Dropshot Tricks For The Early Fall Transition! (On The Water)

Come along for a fun day of bass fishing! Tim is exploring a new lake today and despite catching a few on jerkbaits and swimbaits right away, he quickly finds that dropshot baits are the key to consistent bites. The early Fall transition can be a challenge, so it's no surprise that Tim turned to finesse to catch some beautiful bass while exploring new water.

In between fish catches, Tim shares a handful of key tips about the dropshot bite. Notice how he switches between the weedless dropshot and the nose hooked model. One is for power fishing, the other for finessing fish that don't want to bite. He also uses two completely different styles of bait to coax fish into eating. Again, it's key to notice that Tim was able to catch plenty of fish on other baits, but it wasn't until he locked the dropshot in his hand that the bigger fish made an appearance.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Tim used throughout the day. We've also included the combos he was fishing with, the terminal box, and the glasses that let him easily spot the grass lines below the surface. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


JERKBAIT...

•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Color: S Hasu


TEXAS RIG DROPSHOT...

Bait– MissileBaits 6" Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Color: Blueback Secret

Hook– Owner Cover Shot HD: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Size: 2/0

Weight– Xzone Tungsten Pencil: https://bit.ly/3LeDf7Z

Size: 1/4 oz


FINESSE SWIMBAIT...

•Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Ayu

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook


NOSE HOOKED DROPSHOT...

Bait– Megabass 3" Hazedong Shad: https://bit.ly/2CIwgzt

Color: Tennessee Shad

Hook– Owner Mosquito Light: https://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Size: 2

Weight– Xzone Tungsten Pencil: https://bit.ly/3LeDf7Z

Size: 3/16 oz


TIM'S SUNGLASSES...

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

Lense Color: Black/Blue Mirror


TERMINAL BOX...

•Spro Terminal Box: https://bit.ly/3L9Y03F

Box Size: XL


JERKBAIT COMBO...

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

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

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


FINESSE DROPSHOT COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Exsence 2500: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sunline SX1 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (6 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


TEXAS RIG DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/43y32RU

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar JDM Grand Max (15 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

The Most Overlooked Bait Of 2025! (You Should Try This Spybait Again)

Spy baits are one of the most underrated lures in bass fishing! Their ability to catch big fish in both clear and stained water is remarkable. There aren't many baits that are this good, that go unnoticed by the majority of anglers. From fan casting flats, to ledge fishing, to targeting schooling fish, the spy bait should have a place in your box!

It's amazing how many anglers look right past the spybait. They don't look like much in the water, but they catch a ton of fish! From the smaller 70 and 80 sizes for Smallmouth and Spotted Bass, to the larger 90 and 100 sizes for big Largemouth, these baits have earned their place on the deck of the boat.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits we discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, hook upgrades, as well as the rod and reel combos 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.


IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE...

•Duo Realis Spinbait 80 (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Color: River Bait


RELATED VIDEO...

•BIG SMALLMOUTH ON SPYBAITS: https://youtu.be/bPjmUwUEYy4


STORAGE BOX...

Buzbe Colony 28 Modular Box: https://bit.ly/3U9y4cl


MAIN SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spinbait Series: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Sizes: 70, 80

Natural Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait, Ghost Wakasagi

Bold Colors: Neo Pearl, TW Ghost SX Shad, AM Edge


•Spro Spin John 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Herring Pink, Matte Shad, Ayu


LARGER/SHAD SHAPED BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spinbait Series: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Sizes: 90, 100

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad, Komochi Wakasagi


•Duo Realis Spinbait Alpha: https://bit.ly/2UbnUu9

Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait, Wakasagi


UNIQUE SPY BAIT...

•Duo Realis Heartbee 75SS: https://bit.ly/3WCAkNA

Colors: LG Wakasagi, Half Mirror Ayu


HOOK UPGRADES...

•Duo Realis Nano Treble Hooks: https://bit.ly/3RKoHBi

80 Size: 8

90 Size: 6

100 Size: 5

Alpha 72: 6

Alpha 62: 8


MATT'S SPY BAIT SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 Flyssa: https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

Model: 7'6" Light+

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

Line– Seaguar InvizX (6 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y


MATT'S SPY BAIT BFS COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7'1" Medium Moderate Fast: https://bit.ly/49WVp8U

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG LTX BFS: https://bit.ly/4aSBckW

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (6 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

TOP 5 BAITS FOR SEPTEMBER BASS FISHING!

These are the baits we trust to catch bass in September! Bass are transitioning to Fall patterns as water temperatures drop, and they're actively feeding on baitfish. If you're not paying attention, the fish can disappear so it's important that you rely on baits that can cover water quickly to locate them.Throw these baits with confidence and you'll catch fish all month long!

September can be amazing fishing! When you get around schooling fish the bite is like nothing else! Topwater, crankbaits, swimbaits, they're all viable options. We spend very little time finesse fishing in September, instead leaning on fast moving, power fishing techniques to get consistent bites. The best part about September is that as you build patterns toward the end of the month, those patterns are likely to last all the way through the Fall and into the beginning of Winter.

Below you'll find links to the baits Tim discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each lure so you can fish them with confidence. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Color: Spotlight Shad, Bone Python


•Evergreen Shower Blows SB 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Full Metal, American Shad


•Big Bite Baits Buzz (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3iDnLLi


FROGS...

•Spro Bronzeye 65: https://bit.ly/2sz9Qje

Colors: Ayu Flash, Nasty Shad


•Jackall Kaera: https://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: Glitter Gill, Glitter Hasu


CHATTERBAITS...

•Zman Elite Evo Tungsten Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3YkW2Hd

Color: Electric Shad, The Deal


•Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Electric Shad, Sexy Shad


•Zman Elite Evo Mini Max Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3EahpTT

Color: Electric Shad, Spot Remover


•ZMan 3.5" Chattershad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Color: Bad Shad, The Deal


SQUAREBILL...

•Damiki BTC 50: https://bit.ly/3OVb3Lc

Colors: Mossy Shad, Threadfin Flash


•Spro Speed Demon: https://bit.ly/3XGWUC2

Colors: Laundry Matte, Old School Shad


Hook– Owner ST–35: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Size: Size 4


SOFT JERKBAIT...

•XZone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Electric Shad, Baby Bass, Pro Blue Red Pearl


Hook– Gamakatsu Superline Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Size: 4/0


UNDERSPINS...

•Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 3/16 oz


UNDERSPIN SWIMBAITS...

•Xzone 2.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


•Crush City 3" Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Gizzard Shad


SWIMBAITS...

•Bucca's 5" Bacca Burrito: https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Color: Tactical Shad, Tactical Gizzard


•Spro Chad Shad: https://bit.ly/3AqivoQ

Color: Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad


•Spro Surppa Swimbait Holder: https://bit.ly/3N3JEo4


PITCHIN JIG...

•Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Pitchin' Jig: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color: The Go To


•MissileBaits Chunky D: https://bit.ly/3LcLmDK

Color: Green Pumpkin


BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Sufix 832 (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


BUDGET FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'2" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b


BUDGET UNDERSPIN/SOFT JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'1" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo X LP: https://bit.ly/3wZ12ph

Line– Sunline FC (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

You Can Still Catch BIG Bass Right Now! Here's What We Do!

It's HOT but the BIG Bass are biting! Come along for an awesome day of fishing! Matt has his sights set on a power fishing bite and with a deck full of flipping sticks and frog rods, it won't take long. Within minutes of launching, the first BIG bass comes over the rail. That's when you know it's going to be a great day!

A lot of anglers give up on power fishing when it gets hot, but the guys double down under these conditions. Watch how Matt runs two parallel patterns to catch fish. First, he focuses on double shade for a big bite. After that, he moves to outside grass edges and puts together a great bag of fish with a frog and a creature bait.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors and rigging components, along with the rod and reel combos that made the difference with these fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


THE FROGS...

•Jackall Kaera: https://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Color: Glitter Hasu


•Spro Bronzeye 65: https://bit.ly/2sz9Qje

Colors: Killer Gill, Green Pumpkin


THE FLIPPING BAIT...

Bait– Crush City Cleanup Craw: https://bit.ly/3TyfMmo

Color: Tilapia Magic


Hook– Owner Haymaker: https://bit.ly/3Muie8j

Size: 3/0


Weight– Xzone Tungsten: https://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Size: 3/4 oz


Weight Stop– VMC Sinker Stop: https://bit.ly/38XLQd4


FLIPPING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7’5” Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo Inshore LP: https://bit.ly/3YDNsSu

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji


KAERA COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'1" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

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


BRONZEYE FROG COMBO...

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

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

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


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz