Smallmouth Fishing Tips For Spring Bass Fishing!

Its Smallmouth Time! If you live in the North, its go time for big smallmouth! We love chasing big bronze backs and get pretty fanatical about our tackle. Come along for a deep dive into our favorite baits for consistently catching jumbo smallies throughout Spring. 

Smallmouth can be found all over the country but the Great Lakes region is the Mecca of big smallmouth. This entire region is about to fire up so today we're shedding some light on our key baits for fishing in the North. From swimbaits, to topwater, to finesse, these are the baits we rely on to catch the big ones. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, and weights for each application. We've also included some of our favorite high-end smallmouth gear and a great budget combo as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SWIMBAITS...

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

Color: Chartreuse Electric Blue

Head- Tactical Finesse Head (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

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

Colors: Wakasagi, Haze

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

Colors: Albino, Real, Purple Haze

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

CRANKBAITS... 

-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow, Green Pumpkin Craw

-Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Colors: See Thru Chart, Elegy Bone, Sexy Ayu

-Spro Rock Crawler: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN

Colors: Goby, Phantom Brown, Phantom Green

TOPWATER... 

-Lucky Craft Gunfish 95: https://bit.ly/3MUktST

Colors: Chrome, Bone Shad

-Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bone, Full Metal, Skeleton Chartreuse

-Reaction Innovations Vixen: http://bit.ly/2rp11nr

Colors: Bone, Lime Ice

-Whopper Plopper 90: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Loon, Monkey Butt, Bone

DROPSHOT RIGGING... 

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

Weight- Swagger Tungsten "Tie On" Dropshot: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

DROPSHOT BAITS... 

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

Colors: Green Pump orange black blu flk, Chick Magnet

-STH Finesse Crush: https://bit.ly/3s5BcIn

Colors: Smokin Joe, Magic Chart, Bang

-Berkley Flat Worm: https://bit.ly/3lAAorL

Colors: Black, Natural Shad, Smoke Black Purple

TUBES... 

-Big Bite Baits Tour Tube: http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors: Green Pump Purp Cop Flk, Green Pump Orange

-STH Finesse Tube 2.5: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Colors: Juvenile Goby, Ten Point, Dark melon Purple

TUBE HEADS... 

-Bite Me Tackle Big Dude Goby (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2CV3o7S

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

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

HAIR JIGS... 

-Oukast Tackle Feider Fly: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Colors: Black

NED WORMS... 

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

Colors: TW Black Blue Pumpkin, Desert Craw

-XZone Ned Zone: http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Big Limit 

-Zman Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Goby Bryant

JIG... 

-Keitech Finesse Football (3.8 oz): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin Black

Trailer- Zman TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Color: Green Pumpkin

DARK SLEEPER COMBO... 

Rod- Megabass P5 "Dark Sleeper": https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

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

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

DROPSHOT COMBO...

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

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

Line- Power Pro Super Slick V2 (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3vSwa6Z

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

CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

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

BUDGET FINESSE COMBO... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: 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

How To Catch Shallow Bass RIGHT NOW! Shad Spawn Fishing Tips!

Its time! The bass are shallow and you can catch them! There is a short window in Spring when shad are spawning and bass are aggressively chasing them, that you can catch a ton of fish with little to no effort. Don't miss your chance!

The shad spawn is an open door for bass fishermen to have a great day on the water. Forget the post-spawn blues, get up early, and catch a bunch of fish, and possibly a giant, all before breakfast! The key is using fast moving baits with a lot of flash or vibration to catch the bass' attention. At first light the shad will be spawning along shallow banks, grass, even docks, and the bass will be ready to ambush them. We use a variety of baits to quickly 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, along with any hook modifications we make. We've also included some of the rods and reels we use to fish these baits.  All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

FULL SIZE SPINNERBAITS...

-Nichols Shattered Glass Double Willow (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3udIU7d

Colors: Silver, Green Crystal, Blue Shad

-Terminator P-1 Spinnerbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3xUsekP

Colors: Green Gizzard, Silver Shiner

MID SIZE SPINNERBAITS... 

-Nichols Shattered Glass Double Willow (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3udIU7d

Colors: Silver, Green Crystal, Blue Shad

-Damiki TOT Double Willow (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/368VED0

Colors: Smelt Shad, Snow Shad, Sharp Belly

FINESSE SPINNERBAITS... 

-Megabass SV-3 (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Colors: Hasu, Wakasagi

SPINNERBAIT TRAILERS... 

-Storm Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Colors: Albino Shad, Sexy Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

-Damiki Armor Shad 4": http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: RP Blue Pearl, PB Silver

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, Sexy Shad

SPINNERBAIT TRAILER HOOK... 

-Gamakatsu G Power Stinger Trailer: https://bit.ly/3jdoaWN

Size: 1

SWIM JIG... 

Bait- Dirty Jigs California (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

Colors: Crappie, Blue Glimmer

Trailer- R2S D Walker 100: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Colors: PB Red, Shamrock Shad

LARGE UNDERSPIN... 

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, Sexy Shad

Hook- Blade Runner (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/29UVegz

Colors: Anchovy, Unpainted

WEEDLESS UNDERSPIN... 

Bait- Storm 3" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Colors: Albino Shad, Sexy Shad

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer (3/0): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

CHATTERBAITS...

Bait- Z Man CrossEyez Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2ZrZnVd

Color: Mouse Rat

Trailer- Hog Farmer Spunk Shad (4.5): http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Blue Gizzard, Sexy Shad

Bait- Z Man Mini Max (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3tqztzi

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Spot Remover

Trailer- Big Bite Baits Swim On (3.75): https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Colors: Smoky Gold, Glow Silver

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: American Shad, BP Golden Shiner

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

Colors: Chrome Blue, Chrome Black

TOPWATER... 

-Megabass Pop X Popper: https://bit.ly/3i9T3sg

Colors: Deadly Black Shad, M Wakasagi, Wagin Hasu 2

-Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Full Metal, Half Mirror Wakasagi

FAVORITE SPINNERBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- Sufix 131 (40 lb) Braid: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader- Sufix Advance (17 lb) Mono: https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

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

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

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

BUDGET ALL-AROUND COMBO... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (XG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline FC 15 lb: 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

Jon Boat Fishing Chaos! Swimbaits And Topwater Between Storms!

Tornado warnings! Severe thunder storms! Extreme winds! White Water Rapids! Its just another day of adventuring in the Tin rig! Come along as we take the jet boat up skinny river rapids in search of Spotted Bass, dodge lightning on the open water for largemouth, and catch a ton of bass on swimbaits and topwater! 

Post spawn bass fishing can be a blast! We kept it incredibly simple today with just a few baits in the boat. When you only have a few selections, its amazing how you can stick to the plan and catch fish no matter what the weather throws your way! We were able to put together an amazing swimbait bite and catch a bunch of nice topwater fish to boot!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we used throughout the day. We've included the exact sizes and color for each bait to really help you dial in your personal gear. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

FLUKE... 

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

Color: Albino

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

SENKO... 

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

Color: Green Pumpkin with Red Flake:

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

TOPWATER... 

-Megabass Giant Dog X: http://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Color: Wagin Hasu 2

-Lucky Craft Gunfish 117: https://bit.ly/3vy7Pln

Color: Bone Shad

-Whopper Plopper 90: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Color: Loon 

SWIMBAIT... 

-Megabass 6" Magdraft: http://bit.ly/2CANTU7

Color: White Back Shad

MATT'S FLUKE/SENKO COMBO... 

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

Reel- Shimano Stella 2500: https://bit.ly/38LaK2u

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

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

TIM'S SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

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

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- Sunline Super FC 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

MATT'S TOPWATER COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

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

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

BUDGET ALL-AROUND COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7' Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline FC 15 lb: 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

Bluegill Swimbaits - Everything You Need To Know! **Underwater Footage**

Bass love eating bluegill! Today we're covering everything you need to know to catch fish on bluegill swimbaits! Come underwater to see the actions of different soft baits, glide baits, and multi-piece hard baits as Matt teaches the fine details of how, when, and where to throw these fish catching baits. 

Not all bluegill swimbaits are created equal! Some are easy for bass to eat while others get bites but rarely hook the fish. We've spent years trying the different styles to find the best of the best and we're happy to share the results with you. Whether you're fishing around grass, pitching into heavy cover, or just casting along the shore, there is a bait in this mix that will help you catch more fish. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, in the order they appear. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each, along with some of the rods and gear we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

FULL SIZE SOFT BAITS...

-Mattlures Hammer Tail 5.5: http://bit.ly/2FsZhA3

Colors: TW Baby Gill, Male Bluegill

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

Colors: BlueGill, Ghost Gill, Black Gill

-13 Fishing Gill: https://bit.ly/3pzDsbX

Colors: Natural Bluegill, Natural Sunfish

SMALL BLUEGILL SOFT BAITS... 

-Mattlures Hammer Tail 4.5: http://bit.ly/2FsZhA3 

Colors: TW Baby Gill, Male Bluegill

-Savage Gear RTF Gill (3" and 4"): https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Colors: BlueGill, Ghost Gill, Bream

FAST RETRIEVE HARD BAITS... 

-Mattlures Hard Gill: https://bit.ly/3s7pvU2

Colors: Spring Male, Summer Male, Female Bluegill

-Mike Bucca Bull Gill: http://bit.ly/2f1ASHn

Colors: Bluegill

-Megabass Vatalion: http://bit.ly/367AOxD

Colors: GG Gill, Wild Gill, Ito Cichlid

SLOW RETRIEVE HARD BAITS... 

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

Colors: Bluegill

-Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Colors: HL Bluegill, Bluegill, Ghost Gill, Spawn Gill

-Jackall Gantarel Jr: https://bit.ly/3pcIzvW

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill, Spawn Gill

-Baitsanity Explorer Gill: https://bit.ly/3F65FxK

Colors: Dark Bluegill, Bluegill, Jungle Perch

HOOK/SPLIT RING UPGRADES... 

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

Sizes: 4 or 5

1X Hook- Owner ST-36: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Sizes: Size 2, 1, 1/0

3X Hook- Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Sizes: Size 2, 1

MID PRICED BIG SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Victory 7'10" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

Reel- Shimano Curado 300 K: https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

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

Leader- Sunline FC100 Shock Leader (30 lb): http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

BUDGET BIG SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H (8' Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept A3 (6.3:1): https://bit.ly/3GLddq8

Line- Power Pro Braid (65 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen (25 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

BUDGET SMALL SOFTBAIT COMBO...

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Power Pro Braid (50 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen (18 lb): 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