How To Catch Fish In Clear Water

Fishing clear water can be intimidating! The fish see you coming and often all you'll see are their tails swimming away. Have you wondered how to catch these fish? Is there a certain time they bite, or perhaps it requires a special lure? Its not as hard as you think! You can catch these fish and today we're going to show you exactly how to do it.

If you want to catch clear water fish consistently there are 4 variables to consider. You'll need to learn to use the sun's position to your advantage. You're going to want to make longer casts than normal, and often with lighter line. You'll need to be cognizant of the sound your trolling motor makes, and finally you need to locate the "color line" on your lake. 

While clear water fishing can be intimidating it also offers some of the most rewarding angling any fisherman can experience. Seeing fish interact with your lures is fascinating, and watching them strike your baits is something you'll never forget. When it comes to lures, we break them into 3 categories. All of the baits discussed in the video are listed below. We've included links to each bait, including recommended colors for clear water applications. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items. 

GO NATURAL

Ned Rig/Wacky Rig... 

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake, Natural Shad

Hook- Owner Finesse Neko 1/0: http://bit.ly/2kfdv37

weight- Swagger Tungsten Pagoda 3/32 oz: http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Pliers- VMC CrossOver Pliers: https://bit.ly/3ipm9HN

Rings- VMC Crossover Rings: https://bit.ly/3w0NYdz

Dropshot...

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple, Smoke Purple Flake

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

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

Small Swimbaits... 

-Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red pearl, Electric Shad

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

Colors: Real, Albino

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

Colors: Wakasagi, Haze, Donko

Small Swimbait Heads... 

Bladed- Okashira Screw Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

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

GO BIG

Swimbaits…

-Storm Arashi Glide: http://bit.ly/2nHdrL1

Colors: Bluegill, Threadfin Shad

-River2Sea S Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: Light Trout, TW Phantom Trout, Bluegill

-Megabass 8" MagDraft: http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: MB Shad, MB Gizzard, White Back Shad

GO FAST

Reaction Baits…

-Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors- Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow, Green Pumpkin Craw

-River2Sea Whopper Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Loon, Phantom Shad

-Spro Little John 50 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Matte Shad, Spooky Shad

High-End Finesse Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 822S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

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

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

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

”Bang For The Buck" Finesse Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Vanford 3000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

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

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

Budget Finesse Combo...

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

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 8 lb Flurocarbon: 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

Off Shore Bass Fishing! How To Catch Bigger Bass This Summer!

Come with us as we target offshore structure for early Summer bass! During the post spawn and early Summer, bass begin grouping on offshore structure. These fish are often overlooked and are frequently the biggest bass in the lake. Understanding how to find and target them will take your Summer bass fishing to the next level! 

In today's video we targeted fish in 10-30 feet of water. Depth and location in the lake were seemingly irrelevant, the key was finding hard structure on the bottom. It could be a log, a rock, or any other hard structure, as long as it was away from shore. When the spawn ends bass pull to these offshore havens to recuperate and to feed before the true heat of Summer sets in. 

As you saw in the video, these fish can be caught a variety of ways. They can be caught on finesse presentations, power fished, or even triggered into a reaction strike. Catching them can be fairly simple once you've located them. That said, we have very specific confidence baits that we really on year after year to put these fish in the boat as we explore lakes around the country. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits we were using, as well as the rod and reel combos that helped us land our fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Plastic Worms... 

Jig Head- Dirty Jigs Stand Up Finesse: https://bit.ly/3fUYNby

Cobi's Worm- Zoom Trick Worm: http://bit.ly/2aWkG7E

Colors: Grape, Junebug, Red bug

Matt's Worm- NetBait T-Mac 6.5": http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors: Junebug

Swing Head Jig... 

Head- Pivot Point Football (1/2 oz, 4/0): http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Swing Head Creatures... 

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

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

-XZone Adrenaline Craw: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Junebug

Underspin Swimbait... 

Head- War Baits Underspin 1/2 oz (Smoky Shad): https://bit.ly/2S6zudD

Swimbait- Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Cobi's Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Shaky Head Special: http://bit.ly/2XkVoej

Reel- Daiwa Tatula 4000: http://bit.ly/2zrq4id

Line- Sufix 832 Coastal Camo 10 lb: https://bit.ly/34R5Mfe

Leader- Sunline Super FC 8 lb Flurocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Matt's Shaky Head Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Victory 7'1" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2 (8:1): https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

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

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

Matt's Wobble Head Combo... 

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

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 16 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

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

Where Do Bass Go During Summer? (And How To Catch Them)

Summer bass fishing is really fun once you know where to look! Many anglers lose track of the fish and struggle to get a bite, but it doesn't have to be that way. You can catch fish all day long, even in the heat of the day once you understand how their movements and feeding patterns change. Once you're ahead of the fish, its non-stop action! Let's take a look at where they are and how to catch them. 

During Summer the bass break into two distinct schools. The first goes shallow into cover and the second heads out to main lake structures. The shallow fish are fun because you can target them with a variety of power fishing techniques, our favorite are frogging, flipping, and throwing swim jigs. The fish on outside structures group up around current when available and large structures when the water is calm. These fish can be caught on wobble heads, crankbaits, worms, jigs, and a variety of other lures. 

Don't let the pressure steer you away, summer is prime time for bass! Below is a breakdown of the lures and equipment we use to target Summer bass. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Deep Diving Crankbaits… 

-Strike King 10XD: http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

Colors- Chart Blue Back, Powder Blue Back, Chartreuse Sexy Shad

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors- Chart Blue Back, Powder Blue Back, Chartreuse Sexy Shad

-Rapala DT20 and DT16: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Colors- Citrus Shad, Parrot, Shad

-Norman DD22: http://bit.ly/2LKB37w

Colors- Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Tropical Shad, Sexy Shad

Squarebill Crankbaits… 

-River2Sea Biggie: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors- Abalone Shad, TSMinnow, T1000

-Rapala BX Brat: http://bit.ly/2qFBMiR

Colors- Chartreuse Shad, Silver, Hot Dang

-Luhr Jensen Speed Trap: https://bit.ly/3ccfJbV

Colors- Chartreuse Shad, Crystal Chart Blue, Gun Metal Shad

Swing Head Jigs… 

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

Size: 3/4 oz with 5/0 Hook

Bait #1- Zoom Z-Craw: http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

Colors- Junebug

Bait #2- Xzone Adrenaline Craw: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors- Junebug

Boot Tail Swimbait… 

Bait- Keitech 4.8” Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors-Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Exposed- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Weedless- Owner Flashy Swimmer (5/0): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Stick Bait… 

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Natural Shad, Baby Bass

Weightless Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap 1/0: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Neko Hook- Owner Weedless Sniper Finesse: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Neko Weight- Swagger Tungsten Pagoda (3/32): http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Shaky Head Worm… 

Head- Dirty Jigs Canterbury 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

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

Colors: Junebug, Kentucky Special

Frog… 

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

Colors: Little Allen, Bluegill, Ghost

-Jackall Kaera: http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: Glitter Bluegill, Glitter Hasu

Walking Baits… 

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

Colors: Bone, Abalone Shad, Sooner

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

Colors: Bone, Bluegill, Threadfin Shad

Frog Fishing Combo... 

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

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

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

Deep Diving Crankbait Combo... 

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

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

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

Budget Crankbait Combo...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Medium Heavy Moderate: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 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

Catching Big Fish On Light Tackle! Tricks Of The Trade!

Targeting big fish with light line is incredible! When the drag is screaming and line is flying off the spool, the excitement is next level! It requires attention to detail, a whole lot of patience, and specialized tackle doesn't hurt, but its worth every second of preparation. Some anglers do it for the challenge, others do it out of necessity. Whether you're fishing smallmouth in the Great Lakes, largemouth in a highland reservoir, or saltwater species on the flats, these tips will help you prepare for your next light line battle!

Matt is targeting smallmouth because they have incredible strength for a freshwater fish. While this is by no means the most challenging fish to target with light tackle (compared to many saltwater species) it is an amazing fight and a very rewarding fish to catch. On this particular day he was faced with 20+ feet of visibility and very skittish fish. Thankfully the wind kicked up which helped offset the post frontal conditions that blew in part way through the day.  

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt was using in today's video. We've also included links to some excellent mid-priced and budget alternatives for battling big fish on light line. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Ned Rig... 

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper

Hook- Swagger Tungsten Flanders 1/10th: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Hair Jig... 

Bait- Outkast Tackle Feider Fly 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Color: Black

Small Swimbait... 

Bait- Keitech 2.8 Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Bluegill

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

Tube... 

Bait- Big Bite Salt Tube 3.5: https://bit.ly/2D7j6RX

Color: Pumpkin Pepper

Head- Blade Runner 1/8 oz Inhaler 2/0: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Ned Rig/2.8 Keitech Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

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

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Hair Jig Combo... 

Rod- Megabass P5 "Baby Plugging": https://bit.ly/31Pt839

Reel- Shimano Vanford 1000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline Super FC 5 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BFS Casting Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Best "Bang For The Buck" Reels... 

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

Mid Range- Shimano Vanford 3000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Best "Bang For The Buck" Rods... 

High End- G Loomis NRX+: https://bit.ly/3y0Ss5m

Mid Range- Shimano Expride A: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Budget- St. Croix Bass X: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Favorite Braided Lines...

High End- Sufix 131: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Mid Range- Sunline SX1: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

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

Favorite Leader Materials... 

Heavy Application Fluoro- Sunline FC100: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Light Application Fluoro- Sunline Sniper FC: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Monofilament- Maxima Ultragreen: 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