Summer Gear Review! New Tackle, Rods, Reels, ICAST 2020 New Releases!

New Tackle! Let's check out some of the best baits and equipment from 2020! We've got you covered from new worms, to crankbaits, to budget reels, and high-end fishing rods! We've waded through the seemingly endless list of new product releases from all of the virtual ICAST launches and came up with a list of our favorites. Be sure to look through the video description for the "honorable mentions" that didn't make it into the video!

Every Summer the market is flooded with new gear. Everything from silly gimmicks to truly innovative tackle hits the market at the same time. How do you wade through it and find the gems without wasting all your money? We've waded through it for you and narrowed it down to a handful of stand-out items that are worth a serious look. Most of this year's picks are ICAST releases but a few are products from the past year that have stood the test of time and have earned their spot on the list.  

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment included in today's video (in order of appearance). Where applicable we've included our favorite colors, sizes, models, etc. Below that you'll find the "Honorable Mentions". These are the baits and gear that didn't make it into the video but certainly could have and are definitely worth a look. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Baits... 

-Jackall TN-50 Lipless: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Threadfin, Scale Minnow, Escape Craw

-Megabass Jamaica Boa Buzzbait: https://bit.ly/3iofbiZ

Colors: Hasu, Black Mamba, White Python

-JackHammer StealthBlade: https://bit.ly/30J8L8h

Colors: Spot Remover, Clear Water Shad, Green Pumpkin

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

Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, SG Threadfin

-Savage Gear Prop Walker 4": https://bit.ly/3kwBFAa

Colors: Dirty Silver, American Shad, Golden Shiner

-Netbait Dagger Creature: https://bit.ly/2PCjOto

Colors: Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin, Tilapia Magic

-Big Bite Baits BFE Creature: https://bit.ly/2Ce0tf7

Colors: Junebug Candy, Green Pumpkin, Tilapia

-Magnum Baits Wormser: https://bit.ly/2XM1naf

Colors: Delta Dark Purple, Green Pumpkin, Oxblood

Missile Baits New Colors (Baits Shown)... 

-Quiver Worm (Hillbilly Magic): https://bit.ly/2xehVgx

-New Bomb (Fried Melon): http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

-D Bomb (Ballistic Bruiser): http://bit.ly/2d2dVlt

Rods and Reels... 

-Shimano Zodias Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Favorite Models... 6'10" Medium Heavy, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Medium Heavy

-Shimano Zodias Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/3ab5b9V

Favorite Models... 7' Medium Light, 7' Medium, 7'6" Light

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

Favorite Sizes: 2500, 3000

-Shimano SLX MGL 70: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Favorite Speeds: HG, XG

-Megabass JDM Destroyer P5 Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

Favorite Models... Tequila Baccarac, Dark Sleeper

-Megabass Destroyer P5 Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/31Pt839

Favorite Model... Wind Buster

Honorable Mentions... 

-Teckel BladeWaker: https://bit.ly/2DuYZxU

This versatile bait can be fished as a bladed jig, ultra shallow swim jig, or buzzbait. 

-FishArrow Riser Jack Swimbait: https://bit.ly/30FMOqw

This bait is a completely different action than you're used to. Its a crackdown with a nose up rise that gets bit. Watch some of the JDM videos and you'll be pumped!

-Norman Speed N Crankbait: https://bit.ly/33Hpj2f

We love to speed crank and this little bait is designed for speed. Its the exact profile of the Deep Little N but in a shallow version. 

-G Loomis IMX Pro Swimbait (Keitech) Rod: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

The 7'2" 863C was designed for small to medium paddle tails. This is the first rod we've seen that is specifically designed to throw finesse swimbaits like the keitech. Great rod, great action, definitely fills a niche. 

-Spro King Daddy: http://bit.ly/2h0LCYd

This giant frog is a big fish catcher! Its proven itself for years but now comes in even more colors! Our favorite are Yellow Sparkle and Navy Seal. 

-Plano Edge FLEX Boxes: https://bit.ly/3kngvEG

We've fallen in love with Edge boxes this past year. The FLEX series allows complete adjustability in all directions, creating an incredibly versatile box.

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 a Senko and Jig For Clear Water Bass

We're targeting shallow water bass, in heavy cover, in crystal clear water. Flipping and pitching is easy with heavy tackle but what do you do when the water is clear? We've downsized our gear, switched to light line, and are going deep in the cover in search of a big bite! In the afternoon we switch our attention to offshore fish, targeting them with finesse swimbaits, and have an awesome day! Come along for the fun!

These smallmouth are behaving just like largemouth. They've moved up into shallow reeds and are feeding on baitfish. By switching to light line Matt and Cobi are able to get consistent bites but getting the fish out of the cover proves to be a challenge. Its a fine line between getting bit and being able to get them out. The guys employed a variety of techniques to catch these fish. Initially the plan was to fish a senko and a jig but the anglers quickly realized a finesse swimbait would be another key tool. 

Below you'll find links to the baits and equipment used in the video. We've also included a value combo for those anglers who are finesse fishing on a budget. The links go direct to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Stick Bait... 

Bait- Yamamoto Senko 5" (Watermelon black Red Flake): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Hook- Owner Jungle Wacky Weedless (1/0): https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

Jig... 

Bait- Keitech Tungsten Football (Green Pumpkin Blue): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Big Bite Twin Tail Grub (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

Cobi's Screwhead... 

Bait- Megabass Spark Shad 3": http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Head- Megabass Okashira Screw Head (1/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

Matt's Finesse Swimbait... 

Bait- Keitech 4" Easy Shiner (Crystal Shad): http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Hook- Dirty Jigs Guppy Head (1/8 oz 1/0 Hook): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Matt's High-End Senko Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 842C MBR: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

**Switch to the 843C if you plan to Wacky AND Texas Rig**

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

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

Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

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

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

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

Screw head Combo... 

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

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

Line- Power Pro Braided Line 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 5 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Finesse Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano Ultegra 2500: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

Line- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

Budget Finesse Casting Combo... 

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

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

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

How To Catch Bass When Its HOT! (Its Easy)

Its HOT!!! Let's go fishing! If you know where to look you can catch a ton of Summer time bass despite the heat! Matt demonstrates where bass go on hot days, catches a bunch of them along the way, and gives critical tips on how their movements change as the sun moves overhead and the mercury rises. If you're tired of struggling this Summer and want to know how to power fish your way to success, this is for you!

Summer success is all about targeting shadows. Of course you can pull up to a run of docks and find fish underneath, but are there other shadows you should be targeting? Today Matt targets a variety of shadows you're probably overlooking. As the sun shifts across the sky the shadows come and go but if you know where to look, you'll find hungry bass lurking. 

The key to success today was a combination of topwater and flipping/punching with creature baits. Matt was constantly adapting to get the maximum number of bites. He chose a popping frog over a traditional shape to maximize his time in the waning morning shadows. Next he adapted his creature bait selection to avoid short strikes. 

All of the baits used in today's video are broken down below. We've also included links to Tim's dock video, as well as the rods/reels Matt was using. We've even included a budget combo that can be used for frogging AND flipping. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Tim's Dock Video: https://youtu.be/fIL-08k-z8Y

Frogs... 

Today's Frog- Spro Bronzeye Poppin Frog 60: http://bit.ly/2hKsO0g

Color: Leopard

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

Color: Little Allen, Ghost

Flipping Baits/Gear... 

Bait- Strike King Rage Craw: http://bit.ly/2uoqsLJ

Colors: JuneBug, Falcon Lake Craw

Bait- Reaction Innovations Spicy Beaver: http://bit.ly/2MPuma1

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Tramps Stamp

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

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Flipping Weight 1 oz: https://bit.ly/2X35Jtl

Peg Stop- P Line Punching Peg: https://bit.ly/2BEUG1S

Matt's Frog Combo... 

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

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

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

Matt's Flipping Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'11" 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 Frog/Flip Combo... 

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

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

Line- Power Pro Spectra Braid 65 lb: 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

Best Hooks For Bass Fishing: Senko, Worms, Crankbaits, Topwater, Swimbait!

So many hooks, so little time! Its taken us years (and hundreds of packs of hooks) to develop this short list of the best hooks for different situations. Whether you want to wacky rig a senko, punch a creature, or throw a deep diving crankbait, we've compiled this list for you! Not only do we cover hook styles, we also cover wire sizes, strength, etc... to perfectly match your fishing conditions. 

Tim starts off with reaction baits and wraps it up with soft plastics. The reason for this is most anglers lose fish on treble hook baits. Crankbaits and topwater are the primary heartbreakers in bass fishing. You think you've got that fish hooked well but when the head shakes start, you lose. Almost all of these losses can be avoided if you truly understand treble hooks. When to switch between styles, when to switch to heavier gauge wire, etc. 

Today's video is a lot for you to digest as an angler. We know Tim breezed through a ton of hooks in a short time but its the only way to cover all the information. Below is a detailed breakdown of the hooks in order of appearance in the video. If you click the links (they go direct to Tackle Warehouse) you will see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. This truly is a challenging year with store shelves around the country completely empty and mixed information on future shipments. We hope this video gives you the information you need to be successful throughout the Summer and Fall. 

Treble Hooks... 

Round Bend- Owner ST-36 (1X Strength): http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Curved Point Bend- Gamakatsu EWG (1X Strength): http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Cranking Hook- Owner ST-35 (2X Strength): http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Stronger Hook- Owner ST-56 (3X Strength): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Feathered Treble- Owner ST-36 Dressed Hook (1X Strength): http://bit.ly/2m7XrAx

Split Rings... 

Finesse- Hyperwire Black (Size 2-4): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Heavy Duty- Hyperwire Silver (Sizes 4-5): http://bit.ly/2aTH3f1

Strongest Ever- Owner Ultra Splits (Sizes 5-9): http://bit.ly/3bQgswL

**Big Swimbait Fishermen: You are missing it if you're not using Ultra Split Rings. They're bomb proof and will hold up to giant striper, saltwater fish, mega largemouth, etc**

Swimbait Hooks... 

-Owner Beast Hook: http://bit.ly/2gx3A54

-Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

-Owner Flashy Swimmer: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Senko Hooks... 

Senko Wacky- Owner Sniper Finesse: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Senko Wacky- Gamakatsu G Finesse Stinger: http://bit.ly/2otYTPg

Senko Texas Rig- Gamakatsu 5/0 G-Finesse Hybrid Worm: http://bit.ly/2GT2T29

Senko Heavy Duty- Owner Jungle Worm Hook: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Dropshot Hooks... 

Matt's Favorite- Trokar Dropshot Hook: http://bit.ly/2ahxJOr

Gamakatsu Aaron Martens Dropshot Hook: http://bit.ly/2zGX441

Tim's Favorite- Owner Mosquito Light Hook: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Flipping and Punching... 

-Owner Jungle Flipping Hook: http://bit.ly/2G5aQTk

-Trokar Flipping Hook: https://bit.ly/39OyCOS

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