How To Find Fish On Any Lake! (Beginner to Advanced Maps and Electronics)

Its easy! You can find fish on ANY lake with these simple tricks! Its all about eliminating water quickly and searching for high percentage water. Come along as we look at the fastest way to find fish with a lake map, then take an in-depth look at how to break down a lake with advanced sonar mapping. 

Step one to breaking down any lake is deciding if you want a short term breakdown or an in-depth breakdown. If the goal is short term (day or weekend trip, week long vacation, etc) then the goal is to locate the single spot on the lake that has the highest odds of holding fish and focusing all of your attention in that one area. If your goal is to truly understand a lake (long term, in-depth) we'll divide the lake into sections and begin building repeatable patterns. 

The key to breaking down any lake is quality mapping. Whether you accomplish this with high end electronics, a map card, or a quality paper map, just depends on how much time you want to put in to the project. Below are links to the equipment we use, the most reliable map cards on the market, and the best paper maps of the most popular lakes around the country. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Related Videos... 

Google Earth Video- https://youtu.be/_ZgGGBWbyEs

How To Read Lake Maps Video (Circa 2011): https://youtu.be/Xo5ADb6Tgoc

Fishing Chickamauga in 2019 Video- https://youtu.be/gvBwBkjlwmA

Paper Maps... 

-Fishing Hotspots Maps: https://bit.ly/2FgBWHi

-Fish-N-Maps: https://bit.ly/2QXY5gt

Map Cards... 

-LakeMaster Plus Digital Charts (What we use): http://bit.ly/2Dk5Erc

-Navionics Hot Maps: http://bit.ly/2ZitTiR

Our Electronics... 

-Humminbird Solix 12 G2: http://bit.ly/2AE2YDB

-Humminbird Solix 15 G2: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej

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

4 Finesse Baits That Always Catch Bass (Beginner To Advanced)

Struggling to catch bass during the Fall Transition? You're not alone! While some anglers have located aggressive schools and are catching fish on topwater and reaction baits many others continue to struggle. When the bite is tough, these 4 rigs are what Tim relies on to consistently put fish in the boat. 

We all dream about aggressive schools and big bass but all too often we're met with wind, rain, and tough fishing conditions. We always start with reaction baits in search of aggressive fish but if its not happening, its time to slow down and finesse. The rigs we rely on are a dropshot (both texas rigged and nose hooked), a shaky head, and a senko. Each rig has a purpose and when you learn how to switch between them, the combination can be deadly. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment discussed in the video. The links go directly to TackleWarehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've included our favorite colors for each bait as well as our favorite combos to fish them effectively. 

Weedless Dropshot… 

Bait- Roboworm 6” Straight Tail Worm (MMIII): http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

Hook- Owner Cover Shot 2/0: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Cylinder 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Nose Hook Dropshot… 

Bait #1- Keitech Easy Shiner 3” or 4” (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Bait #2- Damiki Armor Shad 3” (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

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

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Cylinder 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Senko… 

Bait- Gamakatsu 5” Senko (Natural Shad or 956): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors- Natural Shad, Watermelon Copper Org Red Lam (956)

Hook- Owner Worm Hook 5/0: http://bit.ly/2D9Pmj0

Shaky Head… 

Bait- Netbait T-Mac 6.5”: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors- Sun Perch, JuneBug

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

Nose Hook Dropshot Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’ Light: https://bit.ly/3ab5b9V

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

Line- Power Pro 15 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Weedless Dropshot Combo…

Rod- Shimano Expride 7’ Light+: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

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

Line- Sunline SX1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

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

Shaky Head Rod… 

Rod- Expride 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper 12 lb Fluorocarbon: 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

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

Cooler nights are coming and if your fish haven't vanished already, they're going to! The Fall transition happens overnight and if you're not prepared you'll be left scratching your head. There are two distinct groups of fish during this transition, some that go shallow and others that go deep. Today we're going to take a look at where these fish are headed and how you can get ahead of them.

The fish that move shallow are there to eat baitfish. Its critical that you cover water quickly because the fish are congregating in schools. Vast areas will be devoid of life while small pockets and cuts will be packed with dozens, even hundreds of bass that are ambushing bait. If you're not covering water quickly you may never find the mega-school you're searching for. 

The fish that move deeper are focused on structure. Many of these fish are still going to be feeding on baitfish but they will use main lake structure for their hunting grounds. Focus on offshore rock piles, humps, channel bends, and main lake points. If baitfish are present you'll target these fish with reaction baits, if baitfish are not present the jig is your best bet. 

Wether you go shallow or deep, Fall is an amazing time to be on the water! Bass are congregated into schools and the bite can be incredible. Below are links to the different baits we use for both shallow and deep schooling fish. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Shallow Water Baits... 

Silent Squarebill- Lucky Craft BDS-3 (BP Golden Shiner): http://bit.ly/2blTVwI

Rattling Squarebill- River2Sea Biggie Poppa (Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

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

Toad- Teckel Sprinker (Pearl White): http://bit.ly/2rmnqSI

Deep Water/Offshore Baits... 

Ultra Deep Crankbait- Strike King 10XD (Chartreuse/Blue or Sexy Shad): http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

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

Jig- Dirty Jigs Flippin' Jig 5/8 oz (Go To): http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

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

Flutter Spoon- Nichols Lake Fork 1 1/8 oz (Purple Threadfin): http://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Tail Spin- Jackall Deracoup 3/4 oz (Clear Shad): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Flutter Spoon Video: https://youtu.be/sdviwv6PTOM

All-Around Squarebill Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

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

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

All-Around Deep Crank Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Tranx 200: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

Line- Sunline Assassin 17 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 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

Matt and Tim are BACK! Exploring a New Lake! (Chickamauga)

After 6 grueling trips across the country, Matt and Tim are finally back on the lake together! They're exploring Chickamauga in the middle of a Summer rain storm. Come along as they find new water, adapt to changing conditions, and catch bass on topwater and reaction baits. 

A lot of anglers are intimidated by rain. Some don't want their equipment soaked, others aren't sure what to throw when its raining. Today the guys explain why they're throwing different baits and how the conditions are impacting their choices. Its a unique look into both angler's mindsets as they are adapting to changing conditions on new water. 

While both anglers stuck to reaction baits throughout the day, they both downsized their offerings to get consistent bites. Matt leaned toward topwater while Tim leaned toward swimbaits and tail spins. Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment the guys were using to catch their fish. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Matt's Topwaters... 

Bait- Teckel Blade Waker (Pearl White): https://bit.ly/2DuYZxU

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

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

Tim's Topwaters... 

Bait- Teckel Sprinker (Pearl White): http://bit.ly/2rmnqSI

Frog- Live Target Frog 65 (Green Yellow): http://bit.ly/2Q40BAk

Swimbait... 

Bait- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Hook- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 3/8 oz (Tennessee Shad): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Vibration Baits... 

Tail Spin- Jackall Deracoup 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Blade Bait- Damiki Vault 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Blade Waker/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- Maxima Ultragreen 18 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Lighter Frog Combo (Midsize frogs)... 

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

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

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

Affordable All-Around Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'3" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 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