Fall Bass Fishing For Finicky Bass In Tough Conditions!

In the last 2 weeks the lake has been drawn down for Fall, then a hurricane dumped flooding rains and filled it back to full pool! Where did the bass go and how do you catch them during these crazy changing conditions? Come along for a day on the water as we strategize about the changing conditions, implement 2 patterns, and put fishing in the boat. 

Fall brings so many great fishing opportunities. The bite can be amazing and there are so many awesome techniques that come into play as the water cools. But what about when the weather doesn't cooperate? What do you do when it blows, or a cold snap happens, or it floods? Can you still catch fish? Today was a grind for the guys but watch closely as they analyze the conditions, pick key spots based on those conditions, and start catching fish. 

Using a 2-pattern approach Matt and Tim were able to have consistent action on what should have been a brutally tough day. While they didn't catch giant fish they got a ton of bites and identified a pattern for quality fish. When they just wanted to get bit, they ran the backs of shallow pockets with topwater, lipless crankbaits, blade baits, and a fluke. When they needed a better bite they moved to main lake grass mats and covered water until the right fish ate the frog. 

Below you'll find links to the gear the guys used throughout the day. Some of these baits are staples in their arsenal that you'll immediately recognize, some of them came out to help mimic the small shad that had gathered in the shallows. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you'll see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Topwater... 

Walking Bait- Rapala Skitter Walk (Shad Translucent): https://bit.ly/3mIem6Z

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

Matt's Frog- R2S Bully Wa 2 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Tiny swimbaits and Crankbaits... 

-Spro BBZ-1 Baby Shad (Blue Back Herring): https://bit.ly/325h8ez

-Spro Fat John 50 (Honey Shad): http://bit.ly/2V03giW

-Jackall TN-50 Lipless (Scale Minnow): http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Blade Baits... 

-Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

-Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Fluke...

-Zoom Fluke (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2OFjvjx

-Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

-Owner CPS Spring (Small): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Tim's Frog Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline FX-2 60 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/31u57xA

Matt's Finesse Crank Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro Deep Flex 864 (7'2" MH): http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

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

Fluke Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Stradic 2500 HGFL: http://bit.ly/35Bufnb

Line- power Pro Braided 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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 Suspended Bass! (Fishing During The Fall Draw Down)

When water levels start dropping fishing gets tough! That is, unless you know where to look. As water levels fall, bass back away from the shore and suspend in open water. Targeting these suspended bass is one of the biggest mysteries in the sport of bass fishing. Today, we're going to show you how we do it!

Most reservoirs have some form of Fall draw down. One reservoir will drop a few feet to reach Winter pool, another might drop 150 feet. Regardless of how far the water falls, the bass' overall behavior is similar in both situations. Once bass begin to suspend most anglers will complain of a tough bite. They go from catching less fish, to catching no fish, to not even being able to see fish on the graph in a matter of days or weeks. 

What do you do? You adapt! Today Tim is explaining where he looks for these bass and what he uses to catch them. His method is very simple, employing a handful of consistent lures to coax these open water fish into biting. Below are links to the exact baits (including exact sizes and colors) and some of the gear he uses to throw them. The links go directly to Tackle warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Favorite Topwater Baits… 

-River2Sea Rover 128: http://bit.ly/2acSVea

Favorite Colors: Abalone Shad, Ghost Minnow, Sooner

-Evergreen Shower Blows 125: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Favorite Colors: Skeleton Chartreuse, American Shad, Bone

-Teckel Kicknocker: http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

Favorite Colors: Chart Shiner, Lime Ice, Bone

Alabama Rig… 

Baits- Keitech 4.8 Fat Swing Impact (TW Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Non-Hook Baits- Keitech 3.3 Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Rig- G-Funk Cali Rig (Clearlake Camo): http://bit.ly/2nD76fw

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

GlideBait... 

-R2S S-Waver 168 (Light Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Jerkbait... 

 -Megabass Vision 110+1 (Pro Blue): http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

Senko... 

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

Colors: Baby Bass/Natural Shad

Hook- Owner Sniper Finesse (Size 1/0): http://bit.ly/2kfdv37

Dropshot... 

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

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 3/16 Tear Drop: http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

A-Rig/Glide Bait Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Budget Topwater/Jerkbait/Senko Combo... 

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

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

Line- Power Pro Macuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

Budget Dropshot Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500 Spinning: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

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

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

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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

Blade Bait Tricks You Need To Try This Fall and Winter!

Most anglers have no idea how to fish a blade bait effectively. They might know that its traditionally considered a cold water lure but they have no idea it can be fished shallow around grass, worked aggressively, and even substituted for a lipless crankbait. Blades have so many uses in Fall and Winter, you really need to experience it for yourself. 

Traditionally the blade bait is hopped slowly along the bottom in cold water. It gives a slight vibration on the hop then "dies" and flutters back to bottom. Its remarkably effective for trophy smallmouth in frigid water but for the average angler, its applications stop there. That original cold water use is still effective and should be a part of your Winter arsenal but today is about expanding how you fish the blade bait. We use 2 retrieves throughout the Fall to get consistent bites. 

When the bottom is free of debris we fish the blade on the bottom. We use the exact same hopping motion as we use for the LV-500 to trigger a feed response. While that application is very traditional, you might be surprised to find out we often do it in 2-10 feet of water. The blade is not just a deep water bait, its incredibly effective in the shallows as well! The 2nd retrieve is a burning retrieve. 

We cast and wind the blade much like a traditional lipless crankbait, ripping it free when it comes in contact with grass or other debris. When fish have been pressured by tournaments or negative weather conditions, the switch to the silent vibration of a blade bait is deadly. Blade bait season is just beginning, you need to get out and give it a try!

Below you'll find links to our favorite blade baits along with the rods, reels, and gear we use to fish these baits effectively. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Traditional Blades... 

-Silver Buddy: http://bit.ly/2AcTelj

Preferred Colors: Silver Plated, Stainless Steel

-Blade Runner Blade Bait: http://bit.ly/2XMNoQj

Preferred Colors: Natural Shad, Chartreuse White

Custom-Style Blades... 

-Megabass Vibration X: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Preferred Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukocho Shad, Craw, Gill OB

-Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Preferred Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad, Red Craw, Flash Gill

-Jackall Keeburn: http://bit.ly/2or8sy0

Preferred Colors: Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Red Tiger, Silver

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

-Owner STX-38 Treble (Size 8): http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Tim's Favorite Blade Bait... 

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

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K XG: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

Matt's Favorite Blade Bait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Budget Blade Bait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Power Pro 30 lb Braided: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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

TWO BIG MUSKY from the Kayak! Southern Musky Fishing!

Today we’re fishing a small river for BIG musky! Muskie live in many of the lakes and streams in Eastern Tennessee and are far less pressured than their Northern cousins. They’ve been on Matt’s radar since his first trip to the region and today he’s on a mission to finally catch one (or two) from the kayak!

Known as the fish of 10,000 casts, the musky can be a very frustrating adversary. However, we know from years of trophy bass fishing with swimbaits that numbers like “10,000 casts” often represent a misunderstanding of the fish. With both bass and musky, once an angler understands their habits and feeding windows the time required to catch a trophy fish can be cut dramatically. They may never become “easy” to catch, but they’ll become much more predictable. 

Matt focused his efforts on 3 presentations. He fished a Savage Gear 4-play (swimbait), A R2S Whopper Plopper 190 (Topwater) and a Blue Fox Spinner (Bucktail). He really wanted to catch his first musky on a swimbait after getting short struck on the last river drift with Tim but in the end, all 3 bites came on the bucktail.

Below you’ll find links to all of the available baits and gear Matt was using throughout the day. If you want to catch a musky of your own, some of the items, like the 30" custom 135 lb Leader, were hand tied by Matt and would need to be fabricated on your own to be replicated. For the rest of the gear, the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

The Baits… 

-Savage Gear 4 Play 200 (Hitch): https://bit.ly/3j97oWc

-River2Sea Whopper Plopper 190 (Perch): http://bit.ly/2a7ipHL

-Blue Fox Vibrax Super Boy (Black/Silver): Source Locally

Hook and Hardware Upgrades… 

Hooks- Owner 4X ST-66 Trebles (1/0 and 2/0): http://bit.ly/2JHo3z3

Split RIngs- Owner ULTRA Wire (Size 6): http://bit.ly/3bQgswL

Swivels- Spro Power Size 2: http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

Kayak… 

-Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136: https://bit.ly/3h9ngaS

Matt’s Rod/Reel Combo… 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 966C Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 80 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Budget Musky Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Curado 300 HGK (Available to PRE-ORDER): https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

Line- Power Pro Braided 80 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Related Kayak Videos... 

-10 lb Bass From The Kayak: https://youtu.be/bNTZvcyep-0

-Bank Fishing and Kayaking Small River For Bass and Musky: https://youtu.be/u1Dy0xSYyfs

-Epic Golf Course Pond Fishing!: https://youtu.be/8NoDLM2fpyE

-Backwater Bass Fishing- Kayaks and Flippin Sticks: https://youtu.be/1toqR0P0Azw

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