Bass Fishing Gear Review! New Rods, Reels, Swimbaits, Crankbaits and Soft Plastics!

These are the hottest new baits to hit the bass fishing scene this Summer! After countless hours of testing, we've found the best budget rods and reels, awesome new swimbaits, and a variety of hard baits and soft baits to help you catch more bass. 

Whether you're bass fishing on a budget, or looking for the best new baits, we've got you covered! These gear reviews are some of our favorite videos to make because they let our inner tackle junkies run wild! They also offer a unique look into the constant refinements we're making with our own fishing to stay ahead of heavily pressured fish and changing conditions.  

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear shown in the video. We've listed them in the order they appear in the video and included our favorite colors and sizes for each item. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

RODS AND REELS... 

-Shimano Sahara FJ Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3NweYtz

Preferred Sizes: 1000, 3000

-Dobyns Maverick Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/3ncP1nX

Favorite Models: 7'3" Mag Heavy, 7'3" Medium Heavy, 7' MH Cranking

HARD BAITS... 

-13 Fishing Jabber Jaw Deep: https://bit.ly/3QLxoZS

Colors: Olive Shad, Green Gizzard Shad, Day Old Guac

-Shimano Macbeth Crankbaits: https://bit.ly/3xTsnG0

Favorite Size: 39 Tiny

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad, Ghost Shad

-Shimano Macbeth 50: https://bit.ly/3Ox41IM

Favorite Size: 50S (Shallow)

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad, Ghost Shad

-Shimano Macbeth Flat Side: https://bit.ly/3QNYS1g

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Red Craw, Sleeper Shad

-SPRO Spin John 80 SpyBait: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Herring Pink, Matte Shad

RELATED BFS CRANKBAITS... 

-Megabass Super Z Z1 Crankbait: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Matte Craw 2, Wild Craw, Kasumi Ito

-Rapala Ultra Light Crankbait: https://bit.ly/3qSt14V

Colors: Chrome, Shad, Yellow Perch

SWIMBAITS...

-Big Bite Baits B5 Line Thru: https://bit.ly/3LLU4pm

Colors: Blue Gizzard, Pearly Shad, Bling

Hook Upgrade: Owner ST-56 (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

-Megabass Sleeper Gill: https://bit.ly/3HPvgMT

Colors: Gill, Gillkko, Sunshine Gill OB

LINE THRU SWIMBAIT COMBO FROM PREVIOUS REVIEW... 

Rod- Gamakatsu JDM Luxxe Avenge 7' MH: https://bit.ly/3hzK2ee

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2: https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Line- Sunline Super FC 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

SOFT PLASTICS... 

-Nichols Tape Worm: https://bit.ly/3yhaS3X

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Best Color Ever

-SPRO CJ Smasher Worm: https://bit.ly/39JLZoh

Colors: Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin Purple, Goby

-Netbait STH Flat Sided Shad Worm: https://bit.ly/3OBN9AW

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Killer G, Shiner

-Deps Frilled Shad: https://bit.ly/3yeCwyq

Colors: Silver Shiner, Clear, Purple Neon

Hook- Gamakatsu Round Ball (3/0): http://bit.ly/2dJAhec

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

Chatterbait And Swim Jig Tricks For Summer Bass!

Bladed jigs and swim jigs are great lures for catching bass in Summer! They can be fished in and around cover and can catch bass in all sorts of different environments. However, there are some key details to fishing these baits in Summer that differs from other times of year. 

Fishing a chatterbait or swim jig in Summer is all about grass and heavy cover. Your rod and line are two key details that most anglers overlook this time of year. The same setup you were using in Spring may not be right for Summer fishing. The key is to create a situation where the baits have "hang time" as they break free of grass and debris. Once you dial in this trick you will catch way more fish than the other anglers around you. 

In addition to dialing in your gear, there are a few different baits and trailers that will help you get more bites in different situations. Below you'll find links to the exact baits, including sizes, colors, and trailer options, that we fish in the Summer. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

FAVORITE CHATTERBAITS... 

-ZMan Evergreen Jack Hammer: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Weight- 3/8 to 1/2 oz

Colors: Bruised Green Pump, Brett's Bluegill, Green Pump Shad

-ZMan Mini Max: https://bit.ly/3tqztzi

Weight - 3/8 to 1/2 oz

Colors: Bluegill, Gizzard Shad, Green Pumpkin

SKIRTLESS CHATTERBAITS... 

- ZMan Naked Chatterbait Custom: https://bit.ly/3bB7FTS

-Zman Chatterbait WillowVibe: https://bit.ly/3bMQM8J

-Zman Eye Strike Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3bIodtg

HEAVY CHATTERBAIT... 

Bait- ZMan JackHammer 1 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Black Blue, Green Pumpkin Shad, White

CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS... 

-Hog Farmer 4.5/5.5 Spunk Shad: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Blue Gizzard, Hematoma, Natural Gill

-Yamamoto Zako: http://bit.ly/2fKmSRp

Colors: Green Pump White Lam, Tennessee Shad, Zako

-Big Bite Baits Kamikaze SwimOn: https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Smoky Gold, Hematoma

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Sexy Shad

SWIM JIGS... 

-Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

Weight: 1/2 to 3/4 oz.

Favorite Colors: Crappie, Tactical Shad, Alabama Bream, Black/Blue

-Dirty Jigs Skirted Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Weight: 1/4 - 3/8 oz.

Favorite Colors: Alabama Craw, Crappie, Hematoma, Tactical Shad

SWIM JIG TRAILERS... 

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

Sizes- 100 (Swim Jig), 120 (California Swim Jig)

Favorite Colors: PB Red, Shamrock Shad, Ice White

-Big Bite Baits Pro Swimmer: https://bit.ly/3AeQsaS

Sizes- 3.8, 4.8

Favorite Colors: Sunfish, Tilapia Magic, Albino Shad

FAT BOBBER STOPPER...

-Halo Fishing Swimbait Cone Head: https://bit.ly/3y8yzds

CHATTERBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride A 7'2" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line- Sunline Super FC 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" MH Glass: https://bit.ly/3uNTvXf

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

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

SWIM JIG COMBO... 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

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

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

BUDGET SWIM JIG COMBO... 

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

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

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

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

Bass Fishing Vacation! Big Baits vs Finesse Baits On New Lakes

We're on vacation and the fishing is on fire! We're chasing big smallmouth and they're eating swimbaits! From tiny little finesse baits to larger swimbaits, the bite is rocking! Come along for a relaxed evening on the water as we lean back on the Smallies and enjoy some fun fishing!

This may just be a fun afternoon session for Matt but pay close attention to the details he drops while fishing. He's talking about targeting bigger fish on any natural lake in the country, then opens up about how to choose the best bait for the situation, even if you don't know anything about the lake you're on. There is key information sprinkled throughout this fishing session. And let's not overlook that in the North, fishing clear water, Matt opted to throw the bigger swimbaits and it worked!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits the guys were using. We've included the exact sizes and colors for each, along with the key rods and reels they used to successfully catch these fish, even on the lightest lines. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

LINE THRU SWIMBAIT...

-Big Bite Baits B5 Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3LLU4pm

Colors: Blue Gizzard, Pearly Shad

DARK SLEEPER...

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

Color: Wakasagi

FINESSE SWIMBAIT...

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

Color: Real, Ayu

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

JERKBAIT...

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Color: Mat Skeleton Shad

Hook Upgrade- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

HAIR JIG...

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

LINE THRU SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod- Gamakatsu JDM Luxxe Avenge 7' MH: https://bit.ly/3hzK2ee

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2: https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Line- Sunline Super FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

Rod- Megabass Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

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

JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod- Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line- Sunline Super FC 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

HAIR JIG COMBO...

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 901S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 5 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

Summer Fishing - Tips For Finding Fish And Catching Bigger Bass

These boys dodged the heat wave and caught some giant bass! Hop in the boat with them as they arrive in Wisconsin after a 12 hour drive across 5 states! Watch how they build a pattern, immediately locate fish, and not only catch fish, but catch great BIG bass! 

The key to success this evening was understanding bass' movements during the post spawn. With no history to rely on the guys looked at the map, chose a couple likely locations, and immediately began catching fish. They used a two-part approach, mixing a spy bait in with a variety of swimbaits. Post spawn fish tend to be aggressive, they want to feed, and this mix of reaction baits was the perfect option to catch these bass. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits the guys were using. We've included the exact colors and sizes, along with the gear they were using to throw them. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can find detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SPY BAIT... 

-Duo Realis 3.5" Spinbait: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Color: Komochi Wakasagi

DARK SLEEPER... 

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

Color: Wakasagi

FINESSE SWIMBAIT... 

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

Color: Real

Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Color: Tennessee Shad

LARGE SWIMBAITS... 

-Big Bite Baits B5 Line Thru: https://bit.ly/3LLU4pm

Color: Blue Gizzard

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

Colors: White Back Shad

SPY BAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 901S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

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

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

DARK SLEEPER COMBO... 

Rod- Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

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

GUPPY HEAD SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 902S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

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

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

5" LINE THRU SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Gamakatsu JDM Luxxe Avenge 7' MH: https://bit.ly/3hzK2ee

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2: https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Line- Sunline Super FC 15 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