frogs! Summer Bass Fishing On Clearlake!

After months on the road we're finally back on Clearlake! Come along as we explore the lake, build patterns, and catch fish! Matt utilizes a buzzbait, frog, and toad to catch a fish in the grass on a hot Summer day. Many anglers avoid fishing in the heat but if you know where to look there are big fish to be caught!

Catching fish consistently in Summer requires an understanding of how and why they position. Shallow water bass love to be close to cover. A consistent food source is also key. In most lakes, if you can find baitfish and grass in the same area, you're around bass. This morning Matt hit the water at first light. He already knew where to find grass but the baitfish remained a mystery. By getting out early he was able to quickly locate active birds searching for a meal. 

It took time to get the first bite but the bird activity confirmed the presence of baitfish and ultimately the presence of bass. Whenever you're on the water pay close attention to nature, it's clues can really shorten your search time. Once Matt located fish he used a combination of baits to get consistent bites from bass that were positioned to ambush prey as it passed by the grass beds. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt used to catch his fish. We've included color recommendations for the various baits, the exact combos Matt was fishing with, and even a budget-minded alternative. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

The Baits... 

-Skirtless Buzzbait- Dirty Jigs Canterbury Pro Buzz 1/2 oz (Blue Glimmer): http://bit.ly/2cWI6if

Trailer- River2Sea D Walker Swimbait 120 (PB Red): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

-4 Blade Buzzbait- D&M Easy Roller Buzz (Night Stalker): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

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

Colors: Dirty White, Ghost, Little Allen, TW Gill

-Big Bite Baits Tour Toad: http://bit.ly/2NtAghc

Colors: Hematoma, Pearl Shine

Hook- Owner 6/0 Twist Lock Open Gap: http://bit.ly/2cYZ3rM

Matt's Buzzbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7'5" 5 Power (Heavy): http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Matt's Frog Combo...

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

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Budget Buzzbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Power Pro 50 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Budget Frog Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 736 (7'3" Mag Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Power Pro 65 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

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

Frog Fishing And Topwater On Lake Chickamauga - Big Bass Caught!

Come along on Lake Chickamauga as we explore a new lake and catch fish! Pay close attention as we refine a pattern and put it into action with no outside information. Chickamauga has almost 800 miles of shoreline but we're able to build a pattern in minutes and start catching really nice bass! You can too! 

Any time you're on a new body of water (Matt has been to the lake once but never this end and Tim has not been here at all) it can be overwhelming. We're thousands of miles from home with hundreds of miles of water to choose from where do you start? Matt and Tim chose to start with reaction. They focused on a spinnerbait, chatterbait, and lipless crankbait to cover water quickly. When that didn't work they turned their attention to the back of a cove that looked promising on the map. 

Once in the cove our attention again turned to covering water. Matt focused on a frog so he could quickly work around vegetation and Tim chose a senko to reach deep in the pockets under flooded trees. A pattern quickly emerged and we were able to dial in a combination of topwater, stick baits, and sight fishing. You can use this method of breaking down water on any lake in the nation. Cover water, get bit, and adapt until a pattern emerges. 

Below is a breakdown of the equipment the we were using to find success. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included links to the rods and reels we were using to consistently catch these fish. 

Topwater... 

Frog- Jackall Kaera (White): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Popper- Damiki D Pop 70 (Phantom): http://bit.ly/2Pjvqo3

Soft Baits... 

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

Senko Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Creature- Big Bite Baits Flying Squirrel (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/2sn1FaT

Creature Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Superline 2/0: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Dropshot Weight- Swagger 1/4 oz Tungsten Tear Drop: http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

Reaction... 

Spinnerbait- Megabass V-9 1/2 oz (Kohoku Reaction): http://bit.ly/2tOaVCt

Spinnerbait Trailer- Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Lipless Crank- Jackall TN-70 Crankbait (RT Scale Minnow): http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Chatterbait- Z Man JackHammer 1/2 oz (BHite Delight): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Chatterbait Trailer- HogFarmer Spunk Shad (Ghost Minnow 4.5): http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Matt's Senko/ Heavy Dropshot Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Tim's Popper Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 6'10" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

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

Budget Frog Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7'3" Mag Heavy (736): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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