How To Bass Fish On A Budget! (Cheap Lures That ACTUALLY Work!!)

Bass fishing shouldn't break the bank! If your tackle spending is out of control, we've got you covered with some awesome "budget" alternatives that really catch fish! High-end tackle is nice (we know because we're tackle junkies!!!) but you can catch a ton of fish without going broke buying lures and gear. Come along with Tim as he shops both big box stores and local tackle shops to find the best budget options for bass. 

The key to buying budget tackle is to avoid the junk. A lot of cheap tackle isn't worth the packaging its hanging in, but there are exceptions. Today's video is all about those hidden gems that catch consistent fish despite their below-average price. Baits like the Super Spot crankbait, Yum Dinger, and Chatterbait, should be in everyone's arsenal, no matter where you live. Baits like the Dark Sleeper, Savage Gear Bluegill, etc... can take your fishing to the next level without costing a fortune. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits Tim discussed in the video. We're taking it to the next level and also including some "budget" and "ultra budget" rods and reels to help you keep your entire fishing game within your spending limits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


Lipless Crankbait... 

-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Chrome Blue, Rayburn Red

-Strike King Red Eye Shad: http://bit.ly/2fqX1RT

Colors: Sexy Shad, TN Shad 2.0, Chartreuse Sexy Shad


Spinnerbait... 

-Booyah 1/2 oz Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/3gaOAIw

Color: Chartreuse/White, White


Chatterbait...

-Original Z-Man Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3abzGOb

Colors: Green Pumpkin, White, Brown Black


Squarebill Crankbait... 

-Strike King 1.5: http://bit.ly/2Pz3HvE

Colors: Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Summer Sexy Shad, Gizzard Shad


Swimbaits... 

-Savage Gear Pulse Tail Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

-Savage Gear Pulse Tail Baitfish: https://bit.ly/3ag8Mor

Colors: Silver Black Back, Green Back

-Megabass Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Haze, Wakasagi, Shirauo

-Strike King Rage Swimmer 3.75: http://bit.ly/2evZF8j

Colors: Ghost Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


Inline Spinner... 

-Rooster Tail: https://bit.ly/2QqfNMs

Colors: Black, Chrome White


Stick Bait... 

-Yum Dinger 5": http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Elders Magic

-Big Bite Baits Trick Stick 6": https://bit.ly/3shcgNK

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Tilapia


Shaky Head... 

Worm- Netbait T-Mac 6.5": http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin, Texas Craw

Jig Head- Limit Maker 1/8 oz: https://bit.ly/3gdVFYX


Jigs... 

Jig- Bass Patrol 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x

Colors: Brown/Green Pumpkin, Brown/Black

Trailer- Netbait Paca Chunk: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Summer Craw


Soft Jerkbait... 

Bait- Zoom Super fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino

Hook- VMC Heavy Duty Wide Gap 4/0: https://bit.ly/3ad5XVc


Creature Bait... 

Bait- Zoom Baby Brush Hog: http://bit.ly/2bnpCRx

Colors: Green pumpkin, Watermelon Seed

Weight- Eagle Claw 3/16 Lead: http://bit.ly/2tEcZfq

Hook- VMC Heavy Duty Wide Gap 3/0: https://bit.ly/3ad5XVc


Ned Rig... 

Bait- Robo 3" Ned Worm: http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Colors: Black Blue Pumpkin, Aarons Green Pumpkin

Hook- Owner Block Head 1/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2qL0A8n


Budget All-Around Casting Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

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


Budget All-Around Spinning Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 2500: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

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


Ultra-Budget Casting Combo... 

Rod- 13 Fishing Defy Black 7'1" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/32gzFnN

Reel- 13 Fishing Origin A: https://bit.ly/3ny0I6S

Line- Seaguar Red Label 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2LOVEwA


Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

cheap baits web.jpg

5 Sight Fishing Mistakes You Need To Avoid! (Spring Bass Fishing)

Bass are spawning around the country and every boat on the lake has a white jig tied on. Guys are prowling the shallows in search of big bed fish and really, who can blame them? This is a great time of year to catch a giant bass, the issue is that most anglers are going about it completely wrong. If you get frustrated when bed fishing season comes, this video is for you!

Fishing for spawning bass is a hot button issue. We're not jumping into the debate today, instead we're encouraging anglers to do it properly. We want you to have the tools you need to be successful, and the knowledge to know how to treat the fish properly when you catch them. The list of mistakes anglers make when targeting spawning bass is endless! Today we're only covering the top 5 and its still a full-length video. 

From choosing the right lense color for your glasses, to boat positioning, to subtle colors that get more bites, we've got you covered. Below you'll find links to all of the gear Matt discussed in the video. We've included the exact colors, weights, etc, to help you make the best decision possible. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


Sunglasses... 

-Eye Surrender TacticalBassin Sunglasses: https://bit.ly/3cLH0kl

Lense Colors: Amber (Clear Water), Copper (Suspended Particles)


Dropshot Bait (Underwater) In The Intro... 

STH Crush Worm 3": https://bit.ly/3s5BcIn

Color: Naked Perch


Main Dropshot Worm... 

Bait- Big Bite Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Grn Pump Org Blk Purp Prl Bl, Chart/White Lam

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

Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2V2B63h


Ned Rig... 

Bait- Savage 3" Salamander: https://bit.ly/3rSNi8g

Color: Mojito

Head- Swagger Tungsten Flanders (1/10 oz): http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M


Creature Baits... 

-Netbait Baby Paca Craw (Magic Craw): http://bit.ly/2wlVAfh

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Magic Craw Swirl): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

-Big Bite Baits BFE (Tilapia): https://bit.ly/2Ce0tf7

-Big Bite Flying Squirrel (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/2sn1FaT


Exposed Hook Jigheads... 

Ball Head- Owner Round Head (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2QmFmxU

Football Head- Owner Ultra Football (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2t1bY4y


Jigs and Trailers... 

Jig- Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

Colors: Magic Craw, Warmouth, Bluegill 

Trailer #1- Netbait Paca Chunk (Magic Craw): http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

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


Bluegill Swimbaits...

-Savage Gear PulseTail Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

-Savage Gear Line Through Bluegill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

-Mattlures Hammer Tail Bluegill: http://bit.ly/2FsZhA3


Matt's Dropshot Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Twin Power 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


Matt's Jig Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Levante Braillist: http://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

Leader- 20 lb Sunline FC100 Shock Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB


Budget Dropshot/Ned Rig Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

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

Line- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

sight fighing web.jpg

Crazy Underwater Footage Of Bass Attacking Jigs!! **Slow Motion Strikes**

Come along as we head underwater to watch bass interact with their prey! We're using jigs to imitate crawfish and small panfish and the bass can't get enough! Its fascinating to watch how the bass approach the lures, what makes them strike, and what makes them cautious. Some of the strikes are so vicious we needed to switch to slow motion footage to even see the bass attack!

Every time we head underwater we learn something new about bass behavior. In today's clips it was fascinating to watch how the fish inhaled the jigs. When the fish were cautious, they would only bite the claws. When they were made they inhaled the jig in a 2 or 3-step process. In every interaction it was clear the bass were aware of the jig's "claws" and made sure to incapacitate the claws first. 

What did you take away from the video? Do you notice any behavioral mannerisms? Did you see a favorite bait or trailer? Perhaps it was the subtle kick of the Paca Chunk, or the violent whipping motion of the Rage Craw?

We threw a huge variety of jigs and trailers to these fish. Below you'll find links to the exact jig and trailer combinations the fish were attacking, along with a few bonus trailers that we've had consistent success with over the years. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


Finesse Jig... 

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig 7/16 oz (Supermatt Brown): http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Trailer- Strike King Rage Chunk (Hard Candy): http://bit.ly/2uoqsLJ


Football Jig #1... 

Jig- Jewel Baits Pee Wee 5/16 oz (Hail Mary): https://bit.ly/2IkGi20

Trailer- Netbait Paca Chunk Tiny (Crawfish): http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Football Jig #2...

Jig- Keitech Tungsten Football 3/8 oz (Green Pumpkin Blue): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Netbait Paca Chunk (Magic Craw): http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx


Other Great Jigs... 

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin' Jig (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2amL3of

-Bass Patrol Round Rubber (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x


Other Great Trailers... 

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

-Z Man Ned Crawz: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW


High-End Finesse Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC Sniper 14 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


Best "Bang For The Buck" Finesse Jig Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: 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


Budget Finesse Jig Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

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


Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Underwater Thumb 2.jpg

Bass Fishing With BIG Plastic Worms! Texas Bass Fishing On Falcon Lake!

Today we're catching BIG bass on Lake Falcon in Texas! The bass are already moving offshore in this part of the country and we're catching them on big worms and creature baits. Come along as we explore one of the most unique lakes in the US (and Mexico) and catch some big bass along the way!

When we got to the lake we were shocked to find it was more than 40 feet low. Only one boat ramp was open and the water was a dirty brown color. This may have deterred other anglers but we know that low water can mean huge congregations of fish on offshore structure. We weren't disappointed! 

If you've never been to this part of the country, its worth a visit. The town of Zapata on the shores of Lake Falcon is home to several tackle shops. Its a step back in time to the heart of bass fishing and a place where anglers don't even bat an eye when talk of double digit fish comes up. 

The vast majority of today's fish were caught on soft plastics. Below you'll find links to all the different baits we were throwing, the exact trailers, colors, rigging, etc. We've also included some of our favorite combos that we used throughout the course of the day. 


Plastic Worms... 

-Zoom Ol' Monster: http://bit.ly/2adPtjs

Color: Junebug, Junebug Red, Candy Bug

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

Color: JuneBug


Today's Creature Baits... 

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

Colors: Junebug, BlackLight

-Strike King Rage Bug: http://bit.ly/2aAsuiV

Colors: Junebug

-Zoom Magnum Ultravibe Speed Craw: https://bit.ly/3fTGlQQ

Colors: Junebug


Other Great Baits Available In Junebug... 

-Zoom Super Speed Craw: https://bit.ly/3cZOMby

-Netbait Paca Slim 4": http://bit.ly/2M5cuGF

-Netbait C-Mac Curtly Tail 11" Worm: https://bit.ly/2OxtIzR

-Strike King Magnum Rage Bug: https://bit.ly/3fX4O7U

-Keitech Mad Wag Long 11" Worm: https://bit.ly/3dkFMLl 


Texas-Rigging... 

Tim's Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 5/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Matt's Hook- Owner All Purpose 5/0: https://bit.ly/2QbbdRW

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Vader 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Peg- VMC Sinker Stops: https://bit.ly/38XLQd4


Other Rigging... 

Wobble Head- Dirty Jigs Pivot Point: http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Sizes: 1/2 oz 4/0 for Rage Bug, 3/4 oz 5/0 for Z-Craw

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


Chatterbait...

Bait- Evergreen JackHammer 1/2 oz (Hites Hot Craw): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Trailer- Yamamoto Kickin Zako (Green Pumpkin): https://bit.ly/3fPRQsF


Tim's Texas Rig Combo...

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

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

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC Sniper 25 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


Matt's Travel Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Triza Stym Palisades: https://bit.ly/2Glg3au

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

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


Matt's Favorite Wobble Head Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

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


Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Falcon web.jpg