What Gear Do We Really Use? Take A Look! (Cross Country Road Trip)

Ever wonder what we've really got in the boat? What lures are we actually carrying below deck? Which Covid slowing down we decided to drive all the way across the country to fish and spend time with family. We loaded the boats with everything we thought we'd need (tools, gear, and a variety of tackle) and set out on a national road trip with the families. Today Tim is opening up all the lockers and showing you what gear really made the cut. Which baits and what gear did he consider "must haves" for fishing in multiple states. 

Its hard enough to choose what to throw first when you go out on the lake. Try to imagine packing to fish dozens of lakes you've never seen before. Even harder, some are in the South (Summer heat) and others are up North (clear water and prespawn). As overwhelming as that may be, we've done it a few times now and are very confident in our gear selection. We wanted to share with you what made the cut and what didn't. 

We can make countless videos about specific baits and techniques but there is something about taking a look under the locker lids for yourself that is very satisfying. Now how can you apply this to your fishing? The gear that we carry cross country can be downsized into just a box or two for fishing on your local lake. Where we might carry a box of spinnerbaits, a box of lipless, a box of deep cranks, you can turn around and build a box with a spinnerbait, a chatterbait, a lipless, a small glide bait, etc... and on a smaller scale you're now prepared for any situation you can face on the water. 

Below is a breakdown of our top lures from each category. We've also included a handful of rod recommendations that are "do alls", those select rods that seem to be able to throw a variety of different baits, allowing us to save time, money, and space on the boat. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Tim's Most Universal Picks For Hard Baits...

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

Deep Crank- Strike King 6XD (Chartreuse Sexy Shad): http://bit.ly/2ery44M

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

Glide Bait- S Waver 168 (TW Phantom Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Blade Bait- Damiki Vault 1/2 oz (Black Holo): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

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

Topwater- River2Sea Rover 128 (Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2acSVea

Jerkbait- Megabass Vision 110 (GP Pro Blue): http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

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

Chatterbait- Z Man/Evergreen JackHammer 3/8 oz (BHite Delight): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Tim's Most Universal Picks For Soft Baits...

Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact (4.3"): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Stick Bait/Neko- Yamamoto 5" Senko (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Ned Worm- Z Man TicklerZ (Canada Craw): http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Creature- Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Tramp Stamp): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Dropshot- Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher (Green Pump/Purple): http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Jerkbait- Zoom Super Fluke (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Highlighted Items... 

-Damiki Armor Shad Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

-Lakemaster Plus Digital Charts Map Card: http://bit.ly/2Dk5Erc

-Wave Away Screen Cleaner: http://bit.ly/2PhHmmC

-KVD Speed Worm Bags: http://bit.ly/2GYT4RC

-Spoolin Buddy Jr. Line Storage: http://bit.ly/2EAbynX

-Plano Edge Master Plastics Storage: http://bit.ly/2PaiAq6

-Plano Edge Spinnerbait Storage Box: http://bit.ly/397m4Bd

Our 4 most Universal Rod Combos are listed below. These are rods that we've found can fish a variety of different baits to save money and space on the boat. We're all looking for that "do everything" rod. These might not do everything but they will do a lot!

Jigs/Big Worms/Keitechs/Chatter/Spinnerbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 854C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

Dropshot/Ned/Tube/Popper Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

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

High-End "Do Everything" Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC 100 HG: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Mid-Range "Do Everything" Combo...

Rod- Zodias 7'2" MH: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

Budget "Do Everything" Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Fury 7' Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

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

My Wife Bought A Boat! Full Tour of CC's New (Used) Boat - Complete DIY Restoration

Our wives love to fish! CC already had an older Ranger bass boat but she needed a larger platform. She upgraded to a used Champion 198 this Winter and has been working on DIY projects to dial it in all Spring. When she got the boat it was stripped, leaving room to rig it any way her heart desired. Come along as she gives a full tour, showing every detail of how she chose to rig this boat. From the Ultrex 112 trolling motor to brand new electronics and accessories throughout, she did it right!

Buying a bass boat can be a very stressful time. For the angler buying a new boat, you're faced with the anxiety of selecting from a handful of electronics options, color schemes, engine sizes, etc. For the angler purchasing a used boat, you're faced with fears of reliability and hidden damage. For both groups, it can be an incredible experience if you have a little confidence about what you're looking for. If you're considering a used boat purchase, this video will tell you everything you need to look for before committing to buy: https://youtu.be/cZtbnWpl4uI

After making a purchase the next step is to dial the boat in so you feel like its your own. This may involve big purchases like a new motor, shallow water anchors, or seats. It could also just be as simple as a few stickers that make it feel personal. When CC purchased her boat it was stripped. There was no trolling motor, electronics, batteries, charger, etc... She had a blank slate to work with and over the course of a few months we were able to buy and install all the parts and pieces to make it her own. 

Below are a list of the parts and equipment that were upgraded. We'll follow the course of the video so we'll begin in the stern and work our way to the bow. 

Transom... 

Steering- Hydraulic Steer Stops: https://bit.ly/2Sc5Ikg

Motor Support- Motor Stiks: Source From T-H Marine

Plug- Flow Rite Remote Drain Plug: http://bit.ly/2jkZqjS

Anchors- Minn Kota 8' Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP

Brackets- Minn Kota Tilt Brackets: https://bit.ly/2VJ8O1c

Battery Compartment... 

Batteries- Group 31 100 Amp Hour: Source Locally

Switch- Battery Disconnect Switch: Source Locally

Battery Charger- Minn Kota Precision 4-Bank: http://bit.ly/2vcrbjA

Console... 

Electronics- Humminbird Helix 12 CHIRP G3: https://bit.ly/2w7u3jx

Electronics Mount- BalzOut 6": http://bit.ly/2HnxLtu

New Rocker Switches: Source From New Wire Marine

Throttle- Hot Foot Throttle Control: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO

Bow... 

Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex MEGA DI 112 (52" Shaft): http://bit.ly/2RqrT4v

Wiring Sleeve- T-H Marine Troll Jacket: http://bit.ly/2xBxoVf

Electronics- Humminbird Helix 12 CHIRP G3: https://bit.ly/2w7u3jx

Electronics Mount- Kong Wave Tamer: http://bit.ly/2wsJVbA

Foot Switch- Talon Remote Foot Control: http://bit.ly/2O7zWUE

Rod Straps- Boat Buckle Deck Mount System: https://bit.ly/3aC7bYf

Underneath... 

Megaware Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m

Want to watch another tour? Here is the full tour of Matt and Tim's boats after their restorations where completed: https://youtu.be/KE2HVAr4lRM

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

Senko and Topwater - Kayak Bass Fishing A Small Backwater Creek

Let's go fishing! Tim is in a small creek with crystal clear water that dumps into a big murky water lake. He's targeting post spawn bass with a Senko, popper, dropshot, and swimbait. The bass moved into this creek to spawn but now they're feeding along the lay downs and overhanging brush before returning to the main lake. Whether you prefer a kayak, a bass boat, or walking the shore bank fishing, you'll enjoy Tim's tips on saving money while catching fish. 

Tim started the day hoping for a quick reaction bite but it wasn't in the cards. He quickly switched to a wacky rigged senko and caught a ton of fish! The key here is to understand that he was still on the same water. We often push for the reaction bite but when you have limited areas to fish its best to adapt to the conditions. By giving up the topwater and fast moving baits Tim suddenly found himself surrounded with willing fish. While they weren't in the mood to chase, the slow falling senko proved more than they could resist. 

Below is a breakdown of the 4 lures that Tim brought on the kayak. He kept it simple but was still able to cover all his bases and adapt to changing conditions. The links go to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Senko... 

Worm- Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Green Pump/Watermelon Lam, Bama Bug

Hook- Owner Weedless Sniper Finesse 1/0: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

O-Ring Tool- O Rigger:  http://bit.ly/2wtX7M8

O-Rings- O Rigger Rings: http://bit.ly/2h5MhX2

Topwater... 

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

Dropshot...

Worm- Roboworm 6" Straight Tail (Oxblood Red Flake): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Hook- Owner Mosquito (Size 1/0): http://bit.ly/2fqYFCR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 1/4 oz Tie-On Weight: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

GlideBait... 

-River2Sea S-Waver 168/200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Warden Hitch

Senko Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

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

Line- Sunline XPlasma Dark Green Braid 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Drosphot Casting Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light+: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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