Summer Fishing For Bass with Jigs, Creature Baits, and Plastic Worms!

Summer fishing is easy if you know where to look! Today Matt's Dad joins us as we target bass near deep water with 3 key summertime techniques. If you want to catch more bass, pay close attention to how the guys use the shaky head worm, jig, and wobble head creature bait to locate bass and dial in the pattern!

The guys haven't been on Clearlake for months but they start catching fish immediately. If you struggle to find Summer bass, we recommend you go back and revisit our "Where Do Bass Go In Summer" video (linked below). Today the guys targeted chunk rock in 5-15 feet of water but the key was finding these areas with quick access to deep water. If you could find that scenario, the fish were always present. They knew they could get bit on a shaky head and a jig but once fish started coming in the boat, the wobble head was employed to get the bigger bite. 

All 3 of these are simple techniques to use and they will work on your local water. Focus on the shaky head worm to find a consistent bite. Of the 3 techniques, it is the easiest to get bit on day in and day out. If your fish are dialed in on eating crawdads switch to the jig and you'll almost always see the size of the fish increase. Once you've located fish on hard bottom, the wobble head is an incredible technique for catching those "kicker fish" you're looking for. It will cover water quickly, get big bites, and is very snag resistant. 

Below are related videos you should check out, followed by links to all of the baits and equipment used in today's video. We've even included color recommendations for each item. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Related Videos…

Where Do Bass Go In Summer Video: https://youtu.be/wzXL9aY0SAk

Wobble Head Video (Swing Head Jigs): https://youtu.be/DPk5YDdaZxo

Shaky Head... 

Worm- Netbait T-Mac Worm: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors: Junebug, Bama Bug, Texas Craw

Hook- Canterbury Shaky Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Alternative Hook- Stand Up Shaky 1/4 oz: https://bit.ly/3hI1tqQ

Jigs... 

Dale's Jig- Compact Pitchin Jig 1/2 oz (Molting Craw): http://bit.ly/2hAIyCV

Trailer- Missile Baits D Bom (Green Pumpkin Red): http://bit.ly/2d2dVlt

Matt's Jig- Dirty Jigs Football Jig 1/2 oz (Molting Craw): http://bit.ly/2d0iJbd

Trailer- Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Green Pumpkin Red): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Wobble Head...

Head- Pivot Point Football 3/4 oz (4/0 Hook): http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

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

Colors: California Craw, Junebug, Huckleberry

Matt's Wobble Head Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'6" Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt's Jig Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7'5" Heavy (755): http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC100 16 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Jig Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX DC 150: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

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

Budget Shaky Head Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX DC 150: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

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

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

Which Fishing Line Is Best? Braid vs Monofilament vs Fluorocarbon

Find out which fishing line you should use for different techniques! Do you know there are tricks to make your fishing even easier? Let's start simple for beginner anglers then dive in deep for advanced anglers. We're covering all the different lines and explaining the advantages of each for different techniques.

Each style of line has benefits. Monofilament is inexpensive, strong, and easy to use. Fluorocarbon has incredible abrasion resistance and is incredibly clear. Braided line provides power in an incredibly thin package. While all of these lines have amazing benefits, they also provide challenges that need to be overcome. 

Understanding which line to throw for different techniques will improve your overall fishing experience. There is no perfect line for EVERY situation but there are some options that are great for MOST situations. The majority of break offs, foul ups, and backlashes are a direct result of mistakes in line selection. Below are some of our favorite lines for different techniques. 

Monofilament... 

Basic- Berkley Big Game: https://bit.ly/3361fGi

Quality- Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Finesse- Sunline Super Natural Monofilament: https://bit.ly/3f9CZ8q

Fluorocarbon... 

Basic- Seaguar Red Label: http://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

Quality- Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm 

Finesse- Sunline Sniper: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Braided... 

Basic- Power Pro Spectra: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Quality- Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Finesse- Sunline SX1: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Specialty Lines... 

Leader- Sunline FC-100 System Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Cranking- Sunline Crank FC: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

Heavy Cover- Seaguar AbrazX: http://bit.ly/2aaBBDX

Weightless Techniques- Sunline SX1 High Vis: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

Frog/Flip- Sunline SX2 Moss Green: http://bit.ly/31u57xA

Accessories... 

Plano Spool Box: https://bit.ly/30VngVs

Plano Leader Box: https://bit.ly/2CX249A

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

Raw and Uncut Fishing For GIANT Fish! HUGE Bass On Ultralight Tackle!

Come along for a whole day of fishing! We're on the Great Lakes targeting bass with finesse tackle and are catching a ton of fish! Its raw and uncut so if you've ever wanted to watch a 6+ lb Smallmouth caught from cast to catch on a swimbait, this is for you! Its an epic day of fishing! Come be a part of it!

In this unedited live video Matt utilized a variety of baits. A tube was the major player in the beginning, while the dark sleeper and keitech stole the show toward the end. Matt teaches throughout the day about adapting to changing conditions, specifically targeting bass in clear water, how to fish transitions and breaks, how to target shallow water fish, and so much more! This style of video is unlike anything else we do. Its long format but you’ve been asking for it so here is the change to see the struggles, the miles of water covered, and the successes as the day unfolds!

Down below the cut points you'll find a full list of all the tackle used in the video including links that go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.  Matt included his exact colors and weights, the rods and reels, and even included a great combo for the bass angler on a budget that still wants excellent performance while targeting big fish. Enjoy!

Cut Points... 

-1st Fish Catch: 3:01

-5th Fish Catch: 32:00

-Suprise Species Catch: 53:55

-Explaining Next Move: 01:00:25

-Start Fishing Next Spot: 01:11:04

-10th Fish Catch: 01:29:53

-Start Fishing Next Spot: 01:38:26

-Retie Dark Sleeper Then Catch 6.2 lb Smallmouth!: 01:50:41

-Weighing 6 lb Smallmouth: 01:55:05

-Releasing 6 lb Smallmouth: 01:55:55

-15th Fish Catch: 02:16:11

-Matt Misses Another Giant!: 02:36:43

-Teaching About Dark Sleeper Swimbaits: 02:41:30

-20th Fish Catch: 03:02:09

-Motor Overheats!!: 03:09:05

-Final Fish Catch: 03:29:10

-Outro and Final Thoughts: 03:35:10

The Baits... 

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

Jighead- BladeRunner Inhaler 3/16 oz 2/0: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

-Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact (SunGill): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Jighead- TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

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

Matt's Tube Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 872S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 3000: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

Line- Power Pro Braided Line 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Dark Sleeper Combo... 

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

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

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

Budget Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

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

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

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

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