Where Do Bass Go During The Fall Transition? (And How To Catch Them)

Fall is fast approaching and the bass are already on the move. If your fish are starting to disappear and you don't know why, we're here to help! As the nights get cooler the bass fishing changes over night, stumping many anglers. The offshore fish begin to gather and the shallow fish abandon their Summer cover in search of new spots. If you're not ready for what comes next it can leave you scratching your head.

The Fall Transition comes much earlier than most anglers realize. Its not a slow progression, the bass will begin their movements overnight. One day you're on an awesome topwater bite, the next you can't find a fish. When this happens its time to step back and look at what is motivating these fish to move. Whether you're targeting shallow bass or deep, the bass' next movement is motivated by the baitfish's location. As the bait begins to gather, so will the bass.

If your fish are out deep, expect them to begin gathering on the best structures. Expect to find them on corners of ledges with deep water access, long tapering points that break to deep water, and later you can expect them to transition toward the backs of deep coves. Shallow fish will abandon the scattered weeds in favor of thick weed clumps and hard structures. As the seasons progress these fish will begin bunching up along ambush points and pockets.

Below is a breakdown of the gear we recommend using during these conditions. We've separated it into shallow and deep approaches depending on which group of fish you're pursuing.

Shallow Flipping components...

Stopper- 6th Sense Peg X: http://bit.ly/2bHjowk

Weight- Vader Tungsten 1.5 oz: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 5/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Bait #1- Jackall Archelon (Green Pumpkin, School Gill): http://bit.ly/2uo4sN5

Bait #2- Strike King Rage Craw (Green Pumpkin, Dirty Craw): http://bit.ly/2uoqsLJ

Shallow Reaction Baits...

Crankbait- River2Sea Biggie Squarebill (Abalone Shad, TS Minnow): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Crankbait- Lucky Craft 1.5 Squarebill (Ghost Minnow, American Shad): http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Topwater- River2Sea Rover 128 (Ghost Minnow, Sooner, You Know It): http://bit.ly/2acSVea

Jig For Deep Or Shallow...

Jig- 1/2 oz Pitchin Jig (Go To, Molting Craw): http://bit.ly/2amL3of

Jig Trailer- Sweet Beaver (Green Pumpkin, Tramp Stamp): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Deep Water Baits...

Crankbait- Strike King 6XD (Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Delta Red, Pro Blue): http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Crankbait- Strike King 10XD (Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Delta Red): http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

Hook Upgrades...

6XD - Gamakatsu EWG Size 2: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

10XD- Owner ST-36 Size 1/0: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Biggie- Owner ST-36 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Preferred All-around Combo...

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

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

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

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

Budget-Friendly All Around Combo...

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

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

Line- 15 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Summer Topwater Fishing | Grass Fishing Tips

Bass are exploding inches from the rod tip! Its a feeding frenzy!! When Matt woke up he knew he had perfect topwater fishing conditions so he jumped in the kayak and headed out on Clearlake with 3 topwater rods in hand. His hunch was right as bass were exploding through the grass beds ambushing baitfish. Come along and see how Matt adjusts to catch as many bass as possible before the wind and waves get a chance to ruin it all.

Matt started the day with 3 baits tied on. He'd selected a Gavacho (popping frog), Teckel Honker (straight retrieve frog), and a Rage Shad (straight retrieve solid body) for their unique actions. Each bait would meet a different set of possible circumstances and at least one was going to produce. Before day's end Matt also added a Fluke to the arsenal to help convert leery bass.

Fishing weed beds can be overwhelming but it doesn't need to be. The bass treat this cover like any other. They focus on points, funnels, overhead cover, and small protected pockets. Once you learn to look through the expanse of weeds and see the subtle differences between one clump and the next, the bass become very predictable. Once Matt identified prime spots he was able to use the topwater and fluke combination to successfully lure out the bass.

Below is a breakdown of the gear and equipment Matt used today...

The baits...

Teckel Honker Frog (Grey Camo): http://bit.ly/2Xj7Ye4

Strike King Rage Shad (Blue Glimmer, Smokey Shad): http://bit.ly/2dqEf8E

Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill): http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Zoom Super Fluke (Smokin Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Fluke Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Superline 4/0: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Kayak Storage...

Plano V-Crate: http://bit.ly/2BLjK4f

Plano Hydroflow 3700: http://bit.ly/2PR1kU0

Kayak...

Old Town Predator PDL: http://bit.ly/2WyVQka

Matt's Fluke Combo...

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

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

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

Matt's Rage Shad Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Champion Extreme 746: http://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

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

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

Budget Friendly Frog/Shad Combo...

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

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

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

Flipping and Punching | Everything You Need To Know!

No more secrets! If you want to catch bass in heavy cover, this video is for you! Did you know you can punch with a dropshot? In today's in-depth video the guys cover this trick and so much more as they give away all the secrets to consistently catching bass with a flipping stick.

When Summer largemouth bass head deep into heavy cover it requires very heavy tackle to get them back out. Punching, flipping, and pitching are the three techniques used to reach these bass lurking in the shadows. If you're the first angler in your area to pick up a flippin stick you will be amazed by how many bass are deep in the cover. Matt and Tim put their heads together in this nearly 40-minute seminar and teach everything from creature bait selection to color preferences, right down to which speed reel will make your life easier for a long day of flipping.

Traditionally these bass are reached using a heavy Texas-Rigged creature bait on 65 lb braid. This method is deadly and has been responsible for producing an incredible number of big bass. However, as fish become conditioned there are times that a heavy jig and even a heavy dropshot will far outshine the Texas Rig. Knowing this little nuances makes all the difference and Matt and Tim aren't afraid to show you exactly how and when to make the adjustments.

Below is a breakdown of all the gear discussed in today's video. It is broken down by style to make it easier to follow along.

Creature Baits...

Jackall Archelon (Natural Profile with Gentle Kick): http://bit.ly/2uo4sN5

Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Dead Action): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Reaction Innovations Spicy Beaver (Lively Action): http://bit.ly/2MPuma1

Reaction Innovations Kinky Beaver (Lively with Bulk): http://bit.ly/2XQ1kJ1

Strike King Rage Craw (Exaggerated kicking, large claws): http://bit.ly/2uoqsLJ

Strike King Rage Bug (Lively Action with small appendages): http://bit.ly/2aAsuiV

Plastic Worms...

Berkley Power Worm 7": http://bit.ly/2ouqzSU

Zoom U-Tail Worm: http://bit.ly/2H9RnSj

Zoom Dead Ringer 6": http://bit.ly/2PcHIi0

Creature Color Selection: Black Blue Flake, Junebug, Green Pumpkin, Watermelon

Worm Color Selection: Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Seed, Watermelon Red

Dropshot Components...

Hook- Gamakatsu Offset Superline 2/0 or 3/0: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Weight Option #1 (3/4 oz)- Miller Punch Shot: http://bit.ly/2PecRSg

Weight Option #2 (Up to 1 oz)- Reins Heavy Shot: http://bit.ly/2ZtWhBA

Weight Option #3 (All Sizes)- Zappu Sasuteki Punch Sinkers: http://bit.ly/2KVpSMj

VMC Tokyo Rig- http://bit.ly/2PtNjkf


Texas-Rig Components...

Bobber Stop- 6th Sense Peg-X: http://bit.ly/2bHjowk

Weight- Swagger Tungsten "Paintless" Black: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Skirt- Dirty Jigs Punch Skirt: http://bit.ly/2Hqyl7T

Hook- Punch Style- Owner Jungle Flippin Hook 5/0: http://bit.ly/2G5aQTk

Hook- Wide Gap Style- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 4/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z


Jig Variations...

Flippin' Jig- Tour Level No Jack: http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

Punchin' Jig- No Jack Punch Jig: http://bit.ly/2cB4j2F

Jig Color Selection: Green Pumpkin Craw, Pay Day, Molting Craw, The Go To


Flippin' Sticks (High-end to Budget)...

-Megabass Destroyer 7'7" Bunker Buster: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

-Dobyns Champion Extreme 795: http://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

-Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

-Shimano SLX 7'10" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO


Shorter Crossover Rods (high-end to Budget)...

-Shimano Expride 7'3" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

-Dobyns Champion 7'3" XH 736: http://bit.ly/2abq8nl

-Zodias 7'5" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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


Preferred Flippin' Reels...

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

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

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

Dock Fishing In The Heat - Everything You Need To Know

Summer bass love to hide in shade so today we're taking an in-depth look at fishing docks for bass. Matt explains which docks hold the best fish, how to find the key spots, and then shows his actual dock fishing box and explains why each bait deserves to be there. If you have any questions about catching bass in the heat around docks and overhead cover, this video will answer them!

Some anglers consistently catch bigger fish around docks than others. This is because they understand what makes a "high percentage" dock. If you want to become a better dock fisherman take the information in this video to heart and began looking at the docks in a systematic way. Which docks are transitional? Which docks cast larger shadows? Which docks reach farther into the open? When you begin making intentional moves you'll start catching more fish, even before you start incorporating some of Matt's confidence baits.

Every once in a while we get a video where Matt opens up a dedicated Plano and lets everyone peek inside. Today he opens his "Dock Box" and he's not holding anything back. From Buzzbaits that can be skipped, to slow falling creatures, he explains every trick he uses to pull big bass from the shadows all Summer long.

The baits in order of appearance in the box...

-D&M Slow Roller Buzzbait (Red Bug 1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2t7BMKt

-Dirty Jigs Pro Buzz (Blue Glimmer): http://bit.ly/2cWI6if

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

-Lucky Craft LV-500 Lipless (Ghost Minnow, Golden Shiner): http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

-River2Sea Biggie Papa Squarebill (Abalone Shad, TS Minnow): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

-Lucky Craft 1.5 Squarebill (Ghost Minnow): http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

-6th Sense Crush 50 Squarebill (4k Shad): http://bit.ly/2HbaCGT

-Azuma Square Boss Crank (Grand Shad): http://bit.ly/2zfBwuK

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

-Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill): http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

-Canterbury Shaky Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

-Netbait T-Mac Worm (Kentucky Craw, Junebug): http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

-Owner Flashy Swimmer Underspin (5/0 hook 1/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

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

-Swagger Tungsten 3/16 oz Vader Weight: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

-Gamakatsu EWG 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

-Keitech Crazy Flapper 4.4 (Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Fire): http://bit.ly/2c3cXrp

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig 5/16 oz (Alabama Craw): http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grub 4" (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Plano 3700 Stowaway Pro Latch: http://bit.ly/2rFRJpk

Matt's All-Around Dock Combo...

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

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

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

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

Budget-Friendly All-Around Dock Combo...

Rod- SLX 7'2" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

Line- 15 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm