Free Rig Fishing For Bass! Tips And Tricks To Catch More Fish This Fall!!

Have you tried the "Free Rig" yet? This rig takes the traditional "Texas Rig" to a whole new level! Give your bait more freedom, allow for slower falls, and catches a ton of fish this time of year! If you haven't tried the Free Rig, this is the right time of year to experiment with it. It's a fish catcher!!

The Free Rig isn't new, but is continuing to gain popularity, especially as grass begins dying back in the Fall. This rig shines around hard cover and will produce bites long after bass have become leery of traditional presentations. The benefit of this rig is it allows your bait to fall very slowly, while still keeping great contact with the bottom.

Below you'll find links to Tim's favorite baits for free rigging, along with the gear he uses to fish them effectively. We've also included our favorite colors for each bait to help you get started. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


CREATURE BAITS...

•MissileBaits Baby D Stroyer: https://bit.ly/3248BXL

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Super Bug


•XZone Adrenaline Craw Jr (3.5"): https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blk Flake, Tilapia,


SHAD PROFILES...

•Megabass Sling Shad: https://bit.ly/41tgaaT

Colors: G Biwahigai, Hasu, Oikawa


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

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


•GeeCrack Bellows Shad: https://bit.ly/3E4zVdl

Colors: Electric Shad, AJ's Juice


UNIQUE PROFILES...

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

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


•Yamamoto Slinko: https://bit.ly/4gaO0Yd

Colors: Green Pumpkin Watermelon Laminate, Baby Bass


RIGGING COMPONENTS...

Straight Shank Hook– Redline Finesse Neko: https://bit.ly/3KseINJ

Size: 1/0


Medium Wire Hook– Owner Cover Shot: https://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Size: 1/0 – 3/0


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

Size: 1/0 – 3/0


Heavy Weight– Decoy DS–9 Sliding Sinker: https://bit.ly/469QvWf

Size: 1/2 oz


Light Weight– Xzone Tungsten Pencil: https://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz


TIM'S HIGH END COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7' Medium Heavy 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 (12 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G


TIM'S ALL AROUND COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Leader– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


TIM'S SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Leader– Shimano Sustain 2500: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

Line– Power Pro Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


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

Incredible Fall Transition Bass Fishing Tips! Jesse Kroetch – Tactical Family

Let's head to the Pacific Northwest and jump in the boat with Jesse Kroetch! Jesse is on a unique fishery that mirrors a lot of what we see across the Southern US, with smallmouth in fast water by the dams, and largemouth on expansive grass flats downstream. He's on an awesome river bite for both species, you don't want to miss this!

Rivers present more challenges than lakes, but they also have great potential for success. Bass that live in rivers tend to be stronger and more aggressive than their lake–raised cousins. Today Jesse takes a 2–pronged approach. He begins his day by the dam, where fish are smaller but aggressive. He targets them effectively with topwater, a Karashi, a swimbait, and a jerkbait. Later he turns his attention to downstream grass and the big fish start coming into the boat!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear he used throughout the day. We've included exact lure colors, as well as the rod and reel combos Jesse used to land his fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


JESSE'S GUIDE SERVICE AND SOCIAL ACCOUNTS...

Website– CastCadia Outfitters: https://bit.ly/4hI948X

Instagram– https://bit.ly/3AwwaOZ

Facebook– https://bit.ly/3NWBoGO


TOPWATER...

•Megabass Dog X Diamante: https://bit.ly/2Q5GPUH

Color: Megabass Sexy Shad


•River2Sea Rover 128: https://bit.ly/2acSVea

Color: Funky Tiger


KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Color: Setsuki Chiayu


SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass 6" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad


JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Color: GG Trout OB


•Rapala Mavrik 110: https://bit.ly/3EEo6Kt

Color: Matte Shad


SENKO...

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Green Pumpkin Bk Flake, Watermelon Bk Flake


•Gamakatsu Nano Alpha Superline EWG: https://bit.ly/4bbBuDW

Size: 3/0


SCALE...

•Rapala Touch Screen Tournament Scale: https://bit.ly/47FVGiL


TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/2lVATTC

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


JERKBAIT COMBO...

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

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

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA


SENKO COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 802S JWR: https://bit.ly/2A6HH3O

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 3000: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Line– Seaguar Red Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA


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 Fishing Rods Every Anglers Should Have (Beginner To Advanced)

Are you looking for a fishing rod? We've got you covered! These are the top 5 fishing rods every fisherman should own! Whether you're just getting started and need to stick to a budget, or you want to buy the best so you only have to purchase rods once, we've got you covered! No matter your skill level or budget, this is for you!

The first 5 rods will cover everything you'll face as a newer angler. The very first rod is extremely universal and will help you throw as many different baits as possible, the next 4 will give you a foundation for virtually any situation you'll face on the water. Whether you're working with a budget, looking for "bang for the buck", or simply want the best, we have a recommendation that will fit your fishing style.

Below you'll find links to the top 5 rods, broken down by price range from budget to enthusiast. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included 3 bonus combos to help you take your fishing to the next level!


7' MEDIUM SPINNING ROD...

Budget Rod– Dobyns Colt 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/4l2N7l8

Budget Reel– Shimano Sedona FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/2wgh50Z


Mid Price Rod– Daiwa Tatula Cork 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/4f8RRV2

Mid Price Reel– Daiwa Tatula MQ LT: https://bit.ly/3IWhxbv


High End Rod– G Loomis GLX 6'10": https://bit.ly/3Ifjbow

High End Reel– Shimano Exsence 2500: https://bit.ly/3UHL2jP


7' – 7'4" MEDIUM HEAVY CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– Daiwa Aird X 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2Z2JfYG

Budget Reel– Daiwa Aird 80: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx


Mid Price Rod– Cashion Z2 Element 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Mid Price Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8


High End Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

High End Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs


6'8"- 6'10" MEDIUM LIGHT SPINNING ROD...

Budget Rod– Dobyns Maverick 6'9" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Budget Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5


Mid Price Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Mid Price Reel– Daiwa Exceler LT 2500: https://bit.ly/4oa5mYG


High End Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/45coLzN

High End Reel– Zenon MGX 3000 Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3C7KTAd


7' – 7'2" MEDIUM CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Budget Reel– Shimano SLX XT: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8


Mid Price Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Moderate Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Mid Price Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt


High End Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'1" Medium Extra Fast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

High End Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB


7'4" – 7'6" HEAVY CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Budget Reel– Seviin GF: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ


Mid Price Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Mid Price Reel– Shimano Curado 150 M: https://bit.ly/4odTDs7


High End Rod– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'5" MHH: https://bit.ly/3RhFit1

High End Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb


BONUS FLIPPING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'11" Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG


BONUS CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 70: https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ


BONUS BFS COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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


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

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